14th August: Soul Searching Needed
I write on the eve of this year's independence. Although the present state of the country does not call for celebrations because of the devastating floods, I'd like to provoke some soul searching in relation to the day...
Pakistan-the beautiful is right now is at her most critical juncture in history. The floods have just exacerbated the extent of the severity of this juncture. Never in this country's history has it ever faced such widespread destruction and this is the moment when we have to rise to the occasion and help in any way possible. Apart from this we are gradually losing the soul of this nation. We are slowly blinding ourselves to the plight of individuals around us. We don't react when our freedom and rights are trampled on. The question arises, have we become so cold. We remain silent when communities are attacked for their religious beliefs. Our politicians fear reprisals and are cowed down into openly condemning such incidents. We say the Quaid, Mr. Jinnah is the founder of this great nation yet we cannot follow his principles that were laid in clear terms in his speech to the First Constituent Assembly on 11th Aug, 1947. The question we should ask ourselves is , what would we do if we placed ourselves in the victims shoes or simply perceive yourself in that person's position. Think about it, we need to go down deep into the cold vaults of our souls and regenerate the warmth and enlighten our minds. We need to look beyond the veil to reach that level of intellectual state where our petty and minor differences don't mean anything and collectively work to make better the lives of the unfortunate and the helpless . Positivity and creativity is the desperate need of this nation. Can we achieve that state of mind?
As I conclude these lines, I am receiving text messages with Independence wishes. I ask myself are we really independent when we have become prisoners of our own minds ? But I am optimistic that we will finally see the light. That's the hidden power in us as human beings.
Happy Independence Day to all. On this day please find the time to look deep within one's soul to become human once again.
3 comments:
Interesting and thought-provoking musings, Bazil. Your thoughtful idealism is as refreshing -even inspiring! - as your photography is eye-catching!
Hope you never lose the fire in the belly!
Regards and respect,
Pat
I thank you for your good wishes for Pakistan.
This year it came with torrential rains, took away 1600+ lives and has already has affected over 14 MILLION people in Pakistan. I request/APPEAL everyone to make DUA for our country and all suffering souls
@ Pat: Thanks for the compliments. Don't worry the fire isn't going to die (:
@ Hadiqa: I'm glad you understand and I think its time something be done rather than wait for something to happen. I'm sure you've heard of the saying that God helps those who help themselves.
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