Complaints don’t change the world, actions do.

Be the Change you want to see- Mahatma Gandhi

On the occasion of Republic day, I was watching a movie which showcased the life of the legend, Bhagat Singh. The movie did inspire a surge of patriotic emotions, but left me with a few questions.

In order to satisfy their need for unlimited power and wealth, East India Company ruled over a country like India for over 200 years. This greed has since then, been established as one of the most prominent vice in humans. When our freedom fighters (like, Bhagat Singh) tried to protest against this, they were sentenced to ‘be hanged till death’.

For me it was a reminder of, how mankind has changed over generations. I remember listening stories about King Solomon, who had the ability to understand all living beings. One of my favorites when while travelling; he takes care, not to trample on the ants. He is concerned about all creatures and understands the importance of each and every creature in maintaining the ecological balance.

On the other hand, today, we have people ready to take lives for a mere sum of money. Some NGOs working for humanitarian causes establish that in under-developed states, you can get someone murdered for Rs. 800. Imagine that! A human life is worth just Rs. 800? No wonder, the world is less safe now than before.

We need to reflect upon what kind of what kind of world, we want our children to inherit? Is it a place, where one has to constantly look over the shoulder and see if someone is following us, where every moment is spent, thinking about how to prevent others from harming us, or formulating strategies to manipulate someone to our advantage?

Maybe, it’s the time we change ourselves. We start by being sensitive about happenings around us. Adopting a positive attitude and a cheerful smile can help us face and solve many problems of life. When Bhagat Singh can accept death with a smile on his face and content in his heart, why can’t we do the same for everyday problems? I do agree that the change can’t come overnight, and with just a few of us taking a step. But it’s a beginning. There is a long way to go, but the first step is what counts the most.

As Lao Tzu said,

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”