The Act of Unkindness.

 

When you google the word the terrorism you come across something which says, “The unofficial or unauthorized use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political arms.”

It does not mention anything regarding the socio economic status of a country.

Nor does it mention  how it makes an impact on the young mind.

We don’t realize this, that poverty, injustice, non-violence, illiteracy and terrorism are all inter-related. The impact that terrorism has made in today’s world surely makes a mother think twice before letting her kids out of her sights. Why cannot we live on a planet peacefully, without any desires, without any political agendas, without a part of you which doesn’t only think about you but about the other living beings inhabited around you as well. A place where one could practice any religion, wear whatever she feels like, speak about  anything without fearing criticism or being disillusioned  by what others might think. A place where one can assert his own individuality and morally learn about life and nature, coexisting peacefully.

One thing that we have misunderstood  is that, that terrorism has a religion.

Ladies and gentlemen, it may sound very disappointing to a few of you but it is not true.

I took the liberty of asking an Indian Army officer, who was himself indulged in many Counter Insurgency Operations and a gallantry award winner as well. I asked him what was his opinion regarding them. He said, “By the words terrorists, I understand that they are illiterates, socially backward cowards, who are unintelligent fundamentalists having no faith or respect for human life. They have no religion, but majority of them turn out to be from an Islamic State. Different countries have different definitions of terrorism, suiting their geographical, economic and political agenda. It’s a tool used by powerful states to use it to change regimes for their own interest. A method to create unrest in a country or a region to sell weapons and earn revenue. Once created such groups remain loyal for sometime as they look forward to grab power which finally goes out of control and ends up causing damage to humanity of any inclination, religion or race.”

Basically, he doesn’t like them.  If you pay attention to the Officer’s opinion you may find a bit of things common between what he had to say and the former part of my article.

Poverty, illiteracy will make you do things. Killing others and trying to induce your ideology is and should not be one of them.

How to get rid of it?

This may sound very easy but in reality is very difficult to achieve. We need to renounce every trace of violence in our hearts and life. Adopt the wisdom and practice of active non- violence. Announce the vision of a non-violent world, a disarmed world, a world without war, poverty, injustice or nuclear weapons.

I myself feel rather guilty from putting across such ideas which sound so easy to do but difficult to practice.

I would like to end my article by quoting Parisian Antoine Leiris speech, a father and a husband who lost his wife in the recent Paris terror attacks.

“Lets not give them the gift of hating them, they have obviously sought it but responding to it with anger would be to give in to the same ignorance that has made them what they are. You want me to be afraid? To cast a mistrustful  eye on my fellow citizens? To sacrifice my freedom for security?

You lost.

Same player.

Same game.

Yes, we are devastated with grief. I will give you that tiny victory but this will be a short term grief. We are only two, my son and I, but we are powerful than all the worlds armies.

My son Melvin is just 17 months. He’ll wake up soon.

He’ll eat his snack like everyday.

And then we’re going to play like everyday.

And everyday of his life this little boy will insult with his happiness and freedom. Because you don’t have his hatred either. “

God bless Antoine. God bless Melvin. God bless humanity.

All the pictures are the hardwork of Dhruv Vishwasrao. Picture credits to him.