30th Annual Hussain Day Convention – ‘Stand For Social Equality’
The world as we see it today seems to emanate hatred and intolerance. Mob lynching, racial discrimination, communal violence, terrorist activities, refugee attacks, hate crimes being orchestrated on basis of race and religion are on the rise.
As time has passed, it seems that we have forgotten what it really means to “be human”. However, we as humans are better than this and can rise above this. We still do have hope.
As citizens of the world, the onus is upon us to take up the mantle collectively to resolve the exponential growth in violence, intolerance and discrimination. It is time for each of us to “Stand for Social Equality”, and stand up against ignorance and injustice with every fibre of our being.
Violence only begets violence, and the solution to horrendous violent acts is education, awareness, dialogue and tolerance.
Every religion and way of life is rooted in one common belief - spreading love and being kind. If we look beyond our differences, we will see that we are all connected by the common foundation of love. So let us join hands and choose love over hate, faith over despair and acceptance over intolerance.
‘Hussain day’ – Conventions have been an annual tradition in Bengaluru for the past 30 years. On this day, distinguish scholars, eminent political leaders, social activists and intellectuals share a stage to deliberate on a selected theme. Not losing sight of the emerging global emergency, we have to step up to raise a common voice against hatred.
In lieu of this vision, this year’s theme for the 30th Annual ‘Hussain day’ – Convention has been thought of to percolate every individual’s thought in transforming the society towards peace and harmony. Our history narrates the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (A.S), the Grandson of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and his followers made to uphold the principles of humanity at Karbala against the tyrant ruler Yazid, which is relevant even to this day. Many similarities could be drawn to the present-day scenario, which is a hue and cry for help. The ‘Hussain Day’- Convention provides a secular stage to rise against acts of violence, with the hope of bringing a world order preceded by peace. This message will echo as the voice of commoners, irrespective of the faith they belong to.
Imam Hussain and his values continue to spread the great legacy inherited, which has laid foot prints on the tests of time. His actions demonstrated tolerance and promoted love for a just and peaceful society, which seemed to be a distant dream back then. Even today, his message remains relevant and universal in promoting peace and justice, which he put in practice during his lifetime. He not only preached peace, but also promoted social justice where all people could live equally with dignity.
Global Scenario: The unrest across the globe today has engulfed many peace-loving nations and has prompted us to take into perspective the life of Imam Hussain, and replicate his example of promoting and living a life of peace and harmony. The changing geographical boundaries, mass exodus, killings, extremism are leading us to impending catastrophes, which poise as big hurdles to be able to follow the way shown by Imam Hussain, in search of global peace.
Present Need: In today’s time and age, it is an imperative and an urgent need to act and follow those, who have demonstrated resilience and promoted compassion to all living beings, like the one that was demonstrated by the life of Imam Hussain & our Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhiji, who said “ I learnt from Hussain how to achieve victory while being oppressed. Mahatma Gandhiji’s first salt Satyagraha was inspired by Imam Hussain (a.s) non-violent resistance to the tyranny & Yazid.
Let us try and let go of what has hurt us in the past, keeping intact the lessons that it taught us. Progress is impossible without change, and changing our mindset is the very first step to take us a long way ahead.
Let us come together to take Imam Hussain (a.s) & Mahatma Gandhiji’s vision for a non-violent society against oppression, corruption and tyranny ahead, and STAND FOR SOCIAL EQUALITY.
Aga Sultan