Statutory Warnings

By Sukumar Ruj

A government statutory warning in a newspaper:

Do not walk in direct sunlight unnecessarily. 

Use an umbrella or head covering while walking. 

Drink plenty of pure water to avoid dehydration."

I couldn't help but chuckle at this ten-point advisory. Ordinary people already take these precautions for their own convenience and to ease hardship. Does the government really need to advertise such obvious advice? Instead of spending millions on such ads, why not issue warnings that truly matter?

Do not bribe anyone to secure government services. 

Follow the prescribed tests or interviews. 

            Be prepared to avoid failure.

As I pondered this, an idea struck me. I drafted my own unique statutory warning:

Do not waste money on bogus educational degrees. 

Read relevant books on politics to gain knowledge. 

Well-educated individuals are key to eradicating corruption.

With my ten-point poster in hand, I headed to a busy road junction. But no sooner had I arrived over there than the police arrested me on sedition charges.

Now, I'd like to caution others: beware of spreading seditious ideas for the masses' benefit. But how could I warn them? This question nagged me for days until I saw the government's full-page newspaper advertisement. 

By Sukumar Ruj