He is there, but.....

The jackfruit tree is in one's own backyard. There are many fruits hanging on it. Some of them can be touched even while one is standing on the ground. One of the fruits has become ripe in the tree itself. It is time to cut it from the tree and bring inside the house. Even while cutting it from the tree, one can imagine the sweetness of the edible contents inside it. It is indeed mouth watering!

The fruit has been brought inside the house. It is now lying in front of us. The only thing left now is to eat it and savour its rich sweetness.

Oh, this not a easy fruit like banana. How we wish it was as simple a fruit as banana. Anyone can easily peel off a banana and enjoy its delicious part immediately. But jackfruit is not like it. It is a complicated fruit.

Its exterior is thorny and a little carelessness in handling would scratch our skin. A proper knife is required to cut open the hard exterior of the fruit. The knife should be sharp enough to cut the fruit. It should also be handled carefully as otherwise it will cut our fingers. First a knife has to be found and it is to be used skilfully as well.

While cutting the fruit, a lot of sticky substance comes out and soils our hands. We want the sweet part of the fruit but not the sticky substance. Cleaning the hand is also not easy once it sticks to the hand. How to prevent this mess? Experience has taught us that use of oil can prevent this mess. A layer of oil spread on the hands prevents the substance from sticking to the hands. Patience is another requirement to separate the edible part from other parts of the fruit that are to be discarded. Discarded part is to be disposed expeditiously as otherwise it would result in unbearable stench on the next day. Edible fruit part is to be taken out carefully and preserved properly for consumption after cleaning the mess and the hands. Oil was indeed required for separating the edible part, but not an oily hand while consuming the fruit!

Now we have the delicious fruit ready for consumption. A little honey would enhance the experience of eating the fruit. Of course, getting the honey and bringing it to the present form is also another task, probably even more troublesome than dealing with jackfruit itself. Honey is to be procured when the fruit is with us.

*****

The pot of Curd is before us. It was in the form of milk yesterday. The milk was properly heated and cooled. A little amount of curd was added and mixed well. After carefully preserving it overnight, it has now become curd. We want butter from it. We know from experience that butter is in the curd before us. It is not visible. The pot of curd is to be churned systematically before the required butter emerges from it. Churning stick and rope are to be found and used. Patience is required while churning. There is no shortcut in the process. The butter so obtained is also to be safely stored away. The period for its quality to hold is also limited. If it is to be preserved for long, it is to be heated carefully and converted to Ghee. Ghee can be stored for a longer time and used for many purposes. Both butter and Ghee were indeed present in the curd and in the milk before that. But they were invisible and presented before us only after due process and patiently working for them. Lot of effort, process and patience were the key.

*****

A voluminous literature and belief over generations claim that God is omnipresent. Believers trust the Lord created the universe. Everything around is his creation, they state. How to believe? Why to believe? If the Lord is present everywhere, why is he not visible?

A jackfruit grown in our tree in our backyard requires so much of effort, process and patience to get the taste of it. The butter and ghee available in the milk and curd also required the same effort, process and patience for them to present before us. 

Even if the Lord is omnipresent, should he not demand some effort, process and patience before presenting himself before us? Would we care for him if he was available easily and effortlessly?

*****

What about those who do not believe in the existence of the Lord? They have no problem at all. They can continue their efforts and patience in finding other things in life! There is no escape from efforts, process and patience whether one believes in His existence or not!

We Are Not Going Anywhere, Mother!

Various rituals were being celebrated in full swing at the wedding function. There was the usual noise of the greetings and acknowledgements among friends and relatives. A long time friend moved in and sat next to me. He lives in a village along the west coast. He had traveled overnight to reach the venue of the function. Usual greetings and enquiries about breakfast were exchanged. 

It was time to find about how farming activities are going on around his village. 

"How are your agricultural lands? What are the crops this year?"

"No crops for the last few years. I am unable to manage the activities."

"Why? What is the problem?"

"Agriculture requires continuous attention during the cropping season. We need labourers for assisting in various farming activities."

"What is the problem in getting agricultural labourers? Were they not available all these days?"

"Now they are not available. All able bodied young people have migrated to towns and cities. There are only old people in villages."

Though this was being heard often, its intensity had not struck me till then. 

"Why such large scale migration?"

"The conveniences and pleasures of city life attracts youngsters."

"What is the reason?"

"Who wants to soil his hands when working as an office boy in a city is more appealing?"

