Our readers feel that breaking rules doesn’t make one great, nor does following rules makes one uncool. They urge all to follow rules as it will result in lesser chaos in society

 Breaking rules and norms have unfortunately become a part of our daily routine in the developing countries. It could be an expression of the frustrations of our life due to numerous socioeconomic and sociocultural discriminations that we face in our daily life; and it might have crossed the social thresholds that push us to violate rules to enjoy sadistic pleasure. Perhaps it is also due to the bad and corrupt leadership that provide us a negative view of society and also make us myopic and selfish. But I cannot just pass the blame on others and escape my own responsibilities of breaking rules and norms like jumping queues, dropping waste indiscriminately, pushing others to occupy a coveted seat in public transport and the likes. I take complete responsibility of all the above misdeeds of not following norms and rules during my young days. But what changed my attitude to becoming responsible in life has been a monumental quote from the greatest humanitarian of modern times, Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world”. Unless I sincerely own my responsibility, work towards making society a better place through thoughts and deeds, I cannot expect others to behave responsibly, and sincerely follow rules and regulations. The movement must start from my heart and my home first; this is my sincere faith as I have grown old.

— Saikat Kumar Basu

 When it comes to rules, the first thing that comes to my mind is traffic rules. There are many traffic rules, and one of the most recent ones include “follow the lane” or else you will be fined. So not wanting to be fined, a line of motorcyclists (including myself) were queuing up following the lane rule in Lainchaur. Suddenly, we noticed a blue-shirted-hand waving to us (the motorcyclists) to go out of our lane and make use of the small space available to ride through. We were all confused, whether to go or not go. “Is that a test?” we thought. Well, one of us took a bold step to defy the lane rule upon invitation and others followed and the blue-shirted-hand with whistle welcomed us and showed the way. So, what are rules? I believe in rules and try to follow them. I used to stick to the rules even while riding the bike, but then circumstances challenge you and you receive comments like “kasto murkha hola”. Like “In Rome, do as the Romans do”, I follow the crowd these days when I am on a motorbike!

— Deepa Shakya

 Today’s lifestyle has made people behave in a different way regarding following the rules or breaking the rules. I prefer to follow the rules whether that may be traffic rules or others, and if people consider me a fool in following the rules, then I have nothing to say because I understand rules are made to make our life easier. I’ve found that ‘Rules in Nepal are made to break’. I can give ample of examples regarding this. The places where there is a sign of “No Parking”, people park their vehicles. Where there is “No Horn Please, it’s a hospital area”, people love to make sounds. It’s been a year since I got my driving licence and with the amendment of new traffic rules, I can proudly say that I’m following the rules and I will follow in the future as well. And those who break the rules are fools because they think they are great. Last week, I was stuck in a traffic jam for more than 10 minutes at Thapathali and I didn’t cross the lane nor overtake, but the person who was behind me went crossing the other lane and showed his smiling face in his side-mirror to me. Basically in Kathmandu, those who break the rules are in a great hurry and by overtaking, or crossing the wrong side, they mean to reach to their destination, neglecting the negative sides.

— Surya Maya Maharjan, Dhumbarahi-04, Kathmandu

 Rules are the best instrument to create harmony and equality in society. We must follow them without following what others are doing and let them laugh at us. Unless one takes a stand for it, change is not possible to create a New Nepal. Once I had gone to India and at the border on the Indian side, I stood quietly waiting for my chance when a policeman called me from behind. After simple formalities, he let me go, rather than making a fuss. So, rules make our work and life easier.

— Shahbaz Alam, Nepalgunj, Banke

 Lawmakers are also human beings. Sometimes, they impose unreasonable rules and laws that are not acceptable for some people. For instance, I would like to correlate this issue with the enforcement of the ban on the production, use, sale, distribution, import and export of plastic bags by the government. I oppose the way the government attempted to impose the ban on the use of plastic bags without thinking that it is important to provide an alternative to the people involved in plastic factories and industries. This is really unfair on them while the government has failed to combat the country’s unemployment problems. For this reason, I support the plastic bag manufacturers and don’t hesitate to respect their sentiments. Hence, it depends on the nature of rules made by the authorities concerned whether to follow it or protest them if they are somewhat audacious or not acceptable.

