Eddie Viegas
In the last few years we have seen a spate of events which smack of an uneducated, medieval and an India which appears to be marching backwards in time. From the time of Independence besides economic growth, India has made great strides with regard to untouchability, abolishing of Sati, uplift of the poor and downtrodden, animal sacrifices and may be even human sacrifices, etc. Of the 36 States & UT’s with the country’s literacy rates as per 2011 Census in states like Kerala at 94% (1/36) & Goa (5/36) at 87.4%, these states rank among the top five states in the country. Other states like Gujarat (18/36) at 79% Orissa (25/36) at 73.4% , MP (28/36) at 70.6% UP (29/36) at 69.7%, Andhra (32/36) at 67.4% Rajasthan (33/36) at 67.06% and Bihar 36/36 at 63.8% really are far behind the top five states in education and thus more prone to Moral policing and polarisation. Lack of Education appears to be directly proportional to gullibility in our country.
Recently in Goa besides some minor attacks on religious structures and symbols, we had the case of desecration of numerous graves in South Goa. The Christian community in Goa which is almost 100% literate took this matter in a very democratic and matured manner. Despite the inefficiency of the political and bureaucratic system, the Goans in general and the Christians in particular refused to be provoked or be politicised as a result of this incidence and hence the question of polarization was well averted – in all likely hood much to the chagrin of the perpetrators of this crime.
However we do not see the same type of reaction in the other states as we have seen in Goa. Damaging of religious structures/ symbols mainly belonging to the Minorities, Attacks on Dalits and OBC’s, the recent attack on a Christian Hospital in Ujjain and the destruction of statues in some states, eliminating of outspoken journalists and writers are clear examples of the strategy that seems to be the modus operandi of the fringe elements that have been let loose in the country. Vigilantism, moral policing, Ghar Wapsi rituals, Gau rakshaks, lynching of innocents on flimsy grounds such as storing meat in a refrigerator and idolisation of the criminals, are some of the happenings that must be dealt with a firm hand. If allowed to have a free run, this will someday boomerang and have the exactly equal and opposite effect which will be difficult and expensive to control – Just like the numerous terrorist groups in various countries which were encouraged by their governments but are now facing the same terrorists who are trying to control their governments. The world happiness report 2015-17 where Finland ranks 1st, India ranks 133 of 156 countries which puts us almost at the bottom of the list while countries like Pakistan rank 75/156. This should be an eye opener for us. It is time we look towards the happiness of the people rather than what religion they follow, what food they eat or how they dress.
We can take a lesson from some of the prosperous and happy countries in the world. For example in Singapore we have so many religions and ethnic groups who all live in peace and harmony. The government of Singapore has created an exemplary nation where a short while ago, the Government even paid money to its people out of the surplus that they had created in their economy. The solution lies in freedom of the spirit and the liberty to choose your Religion, your life-style etc. and not stepping on the others’ toes to have your way.
At this point of time, the words of our very own Nobel Laureate Ravindranath Tagore would be apt :
Where the mind is without fear- and the head is held high- Where knowledge is free, Where the world has not been broken up – Into fragments by narrow domestic walls, Where words come out from the depth of truth – Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection.
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way, Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit.
Where the mind is led forward by Thee into ever widening thought and action. Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, LET MY COUNTRY AWAKE.
