DailyPost 578
PROFESSIONALS IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN?
The narrative in the public domain drives the narrative of the nation. The predominant in public domain take the major portion of the public space, public awareness, thinking, policy making, decisions, execution & impact. It might not be a neat linear progression but some permutation / combination of it happens. The powers that be, academicians, NGOs, lawyers, business lobbyists, media voices have cluttered the public space. Clutter cannot beget clarity & thus a confused narrative. The professionals remain dismayed with no reaction.
In the matured developed world, where democracy had a more organic growth, professionals have contributed directly & indirectly. In Obama’s re-election Nobel Laureates supported him for his commitment to innovation & creativity & for the state funding. Large number of professionals have adorned high public offices in many developed countries.
Rhodes scholars have been engaged in public debate is the US. Lots of experts spend time in the public space, driving the agenda in different fields. One ex US Vice President was the number one crusader against global warming. Such professionals have also played a positive role in governance & public administration schools, grooming the young leaders. Indian professional has remained averse & indifferent to the public arena.
Our professionals are too enamoured with whatever they deliver in their small area of influence. His colleagues & family support this aloofness. He lives a siloed existence, having never experienced the action & worth of public domain. He does not speak or write but for within his circle & of late social media. Social media existence is purely for criticism. Fulfilment is the not reason for his existence, only monetary returns are. The country needs its professionals to give a public domain meaning to their expertise & direct the narrative to align with the mature democracies.
PUBLIC DOMAIN NARRATIVE HAS TO BE A PROFESSIONAL NARRATIVE, ENABLING DELIVERY.
Sanjay Sahay