We were in the middle of a major calamity in the country. We were concerned and were thinking of what to do. We were exploring if there was any way we can create something that not only sensitizes people but also show them some direction as to what they can do if they want to. We proposed it as a topic for our weekly meeting.

“There is a broad spectrum of the possible response to the catastrophes affecting other people.”

We have witnessed massive human tragedies caused by natural disasters like earthquake, flood, draught, tsunami or by manmade disasters like riots and wars. We have heard heart breaking stories of massive human suffering, loss of lives, starvation and illnesses.

On one end of the spectrum is the indifference to the suffering of others. Perhaps not feeling connected to their misery or even if feeling connected, suppressing that feelings by submerging in ‘minding my own business’.

On the other end of the spectrum is the spirit of volunteers, who will jump on the scene and selflessly serve the needy with whatever little they can do. They will be out there for relief, feeding, nursing and so on, sacrificing their personal priorities to help others.

“Indifference on one extreme and martyrdom on the other. In between the two, there are various shades of the feelings of solidarity either finding no or mild expression.”

Saluting the sacrifices of the selfless volunteers, some of these others feel guilty about their own inability to join the forces. There are many others who, overwhelmed by the enormity of the task, feel helpless and hopeless about their being too small to make any difference.

“We know the analogy of the flood light and a candle.”

Self-sacrificing volunteers are like floodlight. Against them a small candle finds itself useless. However, it is of no less significance that each candle has light, a candle can light another and together they can make a huge chain of light.

Thus, well-meaning people when they reach out to others and connect with each other, they make a movement with powerful implications. Realising that they are not alone, they can express their voice with a confidence that it weighs, is important and has value. Their voice, though small as a candle, has the power to connect with others, trigger many more such expressions and together their voice will become a roar.

“It is important to give dignity to each expression of solidarity.”

Often there is a fondness of ‘concrete’ work and expression of solidarity is not seen as contribution at all. This promotes a mistaken belief of the uselessness of such expression pushing people to eventually seek solace in developing indifference. It is important to remind that joining forces with others and creating a strong voice is far more ‘concrete’, as it builds momentum towards addressing the root of the issue.

Thus, the Red Cross volunteers nursing the wounded soldiers is ‘concrete’ work but at the same time building a massive public opinion to prevent war itself is no less concrete. A volunteer can at best nurse few wounded, but prevention of war will remove the casualty itself.

Building a school or a hospital at great self-sacrifice is laudable, but equally important is to have strong advocacy demanding a state that places human being as the central value and ensures free and adequate health and education to all.

“There are three powers that can influence the world. They are money, muscle and the people power. Those few who command money and muscle power tend to dominate the world. But when the people power converges then they can build sweeping possibilities.”

Thus, connecting those who have feelings of solidarity for the pain and suffering of others is an important task. Developing avenues of expression of these feelings, giving dignity to each voice and celebrating the camaraderie is of paramount value. Together, putting all possible efforts in promoting the movement of aspiring a human world free of injustice, violence and corruption with equal opportunities to all human being is a profound purpose worth living for.

I realised that while we salute those who sacrifice for others, not all can do that. On the other hand, the task of reaching out to all well-meaning people, giving a voice to the feelings of solidarity and building a movement, though different, is no less important ‘concrete’ work.

With good clarity of what I can contribute to humanity with my limited abilities and resources, I moved ahead in my journey to becoming better human being.

Further sharing in the next mail.

Parimal Merchant Humanist Volunteer

All the earlier posts are available at the blog : https://parimalmerchanthm.blogspot.com/

Continue reading more about Journey to becoming better human being part- 39