Indians possibly have the strongest herd instinct among all peoples in the world. When authority sets direction the entire nation seems to fall in line. Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi should bear this in mind as he seeks to reform attitudes of people. The PM’s pet project is the Clean India movement. It is appropriate for the PM to sweep the floor as a symbolic gesture to emphasis dignity of labour and a sense of civic responsibility. Bit when over a hundred celebrities from politics, business and entertainment do likewise and get themselves photographed he should watch out.

A recent incident highlighted the danger. Cameras captured the street being deliberately littered by workers before two BJP leaders descended to the spot, swept the litter, and got suitably photographed during the deed. TV channels became incensed over this hypocrisy and lashed out at the BJP leaders. One urges commentators to coolly reflect. In essence was the intention any different from the hundreds of celebrities picking up brooms to get themselves photographed by the media? Is it anyone’s serious contention that these celebrities are going to make this a daily practice for keeping India clean? No, their intention is simply to promote awareness about cleanliness among people and at the same time impress the Prime Minister that they are following his lead.

How much intrinsic value does the creation of such awareness have for society? People will solemnly nod their heads and say that India should indeed be kept clean. After that, what? In what manner will their daily conduct in fact change to help cleanliness? On any dispassionate assessment the answer will be, very little. No effective policy for garbage disposal has been introduced.

In the same manner the call for a united nation by Mr. Modi to commemorate the memory of Sardar Patel inspired more and more people to echo his sentiments. Thousands even ran through cities to propagate unity in the nation. But will their fun loving exertions in any way further the cause of unity in the nation? Did their exertion in any way have the slightest beneficial impact on the communal tension that simmered in the Trilokpuri locality of the nation’s capital? It did not.

The Prime Minister should reflect. It is all very well to attempt changing the people’s attitudes by creating awareness through staging events. But for the most part the awareness is of self evident truths that are known to people but seldom acted on. If the conduct of people has to be changed it can only be done by the clear enunciation of laws and rules and by governance that ensures that their violation will invite instant punishment. That is the only and surest way of changing the conduct of people. That is how people in the more advanced societies of the west became disciplined and socially responsible.

Going by current trends there is danger that in India gestures will replace actions, events will replace projects, promises will replace policies, symbols will replace substance and delusion will replace reality.