Obsessed with personal passions
In the past, I have been a part of
the team (committee) engaged in framing the program schedule for a few national
and international conferences dealing with the issues of the elderly. These
were annual events organized by federations / confederations at state or
national level, like AISCCON, APSCCON, ISU3A etc. We used to get suggestions for topics to be
included for discussion or submission of papers for presentation. Or ideas / suggestions
while framing resolutions. There were many instances of people losing balance
or proper perspective and suggesting widely off the mark topics for inclusion
in the event. I can understand and tolerate if an ‘irrelevant’ paper is sent
for inclusion in a souvenir but not for the main event, not even in poster
sessions.
For instance one member
suggested that we should discuss raising (he meant rising) milk prices and banning
export of meat. Another person is obsessed with objecting to politicians trying
to advance elections. A third person wants Heartfulness meditation as a
session. I was totally taken aback when I got a write-up describing the troubles
the writer had had while constructing his house. He was not even a senior
citizen at that time.
Why are people so obsessed or
single minded? My problem is not with the person’s passion for his topic but
how to convince him that it is off-topic? I remind myself that I am part of a
committee and make it appear like a collective decision to escape the displeasure
of some friends.
I know a senior citizen who has
been tirelessly working for the cause of seniors. His focus has been changing
as demanded by developments in the society. Many topics like Health Insurance, unification
of SCAs, generic medicines, fighting against governmental
neglect regarding seniors’ issues and concerns, Elder abuse, corporate social responsibility
and others have engaged his attention, benefiting the community at large.
However, depending upon his current passion / focus, he would talk on the same (pet)
subject irrespective of the platform / purpose / audience! This will continue
until he latches on to some other area of concern about the elderly!!
As they say, one does not
know what is on one’s back. So let me stop my aimless lamentation.
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