Individuals and groups are in the habit of blaming others as the cause of their setbacks and not accepting responsibility. It is as though our survival and existence are not in our hands and are always at the mercy of others.
How do we explain the academic discussions on the diaspora that continue to interrogate the British colonial past and history? How long are we going to blame others and not take action to address our problems?
I am not advocating that we should become oblivious of forces working to undermine our community. These negative forces are alive and active. However, we need to accept that we need to demonstrate greater responsibility for our affairs.
I think too many Indians have been brainwashed to hate their culture and community. They believe that that is objective and rational thinking. They are failing to accept that Western interests are now aligning with Indian taught and philosophy and are forming new protocols with India to share technology and increase trade.
Unfortunately, Indians have not moved away from the anti-colonial mindset and accept that they have equal access to the world stage. Prime Minister Modi of India has come to terms with this reality, and he is taking full advantage of opportunities.
Prime Minister Modi was invited to the meeting of the G7 nations in Tokyo as a witness and was able to win the admiration of several leaders in attendance including President Biden of the USA. In Australia he enjoyed a rockstar welcome and in Papua New Guinea he was hailed as the leader of the South.
The culture of victimhood has sunk deep into the psyche of Indians. Prime Minister Modi understands that well and hence his forthrightness on the world stage. Is India and its diaspora catching on? While the people of India hail Modi, those opposed to him are bent on power and hence see nothing good in him, the policies of his government, and now in its parliament which is the institution of democracy.
While Modi hails India as the Jagatguru or world leader, many still look up to the imperial West to dictate their actions. How do you explain the derision of the sengol, a sacred rod that was used to transfer power to a king in the Chola Dynasty of Tamil Nadu? It appears that too many of us have allowed Western education to take full control of our existence. We have unconsciously allowed certificates, diplomas, and degrees to define us. According to Sadguru, our intellect has come to define us; it is the universal tool that we use on all occasions, even at a social gathering and a pooja. The idle boast of the educational achievements of our children and grandchildren is sometimes unbearable if not embarrassing!
Personally, a few thousand dollars in the bank, a mansion, an SUV, and professional qualifications should be a given. Unfortunately, these ‘achievements’ have come to define who we are. We need to rise above our material achievements and academic and professional qualifications and identify with our civilizational ethos. If not, we would become, as Sai Baba said, beggars living in a house of gold with foreigners to tell us about the health benefits of fasting, yoga, and a vegetarian diet.
Western civilization has long passed its zenith and is in decline. Western leaders are acknowledging this reality and democratizing their society to embrace all that is noble and enriching. Unfortunately, too many of us are still happy being Macaulay’s ‘brown coconuts.’
In the Caribbean diaspora- Guyana, TT, and Suriname- the struggle is between Indianization and Creolization. Reggae, dub, calypso, and soca are now ushered into our private parties and gatherings in our homes. We are desperate to demonstrate to others that we are inclusive by blasting those musical genres. Have we stopped to ask if others have given mutual acceptance to our musical genres in their social gatherings? Proselytization- Islam and Christianity- is now normalized in our families and community, not long ago a cause for alarm.
In conclusion, I want to appeal to Hindus to take responsibility for their social situation and shun the victimhood mentality. This mentality should be left for the physically incapacitated and mentally deranged wearing diapers, not able-bodied men and women.
