I first wrote with a chalk and progressed with
pencil, ink pen, ball pen, typewriter, teletypes, computer keyboards then the
writing pads, smart pens, the digital pens and if not yet done but shortly and
surely via voice over with AI. I first listened to music, news and commentaries
on radios with bulbs then tubes to LED to circuits to battery operated
transistors, advanced with the digital radio, T.V., podcasts, you tubes,
listening apps so on and so forth while future may be AI based alerts,
translations and listening. Similarly in all walks of life our lifestyle has
undergone a tremendous change towards progress.
I have always seen things evolving within and
outside in the world, the matters and the species too keep evolving gradually and
also as per the need of the hour. While evolution is constant and natural,
there were also phases of revolutions where revolutionary changes took place to
change the systems and/or way of living viz- the agricultural revolution, the
industrial revolution, the Green revolution, the cultural revolution,
automation, information technology revolution and many democratic revolutions
around the world fundamentally to give more value to all concerned and advance
at a better pace.
Currently it seems we are going through yet
another phase of transformation which is sadly termed too disruption. We were
used to inventions, advancements and innovations for betterment but now we have
everything with disruptive adjectives whether it is digital, technology,
innovation or transformation. I have yet to understand how anything which is
disruptive can be constructive at the same time for all. The pace of evolution
was known as Hindu rate of growth (slow but steady), the revolutionary phase as
the western model of growth (fast paced) while this disruptive transformation
sounds like a Giant-Killer.
The innovators in the earlier two phases were
known as geniuses who shaped a better world while this crop of disruptive
innovations is termed as ingenious, guess because of the cleverness with which
they disrupt the status quo, create a desire for a complete changeover,
generate a want and then convert it into a universal need. All other players
are wiped out, the disruptive element rules the roost and monopolizes the
world. Of course, this does give windfall to few but is a landfall to many and
sadly the divide between haves and have nots keeps growing, very few control
many more in the name of value.
Now I am a lost person in the milieu of these
disruptions all around us. Is my money with the banks safe, is my data safe in
my computers, if blockchain and cryptocurrencies and AI are projected as the
future of the world, how can I cope with it and who shall control the new
system, will the govts become subject to these monopolistic hegemonies and I
become a guinea peg and or a sacrificial goat.
The doubts do rise in my mind not necessarily due
to lack of my understanding and the fear for change which is a human failing
but because of the disruptive mindset of these ingenious people and their
hidden agendas. These game-changers ultimately seem to be more interested in weeding
out the current players and dominate the space to rule the roost. Whether these
so-called disruptive changes bring in positive and constructive values to
mankind or only few is a billion-dollar question?
From what started as disruptive methods to gain
market share, one-upmanship and lead in business now seems to have become a
mindset. Disruptive politics, disruptive technology, disruptive digitization,
disruptive viruses and the wars, disruptive narratives and disruptive ideas are
resulting in disrupted economies, livelihoods, Janata and the world at large
and benefits only to a handful privileged entities. Is this for the progress of
mankind or is it a devolution of values. Are we now just stones in the game for
thrones? Guess that is the “New Normal”- change or perish, be trendy or become
obsolete, disrupt or get disrupted.
The problem is with mindset, as deep technology
and scientific advances are as important as the spiritual thinking for the
sustainable progress of mankind and sadly in the race of materialistic gains,
we have lost the values of Respect, understanding and love for all in pursuit
of selfish gains thus not evolving together for a better world. Need a
spiritual mindset and not disruptive one to live in harmony with all and
nature.
Satish Shitut
Author, "Effective R.U.L.E."
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