Neglet of essential services


1. The Great Neglect of Essential Services

Jobs like carpentry, plumbing, farming, and caregiving form the backbone of any society. These are real, hands-on human activities that AI or machines cannot fully replace. Yet, we see:

  • A shortage of skilled workers in villages and towns.
  • Delayed or unaffordable services because trained professionals are scarce.
  • Older generation suffering as finding a mason or a barber becomes a struggle.

2. Obsession with White-Collar IT Jobs

  • Youngsters, especially from rural areas, migrate to metro cities chasing IT jobs.
  • These jobs once promised high pay and prestige. Now, AI and automation are threatening their stability.
  • Massive layoffs and retrenchments have started. AI tools are doing the work of coders, analysts, content creators.

3. The Irony of Migration and Urban Dream

  • Many families sold land or took loans to educate their children for IT jobs.
  • Now, if these children lose jobs and return, parents may not have land or income left to support them.
  • The dream turns into a nightmare.

4. The Imbalance in Human Activity

If all move to one sector, and the remaining vital sectors are left unattended:

  • We risk collapse in rural economy and human-centered services.
  • There will be more unemployment even among the educated.
  • Meanwhile, cities are also not able to absorb or support the huge influx of jobless tech workers.

5. What Needs to Be Done?

  • Respect and incentivize self-employment: Encourage youth to take up skilled trades with dignity and fair pay.
  • Vocational training revival: Schools and colleges must introduce practical skill-based education.
  • Local employment hubs: Create systems to promote local entrepreneurship in plumbing, tailoring, electrical work, etc.
  • Policy push: Governments must give subsidies and loans for farming, local repair shops, food production, palliative care, etc.
  • AI-human collaboration: Use AI to assist, not replace humans. AI cannot pluck coconuts, nurse the elderly, or build houses.

6. A Philosophical Question

What is real work? Is it sitting before a screen, or building a wall? Is it clicking code, or milking a cow?

If we abandon the basic fabric of society in pursuit of digital illusions, we risk becoming helpless when technology fails.


Popular posts from this blog

The story of Chinthavishtayaya Seetha

 "Chinthavishtayaya Seetha" (The Sita of the Troubled Mind) is a poem written by Kumaranasan, a renowned Malayalam poet. The poem is a retelling of the Ramayana from Sita's perspective, exploring her thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The poem begins with Sita's abduction by Ravana, the king of Lanka. As she is taken away from her husband Rama and the forest, Sita's mind is filled with thoughts of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. As she is held captive in Ravana's palace, Sita's thoughts turn to her past life with Rama in the forest. She remembers the happy moments they shared, the love they had for each other, and the struggles they faced together. However, Sita's memories are also tinged with sadness and regret. She thinks about how she was forced to leave her comfortable life in Ayodhya and live in the forest, facing numerous challenges and hardships. As the days pass, Sita's thoughts become increasingly troubled. She worries about Rama's s...
Read more

Nalini

 "Nalini" is a poem written by Kumaranasan, a renowned Malayalam poet. Here's a detailed English explanation of the poem: *Summary* The poem "Nalini" is a beautiful and poignant portrayal of a young woman's life, struggles, and ultimate demise. The poem is a tribute to the memory of Nalini, a woman who was forced into prostitution and eventually succumbed to the harsh realities of her life. *Imagery and Symbolism* The poem begins with a vivid description of Nalini's beauty, comparing her to a blooming flower. However, as the poem progresses, the imagery shifts to convey the harsh realities of Nalini's life. The "flower" is now "trampled" and "withered," symbolizing the destruction of Nalini's innocence and beauty. The poem also employs the symbolism of the "night" to convey the darkness and despair that enveloped Nalini's life. The "night" is described as a "dark and endless sea" tha...
Read more

Kerala's golden obsession

  Title: Kerala’s Golden Obsession: A Changing Tradition in the Face of Rising Costs Kerala, the land of lush greenery, literacy, and cultural heritage, is also famously known for something less talked about in academic circles — its deep-rooted obsession with gold. For generations, gold has been more than just a metal in Kerala; it has symbolized wealth, pride, social status, and above all, the value of a bride in matrimonial alliances. Traditionally, the worth of a bride was measured by the amount of gold she adorned on her wedding day. This unwritten societal norm was accepted across communities, cutting across religion and caste lines. A bride gleaming with sovereigns of gold ornaments was seen as a symbol of the family’s prosperity and generosity. The more gold presented, the higher the respect commanded in society. Jewellery shops flourished, and Kerala soon became home to the largest number of gold retailers in India — a status symbol deeply entrenched in its culture. H...
Read more