Recently, tea farmers, particularly of Illam, Dhankuta and Panchthar districts, were plunged into mental chaos due to unwanted certificate hassles and expensive ventures regarding tea export to foreign countries, especially in India, for which the authorities concerned and stakeholders are to be blamed. Such discouraging rules are not acceptable to hardworking farmers.

Everyone must abide rules and regulations for viable outcomes and for everyone’s benefit. Those who take pride in breaking human-friendly rules are irresponsible and dishonest. Needless to say, such law-breakers deserve punishment. So, I think that human-friendly rules are not meant to be broken. Even if the majority tend to ignore such rules thinking themselves as the king of this world, we should never follow the ideologies of such idiots.

— Sanjog Karki, Tansen-6, Basantapur, Palpa

 Violating rules because of misunderstanding is different than violating rules knowingly. People know why rules and regulations are made but still no one bothers to follow them. In today’s fast and furious world, no one has a second to even have a look at what the signboard says. But I support everyone who follows rules. I have seen many youngsters volunteering and helping others follow rules too, which I appreciate a lot. One mustn’t take rules as burden but as their moral responsibility. As I support following rules, I don’t throw rubbish at public places but dispose them in containers; I give my seat to elderly citizens, pregnant women, the sick and young children while travelling in public vehicles; I use the zebra crossings and over head bridges to cross roads and I encourage others to follow rules. And I would like to advise all youngsters to follow rules because violating them doesn’t make you great, but following them will. I suggest friends to not violate rules as you are putting your life, environment and other people at risk. So think of your safety and life, and support your nation and mankind.

— Shakshyam Kafle, Thimi , Bhaktapur

 Those who take pride in breaking rules are not considered to be social beings. Following rules makes us civilised, socialised and helps to achieve goals. Rules are not meant to be broken rather they are meant to be followed. Chaos, anarchy, disorder, violence and accidents will rule society if everyone starts breaking rules. Rules and regulations give a definite shape to our life which helps us live in a disciplined way.

We can live happily and confidently only if there is strong provision to follow rules. Rules breakers should be punished. Every single citizen must be encouraged to follow rules. We should cultivate the habit of following rules from early age because we are human beings and live in society.

— Subha Dangol, Bhainsepati

 I’m the kind of person who believes in self-discipline. I regard discipline as one of the most important human traits which determines an individual’s attitude and personality. Discipline teaches us to follow rules and behave ethically and morally. And discipline never teaches us to beak rules. Hence, I never break rules intentionally and knowingly and I don’t take pride if I break rules. Several times, I might have done many things against the rules unknowingly but I would never do it intentionally. The ethics and morals that I have would never drive me to do that. I always believe in following rules, cooperating and behaving in a systematic way regarding rules. I personally think following rules doesn’t mean you are rigidly bound to something; it just aims to maintain a system. For an instance, following traffic rules while driving doesn’t mean to deprive you of your freedom to drive but it is just for the safety of people. Hence, I always attempt to do everything to abide by rules.

— Sandhya Dangol, Bhainsepati, Lalitpur

 Many youth of my age say that rules are meant to be broken, but I don’t think so. Rules are not meant to be broken, instead rules are meant to be strictly followed, which will effectuate someone to be disciplined. I have seen many people showing no interest to be bound by certain rules and regulations, but I prefer to follow rules. For instance, my friend and I recently went to visit my uncle who had been admitted to a hospital. When we reached, my friend parked his motorbike on the roadside instead of the parking premises. When we returned from the hospital, we saw that a traffic police was standing next to his motorbike. The traffic police then fined him for parking his bike at the no parking area. After that incident, he has realised that rules should be followed strictly in order to become safe from any issues.

— Anonymous

 It is often said that rules are meant to be broken and many people believes in breaking the rules rather than following it. And I make sure I follow each and every rule which I am supposed to, and follow even if the majority might be ignoring it. Every sovereign country/ school/ college/ government and non- government institutions have their own rules which people are expected to follow. If people do not follow them and ignore them, how can a country or a particular sector work as well as prosper?

