The classroom and the clinic: where a society decides whether equality is a promise or a privilege

The classroom and the clinic: where a society decides whether equality is a promise or a privelege. Ever wondered whether the right to equality gets translated in reality or is a mere bookish concept? Is the promise of equality by the Indian constitution only a privelege? Where do we see equality in real sense? What are the avenues to bring inclusive growth?

How to ensure last-mile delivery? How to ensure 'Sarvodaya' (welfare of all) to uplift everyone? All these questions remind us how exactly can we bring a society that fulfills the promise of equality unconditionally. This equality can be evaluated in real sense in the classroom [education] and in the clinic [healthcare]. Walking through this essay, we will de-crypt separately how classroom and clinic decides nature of equality. Then, we will discuss the dimensions of society that evaluate equality. Furthermore, we will uncover some hidden aspects and other areas. CLASSROOM: SETTING THE PATH In India, the middle class i.e. the 'aspirational' class considers education as the fastest route to transforming lives. It is in the classrooms and the quality of education that decides the rest of the lives of a person. Our Constitution makes Article 21A i.e. Right to Education a fundamental right ensuring free education from 6-14 years. Looks equal on the surface Right? The real picture is revealed if one sees the accessibility and affordability of this education. This makes equality a privelege. From the childhood, if ones' family condition allows, a child is sent to school. This itself is a privelege for many. Think of farmer under debt burden, can he afford to sent his child to school? Their child forced to work because of necessity. If one manages to go to school here again, the difference in quality of education in private v/s public school and its infrastructure, makes equality a privilege. The Constitution provides for equality of opportunity, but that works only if one has the right tools for skill development to translate education to opportunity to unlock their avenues of growth. Even, opportunity of getting well-versed in emerging technology is stumbled by the roadblock of urban-rural digital divide. This creates regional inequality as well. The problem of access and inequality in regional spheres is more prominent in the healthcare domain.

THE CLINIC: HUMAN RESOURCE AND ELIXIR Looking at the condition of regional disparities, healthcare access is indeed a privilege. To fulfill the promise of equality, a lot of work needs to be done. We are on the path of good health and well-being (SDG 3). India is known for its healthy lifestyle and promotion of Mission LIFE in alignment with nature. Lack of secondary and tertiary healthcare and medical facilities in rural India shows a grim picture. The effect of climate change & extreme weather events is disproportionately borne by the poor & marginalized. Take the case of affordability of air purifiers in case of poor air quality and protection against heatwaves through air-conditioner. Difference in quality of service and screening facilities, differ in private and public clinic or hospital, undoubtedly, makes equality a privelege. [Expanding on the 'where' dimension] The various aspects, areas and domains of society where it is decided whether equality is a promise of a privilege are based on multiple layers. India, is a welfare state, the inclusive governance and the nature of service delivery decides education and healthcare quality. For Education, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and ensure gender equality (SDG 5). For Healthcare, the Ayushmann Bharat Mission and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana ensure holistic health care. The individual contribution of Kailash Satyarthi to fight child labour won him Nobel Peace prize.

This gave a ray of hope to millions of children with opportunity of education & welfare. The societal mindset towards equality and various sections of society ensures there is equality of opportunity. The role modelling by female icons, break the stereotypes. For instance, Indira Nooyi, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Kalpana Chawla, Chhavi Rajawat and Manu Bhakar promote women empowerment. Learning from the global best practices of education & healthcare can imbibe equality - Take the example of Japanese model of 'ikigai' [The secret to long and happy life] which enhances the quality of life. Looking Beyond Besides classrooms and clinic, the equality can be realized in other areas for evaluation. The economic growth is one such area. Bhutan's Gross National Index incorporates the happiness index as well. This parameter is really essential and can't be ignored for well-being. Innovation, creativity and technological enhancement by Research and development can be another parameter to evaluate equality among nations. Equality in gender dimension can be brought about by careful socialization of the child and infusing values of mutual respect and tolerance in a child. Rise of women as decision makers with 'right to choose' and as parliamentarians [eg. Italy's Meloni] can ensure fulfillment of promise of equality. Overall, equality can be best understood as substantive. equality enju ensuring fairness and Justice. Classrooms and Clinics decide whether this promise is fulfilled or is still a privilege.

Absolute equality is impossible to achieve neither is necessary. Some inequality pushes society for progress. We observed and contemplated on the analysis of equality and how far is its promise achieved and what more is require. An equal and just society was the dream of Karl Marx where there is perfect utopia. 'Communism' is the idea behind well-being that is collective. "From each according to his ability" to each according to his needs" Let us unite to make this world a beautiful place to live where all work in harmony.