"What about women agricultural labourers?"

"They are taking the lead in urging the menfolk to move to cities."

"Why so?"

"City life appeals more to them. They also get cleaning and maintenance jobs. More and more boys are taking up driver jobs with Ola, Uber and other transport companies."

This is closer to our experiences. 

"What are you doing with the lands now?"

"I have allowed some elderly people in the village to use the lands to grow whatever they want."

"How is the crop shared?"

My question arose from the experience I had some fifty years ago when our lands were given to sharecroppers. They would share one third of Ragi and half of coarse Rice grown in the lands. Expenses were borne by them. They kept more Ragi as it was their main food item. 

"There is no sharing of any crop now. I am happy if they grow something and keep it for themselves. My only condition is to give me fodder for the cattle."

"Oh, you have taken up dairy farming! How many cows do you have?"

"Are you crazy? I have only one local cow and its calf. Milk production is only for our household use. It is difficult to find fodder for that one cow!"

I had no courage to ask further questions.

*****

There was the usual crowd at the evening wedding reception. A relative, elder to me by about ten years, arrived. We greeted each other. I had some knowledge about his achievements as a progressive farmer and how he stuck to his native village when all other close relatives moved away for various employment opportunities. Though he was also employed in the nearby city, he kept his contact with his village and continued to be a farmer. 

"How are your farming activities going on in the village?"

"It is going on quite well. It is tough to manage, but I am carrying on fine."

"I am glad that you stuck to your roots in the village. We still have representation in the village because of you."

"There is a big reason behind my holding on to the village and being tied to farming. It is a part of my life story."

This was indeed an interesting phase. I asked further questions. His answers opened up many issues.

Some hundred years ago, the head of the family moved to that village migrating from another place, looking to start a new life. He started as a farmer and made the village his base. His five sons were also initially involved in farming. Two of them moved away on other employment. Members of the next generation found employment elsewhere. There was only one branch of the family left in the village. Landholdings had become fragmented and income from farming activities was not sufficient to manage a big family.

On one of his visits to the village, the young man observed that his mother was very sad. He desired to find the reason for her being upset. 

"What is the reason Mom, you appear to be very sad."

"Nothing in particular. The usual ups and downs of life"

"What are the usual ups and downs you are referring to?"

"I have lived all my life in this village and in this house."

"I know that. What about it?"

"Everybody in the family has moved away from the village and we are only left here."

"What if so?"

"You have also taken up employment elsewhere. Some villagers are telling me that one day we will sell this house and little lands we have and we too would move away."

"You do not want to move away?"

"No. Given the choice, I would live all my life here. This is where I belong."

The young man reached a sudden decision.

"We are not going anywhere, Mother. We shall stay put here and show others what we can do. This is my promise", he said. 

He devoted more time to the family's affairs in the village. All the brothers worked as a team. Two younger brothers became full time farmers. Others too chipped in with whatever additional resources they could bring in. In course of time, the family bought lands of those who told the mother that one day they would leave the village and go away. 

The family took up modren methods of farming. Irrigation sources were found and bore wells were dug. Now they grow a variety of crops including rice, vegetables and other seasonal crops. An orchard with 100 Amla (Gooseberries) trees has been developed. Dabur come every year and buy the crop at the orchard itself. Some Chyavanprash you bought last week may have those Amla as an ingredient. "Dhatri Havan", a religious-cum-social festival is celebrated every year in September-October as a mark of growing Amla. New varieties of mango are planted and harvested. All manure used is manufactured in-house and organic farming is practiced. It is indeed tough to manage all these activities, but it has also generated employment for many in the nearby villages.

A hallow brick factory has been developed as a local industry. The old family temple has been expanded. Ramotsava is celebrated every year around Lunar New Year's Day (Ugadi and Ramanavami). 

The promise of "We are not going anywhere, Mother" has been fully realised, and is being expanded in the next generation.

***** 

More and more agricultural lands are being converted into non-agricultural uses nowadays, especially for housing near and around cities and towns. Vast fertile lands are becoming industrial areas or utilised for other infrastructural requirements like roads and flyovers. Migration of workforce from villages to towns and cities continues unabated. These are disturbing signs indeed.

At the same time, statistics show that food grain production is increasing every year. Organic farming has become the in-thing. People are prepared to pay much more for organic agricultural produce, believing merely the print on the packages sold as organic produce. Health consciousness has brought back "Siridhanya" with vengeance, the grains that were liberally used five or six decades ago but forgotten later. 

