The past couple of years have seen so many bitter verbal explosions in public that for the sake of our pluralistic society there is an urgent need to reinstate methods of dialogue, communication and patient listening to others. The "I've had enough, let's teach them a lesson" approach will only take us closer to the brink from wherebwe will never be able to retreat.
Every parent who struck a child knows the hollow feeling it brings even though it buys some sort of obedience or submission for a while. The truth about dealing forcefully with others- strangers and adults is no different. We may think we have won but it is only a temporary situation. The way of force, of exercising a sort of power and control over the other are all dusty roads to death. It only heightens insecurity: insecurity breeds fear: and fear leads to panic and loss of control
The way forward may not be easy. When differences drive people apart, when temperatures rise, it is easy to believe that a rapid solution lies at the end of a dagger and not a dialogue. Yet, we must think otherwise. There is a way out paved with negotiation, understanding and the strength that comes from a determination to achieve peace in our times. We don't need a better model for peace than our own Gandhiji and we are the only nation which attained independence through Non-violence.
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