Ask not what you can do for your country, just shoot…

I came across this article the other day in the Economic Times, highlighting concerns over the toll collection systems generally implemented under BOT models in the transport sector. 

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/infrastructure/highways-why-toll-collection-is-sparking-conflicts-across-the-country/articleshow/16982193.cms

Although the article mainly discusses the larger issue of benefits of these revenue collection systems, I believe the inexplicable actions of an elected representative should not go amiss. As I read this, John F. Kennedy’s famous words come to mind” Don’t ask what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country”, a stark irony in comparison to the existing sentiment in our dearest nation.  At various points we have asked ourselves as to what exactly is India’s problem? What is this seemingly incurable disease that threatens almost every project into the abyss of unending chaos? I believe this general sense of lack of patriotism and national sentiment is part of this larger issue.  In over 60 years of post-colonial independence and democracy, we have managed to completely forget the fundamental principles on which our freedom struggles were founded on.  In the fourth module, we have predominantly been looking at a bird’s eye view of project governance and policy issues. However, I believe the need is for a more bottom up approach, to ensure the compatibility and implementation capacity of all developmental initiatives, infrastructural or otherwise.