By Tom Mangattuthazhe –
The deepest longing of every society has been for permanent peace. It is repeatedly expressed in diverse contexts, even in the midst the most intense strife. What cannot fail to impress is the similarity in articulations in different cultures and schools of thought while expressing a desire for peace: the means for attaining it, the obstacles on the way, the manner of overcoming them, and the confidence that abiding peace can be achieved.
With so many forms of conflicts all around us, all of human hearts today are throbbing for peace. There is an urgent need to come to together and help in this great cause for peace.
One of the weightiest objections to this effort comes from the conviction that some have that the human beings are by nature belligerent, that impetuosity is planted into the heart of every individual, that great things are achieved only through the use of a measure of violence. This argument is built on the evidence that war and violence dominate the written and unwritten literature of most races and societies. We do not deny this reality nor the fact that new evidences of violence are being dug up at pre-historic sites even in our own days. But our conviction is that even the fiercest warrior fought for the ‘peaceful possession’ of the things he was longing for himself and for his people: land, property, honour, dignity, interest, or any other valued thing. The exclusive nature of that ‘peaceful possession’ laid the foundation for the next conflict. If, on the contrary, the peace I long for will extend to you as well, I come to share not only your peace, but I begin gradually to benefit from all those good things you peacefully possess. And you begin to benefit from what I possess as well.
Peace is all-inclusive. Our common joy mounts, our shared dignity is enhanced; our energies multiply, and common possessions increase, and the confidence of retaining them in peace in a permanent manner is redoubled. Togetherness is the way to ensure a peaceful future. Our commitment to each other makes it a hundred times more secure.
On October 23rd at Guwahati Press Club, Mr. Hiren Gohain, a reputed intellectual of Assam, released a book titled Hanti Bisari, written by Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil. The title translated from Assamese can be read as “In Search of Peace”. It was translated into Assamese by a civil society leader, Mr. Paresh Malakar. Prof. Satyakam Borthakur of the University of Dibrugarh also contributed in the compilation of texts from original Assamese authors. So, the book turns out the product many hands, coming out precisely at a time when the whole of Brahmaputra Valley is “in search of peace”.
The compilation of the book was initiated with the encouragement of Mr. Nagen Saikia, the most respected living Assamese author in the state, with whom Archbishop Menamparampil has always maintained intellectual closeness. The book-release turned out to be a social-discussion session in which the need for mutual understanding between communities was emphasized.
Dr. Indrani Dutta appreciated the timeliness and relevance of the publication, just when mutual fear and suspicion between communities are being promoted by self-interested groups. Dr. M.P. Bezbarua urged a secular outlook in society in these troubled times. He felt that religion was being misused by people in the Northeastern region where tolerance and collaboration always prevailed.
Smti. Kusum Mokasi speaking on the occasion referred to an instance when perfect peace was maintained in her neighborhood soon after the fall of Babri Masjid because of the initiative of individuals who were committed to social harmony. Peace is a gift that we offer to each other. Mr. Santanu Borthakur emphasized the importance of cultivating values that assist communities in times of crisis. Mr. Promode Doley, a social activist, insisted that attention should be paid to the issue of justice as well while working for peace, lest pacifism turns out to be mere cover-up of evident unfairness.
While Mr. Amrit Goldsmith of the Baptist Church summarized some of the important points, Mr. Paresh Malakar called for a continued discussion on the issues that were raised during the session, so that this book-release does not end up as a passing event, but the beginning of a healthy debate on inter-community relationships.
Archbishop Menamparampil speaking on the occasion pointed out that someone who differs from you is not an enemy or even an opponent; he/she is merely inviting you to rethink and to revise your ideas; he only stimulates your thought. “And no matter how different we are among ourselves by culture, religion or political vision, we still belong to each other. An awareness of our co-belongingness is the door to peace. The book on peace in Assamese the result of collective work of many, I am extremely grateful to Mr. Nagen Saikia of the Assam Sahitya Sabha and Satyakam Borthakur of Dibrugarh University for their mighty contribution to this work with very valuable extracts from Assamese literature. Mr. Paresh Malakar to whom I am very especially grateful did the actual work of translation of the English text and organization of the entire material. I am also indebted to the contribution of Fr. G. P. Amalraj and Mr. Allen Brooks in getting the work published,” Archbishop Thomas concluded.
The book is an anthology which seeks to draw from every source of wisdom of the human family: religious, cultural and philosophic, both old and new, and from every part of the world, and especially from Assam. The quotations and extracts are garnered with utmost care and respect.
The book on peace is an expression of passionate human longing for Peace in our times. Peace in our own part of the world is our humble contribution to World Peace. Therefore, we begin with the exhortation that our ancestors have given us centuries ago: “Love one another” (Atharva Veda 3,30,1).
It is our hope that this little book will provide inspiring thoughts to everyone in this Great Valley and beyond.