Violent ‘winds of change’

CAA Protest - New Delhi

“Be the change you want to see in the world”. Be it the people taking to streets to

bring about change through protests against pressing issues facing the world, or the state, government and administrative machinery enforcing law and order, advocating system change, the wave of VIOLENCE has taken center stage. Although it may be inevitable, it is not consciously easy to be always part of the change and take a stand for or against the change. No positive change is possible by advocating and practicing the power of violence and force. The real chance of change for a better future always has to be inclusive, sustainable and in touch with peace and harmony.

“I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.” – Mahatma Gandhi

The ‘wind of change’ is blowing across various countries, but there is so much violence going around. Both sides – people taking to streets and the state organizational machinery trying control them – are eventually turning violet, resulting to loss of life, property and throwing the daily life out of gear. Violence – involving force intended to cause physical hurt, damage or threaten, force and suppress someone or something or its use as a ‘tool’ for public protests and demonstrations for mass appeals – has become an easy choice to manifest political hegemony, authoritarian rule and control, power abuse or show of people’s intolerance, aggression, dissent and ‘upright’ demand.

An anti-government protest - Santiago, Chile

Democratically, a government is of the people, for the people and by the people; and it is its duty to provide security, safety of law and order, address the changing needs of citizens and protecting them from violence. People have been leading the charge, with millennials at the forefront, to demand for reforms, political autonomy, poor economies, corruption, inequality, climate change, civil liberties and personal freedom. These are some of the many issues driving demonstrators around the world. World leaders’ and governments’ responses to deal with the issues and protesters are being perceived as high-handed approach and arbitrary against which people have turned aggressive and violent.

“As long as people use violence to combat violence, we will always have violence.” – Michael Berg

Violent clashes - Hong Kong

Beyond people dying in police action, misuse of power is creating a world of hatred, anger, intolerance, frustration, that is sabotaging free world, global peace, infringing human rights, people’s freedom and liberty. Juxtapose, seeking justice and people’s demand through violent means – arson, pelting stones, destroying and burning public property – stokes more violence, create anarchy-like situation and stops nations’ progress. “Violence is a disease, a disease that corrupts all who use it regardless of the cause.”

Do we really want to live with it or strive for better ways of dealing with such bigger issues rationally? There are other ways; it’s a matter of choice. Don’t get trapped. Millennials, open and young minds need to learn what Gandhiji said, “Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit.” It is the responsibility of the generations to create a peaceful world and a benevolent society today for a better tomorrow.  

Catalonia’s pro-independence protest-Barcelona

“Non-violence doesn't always work, but violence never does.” – Isaac Asimov

We must adopt non-violent pursuit in conflicts beyond borders, mutual co-existence of communities, ideological differences and building people’s trust. Round the table settlements, agreements can be achieved with much ease and comfort through talks and peaceful demonstration. We need to prevent the societal fabric from deteriorating by addressing the growing incidents of VIOLENCE. A progressive and a free society prosper on merits of freedom, liberty, equality justice and ownership of individual rights to live with dignity and integrity. It depends on the free exchange of ideas and thoughts, to help bring our country and the world together. “VIOLENCE is an admission that one's ideas and goals cannot prevail on their own merits,” said Edward Kennedy.

Freedom of speech and expression is the cornerstone of democracy. We the people need to work in unison for fostering peace and believing that a world without violence is surely attainable.

(Representational images: source)