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Tackling Violence in Society
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Suggest some effective measures to deal with the growing menace of violence in Indian society.
The irony of life has been that ‘the more we change, the more we remain
the same’. If in the past violence resulted from ignorance and
irrational behaviour based on petty parochial prejudices, now it
emanates from ‘bad blood, blinkered biases and perceived wrongs’ that
have no basis, either now or in the past. It is both shocking and
shameful that in the land of Buddha and Gandhi, the cult of violence
has made deep roots, not only in people’s psyche but also in their
day-to-day dealings.
Knowing fully well that violence vitiates social climate and violates
human rights, the scourge continues to grow. No doubt, we live both in
the best of times as well as in the worst of times. If we have the
state-of-art technology at our disposal to render life less boring and
painful, we have an easy access to arms and other means of violence to
make life equally unsafe and unpleasant. It is a matter of deep concern
that the curse of violence is no longer, confined to criminals and
anti-social elements; it is very much evident among students in
schools, colleges and universities that are supposed to be nurseries of
knowledge and civilisational values.
In order to re-inculcate the spirit of tolerance and understanding
among those who easily lose self-control, the teachings of Gandhi can
work as balm to pacify the ruffled ego of the prospective violators of
social norms and laws of the land. The time has come to re-discover
Gandhi in our mental make-up and convince ourselves of the relevance
and reverence that Gandhi symbolised as the supreme symbol of
non-violence, both in thought and action.
Meditation and Yoga have also proved their efficacy in controlling
one’s agitated nerves and dubious desire to wreak vengeance. India is
fortunate enough to have been the home of both meditation and Yoga and
there are examples aplenty to show how these twin gifts have worked
wonders in bestowing mental and physical health and harmony on those
who practise them.
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