Another Suggestion

Almost 2 weeks had passed. Nothing had transpired on the subject. I’d updated Stan through an e-mail about the meeting. I wrote the following e-mail.

Dear Stan,

I’ve been thinking about the next course of action. What we’re proposing is that the entire cash earning of the community be accumulated and then collectively spent, managed and made available as capital for enterprises supporting the cause of self reliance. The whole proposition is against the tide. Undoubtedly, there is an irrefutable logic to taking this path. But we also know that such actions don’t stem out of linear and logical thinking. The stimulus has to be emotional and a very acute one at that.

Let me elaborate. Which of these are stronger stimuli?

1. Deep understanding of the benefit of self-reliance or an acute pain of the slipping cultural heritage?

2.   A detailed comparison of the two ways of life followed by an inference that the new world life isn’t really better or a genuine dislike / alienation towards the life outside the tribal community?

To me the emotional ones are stronger. A uniform logical understanding across the community is utopian. Another aspect, I presume, of such emotional stimuli is that even if 5-10% of the population is charged with such emotions, they can turn it into a movement. It brings in a sense of urgency as well.

As I write, I feel as though I’m talking like a fundamentalist mastermind. But I’m unable to think of another choice. My sense of the situation is that the community (represented by the animators) hasn’t yet reached the threshold of pain for any action to emanate. A person with an acute and personal need does not wait for Tuesday morning for a meeting to convene. I also don’t sense the emotional stimuli stated above, though my understanding may be absolutely wrong. I’m inferring based on action taken and responses during the last meeting. But, I’ll go by your assessment on that.

Assuming that my understanding is closer to reality, there is, in my opinion, another way. This one, too, is based on an emotional stimulus. They’re being pushed to the wall, into a do or die situation, a crisis. Accord, in its current donor funded mode, decides to withdraw in 6 months (3 if possible), begins the winding up process immediately.  A longer time frame (say 3 years) may not have the desired effect.

I can understand that this sounds radical. It also sounds disastrous for ongoing work, but this seems directionally correct to me. Just the sequencing is changed to create a sense of crisis.

 I can assure you my utmost concern and commitment to the task. I can play a far more active role in planning and executing this. I look forward to talking to you on this.

Warm Regards,

Shantanu