The two instances referred above are reflections of the two paradoxes summed up in the above two paragraphs.

Water In The Vessel

We all desire to have comfortable days, day after day. No one likes to have difficult days, one after the other. Not only a bad day one after the other, but not even a bad day amidst many good days. The want is to always have happy days and thereby enjoy life. Comfortable days with good health, lot of money and all other things that we want. We do not want even the streaks of anything that we perceive as bad amidst plentiful good tidings.

Desire is one thing but the reality is something else. If everything turns out to be the way we want, there would be no problems in life. It never happens that way because we are unable to control many things. If we contemplate further, we are unable to control even things that are apparently under our control.

Sufferings may be of different types. Financial sufferings can be one of them. There are times when all the hard work done does not result in financial benefits. There are instances when hard earned money is lost due to unforeseen happenings. Trusted friends and relatives borrow and fail to return when needed by us. Friendship is lost with money lent. Previously made out plans are now upside down. Many times new beginnings have to be made at later stages in life. These turn out to be painful and frustrating times indeed.

Loss of social status can be another cause of suffering. Loss may occur due to one's own failings or due to mechanisation of trusted ones. Many times retrieval of the lost status may not be possible. Some are able to get on with life in changed circumstances; others suffer in the very thought of having lost in the race.

Physical health is another important issue in life. One may ignore financial loss or social status being taken away. But setbacks in health is something which is very difficult to ignore. The problem continues to haunt during days and nights. It comes with us wherever we go. If the loss of health is coupled with pain, then it is even more miserable. Pain killers are temporary relievers of pain; they have their side effects too. Fighting pain and still carrying on daily activities is indeed very testing and demanding.

We see many people around us who suffer setbacks in health. There are some who cannot come out of the setback and succumb to the difficulties. We also see many others who are brave and fight their way out of trouble. These are the people who show remarkable tenacity amidst very adverse conditions. They do not give up even when others around give up hope. They are the examples of exemplary bravery and astonishing resilience. Watching them fight it out and come out successful inspires others.

*****

An young man entered his office in the morning as usual. "Are you not feeling well?", The first colleague he met near the door asked him. "No. I am fine", he said and started his work. Another colleague came and asked him why he did not take the day off as he looked sick. The young man ignored and went on with his work. Another three or four colleagues had the same question and now he started getting doubt about his own health. He went to the rest room and checked his face in the mirror. He felt he looked tired and not normal. By afternoon he developed high temperature and felt very sick. The prank played by his colleagues had indeed taken its toll.

*****

Psychologists say that there is a direct relation between physical health and mental health. State of mind plays an important role during sickness and recovery to good health. Pain and physical suffering have their impact on mental status of a person. Similarly, a disturbed mind acts on physical health.

Though physical health and mental health are inter dependent and affect each other, the effect of mental status on physical wellbeing appears to be even more significant. One important attribute that can be seen in those who fight physical adversity is their healthy mindset. They remain to be cheerful even amidst physical pain and suffering. They do not resign to their fate and believe in combating the troubled days and emerge victorious. This could even be seen the way they interact with those around them. It is this mental strength that sees them through the physical pain and suffering. 

On the contrary, we have many examples of mental weakness amplifying the physical troubles. People attending to the sick know this better than others. Brooding over the difficult things mentally directly impacts physical wellbeing. Mental troubles increase physical pain and suffering. A healthy mind is indeed a strong tool to restore physical health.

*****

All this discussion is well summed up in this verse from Aranya Parva of Mahabharata:

मानसेन हि दुःखेन शरीरमुपतप्यते |

अयःपिण्डेन तप्तेन कुम्भसम्स्थमिवोदकम् ||

Maanasena hi dukhena shareeramupatapyate |

Ayahpindena Taptena Kumbhasamstahamivodakam ||

Physical body suffers due to mental disturbances. Just as the water kept in a vessel gets hot when the vessel is heated. 

*****

The relation between the mind and body is like the vessel and the water in it. Even if the water is not heated directly, the heat of the vessel results in the water becoming hot. Therefore, all efforts should be made to keep the mind cool even in times of adversity. This ensures that the body remains healthy at all times. This is all the more important when the body suffers pain. A calm mind reduces the effects of such pain whereas a disturbed mind would only increase the pain and suffering. 

