Friday, 14th July 2023, would be a memorable day in Indian history, when Chandrayaan-3 was lifted with an orbiter, lander and rover: our third attempt to walk on surface of the moon. In Sha Allah, we hope and pray that we taste success this time. This mission is an acknowledgement of our scientific knowledge and capability of our scientists. It will cost us `615 crore, only a fraction of what highly advanced countries spend on such a mission. If we succeed this time, our country will become a member of the Elite Club of countries which have successfully completed such missions. This also adds to our reputation that we have become a credible nation which has set a record of sending in space 104 satellites from a single rocket. Congratulations and sincere tributes to our scientists. In Sha Allah we will grow from strength to strength and become pioneers in science and technology and use this capability for the welfare of India and the whole world.
When we turn our attention to the position of our inter-human relations and record of human rights, we cut a sorry figure and feel extremely worried. A great part of this state of affairs is due to our irresponsible political creatures. This is happening in spite of the high decibel slogans of Sab ka Saath, Sab ka Vikas.Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assertion during his recent US visit of no discrimination against anybody in India drew only negative comments and derision. Day in and day out we come across negative and shameful statements from ruling party leaders.
The recent contributor to such farce is the statement of Chief Minister of Assam HimantaBiswa Sarma, who blamed that Miya (Muslims) are responsible for inflated prices of vegetables in Assam. He told it to some TV channels. He added that he will see that the Miyas are prevented from doing this and in their place Assamese people would be facilitated to do this business. He said that Assamese traders would never have charged exorbitantly from their “own” people. Mr. Sarma advised the indigenous people to “push the Miya traders out of vegetables, fish and other edibles by giving them stiff competition.” Mr. Sarma said that Miyas would not be allowed to sell vegetables, etc. in Guwahati.
Mr. Sarma holds a constitutional position and shamelessly speaks such poisonous things which amount to “divide and rule” politics. Is it not in contravention of constitutional principles, democracy and equality?Two weeks ago he said that there are many Barak Hussain Obamas in India. He said that first Indian Obamas would be dealt with and then US Obama’s case would be considered. This statement resulted in negative repercussion from all over the world.
Prejudice and narrow thinking is causing shame for our country in the whole world. Negative and parochial approach should be discouraged and condemned with full force. We may walk with pride on the moon surface but walking with humility and humanity is more important. Allama Iqbal says that it is unfortunate that man has been proudly tracing the orbits of stars but he has miserably failed to walk on the path of his thoughts on earth. Conquest of moon is less important than conquering our haughtiness and pride. Loving fellow humans is a greater achievement than colonising the moon.