What's Your Excuse?

As members of the tech world, we all know the power of a click. Across the world, with the power of a click, businesses are being transformed, information is traversing continents, knowledge is being shared and even rockets launched into space.  Now think about the power of a million clicks, or hundreds of millions of clicks changing the destiny of nations.

I am referring to the click of the ballot.

We all recognize the fact that no man is an island, nor is any company. That there is this inherent power that each one of us has to bring about change; to add value.  A company cannot be known just by the quality of its work. It is also known by the culture it promotes amongst its people. There is a role for corporate citizens beyond the busy debates of a corporate boardroom, shop floors and offices and to our community, country and planet. A role that demands we move from being mere spectators to participants; from a voice of complaint on what doesn’t work to that of action.

So what does this entail? We need to ensure that we play our part in change by using the biggest power that a democratic republic gives its citizens – the freedom to choose.

As India exercises its right to the ballot, it is important that each one of us makes it our priority to get the indelible ink on our finger. We are living in a world today that is beset with political instability. A robust democracy is our best bet against this.

It is disheartening to see some people hide behind the ‘utility or futility’ argument and dismiss this much important day as just another holiday or a waste of time. We enjoy the freedom of choice that our constitution provides us, but it is also our responsibility to ensure that we perform our duties as responsible citizens.

Consider this fact: In Australia, voting is mandatory and any citizen who doesn’t vote receives a letter asking why. Those without an acceptable excuse, like illness or travel abroad, must pay a small fine. Although the number of people fined for not voting is estimated to be less than 1 percent of eligible voters, the point made here is big.

Voting may or may not be mandatory. But it’s a choice that you make because you believe in change, or at least, the choice of it.

At HCL, building an environment steeped in ethics, transparency and conscience has been at the heart of our philosophy. Pursuing excellence and value in an environment that promotes corporate governance has been our choice.

Our Community Service Council is one of the most active internally, and has helped inspire and improve the lives of the underprivileged across the country. Our Go Green initiative has seen a conscious effort being made by every employee towards building an eco friendly environment, be it through reducing paper usage or energy. Similarly, participation in the electoral process is another fundamental responsibility towards society.

By taking on this responsibility entrusted on us, each one of us is helping build the India we want to live in. ‘No more excuses’ is how we dub it at HCL. And to those still taking cover behind inertia, we ask simply: What’s your excuse?