“I don’t’ lie; I need some change for beer,” read the placard a man was holding, imploring the passers-by. This was when I was studying in a foreign country. I could not help but give him some small coins. I certainly did not intend to help him with some coins for him to nurse a beer. But I was certainly impressed by his honesty that he did not hide why he wanted the money. Honesty is the best policy, thus goes the age-old adage. And we never fail to say this whenever we get an opportunity “to preach” others. But ever wondered how often people say this with conviction? We often hear our leaders and bureaucrats say things which do not carry an iota of truth. Even people tend to say things without giving a thought about what they are saying, and that makes us ponder whether the statements made indeed are honest.

Being honest is good, but it must be complemented with self-discipline for a positive outcome. At times, authorities introduce tough rules to make things fall in line. For example, there are traffic rules in place. But how many of us follow them on our own – without any traffic cop standing on the road to enforce the rule. The government has enforced a ban on plastics. But have we stopped using plastic bags? This is also about honesty and self-discipline. We have been talking a lot about smart cities, but how can a city become “smart” when people living there are not giving two hoots to minor issues that are simply related to honesty and self-discipline?

Someone may argue that there is lack of education. But I have seen many a university graduate behaving in a ridiculous way. So, it’s not the lack of education; it as a matter of fact is lack of quality education – education that fails to teach us honesty and self-discipline and inculcate values in us.

Education should not be only a process for people to acquire degrees and jobs; it should teach people to be honest, disciplined, aware, ethical and practical. The government should prioritise constructive and quality education and make it accessible to all. If ballot boxes and ballot papers can reach the remotest of the regions on time why cannot teachers and textbooks? Is it because those responsible are not working with honesty?

We are talking a lot about development and prosperity. This indeed is possible. The only thing that we are lacking is honesty and self-discipline. Let’s try to understand the most powerful words of the Bard: “No legacy is so rich as honesty.”