At the Digital India Dinner on 26th September in San Jose, California, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's spoke eloquently about the undeniably and almost unimaginable importance of technology in our life. The premier's every international visit has always been pride for all its citizens, both in India and abroad. But with great power, as in from Digital India, comes great responsibility.
The addiction to gadgets in my life can be easily gauged by my recent actions on a very regular and average day of my life. On my way to office in Delhi Metro, I noticed that my mobile's talk time balance was low and needed instant charge. I had long left the good old days behind when in such a situation, I would need to find a recharge shop. I clicked open my PayTM app on my mobile, clicked on my app wallet and recharged my talk time within few seconds. I also recharged my 3G balance which was also low, again using the app wallet.
Shutting down the app, I decided to switch off my mobile phone for some time. I had reached Rajeev Chowk Metro Station during this time and I would have not missed anything online as the reception is always terrible here and the upcoming few stops.
I kept the mobile in my shirt's top pocket but I was in for a 'counted' rude shock about my addiction to phone when, despite switching off the phone myself, my subconscious reflexes moved my hands into my pocket, pulled out my phone and click on the unlock key - not once, or twice but for a total of three times in less than two minutes inside the metro.
Every time I put my phone back in my pocket, surprised but when it happened for the third time, I was shocked.
How bored I was in the metro within less than two minutes of time span
or
How addicted I am to my phone
or
How lost I was I don't even have control over my own actions??
It definitely did not good to my self esteem, especially since the act of switching off my phone was my own doing. It's like my subconscious awareness fell like nine pins to my mobile addiction.
AND WHAT FOR?
There was no life consuming phone call or email or message that was waiting for me. I did not even have any music stored in my phone that I wanted to listen to either. Even the FM reception did not work in those few stops for which I wanted my phone to be off - all for a little break, I suppose.
Similarly, it is the reality or even the idea of leaving behind my mobile charger at home that is more scary than anything, including my wallet.
Similarly, it is the reality or even the idea of leaving behind my mobile charger at home that is more scary than anything, including my wallet.
Life is indeed a scary preposition to our comfort; especially when material needs start dictating our life that we can not see ourselves without them.
Like PM Modi said in his speech at Digital India Dinner,
"Google today has made teachers less awe-inspiring and grandparents more idle... The status that now matters is not whether you are awake or asleep, but whether you are online or offline. The most fundamental debate for our youth is the choice between Android, iOS or Windows."
My mother recently whatsapped me this quote which read,
"Your cell phone has already replaced your camera, your alarm clock and your calendar. Don't let it replace your family (and friends)."
No doubt PM Narendra Modi's push for Digital India is an incredible policy for India and we all need to root for it. Lest we forget our responsibility in this unimaginable power, I don't have anything else to say but to act, both consciously and subconsciously.
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