Time to move away from VIP culture

Like pain, truth hurts. But reality has to be faced and admitted however bitter it maybe. In India, it takes a VIP to get things moving. The lethargic administration gets cracking only if some dignitary is visiting our cities. Overnight, roads get a fresh coat of tar, potholes disappear, medians get greener and the whole place wears a dapper look. No prizes for guessing. Even a child knows that something big is in the offing or some foreign dignitary is on their way.
Yes, this is the VIP-pleasing syndrome. The powers that be go all out to showcase the city and impress visiting dignitaries. But the same administration turns a Nelson's eye when locals demand better civic amenities. Don't they deserve a better deal? Or should they await the visit of a VIP?
The VIP culture was in full display recently in Hyderabad when the US President's daughter, Ivanka Trump, came to participate in the Global Entrepreneurship Summit. Days before her visit, all the roads Ivanka would take got a makeover while the drab flyovers sported eye-catching artwork and murals got touched up. Along with debris and dust, beggars and dogs also got swept away. Seeing the brand new look of Hyderabad, people in many localities put up placards requesting Ivanka to visit the areas.
Putting others before oneself is a great virtue on an individual level. It calls for stellar character to go the extra mile for someone who wouldn't even cross the street for you. There are no two views about treating state guests to a befitting manner. But why ignore the taxpayers who stay here day in and day out? Should they always suffer bumpy rides while bigwigs who may not return again or even care to glance from the window of their motorcade get a smooth ride? Governments always have a shoestring budget when it comes to sanitation, safe drinking water and street lights but no amount is considered sufficient to deck up the city when some big shot is visiting. Why this dichotomy? Not that authorities do not provide basic amenities. They do, but only when there is an outcry and pressure builds up. But on the eve of international conferences or visits of notable public figures, the administrative machinery gets into top gear and the city gets spruced up overnight.
Isn't there something inherently undemocratic about this VIP culture? It militates against the idea of equality elevating some and demeaning others. It is time we move from a VIP to EPI (every person is important) culture.

- J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The New Indian Express

Dated January 8,2018.