വളരെ പഴയ സംഭവമാണ്. ഒരിക്കല്‍ ഒരു ആഫ്രിക്കനും അയാളുടെ കുടുംബവും കാട്ടിലൂടെ സഞ്ചരിക്കുകയായിരുന്നു. കുറച്ച് ദൂരം പിന്നിട്ടപ്പോ ആഫ്രിക്കക്കാരന് ഒരു കണ്ണാടിയുടെ കഷ്ണം വഴിയില്‍ നിന്നും കിട്ടി. ആദ്യമായിട്ടാണ് അയാള്‍ അങ്ങനെ ഒരു സാധനം കാണുന്നത്. അതില്‍ സ്വന്തം പ്രതിബിംബം കണ്ടപ്പോള്‍ തന്റെ അച്ഛന്റെ പടമാണെന്ന് ആ പാവം വിശ്വസിച്ചു. ദിവസവും രാത്രിയില്‍ അയാള്‍ അതില്‍ നോക്കി സംസാരിക്കാന്‍ തുടങ്ങി. ഈ സംഭവം അയാളുടെ ഭാര്യ കാണുവാനിടയായി. അവരില്‍ സംശയം ഉടലെടുത്തു. ഒരു ദിവസം ഭര്‍ത്താവില്ലാത്ത സമയത്ത് അവര്‍ കണ്ണാടി എടുത്ത് നോക്കി. അതില്‍ ഒരു പെണ്ണിന്റെ പടം കണ്ടതും അവരുടെ സംശയം ഇരട്ടിച്ചു. കരഞ്ഞു കൊണ്ട് അവര്‍ അമ്മായിയമ്മയോട് വിവരം പറഞ്ഞു. അമ്മായിയമ്മ ആ കണ്ണാടിയില്‍ നോക്കി ഇങ്ങനെ സമാധാനിപ്പിച്ചു. നീ കരയേണ്ട മരുമോളേ... ''കിളവിയാണ് ഉടനെ വടിയായിക്കൊള്ളും''

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Revisiting the Kuznets Curve: Relevance and Application in the Modern Economic Era

Image
Revisiting the Kuznets Curve: Relevance and Application in the Modern Economic Era --- Introduction: The Curve That Promised Progress In the realm of development economics, few concepts have spurred as much debate, hope, and reinterpretation as the Kuznets Curve. Proposed by economist Simon Kuznets in the 1950s, the curve suggested that as a nation industrializes, inequality initially rises and later falls—forming an inverted U-shaped relationship between income inequality and per capita income. This idea promised that inequality was a temporary phase of development, eventually giving way to a more equitable distribution of income. However, as the world grapples with persistent inequality, climate change, urbanization, and complex globalization, the applicability and accuracy of the Kuznets Curve are being increasingly scrutinized. Furthermore, environmentalists have borrowed and modified the concept to develop the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), hypothesizing a similar inverted-U r...
Read more

The Shadow Economy in India: Uncovering the Unseen Engines of Growth and Inequality

Image
The Shadow Economy in India: Uncovering the Unseen Engines of Growth and Inequality Introduction The Indian economy is often visualised through skyscrapers, software parks, and booming stock indices. Yet beneath this glittering formal layer lies a far larger, messier, and more complex world—the shadow economy. Also known as the informal, unorganised, or underground economy, it is where most Indians work, earn, and survive. Despite contributing an estimated 40% to India's GDP and employing nearly 90% of its workforce, the shadow economy remains mostly undocumented, unregulated, and untaxed. This article seeks to unveil the hidden mechanics, challenges, and paradoxes of India’s shadow economy. From its roots in colonial land systems to the modern-day gig platforms, from rural construction sites to urban street corners, we explore how informality has become both a lifeline for survival and a barrier to inclusive growth. What is the Shadow Economy? The shadow economy includ...
Read more

Strengthening India's GST Framework: Strategic Reforms for Enhanced Efficiency and Compliance

Image
Strengthening India's GST Framework: Strategic Reforms for Enhanced Efficiency and Compliance Introduction Since its implementation in July 2017, India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) has aimed to unify the nation's complex indirect tax landscape. While the system has achieved significant milestones, including a record collection of ₹2.01 lakh crore in May 2025, several challenges persist that hinder its optimal functioning. This article delves into the critical reforms necessary to enhance the GST framework's efficiency, compliance, and contribution to India's economic growth.  --- 1. Rationalizing the GST Rate Structure The current multi-tiered GST rate system—comprising 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% slabs—has been a source of complexity and litigation. Experts advocate for a simplified three-tier structure to reduce classification disputes and compliance burdens. Merging the 12% and 18% slabs, which cover approximately 70% of taxable goods and services, could streamli...
Read more