Japanese lessons- are we ready to learn?

The tragedies in Japan caused by earthquake and tsunami have left us all shocked. At the same time they also have taught us many lessons. Probably many would have received a mail titled ‘‘Ten things to learn from Japan’’. Those who haven’t received it can find it below.

(Ten things to learn from Japan

1. THE CALM

Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief. Sorrow itself has been elevated.

2. THE DIGNITY

Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude gesture.

 3. THE ABILITY

The incredible architects, for instance. Buildings swayed but didn’t fall.

4. THE GRACE

People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get something.

 5. THE ORDER

No looting in shops. No honking and no overtaking on the roads. Just understanding.

 6. THE SACRIFICE

Fifty workers stayed back to pump sea water in the N-reactors. How will they ever be repaid?

7. THE TENDERNESS

Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The strong cared for the weak.

8. THE TRAINING

The old and the children, everyone knew exactly what to do. And they did just that.

 9. THE MEDIA

They showed magnificent restraint in the bulletins. No silly reporters. Only calm reportage.

10. THE CONSCIENCE

When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves and left quietly)

No doubt, these are sublime lessons for our times. But let’s also not forget to learn some lessons from the nuclear disaster. Already it has led to a general dislike towards nuclear power despite the fact that many of the European countries meet over 50% of their electricity requirements through nuclear energy. Even former President Abdul Kalam has called for a safety review at all nuclear plants.

The nuclear disaster in Japan ought to compel us to revisit our nuclear power policy. More importantly, given the adverse cost-benefit ratio and the adverse risk-benefit ratio involved in nuclear power it is indeed time to switch off nuclear power permanently and pursue alternative sources of power.

Are we ready to learn from Japan?