Thursday, May 24, 2012

Time for Introspection




While growing up, I used to read in the newspapers about the extremist / terrorist activities in Punjab that left many people dead on a daily basis. As a child, I was relieved that nothing of that sort has happened in my state. I held the firm belief that the people of my state were far more educated and tolerant with each other. Now, as I look back, I understand how naive I was. Further more, I am saddened that my children will never feel even that (false) security...

For a state that boasts of high literacy and full of sensible, knowledgeable people, the incidents of the past few years, especially in the political arena, should put us all to shame, to say the least. Years ago, Swami Vivekananda is said to have called Kerala a 'lunatic asylum'. I wonder what he would have called the state now. From a state that believed in brotherhood and freedom of speech, we have turned into lunatics who are ready to kill each other mercilessly for nothing and everything. 

It is often said that the people of Kerala are politically more aware and educated. But, if the past incidents are any indication, it shows that we lack a lot, when it comes to politics. The need for power and control has so blinded us that we go to any extent to eliminate anyone who stands in our way. 

Who is to blame? Our politicians, who are no longer interested in the welfare of the society, but their own personal agendas? Our judicial system, which offers enough loop holes that even the repeated offenders are let free? Or the media, who is the rat race of TRPs resort to sensationalism and blow everything out of proportion? Or ourselves, who, in a mad rush to attain everything in life forgot to keep up the simple values that matter much in life??? 

Perhaps it is my upbringing, but I have never understood why would anyone want to harm another person in any manner??? Having imbibed the spirit of 'Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu' (may the whole world live in peace), I am at loss as to why people are being so cruel to each other...

I feel that we are growing more and more intolerant towards each others feelings and views. If someone differs with us, he/she should be our enemy. That is a highly terrifying thought... Equally terrifying is the silence from people who matters - the think tanks and other iconic figures. It shows that we are growing indifferent and insensitive to each others feelings. 

As a lay man, I feel that it is mainly lack of will from the part of the administrators and law enforcers that has resulted in such atrocities being repeated. If exemplary actions are taken against offenders, at least a few of the potential offenders would be discouraged from following the path of violence. In the mean time, as responsible citizen, we should all introspect and do our bit to ensure that at least the future generation are shown the right path. For that, may be it is a good idea to turn back to our values, principles and ethics. And the best way to teach the children is by example. 

My heart goes out to all the families who have been devastated by these violent activities undertaken in the name of politics or ideological differences. All I hope is that from the bitter experiences that they had to undergo, we would learn our lessons and would deter from resorting to violence as a solution for everything. 

PS: Normally, I don't speak or write about politics (for  obvious reasons), even though I have a political view of my own . But the incidents that shook the soul of Kerala over the past few weeks (if not years) involving the murder of a political leader have forced me to write this.
PPS: Image Courtesy- Google Images

10 comments:

ajith said...

Our generation born and brought up in a moderately secure Kerala. But not any more. Our children will see more violence, more cruelty and more blood. As if some demonic spirit has invaded us. Who will bring a radical and positive change? Or is there no hope left?

Nisha said...

Thank You Ajith for your opinion! Though it is a rather delicate situation, I think we should not be disheartened and lose all hope. Sometimes, a small step in the right direction is all that is necessary for initiating a positive step.

If we all decide not to be drawn into the web of violence and cruelty, a lot can be achieved. And more importantly, we need to impart values and ethics in our children and give them courage to go on the right path, even if it not always easy.

Let us hope that a better future is in store and work towards it!

Regds,
Nisha

Malini Rajesh said...

Disturbing facts. Quotation gangs and politicians, hand in hand?? The government being warned about the consequences of arresting the culprits. Even if arrested, the government-police coalition freeing the accused. People are living with fear and not ready to walk on the streets even in day light. And even if we dismiss the government who is inactive and supporting riots and injustice, who will come in their place?? Someone worse...

Nisha said...

@ Malini Rajesh, Thank you for your comments!
Yes, each day we encounter more disturbing facts... It seems more and more skeletons are tumbling out everyday... All I hope is that we ourselves would realize the futility of all these violent methods and discard them.
I hope that such a day will dawn!!!
Regards,
Nisha

RAGHU MENON said...

‘Relative comparison’ is the justification, or defense approach of the time.
If a robber is caught, his excuse is that I have robbed only a purse not a bank,
How many big fishes are left free, after various marathon sessions of farcical commission Sittings chaired by sitting / serving / standing judges!!. Commission reports and findings are stakes made for freezing the further proceedings by
Both the ruling and oppositions repeatedly. If you drop these two cases, we shall drop the other two allegations against you, type of arrangement. Some sort of barter system. Ultimately people forget the allegation or crime and gradually the news goes to the inner pages and vanishes in thin air.
The funny thing is that these commission of enquiries constituted do not have the authority or mandate to initiate any penal measures. They submit their report And recommendations to the government. When the accused group comes to power before or after the final report, they declare another enquiry for the same, Quoting some technical errata, changing the members and terms of reference of the issue.
Gospel of the American democracy is ‘the guilty is to be punished’

Gospel of the Indian democracy is ‘the innocent should never be punished’
Even the guilty escapes through the provisions of ‘benefit of doubt’

‘ Eeswaro rakshathu’

Nisha said...

Dear Mr.Raghu Menon, First of all, Hearty Welcome to Random Thoughts. It is good to have you here.

What you wrote is the unfortunate reality of things. Many a times, we have seen cases wherein the culprits have made use of the loopholes in the system to go scot-free...That is why we are seeing people charged with more than two dozen cases (including serious crimes like murder) are roaming free, creating terror for the society. May be it is a good idea to bring back the old idea of sending such people on exile to some secluded location, so that at least they cannot sow fear among ordinary citizens...

ജോയ്‌ പാലക്കല്‍ - Joy Palakkal said...

Yes..Stop The Violence!!!!!
Wishing You Al The Best!!!

Nisha said...

Thank You Joy Palakkal!!! Good to have you here.
Regds,
Nisha

Rahul Bhatia said...

Senseless violence should be shunned!

Nisha said...

Well Said Rahul!

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