People who help others in lifting their own down-trodden lives cannot be blamed for creating such unnecessary tensions. The tribals who have been persecuted reside in places where there is very little means of having a fruitful living. People from the outside world come to help them move into places which they can never imagine of. The lives of many such innocent tribals have been bettered by such missionary activities. But on the ontrary, the people with whom they are living among, on a day of joyous celebrations, clamp a shutdown on all festive activities. This is a violation of human rights, where the suffering people have not been allowed to express their feelings and desires. The shutdown was not a government order or any court ruling or the decision of a block officer. This was instigated on the mere information of a seer who proclaimed that he feared for his life on the day of Christmas. Such baseless testimonials hold no ground. And the people instead of applying their brains, go by their sentiments to create such unnecessary ruckus, disrupting life and daily commitments. Don't people of different communities in India
celebrate Holi, Diwali, Id together? This is our unity in diversity. So why not celebrate Christmas together?
Secondly, the people who are trying to uplift the lives of the not-so-fortunate are instigated through the acts of forced conversions. Let us recall that India is one of the countries where most of the poor live below the poverty level. The people need lives, so that their dreams can be fulfilled. But the orthodox thoughts of the old and the communalists want the poor to be in the state that they are so they cannot come up in thoughts, words and actions. The communalists know that if the people get better education and rise in their standards of living, their own personal interests will be hampered, as the now down-trodden will have better lives, think independently, not be dependent on the offerings of the landlords, and know the law better. But can we sacrifice the betterment of the people and the country for the petty selfish thoughts some black-hearted people. This is me is inexcusable. In fact, let us work together in our individual ways to better the society, and let each and every Indian grow, so that the country develops. Let us all be a missionary, with the mission to develop the people of the country. Let us forget that the word missionary is reserved only for religious people. No! Let us all be a light to each other, and let each one grow. For the growth of the people is the growth of the country.
Anup Kujur
Jharkhand Forum
A Global Network of Jharkhand
E-mail: forum@jharkhand. org.in
http://www.jharkhand.org.in/forumLabels: Adivasi Christmas India Jharkhand Orissa Riot Church |