Ignoring death

During the ancient civilisation periods, food, shelter and clothing were considered as the three most essential things for all human beings. The world, from the ancient civilisation period to till date, has evolved so much that a few more items were added to the 'essential' list. The world started revolving at a greater speed ever since the electronic world has started providing cutting edge technology. One important contribution by the electronic world in the last decade is cellular phones. Can we think of living without a cellular phone in the coming years? I am convinced, beyond any reasonable doubt, that the answer would be negative. So, these cellular phones can be added into the growing list of essentials for mankind.

When cellular phones were introduced into the market more than a decade ago, it was too expensive for a common man. It was a prestigious piece of equipment owned only by people belonging to the upper middle class or higher. Due to various factors like the advancement of technology, reduction in equipment cost and competitive market growth have contributed to the reduction of operating and owning cost of a cellular phone for a common user. At one stage, it came down to such a level that anyone can own a cellular phone by depositing five hundred rupees.

Cellular phone technology is developing so rapidly that it reached even the smallest of villages in India within no time. The hardwork done by public and private sectors to convert this dream a decade ago a reality now is commendable. But, due to this fast development and reach, I think it is time we should ask ourselves a question. Are we using the technology in the right sprit without disturbing others and breaking the law? How many of us know where and where not to use the equipment? Lots of facts and safety procedures are ignored while using these cellular phones.

I saw a person, in a busy street where children were playing in the evening, driving a bike while holding a cellular phone between his shoulder and this left ear. His face was tilted to an acute angle to hold this little cellular phone. He was in a heated argument with someone on the other side of the phone and was driving with half mind and half control. Is it not a good practice to stop driving while talking? If this is worse, think of a person who uses a cellular phone inside hospitals and fuel stations. Don’t they know that it is unsafe to use the equipment in such sensitive areas? I don’t understand why people are so ignorant. Perhaps, director Shankar is correct with this battle against ignorance in his recent movie 'Anniyan'

The other night, when I was watching a movie, I was so annoyed with the person sitting in the front row when he was receiving calls with polyphonic sound in maximum volume. Why would someone be so ignorant about others nearby and that too after so many warnings from the cinemas to switch off the mobile? After watching the movie, when I came out, I saw a girl talking over the phone with someone while trying to cross the road. She was totally into another world and was simply ignoring the oncoming traffic. You will have to excuse me for this, but these kinds of people should be punished for ignorance and especially in this case, this particular girl was ignoring death. I think the cellular phone companies and service providers should take up the responsibility to induce the basic responsibilies among its users.

In one of the cruel hit and run cases near Delhi last year, a teen-age boy was hit by a car while trying to cross an express highway. It was later found that the deceased was talking over cellular phone with a friend during the last moments. Even though he ignored death, death didn’t ignore him. This is one harsh reality everyone should understand.

After completing the post mortem, the doctor completed his report saying "Death as a result of ignorance"