I just got a new pair of earphones for my cell phone and along with that I also got myself a new addiction -RADIO. And like most radiobuffs I prefer to stay at the lower frequencies,the more hip ones,with zealous RJs, creative jingles and even more interesting show concepts. So when I wandered into the higher frequencies one day(sorry if I'm making radio sound as if its a very important part of my life,but frankly it is), the ones with the lame RJs and even lamer shows, a meek yet cultured voice fell onto my ears.
My fellow citizens...
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh voice was crystal clear and so were his thoughts when he announced a much anticipated but equally dreaded price hike in petroleum products. After the justification for the same, he made an appeal to the nation...
And perhaps it was listening the whole thing on radio rather than reading about it in some editiorial where the PMs thoughts would be adulterated by the authors comments on it, but was as though a friend was asking for a favor. The request sounded genuine. The man too did. And for the first time I realised a sense of respect for Dr. Manmohan Singh, who has been overshadowed by the persona of his party high-'command'. As an afterthought, perhaps the urge to save fuel had never been more after I heard the address. Also I was reminded of something that I had forgotten long ago, to get my voter's card ready.
I like you to read the following excerpt from the address. We've all heard about the energy crisis and blahblahblah... but the whole thing coming out of the mouth of a person who is responsible for a billion people's wellbeing has a different kind of impact:
I would like the nation to remember that issuing bonds and loading deficits on oil companies is not a permanent solution to this problem. We are only passing on our burden to our children who will have to repay this debt. Cutting down on the returns of our oil companies will choke a sector vital for the growth of the economy. We need more corrective measures in future on many fronts. In the long term, our country must have a sound strategy for energy security.
To begin with, each one of us can conserve energy and contribute to national security. I urge every citizen to conserve energy at every step, every minute of the day. Be it petrol, diesel, kerosene, LPG, electricity or even water , let us learn to save and use efficiently. Let us reduce wasteful consumption of petrol.
Finally, we have to develop alternative sources of energy, whatever be the source. We cannot remain captive to uncertain markets and unsure sources of supply. We have to develop renewable sources of energy, including nuclear energy.
My Fellow Citizens, today more and more of our people are enjoying the fruits of development. It is the responsibility of the Government to ensure a secure future for all our people and for future generations. We cannot think only for ourselves, for the present, for the here and now. We must think about what is good for future generations - for the welfare and security of our children, grand children and their children. It is our duty to ensure their food security and energy security.
The steps taken today are part of that process. I hope each one of you will strengthen our hands in building a strong, secure and caring India. An India where the aam aadmi feels safe, secure and hopeful about the future.
Jai Hind!"
