India is a large country consisting of 29 States and 7 Union Territories. It is the seventh largest country by area and the second most populous country with over 130 crores of people. It is a Socialist Sovereign Democratic Republic and the largest democracy in the World. India is a country which is full of diversities with a unique exhibition of unity. The magic of unification is a real mystery to the rest of the world particularly because, the socio, economic and cultural differences between different States and Union Territories are so huge.

In one particular aspect, the country behaves in a quite unified manner like so many other parameters which is Bandh. By and large, the country celebrates it everywhere with a lot of festivity as well as full of sorrow, frustration and despair irrespective of place, reason or sponsors of Bandh. But what is Bandh all about? In Hindi language, Bandh means closed. It is a form of protest used by the political activists in the entire South Asia. Another common synonym is Hartal which is a very frequent event in the Indian sub-continent. To simplify, it is nothing but a general strike. All the political parties, who convenes or sponsors any Bandh aggressively campaigns and effectively organises the closure or disruption of normal life.

On the contrary, the Bandh oppositions specially when they are the ruling parties try to maintain the normalcy applying state machinery. It creates an environment which is full of uncertainty and fear-psychosis in the civil society. Exhibition of muscle power or state machinery, display of violence and series of untoward incidences keep the ordinary civil society away from the issue. Common man thus, does not get themselves associated with the Bandh either in its favour or against. They generally like to confine themselves within their four walls and their silent withdrawal gives the shape of a general holiday. Obviously it is claimed by the Bandh supporters as a success. A few State Governments issues administrative instructions to ensure a forceful attendance in the Government offices. Virtually, that gets converted to a picnic in the work place which results in working with pen and paper without any output.

Bandh has become a grave disease which does not reflect the opinion of the mass anyway. Those who do not support it are also not in a position to oppose it. To raise voice against indecisions or a malpractice or corruption, or any reason whatsoever does not entitle the protestors to stall the productivity of the country for a day or half. A protest leads to an act which needs to be protested. It is the high time for the nation to proactively act against the Bandh because an indifferent behavior ultimately results in a supportive act only. India has recorded hundreds of Bandhs since its independence. In every occasion, by and large, the socio-economic pitfall was huge. The worst sufferers are daily wage-earners, small retail traders, auto and rickshaw pullers, owners of small roadside shops and stalls, patients and students. If we segment out the entire population in three broad categories, the impact effects are different. The rich and affluent society is virtually unaffected. The majority of the middle class keeps themselves away and enjoys it as a holiday. But, the lower mediocre and downtrodden who generally have food once in a day depending upon the day’s earnings remain precariously placed. How long their miseries will be increased due to imposition of Bandh?

A DIFFERENT STORY:

The country witnessed a Bharat Bandh (Nationwide Bandh across India) as a mark of protest against the diesel price hike and allowing FDI in retail on 20^th September, 2012. The nation was almost in a complete halt and the estimated loss size was Rs. 12,500 Crore as found out by different Chambers of commerce.

West Bengal is one of the eastern states in India. The state capital is Kolkata (Formerly Calcutta) which was once the capital of the country and still the most important city of the eastern India. West Midnapur is one of the southern districts of the state which is comparatively less developed, poor and lacking in infrastructural facilities. 82 Kilometers south-west to Kolkata, Debra is a small block in that district where a 40 bedded rural hospital is located. Earlier it was an ordinary primary health centre. Subsequently, the status had been elevated and it became a referral hospital for 3-4 adjacent blocks. Although it was a rural hospital, it was heavily loaded every time and also quite understaffed. Average in-patients were approximately 65. There were 7 doctors, 18 nurses and 11 group “D” staffs under the pay roll.

Narayan Barman was one of those 11 group “D” staffs of Debra rural hospital. He was 59 and at the verge of his retirement. He used to stay in a remote and border village named Gopinathpur which is under Tamluk block of the adjacent district of East Midnapur. His journey used to start at 6 AM daily – first to the nearest bus stop named Radhamani by his 20 years old bicycle; then by bus to the connecting railway station named Mecheda; then by train to the railway station Balichak; then by bus to his place of employment at Debra rural hospital. On daily basis, he used to reach around at 9.30 AM at his place of employment. His return journey towards his home used to be over at 8 PM daily leaving a maximum of 9-10 hours to stay at home. There were 5 blocks in between his residential village and work place. He had to cross 3 rivers and 2 feeder canals during his four segments of journey by bicycle, bus, train and again bus.

The above details are not the story all about. The problem happened to be critical on the days of Bandhs. Being a too much politically sensitive state, the effect of Bandh in West Bengal is always maximum whichever political party sponsors that. The transport system becomes completely collapsed particularly in the rural West Bengal. Like all previous Bandhs, that time also, scenario was unchanged. It was expected that civil life of rural West Bengal would be completely paralysed. Like all previous occasions, Narayan replicated the same routine in spite of repeated cautions, warnings and requests of his wife. He made the complete journey from his residence to the work place by his 20 years old bicycle. He started the day little bit early at 4.45 AM. Completing the ride of 67 kilometers, he reached his hospital a few minutes before his normal arrival time. He undertook his normal office job and followed the same path with same bicycle to reach home.

While asked about this exemplary effort, his reply was more than simple. “There are very less number of staffs. If one does not come, problems get aggravated. So, I come by bicycle even if there is a Bandh and no transport is available.”

The Block Medical Officer of Health considered him as an icon, a glittering example of sincerity even at the age of 59. The Chief District Health Officer expected that his dutifulness would act as an inspiration to all others.

CONCLUSION:

Is Narayan Barman a Hero? Can we really think of a Bollywood movie based on this story? Not really. Large section of the society may consider him only as a stupid common man. Let us also not forget that he was neither moved by a carrot nor a stick. Hence, his sincerity and sense of responsibility are the only motivating factors. That is why, his act may be considered as an act of stupidity by the intelligent community but Mother India badly needs so many of these stupid sons. If somebody is not an example of run of the mill, he is considered as an exception either positively or negatively. Whichever way he is viewed upon, he is an exception. In fact, an organisation which is full of rich intellectuals may not survive if it is lacking in positive attitude, passion for job and sincerity in execution. A country always needs these people in large numbers because they may not be heros but their cumulative efforts build the nation.

REFERENCES:

Newspaper Article

Dey Barun, (2012), Anandabazar Patrika, (21 Sep), ABP Pvt. Ltd.

Websites

https://en.wikipedia.org

ABOUT THE CASE:

The story depicted in the case is based on a news article published in Bengali leading news daily Anandabazar Patrika dated 21st September, 2012. The correspondent Mr. Barun Dey unfolded the story. The author duly acknowledges the article and considers it as the potential input for developing this Case Study.

ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS:

a) What is the prime motivating factor for Narayan Barman for this act?

b) Do you think his action is an act of stupidity?

c) Can you identify yourself similarly in your works?

Received on 06.03.2016 Modified on 05.04.2016

Asian J. Management. 2016; 7(2): 136-138

DOI:: 10.5958/2321-5763.2016.00020.2