Leader Writer: Jeet Akoijam
The eternal conflict between the good and the bad inside every human is perhaps the most discussed, dissected and discoursed subject, albeit with precious little to show for it in terms of solutions or means to work it out. Yet there has never been a time more appropriate to reinforce the good side, the one that could tilt the balance and make this world that wee bit better. The festive season is upon us, and an air of anticipation and hope is permeating our every waking moment. The stifling and relentless one-upmanship, the senseless violence that is engulfing our state needs to be done away with, and the same is true for any other place- be it America or Africa. The world is not a perfect place, and Utopia is a place inside our own minds. Yet the pertinent question is- do we need a festival or an occasion to remind ourselves of the goodness in us- to relive the spirit of helping and giving? Planting explosives amongst the public, tormenting the common people with threats of death and destruction, turning a blind eye to the dubious dealings of officials and prominent public figures for various considerations- untold truths that have become so commonplace as to have crossed over to the realms of ordinariness. Ideologies have been compromised on convenience and truths have been distorted to cover up reality. On the other hand, power has been abused and misused for personal gains. Efficiency has given precedence to influence and wealth has been used to cover up one’s dubious deeds. Who are we to blame for these distortions in the social setup? Somewhere somehow, these atrocities have been perpetuated with the sanction of a group of people, if not all. It is time to speak out and be taken seriously. The precious mandate of the common people has been taken for granted and needs to be regained for what it actually stands for. The tag of a submissive and empathic society does not hold ground anymore. Intentionally or otherwise, it is time to admit our part in the scheme of things and made amends for it- if needed, by owing up to it. We don’t need a reminder in the form of any festival or celebration to feel the spirit of comraderie and cooperation. What has transpired between the bad forces should be made known for what is really is. Corruptions and contradictions will exist as long as we humans do. Yet our intrinsic values and aims to progress and prosper should prevail. Propagandas, preachings and panderings should not be given a place in our society. Our conscience is our guiding force and work is our form of worship. No amount of coercion or intimidation should influence us from the life we envisaged to lead. It is up to us to choose our own path in life and ultimately our own destiny. For that to happen, we must be prepared to face any consequences and hurdles.
“It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul”- Invictus (William Ernest Henley).