Tools, Preparation and Process

Beans is a popular vegetable in various parts of the world. It has uses in preparation of a variety of dishes. It grows well in areas with average temperatures ranging between 18 to 30 degrees centigrade. Lower temperatures result in night frosting. Higher temperatures make the flowers fall and reduce yields. It is also considered to be a profitable crop for the farmer with yields of 100 to 120 quintals per hectare. The entire crop cycle is a maximum of three months. Peak yield is received in about two months.

When can the farmer expect maximum yield? Quality of seeds is an important element in raising a good crop. Even with good quality seeds, yield is not high when sowed in hard soil. The seeds may not even germinate if the soil is not ready to support germination and growth. Preparation of the soil for growing the crop is very essential. The land is to be tilled and prepared for receiving the seeds and support germination. Addition of good quality manure would support the growth of plants by providing nutrients. Proper watering from time to time either by seasonal rains or irrigational facilities is required. Sunshine further supports proper growth of leaves and enhances yield. Weeds also grow well in these conditions as all the ingredients are supportive of their growth too! De-weeding is another important activity in the growth process. Any laxity in this process will result in good yield of weeds instead of beans.

Beans cultivation is one of the simplest example for raising a crop. There are many other complex crops like long term crops and plantation crops. Even here, the principles are the same. Land is to be prepared well, good quality manure and adequate water is to be provided and healthy environment is to be created for harvesting a bountiful crop. Any compromise in preparation and process would hurt the basic objectives of raising the crops for getting a good yield and making the venture profitable.

*****

Curd Rice is a very popular dish in the Indian subcontinent. It is also prepared and consumed in other parts of the world. Many in South India consider a sumptuous lunch or dinner incomplete without curd rice. On an average day in such a household, cooked rice is consumed with curd or butter milk. But on a festival day or special occasion, a special curd dish is prepared and served at the end of the lunch or dinner. In some hotels, preparation of curd rice is more for giving an outlet to use left over cooked rice. It is made very watery and often its very sight repulses the eater. 

What is the best method to prepare Curd Rice? The following method can be used as it is tried and tested. 

Two parts of thick solid curd is to be mixed with one part of milk in a vessel. Mustard seeds, Bengal gram dal, Urad dal with curry leaves (kari patta) are to be seasoned (oggarane) in ghee and added to this mixture of curd and milk. Cashew nut pieces enhance the taste. Grated coconut is to be added liberally to this liquid and mixed well. This process itself will give out the aroma of curd rice even before rice is added to the mixture. Freshly cooked rice is to be added in small quantities to this liquid mixture till a right consistency is reached. Any dilution should be done only by using curd and milk mixture and not water. Adding curd to rice will never give the real taste of curd rice. Many people add other ingredients like onion pieces, coriander leaves, cucumber, grapes or pomegranate etc. It is a matter of opinion, but the real taste of curd rice is obtained without any of these items. All these items retain their own smell and taste and do not integrate themselves with the mixture.

Curd rice, or any other item for that matter, is at its best when three conditions are satisfied. All the ingredients used are to be of good quality. Even if one of the items is of inferior quality, it drags down the overall quality of the item. The utensils or tools used should also be of the ideal size and shape. Working with odd sized utensils or implements/tools is a big pain and those working in kitchen know this quite well. The process of preparation should also be faithfully followed. Compromising with the process will diminish the quality of the items. A few minutes of less heating results in undercooking. A few minutes of over heating will also spoil the items. Thus the right quality of the items prepared is the culmination of three things: quality of the ingredients, using the right tools and ensuring the diligent following of the proper process.

*****

Principles of growing a beans crop or reparation of curd rice is equally applicable to learning and teaching. The objectives of learning are achieved when the following three conditions are fulfilled:

• The first requirement is the availability of proper learning tools. The learning content should be ideal for the objectives and prepared to suit the learner's profile. The tools (teaching or training aids) used in the learning process are also to be matched with the objectives and pace of expected learning. 

• Pre-learning is similar to the preparation made for raising a crop or cooking a dish. Pre-class study or pre-course study provides the proper background for receiving the enhanced learning inputs in face-to-face learning or further learning through other methods.

• Following the prescribed learning process ensures that the learning takes place on the desired lines and full benefit of the learning aids and preparation made for the course is achieved. Compromise in learning process has the same effect of under cooking or over cooking of a dish. 

Just as a good yield is obtained in raising a crop or proper satisfaction is achieved in consuming a well-prepared dish, desired learning outcomes are achieved by following the above three; Proper learning tools or aids, vigorous preparatory learning and faithfully following the prescribed learning process.

