Where is the Gandhi of Gujarat? From the same state of Gujarat that brought forth people like (Mohandas Karamchand) Gandhi who promoted peace, freedom and secularism are now rising people who claim they can save the people of India from price-rise and corruption. But what are means they would use to implement (the so-called) development schemes? And, who will be the beneficiaries? One should consider these factors before voting them to power just because (we think) we need a change. Remember, its not as simple as replacing a breakfast of poori-bhajji with idli-dosai. Bringing such people whose very intent is violence and promoting communal disharmony (which is very evident from the hate speeches they make) can have serious negative impacts on the Indian society. We say that Hindus in Pakistan are mistreated (which maybe true to some extent). But we should not overlook the fact that there is no real peace or harmony within Pakistan and it is still paying the price for all the inter-community fights, quarrels and disharmony. Do we want to become like that country? Do we want communal disharmony, riots and terrorist activities to take a firm root on Indian soil? Can we tolerate attacks on our innocent neighbours (irrespective of their communities or religious beliefs)? In the present scenario one is forced to think, perhaps, another (Mahatma) Gandhi would rise up from somewhere to unite, comfort and lead the people of India out of this phase of chaos, confusion and communal disharmony. Though I do not agree with many of his thoughts. I do acknowledge that Gandhi built his philosophy to some extent on Christs words: You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. -Matthew 5: 38-48 Gandhis words on Christ (on His exemplary life and word): For, he was certainly the highest example of one who wished to give everything, asking nothing in return, and not caring what creed might happen to be professed by the recipient. I am sure that if he were living here now among men, he would bless the lives of many who perhaps have never even heard his name, if only their lives embodied the virtues of which he was a living example on earth; the virtues of loving one’s neighbour as oneself and of doing good and charitable works among one’s fellow-men. What, then, does Jesus mean to me? To me, he was one of the greatest teachers humanity has ever had. To his believers, he was God’s only begotten Son.* Could the fact that I do or do not accept this belief make Jesus have any more or less influence in my life? Is all the grandeur of his teaching and of his doctrine to be forbidden to me? I cannot believe so. To me, it implies a spiritual birth. My interpretation, in other words, is that in Jesus’ own life is the key of his nearness to God; that he expressed, as no other could, the spirit and will of God. It is in this sense that I see him and recognize him as the Son of God. The bottom-line is, no matter who is in power, only Gods true word can touch the conscience, transform the hearts and promote love, peace and harmony. Lets pray for God to bring the right people in power. His will be done!
Posted on: Sat, 03 May 2014 01:43:43 +0000
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