Echoes in Joy and in Ashes

(on the occasion of a man humiliated and condemned) Yesterday marked a black day in the history of humanity. It will probably not be given the weight of leaving an imprint in the larger history but it will be forever one in my memory. And today is my day of lament for we have shown that we are no better than the “other,” no different from the “other.” We have rushed to the aid of justice and destroyed its very ideal in the process. We have “delivered” justice but within the prejudices of our "assumptions" and "affiliations." What if he was "one of us"? Would we seek the “same” justice? What have we achieved today? That at the very core of us lies a “barbarism” that can be unleashed fed by the fuels of our own rash actions though we could well pass off as sensible and civilized people. I mourn this day, not because I will condemn whatever “wrong” has been committed but more so because of the “wrongs” we have done without flinching, without remorse, without...

If there should ever come a time when you need to turn away from the crowd and make a stand, for all its worth make that stand. Stand strong and make that stand but remember to turn away not because you do not like them, you know someone who has a bias against them, you are not in their group, you do not want them to succeed, you do not receive recognition, you are not given benefits, you are not consulted, you are neglected and perhaps for a lot more reasons. Some choose to make a stand for causes but sometimes perhaps for the wrong reasons - publicity stunts, hidden interests. Come a better opening some jump right into that chance even if it was something they could have stood against in the past days. So make a stand with all your heart, mind and strength because you know and understand that it is wrong, it is unfair, it is unjust, it is against the weak, it is not the truth. Stand strong, fight the cause,  and be wise and calm enough to be corrected for we may sometimes be...