What is "Important"?

The little girl was standing near the front door of her house for quite sometime. Her mother found this somewhat intriguing. Only two-years old, she was a chatterbox and would be continuously asking questions on all and sundry things around her. When not asking questions, she would be explaining things in her own way. But today it was different. She had fallen silent and standing at the door. The mother thought some enquiry would be in order.

"What are you looking for?" 

"It is time for dad to come home"

"Your dad knows the house. He will come. You need not wait there"

"I know that. I am waiting for him and something else"

The mother was not aware of the discussion that took place between the dad and his daughter that morning. 

"Dad, do you return from the office by the same road every day?"

"No. There are three or four different routes from my office. I take one of them."

"Are there any shops on the way in any of the routes?"

"Of course there are. There are many shops on the way."

"Do any of those shops sell chocolates?"

"Yes, some of them do."

"Can you bring some chocolates if you find a shop on the way, today evening?"

"Yes, I will."

"You do not go in search of a shop. If you find a shop on the way and they sell chocolates, you can bring some."

It was this "something" that dad was likely to bring that had excited her and made her wait near the door expectantly.

Dad arrived a little late than usual. The girl waited for sometime. There was no sign of chocolates. "Were there no shops on the way today?", she asked mildly. Dad remembered about the chocolates only then. "Sorry dear, I was busy in the review meeting with the General Manager today. I will get it tomorrow", he said. The child hid her disappointment admirably and kept quiet.

She waited on the next evening as well. Dad came late and was visibly tired. No sign of chocolates. "Were there no shops on the way today as well?", she asked after sometime. Dad remembered the chocolates only then. "Sorry dear, today I was busy with preparation for Executive Director's visit. I will remember tomorrow", he said. The little one did not understand General Manager's review or preparation for Executive Director's visit. She did not get her chocolates. That was important for her, but dad had other important things.

Dad was now aware that what was small for him was important to the little one. He picked the chocolates and put in his briefcase on the onward commute to the office next morning. He did not wait for the return journey. The little one will today surely get what was important for her! 

*****

Lakshmi finished all her normal duties on the festival day. Working as a domestic help, she had to finish work in the regular houses before returning to her own house and start preparation for festival that day. She finished additional work assigned to her as well as it was an important festival day.

"Everything is done. Can I go now?", she asked.

The lady of the house was preoccupied with the visit of her sister and brother-in-law on the festival day. They were living in a far away country and were coming here after twenty years. She was in her own world when Lakshmi asked the above question. She looked up at Lakshmi and wondered why she was asking this question. "I am finished and leaving. Please lock the door", were her usual words. Today she sounded differently.

"Yes, you can go. Do not forget to come early tomorrow", said the lady of the house. She felt that Lakshmi appeared disappointed when she left. The excitement of arrival of her sister flooded in and cut off any more thoughts about Lakshmi.

Lakshmi asked the same question on the next day. Lady of the house thought for a moment. She realised that she had forgotten to bring the new saree for her for the festival. The practice of several years was broken this year due to her preoccupation with sister's visit. Sister's visit was important to her, but the annual new saree was important for Lakshmi. That was something she looked forward eagerly as the festival approached.

Lady of the house realised this now. Lakshmi got her new saree on the next day. 

*****

We all have many important things to do every day. We are preoccupied with those important things. In the bargain, we forget what is important for someone else around us, but delayed and denied by us due to something more important to us!

Now, what is "Important"?  Both. Aren't they?

The Five Levels of Respect

The word "Respect" is used by us many times, each day. Everyone wants to be respected. No human being wants to be disrespected or humiliated. What is "Respect"? "Give respect and take respect" is a saying that is often quoted. Does respect come your way automatically when you give respect to another? Are there any preconditions for earning respect? What are the reasons behind someone being respected? Are all people to be respected equally? Are there some gradings in the levels of respect that is to be given and received? These questions are worth pondering and beg for an answer.

There are many definitions of the word "Respect". One of the definitions is "esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability". It also means "deference to a right, privilege, privileged position, or someone or something considered to have rights or privileges; proper acceptance or courtesy; acknowledgement to be held in respect etc". How does this privileged position come? There can be many theories and explanations as to why someone should be respected and the extent of respect to be given.

