Communal politics has been present in the country in some form or the other. But, today it presents a far more dangerous picture than it had been earlier.
More than half a century ago India was in deplorable turmoil. Bad effects of Partition were evident and clearly visible when we looked at the poverty-stricken and hungry faces of millions of people of the country. The pathetic consequences of Indo-Pak wars, riots and shortages of food were the issues that demanded solution with resolute determination and compassionate care. That was the time when political as well as apolitical leaders were above prejudice and selfishness. Whatever they did, they did it with the purity of heart, projecting ethics and enlivened conscience.
It is also that more than half a century ago technological backwardness and political upheavals were some of the burning issues that needed to be addressed soon, because without technological advancement and stability in the government no economic development could be possible.
However, we have now achieved commendable progress in technology. What we lack in is honesty and purity of spirit which do not appear to have even touched most of our political leaders. Our leaders both political as well as apolitical need to be judicious, neutral and selfless, possessing spirit of commitment and dedication to serve the country. Undoubtedly, a majority of our present politicians need to follow values and ethics, portraying a mindset that is illuminated with philosophical ideas necessary for making the country strong and healthy.
The pages of ancient world history still embellish with the ideals of the Greek philosopher, Plato. Not long after Plato wrote about the ideals of the Philosopher-king, his thesis was put to the test amid the chaos of the Hellenistic world. How are good rulers made? The question is as old as civilization. This simple question can be comprehended only by one who follows the principles of ethics and morality, by one who possesses a heart which throbs with the fire of truthfulness and lofty ideals that reflect the necessary ingredients that go together to make a man ‘man’ in the real sense.
In the 4th century B.C. Plato attempted an answer. “Unless philosophers bearing kingly rule or those who are now called kings and princes become genuine and adequate philosophers,” he wrote in The Republic, “there will be no respite from evil.” How true and perfect is the answer! It is a historically proven fact that since the time Plato gave such an answer several men and women have sought to assume the mantle of philosopher-king and queen. History abounds with such personalities.
At the present time most of the political leaders and people’s representatives would appear to be quite ignorant of the principles of ethics and of moral values. They give least regard to these things which, in fact, play a far more important role than anything else in the establishment of a society where people, irrespective of caste, creed and religion, can live together peacefully with the spirit of fraternity.
It saddens one’s heart when one casts, even cursorily, a glance upon the inhuman activities being undertaken by some politicians in the country. Communal harmony and peaceful co-existence is gradually becoming a thing of the past. It is because of the totally changed mindset of the majority of our political netas as well as some members belonging to certain apolitical organisations. These leaders, political as well as religious, give uppermost importance to their self-centred interests.
We have to change the mindset of the people. In order to making our society strong and sound, we need a strong law to curb the activities that prove to be detrimental to social peace which is a must for the country’s development. Besides, the government must spell out appropriate punishment to those who use and pass on derogatory remarks against any community members on the ground of religion, culture and customs. The perpetrators must be dealt with strictly even though the culprits may be a leader of high status.
It would not be irrelevant to mention a march organised by some intellectuals owing allegiance to the Bengal Committee of “The Forum for Democracy and Communal Amity”. Some notable and eminent personalities are associated with the Committee. Mention may be made of Justice Ashok Ganguly, former Justice of Supreme Court (President of the Committee), Maulana Nemat Hussain Habibi and Nemai Ghosh (Vice-Presidents), Samudra Gupta and Maulana Qari Fazlur Rahman (Secretaries) and Nasir Ahmad (Treasurer).
The referred to march began at 2:30 p.m. on 23 January, 2015 from the Gandhiji’s statue at Mayo Road and reached the Netaji’s statue near Governor’s House, Kolkata. After paying floral tribute to Netaji, the procession reached the Metro Channel spot where a meeting was held. Several delegates from different blocks also participated in this march and attended the meeting.
Some members delivered speeches focusing upon the need of communal amity which is being defaced and shattered by certain rogue elements in the name of religion. They all spoke with one voice that the message of ‘communal amity’ needs to be taken to every house in the country and that block-level committees are needed to be set up in every district. In fact, such block-level committees are required to be set up throughout India, so that the message of the Forum reaches everyone, especially those living in rural areas.
However, let us come to the point. It goes without saying that for creating an atmosphere of communal amity what the US President Barack Obama said on the eve of his departure from India very recently, holds the truth. He is reported to have said, “India will survive as long as it is not divided along religious lines. And it’s when all Indians, whatever your faith… celebrate athletes like Milkha Singh or Mary Kom.”
It is time that we all pledge to free our minds from the confines of religion, caste, section and class. We must take the pledge that, in all our actions, reactions, planning, conclusions; in all sense of duty and performances – whether consciously or unconsciously – we shall ethically always believe and hold the view that rights are only given for performing duties, and not for fulfilling Whims, Fancies, False Egos and Greed, for these lead us to the path of evil-doing. We must also take the pledge to discard our negative mindset which rejoices in criticising others needlessly for sadistic pleasure. On the contrary, we must always strive for introspection and realisation of our faults, to enable us in maintaining positive mindset, and with this mindset we must pledge to learn, appreciate and respect everybody to build a strong emotional bond with each other in the country for cordial, harmonious, progressive, peaceful and happy co-existence.
Thus, it becomes quite clear that for making life worth living, for the transformation of the society, for making our country strong, developed and prosperous and above all, for providing all with means to live a dignified life, a pleasing atmosphere needs to be created. And, for the accomplishment of this cherished end, we all Indians must strive hard together, freeing ourselves from the shackles of prejudice, narrow-mindedness and greed for power and wealth.