Dear Editor,
It is September 11 once again, and the entire world would recall the events of that day, when thousands of people of all nationalities lost their lives in what was described as an attack on the United States of America and the Western way of life.
The bombings of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon by terrorists resulted in the loss of thousands of lives. And America is no longer the same.
It took 20 years for this war, the longest in American history, to end. The administration finally admitted that it was no longer in America’s interest to sacrifice billions of dollars and thousands of lives at home and in foreign lands. There is a good reason to remember this date, as it was an attack on American soil similar to the one on Pearl Harbour, and both will find a place in the history books and war museums.
Even when the USA decided to withdraw its forces, it was done with further loss of life and in the most embarrassing circumstances.
Many also question how the goal got lost along the way, and why the project did not end once the main architect had met his demise in Pakistan.
This is one of many world events that demonstrate the limits of force and violence.
Nine-elevens of the East.
Secondly, we are now in 2021 with an equal number of nine-elevens, but all forms of media seem to have forgotten the year 2001, giving the impression that no other nine-eleven had a similar effect on the world.
In fact, those events are more significant, in that they do not involve violence but have more long-lasting effects, yet confronted injustice and intolerance by peaceful means in an attempt to promote universal brotherhood and prevent bloodshed.
On September 11, 1893, Swami Vivekananda gave the welcoming address at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. His opening remarks stung those who persecuted others either by the sword or the pen.
“As the different streams, having their sources in different places, all mingle their water in the sea, O Lord, the different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.
“Sectarianism, bigotry and its horrible descendant fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood; destroyed civilisation, and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now.”
The loud and lengthy applause by delegates from all religious groups demonstrated their appreciation and agreement. However, the world that he saw evolving from this august assembly has not yet arrived, and he would certainly urge all groups today to be more respectful of each other’s religious beliefs.
Practice is another matter, for mankind has not yet built communities that stifle ideas of fear, hate and destructive behaviour.
And it was on September 11, 1906 that Mahatma Gandhi exploded with the modern non-violence movement in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was responsible for the gathering of almost 3000 Transvaal Indians to find ways to oppose the Registration Act. Consistent with his belief that methods must be consistent with the objectives, he made sure the audience understood the risks.
“We may have to go to jail, where we may be insulted. We may have to go hungry and suffer extreme heat or cold. Hard labour may be imposed on us. We may be flogged by rude wardens. We may be fined heavily, and our property may be attacked and held up to auction if there are only a few resisters left. We may be deported…some of us may even die…”
Expecting human weakness, he continued: “Although we are going to take the pledge in a body, no one should imagine the default of one or many can absolve the rest from their obligation”.
The movement was first called Passive Resistance”, but this was an English name, and gave rise to confusion. Discussions led to SADAGRAHA, meaning “firmness in a good cause”, but Gandhi amended it to SATYAGRAHA, meaning “force which is born of truth and Love and nonviolence” to describe a movement and the weapon of the strong.
(Above quotes are from the book MOHANDAS K. GANDHI, THOUGHTS, WORDS, DEEDS)
Nine-eleven 2001 has left scars of hatred, anger and destruction, which will no doubt continue.
When Gandhi finished his work in South Africa, he was respected and admired by those he opposed, included General Smuts. The judge that sent him to jail recognised that he was not the usual prisoner, and the wardens became his friends.
In Britain, his legacy and message outlasted the hatred of his greatest enemy, Winston Churchill, who wished that he would die during one of his many fasts. More organisations and busts may be there of the Mahatma, even though he saw the fall of the great British Empire. He was certain that there have been tyrants and murderers who, for a time, seem invincible, but, in the end, they always fail.
(Written in memory of one who may be described as a martyr, since he stood up for righteousness, and lost his life in front of his home and temple to those who lost their way. Farewell, Pandit Rishi Bharrat.
Gandhi himself was killed by a hind.
Sincerely,
Ramnarine Sahadeo