One commonly and widely accepted belief in our society is that age and knowledge are to be respected. The community holds the aged and knowledgeable people in deference and courtesy. There is also a latent feeling that some wisdom automatically comes with age, though this may not always be true. Ancient Indian literature provides many dimensions of giving and receiving respect. It mandates that respect should be given to some. It also directs that some are to be respected irrespective of their apparent or perceived deficiencies. It also gives five clear cut levels of respect to be given and also calibrates their relative inter se levels. There are possibilities that some people may be worthy of being respected for more than one of these reasons.

What are these five levels and what is their inter se relativity? The five levels are due to Money or Wealth possessed, One's relatives, Age, Achievements made, and Knowledge gained by the person. How is this classification justified? What is the logic for such a calibration? 

It is common knowledge that people with lot of money or wealth (वित्तं) are respected in society. As already mentioned above, such wealthy people might deserve respect due to other four parameters as well. Even if they are not entitled to any respect due to other parameters, mere possession of wealth alone makes them entitled to some respect. Such money or wealth might have come to them from some other source and not due to their own efforts. This is the lowest of the five levels of respect given by the society. If the wealth has been accumulated by their own hard earning efforts, then they would be respected due to the fourth level as well. Respect for such people stays as long as the wealth remains with them. Once wealth is gone, the respect given by the society also goes away. As ancient literature mentions in various places, wealth makes people find many virtues in them!

The second level of respect comes from one's relatives (बन्धुः). This type of respect is due to a position held in relativity. It is not uncommon to see people respecting someone because he is someone's son or son-in-law. If the relation between the two were not there, the respect would also not be there. A minister's PA is respected as long as he stays as a PA. Why only the PA, it is true of the ministers as well. If he loses that job, the respect also gets extinguished. If the person has done some sincere service while enjoying the position, or discharged his duties sincerely, he may still be given some respect even after losing the position. That would be the respect earned due to one's achievement.

The third level of respect comes from one's age (वयः). Mere age is respected often as we can see from the growing awareness and deference shown to senior citizen nowadays. the assumption is that these people have contributed to the general welfare of the society. This level of respect remains till the end of one's life and is expected to grow each day, unless the person squanders the same due to some bad deeds. 

The fourth level of respect is due to one's own achievements (कर्म or साधन). This is solely due to one's own achievements in the chosen field or fields. This comes due to lot of efforts and is accumulated over time. It stays with the person and does not go away for any reason. The ones who have achieved distinctions in diverse fields are respected irrespective of age and wealth. Some of the achievements may be at a young age itself whereas some others may be fructifying at ripe old age. This is indeed a higher level of respect.

The fifth and highest level of respect is earned due to knowledge and wisdom (विद्या). Here the word Vidya does no denote the mere bookish knowledge or the number of degrees one earns by studies. It is much more than bookish knowledge and expectation is that it is blended with practical applications. Knowledge and wisdom that is selfish and does not benefit the society is not acceptable here for respect. This is the highest form of respect and a learned and wise man will be respected wherever he goes. The adage विद्वान् सर्वत्र पूज्यते is indeed applicable to such people. 

The five levels of respect and their grading has been beautifully summed up in this ancient verse:

वित्तं बन्धुः वयः कर्म विद्याचैवतु पञ्चमी |

एतानि मान्य स्थानानि गरॆयोयद्यदुत्तरम् ||

Vittam Banhduhu Vayah Karma Vidyachaivatu Panchami,

Etani manya sthaanaani gareeyoyadyaduttaram.

*****

While the grading of the five levels of respect are indeed codified above, present day tendency of giving highest respect to wealth is sometimes disturbing. The pressures and pleasures of modren day life is driving the younger generation primarily towards accumulation of wealth. The opinions on this issue may be divided as well. Whatever may be one's opinion, even today we can see that achievements and wisdom have their own pride of place and always attract respect.

The Four Equal Shareholders

The village was adjoining the big forest near the boundary of the state. Many villagers depended on the forest for their livelihood. Collecting and selling firewood, honey, and other forest produce gave them income to supplement earning from raising crops in their lands. One of the tigers in the forest started venturing into the village and lifting animals. In time, it started lifting children and became a menace to the population. Villagers decided to approach the King for sending a hunting party to the forest to kill the tiger to enable them to live in peace.

The delegation of villagers reached the capital under the leadership of the village headman. When they reached the capital the King was away on official duties. They were now constrained to wait in the capital till the King returned. They were standing in front of the palace and discussing the future course of action.

