The Violently Volatile Atmosphere of India
We challenge the culture of violence when we ourselves act in the certainty that violence is no longer acceptable, that it's tired and outdated no matter how many cling to it in the stubborn belief that it still works and that it's still valid. ~ Gerard Vanderhaar
We challenge the culture of violence when we ourselves act in the certainty that violence is no longer acceptable, that it's tired and outdated no matter how many cling to it in the stubborn belief that it still works and that it's still valid. ~ Gerard Vanderhaar
Over the last few days, news about India is pretty well dominated by acts of violence - be it Hyderabad, Punjab or Singur - whatever be the cause, whoever may be responsible, this blog does not deal with that...
What this blog deals with is the fact that we are becoming an increasingly violent society... We literally give call to arms at the smallest provocation... sometimes before the cause is established or who initiated or why the triggering incident occurred, suddenly large mobs gather & go around shouting, beating up innocents or scapegoats, killing, maiming, pillaging, burning, looting, sacking & generally making everyone miserable in their misguided quest for justice.
Even in cases like Hyderabad, where the initial blasts were the handiwork of the enemies of the state, why did we loose our control & start mob rioting instead of keeping calm & showing some solidarity & help? Why did we have to play right into the hands of the secessionist elements who triggered off the blasts to divide India & destroy its harmony, by further setting off chain reactions of violence? Why does the media have to report potshots taken by our so-called leaders as to who is responsible, before investigations have properly started, & why does it not act responsible & spread messages to calm the society & help us project a message that we, the people of the Sovereign Democratic Republic of India, will not let the secessionists' designs affect us?
In Punjab & cases earlier, we are seeing increasing cases of religious intolerance. Religion, which is supposed to be a private issue, is becoming increasingly a hair-raising trigger for violence - a small whisper, a small deviation, a small expression of artistic freedom - becomes a matter of ego & pride, & we just attack. We do not even realize the fact that the more we indulge in violence, the farther we go away from God..
Have we finally lost our senses - our sense of calmness, courage under fire, rational thinking, tolerance? Are we seceding from the civilized world? Will the resurgent Indian story be again mired in darkness & chaos?
Where are the voices & forces of Peace?
These are questions that need to be answered if each Individual Indian is to enjoy his/her right to Life, Peace & Prosperity.
What this blog deals with is the fact that we are becoming an increasingly violent society... We literally give call to arms at the smallest provocation... sometimes before the cause is established or who initiated or why the triggering incident occurred, suddenly large mobs gather & go around shouting, beating up innocents or scapegoats, killing, maiming, pillaging, burning, looting, sacking & generally making everyone miserable in their misguided quest for justice.
Even in cases like Hyderabad, where the initial blasts were the handiwork of the enemies of the state, why did we loose our control & start mob rioting instead of keeping calm & showing some solidarity & help? Why did we have to play right into the hands of the secessionist elements who triggered off the blasts to divide India & destroy its harmony, by further setting off chain reactions of violence? Why does the media have to report potshots taken by our so-called leaders as to who is responsible, before investigations have properly started, & why does it not act responsible & spread messages to calm the society & help us project a message that we, the people of the Sovereign Democratic Republic of India, will not let the secessionists' designs affect us?
In Punjab & cases earlier, we are seeing increasing cases of religious intolerance. Religion, which is supposed to be a private issue, is becoming increasingly a hair-raising trigger for violence - a small whisper, a small deviation, a small expression of artistic freedom - becomes a matter of ego & pride, & we just attack. We do not even realize the fact that the more we indulge in violence, the farther we go away from God..
Have we finally lost our senses - our sense of calmness, courage under fire, rational thinking, tolerance? Are we seceding from the civilized world? Will the resurgent Indian story be again mired in darkness & chaos?
Where are the voices & forces of Peace?
These are questions that need to be answered if each Individual Indian is to enjoy his/her right to Life, Peace & Prosperity.
