The unique characteristic which keeps the world of humans revolving around the axis of progress is the idea of ‘humanity’, something which humans badly need today. A social structure can rise and shine where this strong coordination among humans. Civilisation has improved our lives and has made communication possible not only within the earth but also beyond. The earth has become a global village where the well-being of mankind has been civilisation’s primary motive.
In spite of this, in the world of human beings, the idea of ‘humanity’ has gone missing. How can humans be so narrow-minded despite witnessing world-class developments before their eyes and ears? This is the 21st century when technological marvels have improved our lives. And yet, humans have not always been able to keep the love and compassion for mankind alive. Like a drop of poison that takes less than a second to erode the purity of a pond, a single inhumane act in any corner of the world has the capability to erode all remarkable achievements of human beings.
Our land of red river and blue hills – Assam – too bore witness to such an incident. Two innocent people – Nilotpal Das and Abhijeet Nath – were brutally killed. To see such inhumanity meted out to people who belonged to the world of music is shameful. This signals the win of inhumanity over humanity – and this can be seen in many parts of the world today in the form of mob lynchings, terrorism and other social evils.
Apart from providing basic education, a social framework also needs to provide moral upbringing. A failure in moral upbringing gets its shape in the form of the poisonous drop that affects all of humanity, which can destroy the entire human community. The two men were assumed to be child abductors and this is what led to their being killed. The area of Karbi Anglong is well known for its diversity – for its hundred communities and cross-cultural heritage. How could such an inhuman act take place here?
Hundreds of people in our land are brutally killed due to the superstition that accuses them of practising witchcraft and being dainis (witches). Humans are also killed in the name of religion today. But humanity knows no religion, community, creed or race. Any act of inhumanity shakes up the whole world of humans.
If an analysis were to be made about these recent incidents, one thing that comes to notice is how the wave of rumours was spread by illegitimate sources. This has been a convincing way to target people with false information and incite them into committing some heinous act like a riot. Thus, apart from social knowledge and moral education, humanity also needs to be freed from superstitious beliefs. Another important factor that can help control social evils is digital communication at the grassroots level. Administrative support to any region’s peacekeeping agenda is of vital need.
In the hilly areas, the population density is low which results in sparsely distributed public offices of administration. Such things should be kept in mind during polciy making. Not only that, but moral education and ethics should be stressed on in every community. A policeman witnessing a barbaric act should not just stand there but safeguard the innocent victims and let the law take its due course.
Thousands of songs dedicated to peace have been written – “All We Need is Love” by The Beatles, John Lennon’s “Imagine”, Bob Dylan’s “Blowing In The Wind”, Michael Jackson’s “We Are The World”, Scorpions’ “Winds Of Change” and Bhupen Hazarika’s “Manuhe Manuhor Babe”. Artistic expressions of the heart’s sorrow at the sad state of affairs in the world have always made their mark and reminded us of the need for humanity. But how far have we progressed in that regard in this country? For how long will we keep trampling on each other? The education system needs to be improved at the grassroots level. Till then, we can only hope that humanity will shine once again on humans and bestow them with God’s gift of life. I hope no parents are compelled to light the pyres of their own young children.
Let us stand united in this dark hour to rebuild the framework of our human lives by adding values to it and remembering love and humanity. May justice be done to the departed and innocent souls.