04/12/2025
Dear people of Kala-Balge, ladies and gentlemen,
I chose to begin my remarks without observing any formal protocol for a reason that deeply affects the progress of the only local government we proudly call our own.
Sincerely speaking, we have become more focused on criticism than on acknowledgment. No matter the good a leader does, it is rare for us to appreciate him with one voice. But when it comes to criticism, we are always at the forefront. Why?
This reflection comes from my experience during the recently flagged-off irrigation farming project in Rann — a project with the potential to boost employment, reduce our dependence on imported food items, and bring significant economic benefits to both the government and our people. Yet, not a single one of our agriculture graduates took the time to educate the community about the value of this project or to express appreciation for the opportunity it brings, even though it came at no cost to us. Why?
Just as we criticize leaders when they make mistakes, we must also learn to acknowledge and appreciate their achievements when they initiate projects of such scale and importance. This is one of the major challenges facing us, the youth of Kala-Balge. If we can criticize a leader, why can’t we acknowledge his progress when it is for the good of our local government?
I am aware of several ongoing projects initiated by the present administration that never make it to the media. Not because they lack impact, but because our focus as a people is directed more toward weaknesses than progress. By doing so, we discourage our leaders instead of boosting their morale.
It is our collective responsibility to acknowledge their achievements the same way we point out their shortcomings. Until we set aside this negative attitude, we will never truly understand the efforts of leadership.
Our role as responsible citizens — especially the youth — should be to appreciate the Executive Chairman for his consistent efforts and to enlighten our people to embrace the irrigation project, whether or not we personally participate in it. Instead, many have not spoken a word of appreciation.
I remember how some individuals once raised unnecessary alarm that Rann General Hospital was without medicine, only for the information to turn out baseless. But today, when a real, life-changing project like this irrigation initiative is launched, the silence is loud.
Until we abandon this negative mindset and adopt a spirit of acknowledgment, Kala-Balge cannot move forward. Our progress is tied to the qualities we nurture as youths — and appreciation is one of them.
