Present: One of
our prominent leaders is suggesting that we should introduce spiritual/religious values
in our school education. Many people are counter arguing in the name on secularism.
Do you believe it’s going to harm country’s secular image?
Past: I need a
clarification. Are you concerned about country’s secular image or nation’s
interest?
Present: Not
sure, but aren’t both same?
Past: No, definitely
not. Though you might see it same but in my view about your conduct, these are totally
different.
Present: How do you
come up with such notion?
Past: When you
say secular image, it’s about external beautification or decoration. And when
you talk about nation’s interest, then it’s about internal purification to
maintain the unity, religious harmony, serenity from within. The former is the
easiest and quite lucrative for your business prospect. And I have many encroaching
“unfortunate events” in my lap which are product of that image making.
Present: No
doubt, my first priority has always been maintaining the unity and religious harmony
in this country. But an image is also important. It shows one’s identity.
Past: I am not
future who will believe your promising words. I am just speaking your actions. Still
I don’t want to blame you. Even some parts of mine had same attitude as of you;
but now they are just black spot on my face. These are there with their horror
that even you don’t want to recall them. But you should. And try to learn
lesson from them. I know you will also come in my lap, no matter in which form.
Present: I admit it;
and I want to be seen as a bright spot on your face. And for that I am just
trying to ensure that my actions are just and well testified.
Past: You have
always been overwhelmed in words but never in action. If you are really concerned
about your own space in my lap then listen to me and learn from your dead
brothers. You will find all your answers, but only if you see it in the right
angle with unbiased view.
Present: I am!
Now please answer my original question.
Past: It is a
healthy practice to experiment with education; but not on the stake of exposing
people’s weak nerve of sentiment which can easily be harassed by selfish few. This
is quite evident from the counter arguments of your concern. Still the need of
the hour is to incline toward a value based, just education. Spiritual/religious
values can be introduced in other form also, which you’ll have to invent. But
make sure in whatever way it goes in to the mind of new generation it goes with
its essence.
Present: It seems
even you don’t have the perfect mechanism to deal with such sensitive issue. But
tell me one thing. Why aren’t you that skeptic this time as you always use to
on the name of any change?
Past: It’s horror
of another black spot. I know with my
rigidity, I have created many black spots which have now started haunting me.
And I believe next black spot will not leave me to face you.
