Musings: Looking Out for Solutions & Within
The game of Politics is always muddy. A few people represent a vast majority, draw lines, cause riots, create countries, support terrorism, subjugate other nations, cause wars – and the majority of us toe the line, with a few options open to us.
The vast spectrum of activities mentioned above belongs to Larger Issues. For a Common Man it is the price of wheat and dal that is a priority: the price of diesel, petrol and gas, the capitation fees, the safety of female relatives in the after dusk hours!
“Popular rule is not democracy…. It gives the people what they want, not what they need.” (Padme- Star Wars)
By February, we would not be discussing international affairs or politics here. We will be discussing the issue of Scarcity of Water. There has not been enough rains!
We all agree that the big issues like Territorial integrity and Defense are essential, so even as Politicians go about their usual chores of voicing opinions and resigning, getting expelled from the party, we mind our own little businesses and feel proud that we live in a vibrant democracy! (No pun intended)
Yes, we do take out small marches to the local Corporator when we want our small demands to be met! We read Newspapers; watch Television News in our precious leisure hours, and believe we can change the nation by the dark blot on our finger once every 5 years (the ballot)!
Yet when it comes to bearing the pain of a Partition, losing relatives in riots, losing a son in terrorist attacks or at the border, it is the Common Man who suffers!
We work like tiny gears in a big Machine! We have our own party afflictions. We call ourselves Communists, Liberals, Jehadis, Patriots!
And the Big Machine keeps moving. Our fears and insecurities, our likes and prejudices, colour the views of a significant group. Our voice is echoed in the Parliament. A bill is passed! And lines are drawn, nukes are deployed, wars are proclaimed, suicide bombers cross borders!
“So this is how liberty dies…with thunderous applause.” (Padmé- Star Wars)
We are the fuel of the great wheel of the Big Machinery!
And what is this Machinery? But a Grind in which we are the ones who are pounded!
Isn’t that Machinery called Samsara in Hindu Philosophy? The world full of miseries and little joys, in which we take birth and die millions of lives!
There are many people who seek to change things out there! Yet too few who have the courage or conviction, or the Light to peep within.
Whoever said the Golden words: Charity begins at Home!
