Inflation for the better good

India’s poor have coped with poverty for decades, and our rapid march towards a trillion-dollar economy may not benefit everyone, so the sooner they get used to deprivation, the better. Representation pic

Petrol prices were hiked for the sixth time in a week. I didn't believe it until I checked multiple reports stating the same thing. I understand that this meant little to those who don't own vehicles, presumably because they believe their groceries and essentials all appear at local markets as if by magic. And yet, it didn't seem to affect vehicle owners I know either, most of whom spent more time during the week discussing Will Smith's behaviour at the Oscars rather than their personal expenses. I was gratified because this showed how we have all grown up as a nation, which is why I am so grateful to the Government of India.

There have been a few cynics, of course, and naysayers, who have been issuing warnings about how inflation has been rising steadily since September 2021. These are people who simply don't see what the government is trying to do. They fail to understand or recognise that inflation is good for our souls, and something we need more of to become a superpower.

Rising fuel prices leads to several things, starting with the promotion of better health. When fewer people can afford fuel for their automobiles, there is increased usage of public transport. More of us are compelled to walk rather than drive, which makes India a healthier place to live in. Higher ticket prices mean we don't travel as much when we have holidays, forcing us to appreciate our immediate surroundings a lot more. We start to notice things we haven't had time for before, and our priorities undergo a profound shift. It's why I find it so refreshing that we now discuss film award shows more than the consumer price index. We know what affects our daily lives more.

Another thing I now appreciate is the government's lack of respect for qualified professionals. I believe professionals are overrated, and it's obvious that a majority of Indians believe this too. It's why we replaced a leader who held a doctoral degree in economics from the University of Oxford with one who holds a degree no one has heard of, from a university that may or may not exist. It's another great sign that we are evolving as a country and learning to take blind leaps of faith rather than rely on intelligence, like the developed world tends to do. Intelligence is a little overrated too. Stupidity is finally getting its due, and its rightful place in the sun, thanks to our New India.

According to the Department of Consumer Affairs, the prices of three main constituents of our diet - tomatoes, onions, and potatoes - are now at a four-year, nine-month, and 10-month high, respectively. This is another great piece of news that gives me hope because it makes us more adventurous eaters in the process. I think we rely a little too much on onions or potatoes and should consider eating lesser-known vegetables and tubers. Experimentation with our palates is important. Yes, the poor may struggle more than they usually do, given that they can't afford more than chapatis with raw onion, but these price hikes may make them more resilient, which is always a nice thing. Also, India's poor have coped with poverty for decades, and our rapid march towards a trillion-dollar economy may not benefit everyone, so the sooner they get used to deprivation, the better.

If there is one thing I wonder about, however, it's infrastructure. We seem to be working on a coastal road in Bombay that, like the expensive sea link, caters exclusively to those rich enough to afford a vehicle. While it's great that we don't let minor inconveniences like environmental concerns get in the way of projects like these, it worries me that fewer of us will be able to drive down these new roads if fuel costs continue to rise. What if the only people who can afford vehicles in a decade or so are film stars, businessmen from Gujarat, and politicians with access to taxpayers' money?

Inflation makes us better people because it forces us to turn inwards and focus on spiritual growth. It teaches us to avoid distractions and spend more time getting to know ourselves. When we can't afford much, we learn to manage with less. The richest among us will inevitably get richer because that is how things work, but the rest of us will learn to stop complaining. Also, we may not be able to afford fuel or groceries, but we will still have television.

When he isn't ranting about all things Mumbai, Lindsay Pereira can be almost sweet. He tweets @lindsaypereira
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The views expressed in this column are the individual's and don't represent those of the paper.