Lately, we come across multitude of incidents that we label inconceivable, inhuman or even savage. A reason for such incidents coming to light is deeper penetration of media in our lives, thanks to the improvement in technology. Media, purportedly the fourth pillar of democracy - unfortunately infested with most inane variety of humans - has coined a term for the genre of such incidents: Honour Killing.
Strangely though, a common trait can be observed in all such honour deed: an irrational, illogical or hollow act that can't be justified on volition.
Inordinate amount of hype is attached to armed forces; domestically as well as worldwide. Speak a little against (read truth) them and every Tom, Dick and Harry's head spins topsy turvy. Everyone gets into a dialectic of how we are safe and sound for someone is guarding the fences when we are sleeping tight. We are hence indebted and since we can't offer anything else, we offer our honour. But I pay taxes to the government who makes their salary cheques! Once discussing the same with a close acquaintance, who hails from army background, I got a surprising repartee. She said, 'Ask me. I know. War is such a waste! It doesn't kill humans. It murders humane. It's so tragic to admit that we kills others to live.' She further added that the postings are harsh and surviving such arduous circumstance is but laudable. I agreed in toto. Armed forces are necessary evil, for fanatics are incorrigible. The men must be respected, undoubtedly, yet, at par with other citizens engaged in other productive enterprises. Many people die while building roads, bridges, dams, power plants and similar infrastructure which touches - though much pronouncedly - to more lives. The poor souls never garner notice because it didn't die of some silly bullet or a worthless jet. Is their life insignificant just because of this?
Regarding honour killing, it reminds me of the uncivilised tribal instincts, where the decision of mass rules over he decision of the class. Ancient scriptures, though religiously followed & adhered by such, have failed to imbibe pragmatism in the followers, ironically, which they were meant for.
Honour and Logic, unfortunately, can't coexist.
From pristine ages till date, our society is plagued with this bug of honour. The पांडव ruined their entire youth for the name sake of क्षत्रीय honour. Today, we go gaga over the men in armed forces, for they protect the honour of the country. Innumerable couples are made victims of inhuman treatment for they act against the hollow honour of family or society.
Strangely though, a common trait can be observed in all such honour deed: an irrational, illogical or hollow act that can't be justified on volition.
पांडव, had they been so great warriors they are portrayed as - for record, none of them killed any significant कुरु general or scion - each one breached the hallowed क्षत्रीय code of conduct. भीष्म, द्रोणाचार्य, कर्ण or दुर्योधन, all were killed by deceit or foul, masterminded by कृष्ण. व्यास reconciles on this later, in the very epic, stating, 'अधर्म brews अधर्म.' In turn accepting, that illogical decisions -taken or accorded to- for stake of honor leads to ruin.
Inordinate amount of hype is attached to armed forces; domestically as well as worldwide. Speak a little against (read truth) them and every Tom, Dick and Harry's head spins topsy turvy. Everyone gets into a dialectic of how we are safe and sound for someone is guarding the fences when we are sleeping tight. We are hence indebted and since we can't offer anything else, we offer our honour. But I pay taxes to the government who makes their salary cheques! Once discussing the same with a close acquaintance, who hails from army background, I got a surprising repartee. She said, 'Ask me. I know. War is such a waste! It doesn't kill humans. It murders humane. It's so tragic to admit that we kills others to live.' She further added that the postings are harsh and surviving such arduous circumstance is but laudable. I agreed in toto. Armed forces are necessary evil, for fanatics are incorrigible. The men must be respected, undoubtedly, yet, at par with other citizens engaged in other productive enterprises. Many people die while building roads, bridges, dams, power plants and similar infrastructure which touches - though much pronouncedly - to more lives. The poor souls never garner notice because it didn't die of some silly bullet or a worthless jet. Is their life insignificant just because of this?
Regarding honour killing, it reminds me of the uncivilised tribal instincts, where the decision of mass rules over he decision of the class. Ancient scriptures, though religiously followed & adhered by such, have failed to imbibe pragmatism in the followers, ironically, which they were meant for.
Honour and Logic, unfortunately, can't coexist.
No comments:
Post a Comment