What can you do for your country?

John F Kennedy said in 1961, ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. Today, our India is completing 64 years of freedom. I just thought that what we all can do for our nation.

There was ad campaign for “Save Tigers”. After looking at the ad, I thought what I can do for saving tigers; but I couldn’t get answer.

Well, if not that what are the things which you and I can do for our country. I listed few things which we can do..

• Pay your taxes honestly – We all try to see all possible options to get away from paying taxes. Get all benefits which are legal, avoid producing fake bills. Your money will help to build the nation.
• Ask for bill with VAT number for any purchase from shop
• Keep our country clean – Its simple thing which we never bother about. If you and I are not cleaning roads, why should we throw chocolate wrapper on road? Just simply carry our garbage with you and put it in dust bin only. Also, let’s not spit on roads. For that matter, why should we spit any where else other than  wash basin?

• While driving we can do lot many things –
• Do not blow horn until it is necessary
• Allow pedestrians first to cross the roads
• Be kind at lower powerful vehicles like bicycles
• Allow other vehicles to go first in traffic jam conditions
• Help people mate in accident, even though many people circle out the place, believe me not even 1% are there to help
• Switch off engine at signals
• Do not negotiate with poor service giving sellers like vegetable sellers or cobblers. If the person is making profit or not, you can make it out from his/her outfits. You better will save more money when you try to get discount in big shops.
• Do not give any cash to beggars. I would prefer to give them job (short time) or food to eat.
• Reject service offered by child labour like restaurants or workshops
• Do not take or give bribe for any thing. I experienced that it takes less time when you go by ethical way.
• Use cotton bag instead of using carry bag for shopping
• Save water of any kind – Many people in our county don’t get water for drinking also
• Get your bicycle repaired and use it for short distance travel
• Be proud as Indian all the time. We got freedom just 64 years ago. We are still developing and we have way to go!!

Sanjay Sonar
Pune