FATHERING A NATION: OPTING NON-VIOLENT WAYS
FATHERING A
NATION: OPTING NON-VIOLENT WAYS
Introduction
We live in a
nation of seekers – seeking the divine, knowledge, philosophy, consciousness,
awakening. While nature is given the title of ‘motherhood’, politics seems to
hold its ‘fathers’ down the centuries. A patriarchal society like India has
accorded Mahatma Gandhi - the ‘Father of the Nation’ as he was the
was driving force behind the independence of India from foreign domination and the
establishment of India as a free nation. This is indeed a kind and
befitting gesture of gratitude shown to him. The whole world stands in awe to the
Gandhian principle of non-violence. He led us from fear of colonial regime to
think and reason for ourselves (freedom).
Founding fathers
of the Indian constitution
More
than seventy years ago, the founding fathers of the Indian republic - Mahatma
Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, B. R. Ambedkar, Subhas Chandra Bose and Vallabhbhai
Patel - steered the new nation in a route so that it wasn’t devastated by
sectarianism, casteism and authoritarianism (Rajmohan Gandhi, 2016). The secular
nation we inherited is their vision and sacrifice. Although there are forces
that detract from the vision of the founding fathers on secularism, the nucleus
of Indian democracy rests on its secular nature. This is one important forum
where voices are heard and hearts are united as one nation. The fight against
sectarianism, casteism and authoritarianism continues at various fronts. Till
we defeat these depravities, the vision of our founding fathers remains a
challenge.
Rise of local
politico-ethnic fathers
The
word ‘politics’ does not merely revolve around those who are elected as MLAs
and MPs; it embraces a wider range of subjects quintessential for human
survival and prosperity. Politics has to do with governance of areas, minds,
creation of future trajectories, building or destruction of a group of people
or a nation. Northeast India is Switzerland in its topographical aesthetic but
heavily armed with military forces due to its existing insurgent movements.
While many insurgent groups are in a cease-fire with the Government of India
(and some state Governments), the AFSPA - 1958 remains a draconian tool currently
employed to ‘maintain order’ in ‘disturbed areas’. The exponential ethnic
consciousness of various tribes in the Northeast strongly arose during the 1950s.
This phenomenon has also elevated some traditional human champions as local
politico-ethnic fathers in various states. One can take it as a consequence of
colonial rule – an observational learning process. One can also argue - if the
Queen was hailed during the colonial days, why not hail our local fathers as
leaders. Elevating a local leader as a politico-ethnic father could signify
unity for a cause; but elevating bloodstained men, systematic looters, schism
creators as ‘local politico-ethnic fathers’ is certainly not a good choice for
the days to come. Just as we talk about those leaders of the past, the next
generation will similarly deal with us – perhaps with a sharper lens. As far as
the various ethnic political scenarios are concerned, there are more politico-ethnic
fathers than mothers. Perchance, this is because of the patrilineal nature of
the area or just an evolutionary process of the bygone geopolitical trails.
Father of
violence
Violence
does not consist only in taking lives. While drawing out swords and pulling
triggers create fear, acts can be violent even without bloodshed or physical
brawls. The worse kind of violence is depriving people of ‘the capacity to
reason as a result of fear psychoses created in their minds. ‘Fear’ is the
father of violence. This is depriving the fundamental ‘Right to life’ that
entails the right to choose one’s life and the ability to live a dignified
life. But one cannot live a dignified life while living under constant fear of
losing job, livelihood, life. This is the form of violence existing in many
parts of Northeast India. It is but a sure slow killer inhibiting social
development and critical thinking. In the long run, this can create a ‘hero-worship
cult’, ‘blind obedience’, ‘action without reason’. All these can debilitate a
vibrant community.
Fathering through
non-violent ways
Political
talks, cease-fire agreements, face-to-face meetings are steps toward settling
disagreements. But the violence which is in the form of looting, taxing,
forcing, threatening, aggression, abduction, ransom money, killing, etc.,
create more widows, orphans, angry hearts and incurable memories. These vices
are not from nature but nurtured by human beings. They affect social psychology
and personality development. Human aggression largely involves the intention to
inflict harm on others (Archer & Coyne, 2005) now or in the future. No one
forgets the harm done to him or her or them. Fear, anger, hostility, revengeful
temper, etc., are bunches of energy that may disappear for a time, but the energy
never disappears in the cosmos. It will come back someday at an opportune time.
So, the best way is not to create those destructive energies. Perhaps, we need people
who emulate Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Aung Sang Suu Kyi to lead us as fathers
in a non-violent way. We need inclusive people, not exclusively inclusive politico-ethnic
agenda mongers.
Conclusion
Cultivation
of ‘freedom of expression’ and ‘freedom to differ’ is a way of fathering.
Sameness does not necessarily connote consensus. The agreement of few people is
not a plebiscite. Freedom from fear is a way towards humanity. Creating ‘united
minds’ is a lasting fathering. Pursuing a politico-ethnic movement without deep
spirituality is a lame endeavour. Will you follow a leader who beats around a
local bush (of petty issues) or a person who will expand your horizons and tell
you that humans are lovely and it is possible to be a universal citizen? Fathering
can assume multi-dimensional strategies and expressions. It is not just living
that is paramount but living rightly.
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