I have always wondered why individuals and organisations show an apathetic attitude. According to Oxford dictionary, “Apathy” is a noun meaning – “ an absence of emotion, interest or enthusiasm ,about things in general or a specific subject”.

I was recently having a chat, with one of the best young talents, I have worked with ,in my life. She works in a reputed organisation, I once worked in. I always had this habit of calling some of the young talents and have some rich conversations with them. This kept me updated of how things are going in the organisation and also helped me understand their expectations from the organisation ,for their own personal growth and development.

But, this time ,I was shocked ,to say the least. This young talent, who was on personal leave ,shocked me by her statements. She said, if you have the interest to talk to me, why do people within the organisation including my managers and senior managers, do not do the same. She was on a vacation when I called and told me, she was contemplating to leave the organisation ,after she returned.

I tried my best to persuade her ,to reconsider her view and consider looking at so many opportunities within the organisation ,if she wanted a change of role. She replied that she was aware ,that the organisation had multiple opportunities and if she requested she could get any of them. But, her decision ,was based on a much deeper hurt. She said, today – “nobody cares” and there is an apathetic attitude ,towards employees in the organisation.

I would give my right hand ,to retain such an invaluable talent. But what she said, made me reflect. Is this attitude not only restricted to organisations but all pervasive in the society today. We are not aware ,if someone in our neighbourhood ,has died. We drive past a tragic road accident ,when we could have stopped and saved a life, by shifting the injured to a nearby hospital.

I do agree that life has become hectic and we do not have time to breathe ,in a very competitive world around us. But, does this mean, that we lose our basic human values. I recently heard of someone, not being aware of a neighbour’s death, who worked with him and lived in the same street, a few houses away.

I have heard of families where the mother or father ,is suffering from cancer and is hospitalised and the well to do children, do not have the time to visit them since they are busy with their careers in India or abroad. They send money and do video calls ,to take care of their ailing parents, when the least they could do is to be with them ,during their hour of crisis.

I feel this apathetic attitude towards others ,will make us an animalistic society. The only difference between humans and other living being, is that ,we have emotions and can express them . If we fail to do this basic human act, can we call ourselves humans. We need to be around, listen to people and express our emotions in words and deeds.

Let us resolve to eliminate apathy ,from the places we can influence, from today.

S Ramesh Shankar

11th Aug 2025