Why aren't we contributing enough?

This is my first ever Linkedin article, and possibly one that I could read a few days/months from now and fail to comprehend. A few years back, I thought to myself that I needed to write something relevant to my profession - just so that I'd stay employable. But then, bouts of laziness and a fear of being judged too harshly held me back.

Now, a few years into what looks like a decently promising corporate life, there are many nights of deep contemplation that now forces a (semi-coherent) record. A few questions keep popping into the head almost on a daily basis...

1) Isn't it selfish to use all those years of education only on myself and those close to me?

2) What am I doing for the disenfranchised?

3) Why is my 8-hour workday worth more than that of other professionals like farmers, masons, and doctors (A thought hammered into many of us by Prof. Mathew)

It's not very difficult to find reassuring answers around me. Some people tell me that I am gradually working towards "employment creation" while working for a startup. Others tell me that there is no such thing as a disenfranchised citizen in India and that only lazy people fail. The most common answer to the third question is that my education and (supposed) intellect is worth the money I'm getting paid. That I "deserve it".

But as each day passes by, I cannot but help feel guilty. Guilty for not doing enough for those in need. Guilty for spending INR 850 on a fancy drink, celebrating another Friday/Saturday night. And for not batting an eyelid when I pay a hefty service charge, but haggle with the autorickshaw driver. Guilty for those trips to exotic locations to feel less "stressed". Guilty for not being able to make the tough choice of letting go, and trying to bring more dignity to less dignified lives.

As I introspect and try to answer the original question, here are a few possible answers that I could come up with. I am not contributing enough because of

• Wanting to improve my perceived importance at the workplace and the mad rush to earn more and have a "stable life".
• Pursuing the story of growth and achievement that can only be furthered by systematically climbing the rungs of the proverbial corporate ladder.
• Emulating other MBA professionals, and internalizing the constant reminders that success is a direct function of money, connections, and power.
• Being selfish and not giving a damn, even while I allow myself to be victim to concocted stress.

I now firmly believe that I haven't been contributing enough. But thankfully, I'm in touch with at least two inspiring individuals who are putting in a mighty effort to make a difference.

Anand Sankar - My namesake, and the founder of the Kalap Trust. Kalap is a non-profit organization working with disadvantaged communities in the remote region of the upper Tons Valley in Mori Tehsil, Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand, India. You can contribute to his efforts here - https://www.kalaptrust.org/school

Sundara Velavan - A dear friend who currently runs Qrius (www.qrius.in), a wonderful organization that is changing the way languages and math are taught in schools in the small towns of Tamil Nadu.

Here's to the great escape! It really is more difficult that I could ever imagine...