Editor,
If God exists as the supreme force behind this amazing creation, why do humans try to confine the infinite within the walls of bigotry and animosity? Our history is littered with the rubble of temples burned, mosques desecrated, and churches, gurudwaras, and stupas demolished in the name of God. Recent acts of mindless violence in Bangladesh, including the destruction of countless temples, are a pointer to this reality. This is how some extremists exploit the divine as an excuse to unleash brutality upon those who simply approach God in slightly different ways. Is this not, at its core, a rejection of the very concept of God and His all-encompassing nature?
A troubling question arises: Why is devotion to “my God” so commonly linked to hatred of “your Gods”? The irony is painfully evident. If God — by whatever name or form of worship — is the ultimate source of all life, how can anyone justify dividing His creation into warring factions? This obsession with differences in names, rituals, and customs has only led to bloodshed, trauma, and suffering — things no deity would ever condone. Hatred in the name of “love for God” is not faith at all; killing in the name of protecting religion is utterly ungodly.
Due to excessive hatred, some have convinced themselves that loving God gives them the right to hate others’ deities or ridicule the paths they follow. Moreover, it is sheer ignorance to assume that different faiths worship different gods, or more precisely, creators. If this were true, our very “biology” would differ based on religion. Should a Muslim’s blood flow differently than that of a Hindu’s? Should a Christian’s heart pump with a rhythm entirely distinct from a Buddhist’s? If the universe operates under “one set of natural laws,” why do we claim, “my God is the most powerful” and dismiss yours as inferior — or worse, as Satan?
Let’s consider this: GRAVITY doesn’t ask about our beliefs before pulling us to the ground. Air doesn’t question our faiths before entering our lungs to nourish and sustain our lives. The sun doesn’t shine only for Hindus, nor do the rains fall exclusively for Muslims or Buddhists. The universe operates with perfect consistency, impartiality, and awe-inspiring generosity. Shouldn’t our concept of God reflect this same boundless benevolence, encouraging us to cherish the world around us and live in harmony with one another?
At the heart of every religion lies a “call to compassion.” God, in any form and energy, is usually approached through the act of feeding the hungry, serving the needy, spreading the virtue of compassion than in building walls of division. The divine, if it exists, is surely too vast to be confined by the smallness of human ego and narrow dogmas.
The greatest irony of all is that we claim to worship God, yet our actions so completely go against the very essence of what God represents and His expectations. We seem to miss the serene forest for the trees, focusing literally on petty trivialities while overlooking the vast shared essence of humanity.
I sometimes feel, if God were to descend today in flesh, perhaps His first question to us would be: “Why do you spend so much time defending Me and so little time embodying the love, compassion, and unity I have woven into every fiber of creation?” Perhaps God would go on to say further: “Bury your divisions, bury your dogmas, and abandon your bloody battles over who knows Me best. Love one another, serve one another, and I promise you eternal peace and eternal life in the hereafter.”
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong
Street dogs a looming threat!
Editor,
I am writing to bring to light a growing concern in our neighbourhood which is the increasing menace caused by street dogs. While we understand that these animals too deserve compassion and care, the situation has reached a critical point where the safety and well-being of residents, including children, are at risk.
Over the past few months, numerous households have reported distressing incidents of street dogs attacking and killing pet cats. This has caused immense grief to families who have lost their beloved pets. Additionally, there have been alarming cases of children and adults being bitten, leading to fear and panic within the community.
The lack of proper control measures has exacerbated the issue. Packs of stray dogs often roam freely, creating a hostile environment for pedestrians and playing children. Night time disturbances due to constant barking have also become a regular nuisance.
We urge the concerned authorities to address this matter with urgency. Initiatives such as sterilization programs, proper sheltering for stray dogs, and vaccination drives are essential to ensure the safety of both humans and animals. Awareness campaigns can also help promote responsible pet ownership and humane treatment of stray animals.
Our community looks forward to a swift response to this pressing issue. We believe that with the cooperation of local authorities and civic bodies, a balanced solution can be achieved to ensure harmony between residents and animals.
Yours etc.,
Ayesha Langstieh,
Via email
State has a bounden duty to nurture young talents
Editor,
After winning the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024, 18-year-old Dommaraju Gukesh of India has become the youngest ever world chess champion. The decision makers of our country must pay heed to what he said in his post-match press conference.
He acknowledged the fact that without the sacrifices of his parents and their friends he could not have achieved much in chess. Chess, like other sports, needs financial backing. Gukesh could not even compete in various chess competitions in India and abroad to hone his chess skills in his formative period had his parents not made lifestyle sacrifices.
Gukesh’s father is an ENT surgeon and his mother is a microbiologist. Therefore, their family income is well above the average Indian household income. But even then their financial support was not enough. The gap in financial backing could not have been filled had friends and colleagues of his parents not donated generously. The policy makers must acknowledge that young talents both in academics and sporting fields need government support in their formative years when it matters.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata