In this age of internet, where everyone seems to be masters of "rationalism" on every topic, where no one is willing to listen to reasoning or truth, I have chosen this time and place to discuss a topic on which ignorance too often abounds and truth is too rarely perceived- yet it is the most important topic on earth: World Peace. I speak of peace because of the new face of war.
Everyone strives for peace and a decent life, but the irony is that we choose war saying it is to " achieve peace". In the wise words of Albert Einstein, "Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding". Total war makes no sense in an age when great powers can maintain large & relatively invulnerable nuclear forces that can possibly bring about the extinction of our own kind. Today, the acquisition of weapons is said to be for the purpose of "preventing war" and “maintaining peace". But the reality is that it is our pride that does not allow us to feel inferior to anyone, it is our pride that restrains us from submitting and it is the human pride that is the root-cause of every conflict on earth.
We have more urgent task at hand to strive for genuine peace-the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living- not merely peace in our time but peace for all time. Let us begin by examining our attitude towards peace itself. Too many of us think it is impossible and unrealistic. But I think that is a very dangerous mindset. It makes us lazy and procrastinate on peace. Secondly, let us learn to let go of our pride in times when that very pride might endanger the prevailing peace. Thirdly, love peace and hate war. When all else fails, your love for peace will still be the one driving force to try, to not give up on this decaying world.
It is my hope that peace will prevail. It is my prayer that the few voices too less to be heard, will be brought to frontline to advocate for peace. It is my prayer that we, as citizens of earth, not just hope for peace but fight for peace.
Let go of your pride
Protect your peace
Ms Urmipem Mokung
BA 2nd Semester
Modern College Kohima