The Difference: I Can Never Swallow

Let's start plain and simple. 

Kado and Nado are good friends in 1979. So are Chendu and Dhendu but in different time, 2019. Kado borrows from Nado Nu 10,000 and Dhendu lends same amount to Chendu. Just a 40-year time gap. Those who have been through both these years would have always felt the difference, but for others who have had not slightest of sensation of the contrast, it may just be a casual "So what? Time's changed". Yes, time's changed but so have "you" indifferently. The two scenes:

SCENE 1 (1979) Kado: We have had some difficult time this year. I cannot even say frankly. But I also have no other option. Nado: What happened? Is everything all right? I heard your wife was sick? Is she ok now? Kado: My wife was sick but now she seems to be getting better . But I still have to attend to her regularly. Nado: What's the problem? You tell me. How may I help you? Kado: (keeps quiet, his eyes fixed on floor) Nado: Can I help you with some money? You don't need to feel so bad. You can pay me back later. Kado: What can I say? Nado: How much you want? Kado: Any amount you say. Nado: Ok. Take Nu 10,000 now and if you need more, do not hesitate to come back. Kado: Thank you so much. I and my family will be ever grateful for your kindness. I will return the money as soon as possible. Nado: Don't worry. You can pay me slowly in 6 months. Kado: Thank you so much. (Kado leaves with cash Kado returns in 2 months, much before the given time) Kado: Thank you very much for your kind help. (Kado returns Nado Nu 10,000 and keeps one "yathra" (handloom woolen shawl from Bumthang, costing Nu 500 then) in front of Nado) Kado: Thank you once again. Nado: Are you sure you don't need the money? How is your wife? And why you have to bring "yathra"? It is so expensive these days. Kado: She is much better. We are from Bumthang. My wife says we should offer this “yathra” as a small token of our gratitude. It was lying at home. We did not buy. Kindly accept, we will feel nice. Nado: Ok. But you come again if you have any problem. And that time don't bring anything. (Nado thinks Kado might feel offended if he did not accept the gift) Kado: Yes, we will come. (both happy: Kado for his friend's kind help, and Nado for being of help to his friend)

Sounds untopian? Fast forward, here's latest

SCENE 2 (2019) Chendu: Sir, I have small problem. I have done some work and submitted my bill of Nu 20 lakhs.The accountant is on leave. He will come to office in about a month. Can I borrow Nu 1 lakh for a month? I will pay you 10% interest for a month. Dhendu: I don't have such big sum. You know I had to take my wife to Thimphu for treatment last year. Thimphu is such an expensive place, we even had to borrow from my brother. From where will I have 1 lakh? Chendu: Ah, yes someone told me about your wife . Actually I can manage with Nu 50,000. Just for one month. You are my friend. With 10% interest I will pay you Nu 55,000. You don't get such rate anywhere. Dhendu: I had Nu 50,000 but I had to give to my brother last month. He is planning to go to Australia. You need so much money to apply for visa, you know. Chendu: Sir, I really am in a problem. I would have had no problem but for this rascal accountant. I wanted Nu 50,000 but in this desperate situation I have to manage with Nu 20,000. Can you please lend me Nu 10,000? I will borrow additional Nu 10,000 from Nala . Now you cannot say you don't have even Nu 10,000. Dhendu: I will give you Nu 10,000 on one condition. Chendu: Whatever you say.  Dhendu: You give a cheque dated next month. Chendu: Of course, I'll give you. I was also thinking about it myself. (Chendu gives a cheque for Nu 10,000 and walks away with Nu 10,000 cash.  After 1 month the cheque bounces) Dhendu: Your cheque bounced. Can you pay my money? It’s one month now.  Chendu: Do you think I'll run away with your Nu 10,000? I will pay you later. (cuts the call) (After 1 week, Dhendu calls again Chendu) Chendu: I am busy. Why the hell do you call me again and again? Am I a thief?  (Dhendu calls later, no response...may be SIM changed...and feels sad how unscrupulous his friend has turned into!!)

Neither everyone was Kado/Nado then nor all are Chendus and Dhendus now. It's a reflection of societal moral values then and now. Some may think I am exaggerating. If you are a millennial, go and read it through with your dad/grand-dad. They may think the Scenes are a bit of exaggerations but will never ever say its false, its fake. They have "it" in their hearts, I guarantee. Yes, I have sprinkled some sweet/citrus juice on purpose...to exhibit the difference, the stark difference in moral standards, I can never swallow.

When and where did we exchange our human values (gratefulness, kindness, empathy, humility, modesty, sympathy, compassion...) so completely for money? Forty years have gone by, time has changed. More are into religion, more are educated. There seems no relationship between education (of any kind) and morality. Why "more education" does not knock some moral sense into the intellect? Why is education (throughout the world by and large), only turning in sycophants for powerful and wealthy? Humans have become cold, as cold as cold cash collected by all means, and sold their morality for cheap showmanship with no substance.

It is possible to be wealthy and of high moral characters, of high human values, of high class and dignity, and of high respect and responsibility. Wealth is not a sin when it is the testimony of your intelligence, your hard work, and the purity of your mind and soul. Without these wealth is a sin. Money is not a goal, it is just a mode. When money becomes your goal, you will not know when your wealth has turned into curse. Those poor human facades with twisted minds and rotten souls resting on curse will never ever understand the depth and dimensions of humankind, the likes  of Kado and Nado, their warm hearts and happiness!!

I pin this on our grandchildren generation, not yet in high school now. They are our hope and our future (despite decades of general stink and garbage), our real hope leading to increased awareness of reality, not escaping but sinking into reality, to redefine  life of success as one filled with peace, harmony, love, affection, kindness and compassion  against the failure of divide, hatred, desperation, corruption, evil and degeneration. Evil is an evil even if one is filthy rich and/or most powerful in this world. No body can resurrect evil, not even God (my strong belief)!!