With all the noise about intolerance and
worry about polarization, I am reminded of the pledge we used to take in
school. In fact, if I remember correctly, it used to be carried in every single
text book, though I wonder if that still happens, given the general crudity,
insensitivity and intolerance we see all around us, even amongst the kids.
‘India is my country and all Indians
are my brothers and sisters. I love my country and I am proud of its rich and
varied heritage. I shall always strive to be worthy of it. I shall give respect
to my parents, teachers and elders and treat everyone with courtesy. To my
country and my people, I pledge my devotion. In their well being and prosperity
alone, lies my happiness.’
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to state
that these few lines embody the so-called spirit of India, the basis on which
this nation was born. Obviously no one took it seriously at school, and it was therefore
quickly forgotten as we grew up. I believe the most telling words are ‘I am
proud of its rich and varied heritage’. Right from childhood we were told to
respect and celebrate India’s diversity, but we have gone on to fight it, to
demolish it, to screw it.
The need of the hour is to ‘mainstream’
this pledge. It should be pasted on notice boards and websites of schools,
colleges and offices. Every single parliamentary session must begin with this
pledge, so should every cinema film. It should be played on television
periodically. AR Rahman should be commissioned to convert it into an anthem. Would
be a good start to stop the decay and rot that has set into India.
Thought for Diwali
As I write this, pre-Diwali crackers
have begun to go off. And this message pops up on WhatsApp. Good one. So much
better than blowing up money in smoke, so much better to bring a smile to someone
less privileged. And yes, do not ask for the person’s religion, cast, etc, just
handover the goodies. Happy Diwali!
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