Even though no other community has received such varied benefits as housing, health care, education, old age homes, places of worship and even for performance of death ceremonies, we are still constantly bickering with and abusing each other.
Until the ghost of orthodoxy haunting the community came to the fore, there was peace and unity amongst its numbers. Earlier, there had been no atrocities on people regarding the method of disposal of the dead or any denial of prayers. Our small community has lived like a family, the affluent rising from their comfort zone, sharing and caring for their less fortunate brothers.
Though unity is the need of the hour, this does not mean that we give up our convictions and speak in one voice. Differences of opinion are healthy and a sign of democracy. We should not only love and respect one another, but should understand the facts that cause hostility and learn to establish peace.
The current conflicts and controversies are actually a form of awakening. As more and more people become enlightened, they refuse to believe in irrational dogmas. We are witnessing competition between the traditionalists and the reformists, one using force and raw power, the other demanding freedom and democracy.
Whether orthodoxy makes us more religious, or the reformists lead us to peace and prosperity are not the issues. Let us all be united to bring peace and harmony by seven simple steps: Be the change you want to see in others. Seek power to love, not to control others. Do not use power to impose your will on others; be tolerant. Live and let others live their way. Do not make your decision in haste; take time to think. Seek forgiveness, not revenge. Forgiveness is the highest and the most beautiful form of love. In return, you will get untold peace and happiness. Use your heart to heal, brain to convince and hands to help; and remain open-minded, and be ready to review.
Our minds hunger for power, not only to bring fame, comfort and wealth, but to control others. Our souls are thirsting for liberty to sustain our deeper nature of creativity both as individuals and as a society. Mother Teresa ruled over the hearts of people with the power she earned from selfless service faithfully rendered with love and dedication. Power imposed through threatening behavior and punishment to control others always ends in hostility. All conflicts will end and peace be established if we accept the democratic right to individual freedom.
As a community we have offered a lot of goodwill and earned respect from other communities. During the last decade things have somehow gone wrong and minor differences have escalated into big and unnecessary controversies. A private, dignified community has experienced bankruptcy of leadership. In the name of orthodoxy and protection of religion crores of our trust monies have been drained away on baseless litigation depriving the community of their urgent needs. Is it not a heavy price to pay by creating conflicts and hatred, shame and atrocities and above all tarnishing the image of the community?
Let us not start another blame game. If we learn from our mistakes it will be an invaluable lesson. PIROJA HOMI JOKHI
piroja.jokhi@yahoo.com