Don’t think twice, it’s alright

Reading back upon my recent opinions published here, I realised my demeanour had become increasingly pessimistic. Rightly so though, considering the present economic situation coupled with the ineptness of the present government, there seemed to be no light at the end of the tunnel. Amongst all this cacophony, while I write this from the plush comfort of my couch, I realised that it is quite easy to forget about the privileges some of us enjoy which have either been earned through hardwork or sheer luck.

In such botched-up times when the ordinary citizens are struggling to make ends meet despite doing two jobs and when on various occasions families go to their beds hungry and cold, let us do our part. Let’s accept the ugly truth. Money is dear to us all and no one likes giving it away without getting something in exchange. Makes absolute sense. However, what doesn’t cost a penny is kindness.

The concept of kindness has gone extinct in our communities. Despite our religious beliefs directing us to be empathetic and honest, we as a community have lost all sense of humanity and compassion. Ranging from well-educated CEOs to public servants, the nation faces widespread dishonesty, deceit and trickery. Due to financial constraints, everyone out there is trying their best to dupe as many people as they can. From the PM breaking all his promises to the judiciary lingering on cases forever. One thing is evident, the system has failed.

But does this failure warrant us as humans to become callous, hostile and insincere? We kill and torture animals, we poison stray dogs, we mix milk with water, we produce fake medicines and we certainly for sure inject hormones in chickens to boost their growth. All while making sure we kill our wives in the name of ‘honour’. There is no honour in killing. And mind you, we do all this openly and without regret while preaching the name of God every now and then. How does one sleep at night like that?

As I stated before, my views have made me a pessimistic being but the aim is to look at the bright side of things for once (if there is one). Although times are bad and the current regime is inherently futile, let us not forget that we are all humans. We live under the same sun, we breathe the same air and we all bleed red. It is evident that the only rift created between us has been created by those who want to remain in power and continue profiting off of our demises and struggles. Let us win this war instead with kindness, humility and love for one another.

There is no need for big temples or monasteries. There is no need for complex customs or ideologies. There is no need for lectures on whose God is right. God lives within each of us, the philosophy is kindness. Just like all lakes and ponds contain water, all religions contain the truths and they all teach us the basic moral principles of being tender, benevolent and empathetic.

The order is rapidly fading and the present now will later be past. Times are changing and the water around us is growing, if we don’t respond to change, we’ll be drenched to the bone with no end in sight. Let us not criticise what we don’t understand. It is time for the educated youth of this country to fight against corruption. In a place where people are hungry and their souls are forgotten and where their hands are all empty, let us be the good we aspire to see in the country and all around the world. Some are wounded in love and some are wounded in hatred. But if we can’t offer much, let us offer the bare minimum. Let us offer kindness, honesty and empathy. Who knows that a little act of kindness might just save someone’s life.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 19^th, 2022.

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