21 February 2010

Serena Williams' comment

I thought Serena Williams' comment, which NDTV aired, was very, very true. She said that she did not like to play in India, because as she said: you live in this fabulous 5-star hotel, but as you drive out of the gates, you come face-to-face with so much poverty. This was something that had upset her sensibilities greatly. And, how true. We, in India, have gotten so used to these contrasts that sometimes it doesn't even register. Okay, so it is our reality. But, what we can do is to contribute our mite to reducing this terrible difference. We can start at home by being polite and decent with those who serve us. We can do something for their children. We can also associate ourselves with organizations that work with the destitute and deprived. What we have to guard against is the thought that --oh it's only us, and how much can we do when there is such a sea of poverty. Fact is, every little bit counts, every tiny little bit. One thing we simply HAVE to understand is that man's dignity is what he prizes the most (and by man i mean man, woman and child). No matter how downtrodden or how wretched poverty may have made him. What he needs more than anything else is that his human-ness be acknowledged, and that he be treated in a manner that does not destroy his dignity. Instead of using 'ayeii', 'tum' and 'tu', why can we not use 'aap', and 'bhaiya'? for in God's eyes we are all brothers. If we give of ourselves and of what we have, if we treat them well, the positive energies that are released will resonate in the world, and some good WILL come of it.