The Queen was observing the surroundings from the terrace of the palace. She saw the group of villagers standing near the palace. A servant was sent to find out the purpose of their arrival in the capital and waiting there. The servant made enquiries and reported the matter to her. The Queen knew that the King would be back only after three days. She instructed the palace officials to provide accommodation to the villagers in the royal guest rooms till the King returned. She instructed the Royal kitchen head to ensure that food was supplied to them three times a day. Her orders were duly carried out and the villagers waited for the King to return.

Food was being carried from the palace kitchen to the royal guest rooms on the morning of third day. An eagle had caught a poisonous snake and flying in the air above the palace area. The snake was struggling in the eagle's hold and drops of poison came out of its mouth. One of the vessels carrying the food was not covered and the poison fell in the food in it. Unaware of this happening, the servants distributed the food to the villagers. The villagers fell ill and two of them died in the evening.

The King returned and the matter was reported to him. The issue of tiger had now taken back seat and death of villagers came to the forefront. The King held a detailed enquiry to find the reasons for the event and punished the guilty. The queen was also sentenced to prison along with the cook and the servants.

The Queen protested and submitted that she had only helped the villagers by providing them lodging and boarding facilities in the King's absence. The King held that while her actions were indeed laudable, she cannot escape the consequences of wrong implementation of her orders. When giving the orders she also had the responsibility for their proper implementation. Mere good intention is not enough. Giving orders is not the end. The responsibility for proper compliance of the order also rests with the authority giving the orders. Otherwise, there is no accountability at all and all superiors are scot-free. The King stuck to his judgement and it was implemented strictly.

*****

The above story offers a good example of the principle of "Vicarious Liability". Vicarious liability is the strict and often secondary liability arising out of the responsibility of the superior authority or the master. It is different from contributory infringement. In contributory infringement, the superior or the master has some knowledge of the actions of the servant or the subordinate. Vicarious liability is different from contributory infringement as knowledge is not an element of vicarious liability. The master or the superior authority is held responsible even if he did not have knowledge of the action or wrongful implementation of the order by the subordinate.

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Who are the responsible parties for any action? What are their characteristics? Who is responsible for the results of the actions, whether good or bad? What is the role of a person who does the act and others who are directly or indirectly connected with it? What is the ratio or proportion in which they share the consequences? These are interesting questions and jurisprudence deals with them in various dimensions.

Ancient Indian jurisprudence identifies four persons as responsible for any act. The first is the person who actually does something or indulges in an action. He is the Karta (कर्ता) or the Doer. The second is the one who gets it done, advises or counsels in the action. He is the Kaarayita (कारयिता) or the Advisor. The third is the Proposer who motivates or inspires the action. He is the Preraka (प्रेरक) or the Proposer. Then there is the fourth one who supports the proposer. He is the Anumodaka (अनुमोदक) or Seconder/supporter.

What is the share of responsibility of these four people in the actions? The considered view is that the four are equal shareholders in all actions. There is no distinguishing between the one who does and others who take indirect part in it like the motivator and supporter. Is it only for the bad things that they have their shares? What about good deeds and actions that benefit the mankind? Ancient Indian jurisprudence does not differentiate between the good deeds or bad deeds. It stipulates that these four shall be equal shareholders in good as well as bad deeds. This holds good even if the action is done by one who is incapable of judgement like a child or idiot. 

All this is beautifully summed up in the following verse:

कर्ता कारयिता चैव प्रेरकस्चनुमोदकः |

सुकृते दुष्क्रुतेचैव चत्वारः समभागिनः ||

Karta karayitaashchaiva prerakascha anumodakah |

sukrute dushkrutechaiva chatvarah samabhaginah ||

The Doer, The Advisor, The Proposer (Motivator) and the Seconder, these four are equal shareholders in all good as well as bad deeds.

Indian Penal Code also follows the same line of thinking while prescribing punishment for those abetting or instigating by either action or inaction. Section 107 of the IPC defines abetment of a crime. Section 120-B of the IPC prescribes the same punishment for criminal conspirators as the ones prescribed for those committing the crime.

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What is the lesson to be drawn from this discussion? One simple action point for raising our share value is to motivate, propose or second all good actions. Thus the share value goes up even if one does not actually or physically participate in the actual work of implementation. Similarly, refraining from motivating or seconding any action that is harmful to the community prevents from the share value going down!

Can we build a good portfolio of shares using these two golden rules?