Ethics, the word seems to be very small and simple but performs a significant role to upkeep the fabric of life intact and beautiful. The dictionary meaning of the word suggests the moral principles governing one’s behavior and actions creating a sense of awareness of right and wrong in them. Ethics, if delved deep into, can be found as characterized with an intrinsic force to generate happiness.  

                Ethics; today’s fast world, it seems to be less acquainted with. It seems that the present generation has no sufficient time to ponder over the concept or talk about it. They seem to be either unconscious of its presence in the society or are not bothered to prod its presence in life.  Hence, a mist of unfamiliarity seems to be enveloping the concept of ethics gradually.  It is also seen that sometimes an elder’s blatant observance and eulogy of ethical principles often earn a response of ennui from the younger generation.  Under such circumstances, the question often arises whether the ethical principles have faced a death blow or no longer hold good in today’s society? A close scrutiny of the world all around but says that ethics have not been obliterated from the world totally but are still working there. It can be said that ethics are still working otherwise the world would come to standstill reaching the extreme point of devastation.

                 Dividing life into two spheres gives its two broad aspects, such as its domestic extent and the outside world.  When we cast our focus into the domestic aspect, it can be seen that the ethics there which are instrumental in holding all its members from the family owner to the domestic help together. Children’s awareness of what is right and what is wrong in addition to their love for parents works as a strong force to draw their allegiance towards the former. The ethics, which also strengthen the love between the couple and assist to keep them committed to each other for life long.  The righteous dealings of the house owner also become effective sometimes to bring the most obstinate maid to the trajectory of obedience.    

                 Though it is not overtly stamped but the progress of any work sector envisioned outside, is implied in its belief in ethical principles. The ethics can be perceived there as working well to draw people out of their shells of selfish ends and make them committed to the holistic benefit or profit. Commitment to the holistic benefit or profit tightens the members into a bond of amity and togetherness there. The amity and togetherness also become responsible for numerous team work in effective terms in addition to the individual efforts there. To engrave the team work in a sense of right and wrong or ethical principles is another way to bring out the best of the members in a working group and that not only witnesses the growth and development of the work sector but also that of the members, individually. The solidarity that grows over the structure of a sense of righteousness among the individuals with the objective to earn laurels and achievements for the institute or corporation is a firm one and is secured enough to last long exuding happiness for all.

                To cite out the instance of commercial field, where the buyers and sellers are concerned, the role of ethical principles cannot be minimized there. It is certainly correct to say that the ethical principles happen to be one of the great forces working there for prosperity.  In all sorts of business, even down to that of the tea seller by the road side, flouting of ethics means to see the end of business very shortly. Hence, the tea vendor, it can be said, takes it ethical to supply the customers with good tea in clean cups that in turn pleases the customers and fulfills the vendor’s aim for a long lasting business and of course for turnover. Hence, the righteous dealing is the solid base for an enduring business and also brings into existence the satisfaction and happiness both for the dealer and the customers.    

                Therefore, wherever things happen to be beautiful and are running in order with satisfaction and happiness for one and all, it can be said without any qualm that ethics are working there to form a solid groundwork.

                It is sure that being unethical, in simplest term meaning to disregard the value of being just in conducts and behavior, entails nameless miseries for people. It may not be wrong to write here that had we been righteous in our dealings with nature, we wouldn’t have faced the troubles that we are facing now. Driven by our selfish ends we devastated nature defying the norms for ecological balance. We took resort to unauthorized constructions, cutting down the trees and knocking down the hills and dales without having any concern for others and for nature just to serve our self interests. That unscrupulous act of us has turned the environment into an ailing one, very weak to support healthy lives and hence people are now on an almost extreme point of facing health hazards.                                             

                It can be said, as viewed earlier, that ethics have not witnessed a complete demise but have weakened to a considerable degree as supported by one of our reckless activities that is towards nature.  Hence, when there is such a feeling that ethics are sinking down, it is the crying need of the hour to raise them and make them robust.  Observation of ethics does not necessitate owning an ascetic life but it is simply to be aware of right and wrong in one’s doings. Being right or ethical is to be just to or have regards for others’ interests instead of being only ruled by self gain.  Therefore, we should not allow our ethics to deteriorate any more as they serve not only the self but the others as well as with the platters of happiness. Happiness for one and all only makes the world beautiful in true sense.

                Keeping in view the significance of ethics in its role to conserve the beauty of the world, it can be said that it is indispensable now to fan the embers of ethics into bright light if they have inclined to die in us. The fire of ethics should blaze in us to guide us through its light to live our lives in harmony with others seeing more growth, more progress and more happiness with equal shares of all in it.

………..Dr. Fathema Begum