“To become a true global citizen, one must abandon all notions of ‘otherness’ and instead embrace ‘togetherness’.“
― Suzy Kassem (American writer, film director, philosopher, author, and poet of Egyptian heritage.)
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Internet technology helps us stay connected with people living anywhere around the world, but the ability to speak face-to-face with ease has declined and, in fact, is dysfunctional severing kinship and physical interaction with those around us.
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Texting while driving (Source: ryot.org)
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Now, with mobiles, people have replaced lively phone calls by texting mnemonic-like nonsensical internet slang words with little substance oblivious to what is happening around them. This indeed is an alarming trend.
This video shows how some simple actions can provide the impetus to bring about the joy in togetherness.
Ivory and Ebony -Innocence in perfect harmony (Source: Facebook/The Eyes of Children around the World)
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On the Facebook page “The Eyes of Children around the World” I saw this beautiful picture that has captured the innocence of children.
This photograph taken by an unknown photographer brings out the fact that children have no notion about colour. Let us hope that is not a fleeting moment in the lives of these two beautiful children.
Adults should strive to inculcate in their children love, compassion, and be tolerance towards others of different hues and not bejaded by a few opinionated people around them.
Let this picture be the world we and our future generations ought to build and live in.
I came across the above fabulous photo on the internet. Do you like it? What message does it convey?
Here are some photographs I came across while surfing the net.
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The vow of Hindu-Muslim unity
Talking about communal harmony on April 8, 1919, Mahatma Gandhi said:
“If the Hindu-Muslim communities could be united in one bond of mutual friendship and if each could act towards the other as children of the same mother, it would be a consummation devoutly to be wished. But before this unity becomes a reality, both the communities will have to give up a good deal, and will have to make radical changes in ideas held herefore. Members of one community when talking about those of the other at times indulge in terms so vulgar that they but acerbate the relations between the two. In Hindu society, we do not hesitate to indulge in unbecoming language when talking of the Mohammedans and vice-versa. Many believe that an ingrained and ineradicable animosity exists between the Hindus and
Mohammedans.
“When both are inspired by the spirit of sacrifice, when both try to do their duty towards one another instead of pressing their rights, then and then only would the long-standing differences between the two communities cease. Each must respect the other’s religion, must refrain from even secretly thinking ill of the other. We must politely dissuade members of both communities from indulging in bad language against one another. Only a serious endeavour in this direction can remove the estrangement between us.” (25:201-202)
He made the members present take a vow as under:
“With God as the witness, we Hindus and Mohammedans declare that we shall behave towards one another as children of the same parents, that we shall have no differences, that the sorrows of each shall be the sorrows of the other and that each shall help the other in removing them. We shall respect each other’s religion and religious feelings and shall not stand in the way of our respective religious practices. We shall always refrain from violence to each other in the name of religion.”
Today, while Hindus all over the world are celebrating Krishna Janmashtami, I was flipping through my vast collection of photographs harvested from the World Wide Web. I came across photographs that heartened my soul with love for my country where my Hindu and Muslim brethren coexist as a closely knit family.
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I’ve learned- that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.
I’ve learned- that no matter how much I care, some people just don’t care back.
I’ve learned- that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.
I’ve learned- that it’s not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.
I’ve learned- that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you’d better know something.
I’ve learned- that you shouldn’t compare yourself to the best others can do.
I’ve learned- that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I’ve learned- that it’s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I’ve learned- that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I’ve learned- that you can keep going long after you can’t.
I’ve learned- that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I’ve learned- that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I’ve learned- that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.
I’ve learned- that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I’ve learned- that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I’ve learned- that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I’ve learned- that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you’re down will be the ones to help you get back up.
I’ve learned- that sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.
I’ve learned- that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I’ve learned- that just because someone doesn’t love you the way you want them to doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have.
I’ve learned- that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had and what you’ve learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you’ve celebrated.
I’ve learned- that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed it.
I’ve learned- that your family won’t always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you aren’t related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren’t biological.
I’ve learned- that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I’ve learned- that it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you are to learn to forgive yourself.
I’ve learned- that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn’t stop for your grief.
I’ve learned- that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I’ve learned- that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other And just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do.