We should respect and follow rules as they are meant for us, for our safety, and convenience. Nobody is above the law and the law itself follows certain rules. Ignoring rules can bring about a chaotic situation and anomalies around us. In the context of Nepal, I like to applaud the MaPaSe rule which has been regulated inside the Valley as it has saved the lives of many people so far. People are being alert, and aware about the pros and cons of drinking and driving. I have also witnessed my family members following the MaPaSe rule. So these kinds of rules should be made and people should also cooperate in following such rules.

— Tejaswi Pahari, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur

 Rules and regulations alleviate our problems, stabilise society, and maintain a peaceful environment. Breaking of the rules creates chaos around us. For instance, drivers who do not obey traffic rules are prone to accidents; they are putting their precious life in danger. Disobeying rules is not only appalling for life, but also creates a deterrent to achieve success in life. For example, Hillary Clinton has been questioned by the FBI for mishandling classified emails. She was supposed to send the emails from the state account, however, she used her personal email account. Thus, she was tagged as “extremely careless” by the FBI and is still facing criticism from her opponents. In a nutshell, the wrongdoer, sooner or later, is going to face the music.

— Rajan Pandit, Gothatar, Kathmandu

 Rules are an important part of life and sometimes boring too. Actually most of the rules are made for our betterment, yet some people don’t follow them. In my view, students tend not to follow rules given by their schools despite the punishments they are to face for their actions. Some of the reasons are lack of love, boredom, bad instructions, unclear rules, unclear expectations, psychological problems, lack of parental supervision and guidance, and media influences et cetera.

When I was in Class IX, we had organised a programme on the occasion of Teacher’s Day. In the last period, we IX graders decided to have a little fun by partying to music in the class. It was a wrong deed as we ended up receiving serious punishment for not maintaining discipline. But on the bright side, it was fun breaking the rules as it served as a beautiful memory of my school life. I am simply saying that rules are meant to be followed and meant to be broken too. Even though the majority ignore them, it is actually good to follow rules because it sets our future on somewhat better path too.

— Douglas Bader

 Though many people try to violate rules and take it as a pride, but in my opinion we need to follow rules and sometimes we should use our logic to avoid problems. Because it is for our security and safety. In our context, the one who follows rules are victims in most of the cases due to the carelessness of others. I have one experience relating to this. One of my relatives had a serious accident. He was riding his bike at normal speed and on the right path. Suddenly a car coming from the opposite direction knocked his bike. He suffered deep injuries. And he was hospitalised for nearly one month. He lost his job as well. When I went to meet him, he told me not to be sure that you are not going to get in trouble with the motto ‘you are not troubling other’.

— Bikash Paean, Pokhara

 What I feel is that rules — whether to break or follow — depends on the situation. Currently, I am pursuing my Bachelor’s in one of the government colleges and I am literally shocked to see the students’ behaviour with least discipline, punctuality or manners, et cetera. And most surprising thing is that nobody cares and all turn a deaf ear. It’s like rules are not meant to be broken, but are made to be broken and those people who break them are the ones who in future become important figures in the country in terms of politics.

— Suresh Basnet, Jarankhu, Kathmandu

 What I have known for a long time is that rules are made in this world to maintain order as well as the system, making sure that there will be no chaos and conflict. Rules are made by humans for their own well-being. In every sector of this world, we see existence of rules because they are taken as guidelines which lead us on the right path of our much-needed success. To be honest, I don’t think rules should be broken just in the name of being modern because after following them, we undoubtedly become disciplined. Besides, rules are also made for the reason of assuring safety. Hence, I don’t think rules should neither be overruled nor neglected. Rather they should either be changed or adjusted according to the demand of time.

— Pratik Shrestha, Buddhanagar, Baneshwor

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Women’s participation in all kinds of sports has increased over the years and there are many professional athletes. But games/matches in which women participate are not as popular as men’s. Why do you think this is so and why people prefer not to watch female athletes playing? What could be an option to increase people’s interest in sports participated by women?

­Send your replies in not more than 200 words by Friday, July 29 by 2 pm to Features Department, The Himalayan Times, e-mail: features@thehimalayantimes.com