A sonorous wish

I was a bit elated for having finished the book “Fermat’s Last Theorem” by Simon Singh at last a few days ago. This book recommended by my brother has got all the real life drama involving the mathematical wizards of generations to solve a 300 year old mathematical riddle, posed casually by an amateur mathematician, Fermat. The stress and mental agony the mathematicians had undergone on an algebraic equation shook me really. It was a matter of pride for them to solve the centuries old challenge.

Within a couple of days, I was asked to invigilate AMIE exam conducted in The Indian Embassy. I took up the first book of Khushwant Singh, ‘Train to Pakistan’ to kill my boredom. While flipping the first few pages over there, I was not greatly impressed, for it was nothing but description of characters of a sleepy village, Mano Majra. I lost interest and tossed the book aside after reaching home. However, basic instinct prevailed in a couple of days again and hence picked up from where I have left. In fact, the book not only killed my boredom but also highlighted the cruel killings of thousands of innocent lives.

The author has handled human emotions of the gory incidents involving India-Pakistan partition in such a fine fashion that I could not stop thinking of anything else except it. Mano Majra, a village sandwiched between Pakistan and India border houses both mainly Muslims and Sikhs. They respect each other and nevertheless their relationships are always cordial. A murder happens in that village followed by the arrival of a social worker, Iqbal. Jugga budmash & Iqbal are wrongly framed for the murder due to clever Deputy Commissioner, Hukum Chand. In the meantime, a train of Indian corpses arrive Mano Majra from the Pakistan border and that changes the scenario. There is a plot of the young patriotic Sikhs to revenge these types of killings to send a similar train to Pakistan. The volunteers collect near Mano Majra station to avenge their thirst for blood. In the meantime, the Muslims of Mano Majra are evacuated and are supposed to travel in the same train. What happens in the end is something to be read.

I am thoroughly disturbed by the author’s lucid narration of incidents involving this partition. I remember crying after watching the TV serial ‘Tamas’ and disturbed by Rani’s death in ‘Hey Ram’. But this story is beyond all those. I am completely absorbed by the emotions, for it is true even today. In the name of religion, people are tossed like toys by politicians, bureaucrats, terrorists etc.

Who should be blamed for these ongoing killings as the lick of blood is still wanted in many communities to revive the rivalries?

• Visionary of the British rulers for their cunning ploy of dividing the erstwhile undivided Bharat?
• Or the insensible and irresponsible people for succumbing to such emotional bargains?
• Or the diplomacy of the government in tackling such horrid recurring of incidents?
• Or anybody and everybody?

Sitting in my well protected flat enjoying the pleasures of life, my heart experienced a gale of emotions….

• Should I be contented with my inner world of peace or should I bother about the outer world of war?
• Should I preach non-violence from my haven or should I dare not visit those places even in dreams?
• Should I pray for Lord Kalki’s early arrival to destroy the cunning and the wicked (who spoil the world) if that includes me or should I not react at all?

Anger, vengeance, hatred, malice, revenge are difficult to see their death. No wonder, such chain reactions are hard to settle down. Is there anyone who is physically, mentally and spiritually strong enough to solve this political riddle that’s tearing Mother India and also Earth?

Peace and love must be the only religion, pledge, motto and life of all lives. All I can do is to write such a sonorous wish.

At times of practical and personal crisis, how many ears would this wish genuinely reach including mine – a point to be remembered though.