My Tolerant and Accommodating Mother Kenya
Recently I was at an event where both the Kenyan and Indian national anthems were played to mark the commencement of the event. The Kenyananthem was played first and I couldn’t help to notice that only a handful was singing it, much too meekly and unsure of the words, out of the over-hundred in attendance. The rest stood awkwardly as they awaited the end of the anthem.
Then, the ever so familiar music of the Indian national anthem started playing and everyone was more alert than before standing upright to sing the wonderful words of the Indian anthem. The hall was resonating with each and every word being sung by almost every person in attendance.
This observation offered me two thoughts immediately and simultaneously.
Firstly, I was feeling a great sense of pride and joy to learn that the Indian nationals (or once Indian nationals) were upholding the loyalty and fervor towards their Matrubhoomi (motherland). It is quite natural that one will quickly identify himself or herself with anything even loosely related to his/her
motherland – be it clothes, food, language, news or culture. However, does that limit a person from not accepting or understanding the same things about his/her Karmabhomi (workland), I wondered...
My second musing was that Mother Kenya is rather accommodating and has a great amount of tolerance. Accepting all its residents without judging or discriminating their culture or origin. Had it been another nation in the west, such an observation would not be seen in the first place. The rules of many western nations, I understand, are quite strict such that if one wants to live in the country, he/she must know the language and at least know the national anthem... and sing it with pride.
Having said this, I think that it is the duty of every resident of Mother Kenya to learn about its culture, language, history to some extent and the challenges thereof. I am not up to speed with any legal framework of Kenya or of India, however, as a Swayamsevak, I do wish to express this little observation and hope it triggers a bit of brainstorm in Your own mind and provides food for thought as you go about in Your daily activities.
After all, Hindus are all about Krinavanto Vishwamaaryam (Let us ennoble the whole world) and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The world is one family).
- DEEPAK SHIR
Then, the ever so familiar music of the Indian national anthem started playing and everyone was more alert than before standing upright to sing the wonderful words of the Indian anthem. The hall was resonating with each and every word being sung by almost every person in attendance.
This observation offered me two thoughts immediately and simultaneously.
Firstly, I was feeling a great sense of pride and joy to learn that the Indian nationals (or once Indian nationals) were upholding the loyalty and fervor towards their Matrubhoomi (motherland). It is quite natural that one will quickly identify himself or herself with anything even loosely related to his/her
motherland – be it clothes, food, language, news or culture. However, does that limit a person from not accepting or understanding the same things about his/her Karmabhomi (workland), I wondered...
My second musing was that Mother Kenya is rather accommodating and has a great amount of tolerance. Accepting all its residents without judging or discriminating their culture or origin. Had it been another nation in the west, such an observation would not be seen in the first place. The rules of many western nations, I understand, are quite strict such that if one wants to live in the country, he/she must know the language and at least know the national anthem... and sing it with pride.
Having said this, I think that it is the duty of every resident of Mother Kenya to learn about its culture, language, history to some extent and the challenges thereof. I am not up to speed with any legal framework of Kenya or of India, however, as a Swayamsevak, I do wish to express this little observation and hope it triggers a bit of brainstorm in Your own mind and provides food for thought as you go about in Your daily activities.
After all, Hindus are all about Krinavanto Vishwamaaryam (Let us ennoble the whole world) and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The world is one family).
- DEEPAK SHIR
I agreed we should take initiative and teach in our shakhas.
ReplyDeleteGreat Article! Apt and to the point .... Keep up the good work!!!
ReplyDeleteExcellent article. Keep it up. Most of school childrens knows the Kenya national anthem. But parents and others who does not know should be taught at home and community places.
ReplyDeleteGood....should be taken seriously by all.
ReplyDelete