Off late, a new sense of belonging has found its root deep in the minds of the Government servants in the Government quarters. I call this ‘a self-centered sense of belonging’ because with transfer, all furniture (bed, chairs, tables and racks), electric bulbs and wires, curtains, etc., etc… disappear along with the person. Fortunate that the floor tiles, ground soil, roofs and walls are hard enough to be taken away. They love the house so much that all Government properties go along with them. It is the responsibility of the occupant to take good care of the houseas long as he/she staysand take only what belongs to him/her at transfer. (Kindly take only your belongings. It is a sin to seize what does not belong to you). The person coming after him/her to occupy the house/office may not complain out of courtesy/respect. But silence can worsen the situation. The numerous silence of the past has made many people more vulnerable to this system of voracity. Sadly, the so called rich class people are more prone to this sickness.
Those who involve in this type of silent illegal action need some introspection. (Am I doing what is not right and just? Can I allow the other person to do likewise with my land and property?) Such people make their homes a robber’s den; living with stolen goods. They nurture the family with tainted goods. Today, many Government properties become individual properties overnight. This practice certainly disturbs the good atmosphere of relationship between two or more souls. A dirty (disturb) wateris preferred to acrystal water. A strong tremor of individualism can eat away our commonality.
I have seen a Government quarter where on transfer, even the tiny bamboo fence in front of the house was not spared. The electric wires and bulbs wereall removed. This made the old house look even older and shabbier. I am afraid the time will come when some of us may fall into the same line if we do not cultivate the sense of belonging (Know what belongs to you and others). Excessive possessiveness of one’s property only leads us to less respect for others and their property. We value our belongings and still spy on neighbor’s goods. How long can we linger on this one-sided life of self-centeredness? It will give birth tobigger wild eyes with smaller heart.
Let us grow together responsibly and conscientiously. This will enable us to live along with others in the society. The interest of the larger society can also be our pasture. To live only for oneself all the time does not bear lasting fruits. Self-centered people are left behind in the community life. They may prosper and succeed but without the joy of living. They may stand tall in the society without any height of values in them. To live in peace with each other would also mean to respect others and their property. ‘A good fence makes a good neighbor’ but today many fences are erected beyond the demarcated boundary. The earth is so mute that it cannot teach you the lessons of justice and truth. All the same, do not be greedy for you will not live beyond a century. You just need a small portion of land to lie forever. I pray that you will not be buried inside the stolen grave.
May we belong to each other as brothers and sisters with respect and dignity. And let the short span of life that lies before us give true colour to our imperfections. This may strike our relationship with God and others in the best manner possible. God Bless us all.
Rev. Fr. G. L. Khing
