Diplomacy is defined as “the art, the science and the means by which nations groups, or individuals conduct their affairs, in ways to safeguard their interests and promote their political, economic, cultural or scientific relations, while maintaining peaceful relationships.”
Is flattery diplomacy? At an individual level flattery is used to win personal favors and not wider interests. The individual who employs flattery is about promoting his wellbeing. He or she is not about building any institution but promoting oneself and flatterers abound in the community.
The flatterer does not commit himself to an organization but is always around posing for a photo op to share globally. When the arti passes, he does not put money in, and would be the first at the table when meals are being served. He employs an academic interest in the programs and affairs of the mandir present a charade of commitment and quick to chastise others for not contributing money and time.
I am writing this piece because I think that those flatterers must be made aware that others are seeing through their brazen antics and are now tired of them. It is time for these so-called Hindu activists to commit themselves to an institution and stop the masquerade. While many Hindus deplore Carnival, I must confess that we are excellent masqueraders! Or is it madness? Are these individuals truly conscious and aware of their behaviors? Do they need help?
We need the art of diplomacy to strengthen cooperation among Hindus. Everyone will agree that much work needs to be done in this field if the community must move forward to achieve its goals. Also, diplomacy must be employed to build institutions that would serve the welfare of the community. If those institutions are not available, it is solely because we have failed to grow diplomatically. We need to distinguish diplomacy from flattery before we can move forward.