Indianness

I generally stay away from politics, as I find the topic too complex and protagonists very biased and intolerant. Therefore, I have avoided writing on the recent unfortunate incidents of violence in parts of the country; unfortunate, because I always thought that in India of today, only growth and development and nothing else mattered. However, I feel constrained to refer back to something we have all grown up hearing:

ॐ  सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः
सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः ।
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु
मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत् ।
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

1: Om, May All be Happy,
2: May All be Free from Illness.
3: May All See what is Auspicious,
4: May no one Suffer.
5: Om Peace, Peace, Peace.

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is a Sanskrit phrase found in Hindu texts such as the Maha Upanishad, which means “The World Is One Family”. Vedic tradition mentions “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” meaning all living beings on the earth are a family.

The above two are a shloka and a phrase that in nutshell embody our ethos. We wish for health, happiness, prosperity and peace for everyone and the word everyone is without any discrimination as highlighted in the phrase Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which asserts that all living beings on earth are one family. 

If the above are the guiding principles for us than how come we are seeing ever increasing discrimination, division and intolerance based on gender,  caste, religion, region, ethnicity, especially of late in this country. If the entire world family, then to begin with, let’s embrace all our country folks as one family, before even thinking of embracing the entire world or worldly creatures! 

India is making unparalleled progress in the fields of science, technology, space, infrastructure, medicine, defence and is already the fifth largest economy. But this growth has to be inclusive and should not be hampered by communal, ethnic or regional discords and atrocities on weaker sections of societies, including women. Our scriptures, religion, ethos- whatever you may call it, preaches and advocates peace, inclusivity, tolerance and above all compassion. That’s Indianness is all about – I would not use Hinduism because all other religions also advocate the same principles and inclusivity can only happen if everyone is willing to be included! 

This country is for all Indians. Our constitution provides equal opportunities to each one. It’s high time we get over the aforementioned narrow considerations and imbibe Indianness – an all encompassing spirit. Let peace prevail everywhere from Manipur to Haryana to West Bengal to Rajasthan. Violence under no pretext can be justified!

Violence is retrograde

It has no place in civil society;

The end result is devastating

Only poor and downtrodden suffer the atrocity.

Irrespective of place where it happens

Or the actors involved in its execution;

Ultimately it jams the wheels of progress

And pulls back a marching nation.

We can all coexist

In the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

And there shall be peace everywhere

Removing from our midsts all the bunkum!