When something grossly violent happens around us, each one of us gets brutalised. Take the recent gangrape for instance. Even the most peace-loving people are asking for the culprits to be hanged. We must understand that kneejerk reactions are inherently retaliatory and vindictive. Yet there is no denying the fact that sometimes the situation is so revolting that it demands extremely stringent response. That is when one looks up to the judicial system, as law and punishment is an authoritative tool that deters people from committing vicious acts. But in a country where justice is delayed and hence denied in a majority of cases, it gives rise to uncontrollable outrage. Public venting of anger might not be for just a particular incident but the expression of resentment and intimidation caused by the prolonged abusive use of power, and the helplessness felt by the people in bringing about any change.

Hence one incident can stir up exasperated and tremendous anger in not only individuals but entire society. A vile act like murder committed in rage – would it be justifiable to find retribution with another murder sanctioned by law as punitive measure? More than retaliation, what is required is to create an environment of understanding, to create a bridge for those in darkness so that they can be helped out of their selfcreated hell, which demands a highly persevering, wise and mature approach. When the rudimentary principles of ethics and morality are complemented with compassion and knowledge, then the person will never betray his own conscience. But if conscience is absent, then the person has no humanity in him.

What is humanity, what makes one humane, all this needs to be taught and learnt in a conducive environment. Only then it is possible to respond and not react and for this a person needs to cultivate introspection, heighten awareness so as to rise above the shortcomings of mind, eradicate weaknesses, and work on expanding consciousness. So there aren’t easy solutions, for the problems are complex. The complexities of life cannot be addressed with one line resolutions. If we wish to make a better society then let us first become better parents, better teachers, better human beings. Then we share, spread and disseminate this knowledge by example so that others, too, get a chance to evolve, to live compassionately and cordially.

If you hate yourself you can only give hatred to others, whereas if you love yourself and see your true Self reflected in all, then there is no way you would cause hurt to another. I would like to reiterate that this is only for human beings and not for those who are still demonic, as for demons even Krishna did not find it efficacious to preach the asuras or the likes of Duryodhana and he just slew them. It can be said that being Lord, an incarnation, Krishna had the power to slay the demons, but we being humans cannot resort to beheading someone because that person is a demon in our perception. So, certain limitations do come upon us.

We as a society need to understand that there are going to be all kinds of people with different mindsets, inclinations and dispositions, and it would be an utopian idea to believe that everybody will become enlightened one day miraculously. Yet a harmonious environment of love, friendship, and respect has to be created and every individual needs to endeavour towards making it possible. If we all set an example of our evolved and responsible behaviour, inspire those around us by instilling peace, love and mutual respect, it would certainly make a difference.