Essay with 700+ words for students and readers
India is probably the only country in the world whose name originates from a sacred text. Several puranas state that the name Bharat originates from a character in the Mahabharata. Also, the name India is derived from the name of river Indus on whose banks, developed one of the oldest civilizations of the world. This shows us how much significance was given to culture and wisdom in India from ancient time. No wonder we have proudly referred to ourselves as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic in the preamble of our constitution.
But some of the recent happenings around us make us doubt the direction in which our society is moving. We must constantly ask ourselves what are we doing to our values, and prevent any kind of degradation in our ethics. We should strive to be citizens who are open to diverse beliefs and who respect the liberty of others instead of suppressing new ideas.
So far around 1.3 million species have been identified by scientists, but it is clear that the real numbers are far bigger. We humans are just one creature among the multitude of biodiversity. But with what we call our intellectual superiority, we have lifted ourselves up to a higher or a different level of living. But does that mean we are free to rule carelessly over others and dominate over other species with which share our earth? Absolutely no. Many a times, this consciousness of being different has gone so far that people end up in the fierce and false belief that his/her clan is supreme and that those who are different from them are inferior to them.
Geographical and political divisions can be helpful in the sense that they make governance easier. At least in this era of globalization, we should realize that such borders do not mean that we have to be rivals with the people of next state. Sadly this is not the only way in which this “sense of difference” has crept into human mindset. People tend to classify fellow humans on the basis of race, religion, caste, creed, nationality etc. The economic disparity in our society has also paved way for division on the basis of educational and financial status. This sense of difference can express itself in many ways from thoughtless jokes to discrimination in public places. But the worst forms could even be physical or mental abuse of the different.
Imagine we are attending a party and everyone is being served ice-creams. What if the person sitting next to you chooses butterscotch but your favorite flavor is strawberry. It would not even be the least of your worries. In my opinion, other differences like religion, food, dress etc are also just personal choices. Happiness and peace comes in letting others choose their ways as long as it does not hurt anyone. Actions speak louder than words. We should try to create an atmosphere where our younger generation could see and experience secularism by themselves, instead of sharing such values by mere words. And we all should ensure we are being ethical in all our daily interactions.
Most often troubles arise from ignorance. It depends on how we define religion or any other difference. Is it an institution or a set of rituals? Or is it a broader expression of universal ethical values? To someone who remembers the principle of karma when he hears the word Hinduism, who remembers universal brotherhood and peace with the word Islam, who remembers the message of kindness and compassion with the word Buddhism, who remembers love and tolerance with the word Christianity, to such a person any religion or even the absence of religion will cause good only. While to someone who defines religion by people’s dress, food, rituals etc, and who thinks it wrong to embrace any religion other than his own, nothing could possibly bring the light of the creator.
I would like to quotes Rabindranath Tagore’s words, who was one of the most inspiring visionary, artist, philosopher and more importantly a great humanitarian “I would never allow patriotism to triumph over humanity as long as I live.” Many enlightened souls have said that goodness in deeds is the important thing, not the tag of any particular religion. Let’s remember,
“Loka samastha sukhino bhavanthu.”,
"May all
being everywhere be happy and free and may the thoughts, words and actions of
my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for
all.”
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