I’ve learned- that we don’t have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I’ve learned- that you shouldn’t be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
I’ve learned- that two people can look at the same thing and see something totally different.
I’ve learned- that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.
I’ve learned- that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don’t even know you.
I’ve learned- that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
I’ve learned- that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I’ve learned- that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
I’ve learned- that it’s hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people’s feelings and standing up for what you believe.
The most significant messages we offer to each other can be found in phrases that have just three little words. Whenever articulated, those phrases hold the power to forge unique friendships, intensify older ones, as well as help to restore worthwhile relationships, which may have cooled down. The following three-word phrases can certainly improve almost every relationship.
I’LL BE THERE
Let’s look at these two scenarios.
First: Your father is sick. You telephone a friend in the middle of the night, to take him to a hospital.
Second: Your car has broken down some miles away from your home. You telephone a friend and tell him the situation.
How did you feel when you heard these 3 words, “I’ll be there” from the other end?
Being there physically or emotionally for someone is the supreme gift we can easily offer them. With our presence, significant things happen to them as well as to us. We feel refreshed with love and companionship and rejuvenated mentally and spiritually.
COUNT ON ME
A true friend is the one who walks in when others walk out.
Integrity is an essential component of true friendship; it is the emotional adhesive that binds individuals. People rich in their relationships are almost always reliable and true friends. The instant difficulties arise a true friend will be there saying, “You can count on me.”
LET ME HELP
Your best friends can easily sense your needs. If you are adversely affected, they will do whatever for you to get over it. It is your true friends who pitch in and help you without being requested.
I ADMIRE YOU
When you respect a person, it implies you have sincere regard and respect for that person. This is yet another way of affirming your love for that person. Admiration and respect convey the impression that the other person is a true equal. It is truly an excellent way to affirm the importance of a relationship.
If you communicate to your children your admiration for their performance, you will certainly strengthen the bonds of love and become a close-knit family.
This works for almost all interpersonal relationships.
GO FOR IT
A few of your friends may perhaps be non conformists, have unique ideas, projects, or unusual hobbies. Instead of urging them to conform, encourage their uniqueness. Encourage them in pursuing their interests. Remember that all of us have singular dreams and hopes that not everybody else has.
MAYBE YOU’RE RIGHT
This expression is simple and highly effective in diffusing disagreement, and mending frayed emotions. The opposite of “maybe you’re right” is the humility of admitting “maybe I’m wrong”.
When you have a heated argument with another and don’t change your stance, then you run the risk of seriously damaging the relationship between both of you. Saying, “maybe you’re right” can open the door to explore the subject a bit further, and give you the opportunity to get your view across in a more rational manner.
PLEASE FORGIVE ME
A number of shattered relationships can certainly be renewed and improved if we admit our mistakes and ask forgiveness. Every one of us is susceptible to making mistakes. We should never be ashamed to own our mistakes.
I UNDERSTAND YOU
We tend to become closer, and take more pleasure in each other, when the other person becomes aware that we uttered these genuine words. Letting the others around you know, in a number of modest ways, that you understand them, is truly the most effective method for rejuvenating your relationship.
This is applicable to any kind of relationship.
I THANK YOU
Thankfulness is a great form of courtesy. Those who cherish the companionship of wonderful friends are the ones who don’t need regular courtesies for granted. They are prompt to say thanks to their family and friends for their numerous expressions of kindness. Nonetheless, folks whose circle of friends is significantly confined, oftentimes do not have the attitude of gratitude.
I MISS YOU
How happy will you be if you received an unexpected telephone call during your stressful, hectic workday from your spouse, to say, “I miss you”?
Most likely, more marriages could, in fact, be saved and reinforced, if spouses sincerely said to each other, “I miss you”.
This powerful affirmation conveys to spouses they are, needed, desired and cherished.
I LOVE YOU
These are the most important three words that you can say. These 3 little words are essentially reserved for those who are special to us.
Telling that someone “I love you” satisfies their emotional needs – the need to belong, the need to be wanted, and the need to feel appreciated.
Your family, your friends, and even you too, long to hear these 3 sweet little words said softly and often by someone who really loves you.
THIS IS MY BELOVED INDIA!
Impressions 