I am there for many many years – in fact, since time immemorial. Almost all those from urban and semi-urban areas and are generally well-off, know me by name. I am attractive, I am powerful. Despite this, people consider me the roots of many evils. It is indeed ironical that while people usually show their disapproval and express their contempt for me publicly, they seldom have any inhibition to embrace me behind the closed doors. In fact, they are eager to receive me with open arms. Their hypocrisy and double speak, to put it mildly, are commendable.
There are ostensibly many plans over the past several years to throw me out, but then I am so well-entrenched that none could get rid of me. In the process, I have become mighty and powerful, and have become an integral part of the present society. The go-getters and all those in power are well-versed with the role I am capable of playing, and can therefore hardly ignore my presence. I am versatile and very useful for those who know how to cultivate me. I am born through activity that is not totally permissible under the law. Who would now fail to recognise me. By now, I believe, you’ve guessed correctly – I am the mighty BLACK MONEY, the one whose elimination remains the poll-pledge of all the national political parties at election times.
It was under the backdrop of such a situation that I suddenly came under the surgical strike this week. I was self-assured and confident that no one worth his salt would dare to budge me from the vantage position, I occupy. But, Prime Minister Modi seemed determined to eliminate me, or at least injure me grievously by announcing demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes. Little did I know that the sudden onslaught on Tuesday evening would leave me traumatized and shocked. The market was buzz with people rushing out to salvage as much as possible, and the electronic media kept announcing minute details of note-exchange procedures. I soon realised that a sizeable part of mine would get out of the economy. It looked to be the beginning of my end.
On a reassessment, I feel that the situation is not as depressed as it appears to be. Not that it was the first sudden attack against me. This happened in 1946 and 1978 as well. There were temporary setbacks then but I could get back on my feet soon enough. This time too, I think, I would come out of this condition fast. I have trust on the human nature and faith in the ingenuity of our corrupt people. Those used to accumulate black money will again get back to their trade once the situation improves. How many times will the Prime Minister go on demonetising the country’s currency notes?
Compiler : Syed Zafar Ahmad
A freelancer out to expose the present hypocrisy in the society. A crusader against our social evils.
