In today's time, violence is increasing faster and faster. Many humans are so aggressive in nature that they do not hesitate to attack others over silly matters. Many such incidents have been taking place due to unleashing of violence on caste, creed and religion lines. Personal and family relationships are also affected by this.
Today, violence is ubiquitous all over the whole. Whether it is the civil war in Afghanistan or the devastation in Syria, or the ongoing conflict and war between Russia and Ukraine, violence is a major factor. It’s strange that now-a-days riots are taking place in the name of social movement or protest. Most important is the youths are more involved in violence acts. Though they are the ones on whom the future of the society lies.
The violent incidents, which are currently happening in Manipur are a burning example. India has been in news for the sectarian violence and killing of human beings going on in the northeastern State for some time. The barbarism has shaken the humanity of the entire human race. The spark of the mayhem began after a court ordered the State Government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in Government’s jobs and education enjoyed by the tribal Kuki-Zo people to the majority Hindu Meitei population as well. Then, a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur started in protest against the proposed inclusion of individuals from the Meitei community in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs). Tension mounted in the hills of Manipur after a video surfaced showing two women from one of the warring communities being paraded naked by a few men from the other side, which was viral in social media later. As a result, now the whole Manipur is burning and the smoke of hate has been spreading throughout the country.
It is true that the protests are a constitutional right of Indian citizens which is reflected in Article-19 of the Constitution of India. The founder of our Constitution, Dr BR Ambedkar said that agitations or protests would be rare in independent India in the future because the many other ways are available to seek justice. However, ironically, there are examples of many mass movements taking place in the country since India's independence. Among them, some movements have succeeded in adopting the path of peace and non-violence and they have worked wonders by changing the Government. They gained social support, brought economic and political reforms and changed the nature of our institutions. Jayaprakash Narayan brought about the downfall of the Union Government in 1977 by demonstrating peacefully. Similarly, in 2011, Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement played a major role in ousting the Central Government.
Non-violence is the way to not harm any living being in the world with body, mind, wealth and speech. The path was followed by the pious and famous personalities like Gautama Buddha and Mahavir Swami. They were giving messages to their followers and all other common people to always follow it. In addition to this, the renowned personalities of India, like Swami Vivekananda, Raja Rammohan Roy and Iswara Chandra Vidyasagar made efforts to eradicate non-violence from many old customs, principles, practices and prejudices and superstitions prevalent in India. A sacred phrase of Sanskrit "Ahimsha Paramo Dharma", which was once popularized all over the world by the father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi, who by adopting the path of non-violence, was able to give freedom to India. When, the Magadha emperor Ashoka saw the killing of thousands of people during the Kalinga War, he was so disturbed that he vowed to eschew violence and adopt peace. After the war, he embraced Buddhism and accepted the path of non-violence. Later, by following the path, he turned from Chandashoka to Dharmashoka.
So, in a simple sense and language, non-violence is non-harming. This is the greatest sacrifice and the victory of truth over falsehood which is easy to take, but hard to follow. Because, to walk on the path of non-violence, first of all, a person has to control over his mind and anger. Patience, sacrifice and surrender have to be instilled in the mind and thought. Because the behaviour of an angry and aggressive person quickly turns into violence. But, through non-violence, the anger and violence arising in a person's mind is eliminated and the inner tension is removed. The teaching of non-violence is a hallmark of Indian culture.
Additionally, nonviolence is the basis of human action in Buddhism, Hinduism, and other religions. If people of the country forget violence and accept the path of non-violence, then a big change can come in our society. The greatest benefit of non-violence is to increase love among ourselves. As a result, violence among people will be removed and cooperative attitude will be developed. A person will respect the thoughts, actions and feelings of another person. As a result, brotherhood and unity in the society will increase and cooperation among themselves in various fields and activities will increase and the entire country will develop. By developing unity among ourselves, creating a trust in relationships, no external forces and enemies can harm our country. Therefore, in today's time, every human being can establish peace, friendship and love by removing the feeling of violence from their hearts and awakening the feeling of non-violence in the mind and thought.
(The writer is a PR and management professional working in a PSU of Odisha; Mob: 9337897650; Email: rakeshpanda9@gmail.com)