prakash.persad@yahoo.com

FOCUSING ON THE GOAL

Life is filled with distractions and criticisms. Whilst distractions can be dealt with by generally avoiding them, criticisms tend to “sting us” and therefore are more likely to remain in our thoughts and minds. They are, consequently, more difficult to dismiss or ignore.

Success in life and most worthwhile ventures then requires us to adopt a strategy to counter or minimise the effects of adverse personal and negative comments about ourselves or our work.

There is a saying that only bearing mango trees are subjected to stoning. When under severe attack, especially when engaging in a worthwhile venture, these words of empirical wisdom can indeed be a source of solace.

Have you ever noticed that once a person embarks on a self-improvement venture, the attacks fly in from all directions?

Three decades ago, when running was not the fad that it has become, I used to run on the roadway. There are few things as invigorating as the last sprint after running a very long distance. You become suddenly aware of the wind blowing through your hair, of the beating of your heart, of the blood flowing through your body: a heightened state of aware and joyous high. You get hooked on it: an addiction of the good and healthy kind.

This activity, however, used to draw some very unpleasant remarks from the community, including, “Yuh should get bounce dong” and “Ah hope dem dogs bite yuh.” This I could never understand but remained focused on the training.

The day a person decides to stop drinking then all stops are removed in the drive to convince him/her to start back. What you stop drinking for, how will you enjoy yourself, how will you lime? This is soon followed by the guilt-inducing criticism: you are being selfish and breaking up the lime. Maybe bad habits like company.

In the Hindu community it is no different and many are unable to stand up to the peer pressure. And believe you me, the pressures exerted on Hindus are far more severe and global; they come from within and without. We are subjected to barbarous statements like we worship idols. Only dull idiots so think. Methinks such people should be called “udulls.” Of course only the cowardly and weak of faith lose their focus and consequently betray their ancestral inheritance.

The practice of mispronouncing Hindu names is still a social illiteracy that is rampant in the rainbow country. The culturally deficient tender the excuse it is hard to pronounce and regrettably too many buckle under this criticism and proceed to allow their names to be morphed into Anglophone misnomers.

A name is supposed to reflect a person’s character and is chosen by procedures that emanated from ancient and glorious civilisations.

It is interesting to note that international cricket commentators have no difficulty, for they believe in being professional, in pronouncing non-Anglophone names. By that yardstick one is forced to conclude that many presenters and broadcasters in this here country are woefully unprofessional.

Incredibly, some are of indentured heritage. Maybe an inferiority complex actuates their slide from a position of indentured heritage to one of bonded cultural slavery.

The purpose of this column has been and continues to be based on a principle of engaging in and stimulating constructive dialogue on national, regional and international issues. Articles have been cited and referenced from the primary school level to tertiary levels and the readership includes the Trinidadian Diaspora worldwide, including many non-Indians and non-Hindus, as evidenced by the numerous e-mail and other forms of feedback that I receive. No personal attacks and criticisms are put forth. Rather issues are tackled and firm opinions ventured based on logical reasoning. Of course some will agree and some won’t.

Whilst personal attacks on this columnist have been launched in the past, on political and other platforms, a strict sense of propriety, dignity and decorum have been maintained. That is not about to change. The column of two fortnights ago evoked rather misguided and personal attacks, in the print and electronic media, on me.

Many have forcibly argued with me that I should respond in kind. I have not and will not engage in mudslinging battles. I am guided by the words of the late and revered founder of Swaha, HH Shankaracharya Hari Prasad: There is no merit, honour or glory in engaging your inferiors in battle.

The formation of Swaha some 15 odd years ago resulted in a Hindu awakening here and elsewhere. As we initiated positive change for the betterment of the community and country, we were subjected to intense criticisms and attacks from members of the community who resisted positive change.

We understood then as we do now that change is painful and hence the reaction from vested interests. We remained focused on our goal of transforming the Hindu community and bettering the national community. Many a time the question would be asked how is the battle going.

Mahatma Gandhi was once told, during his quest for India’s independence, that he would lose the war against the British. He replied that since he was not fighting any war, he could not lose any battle.

Swaha has never been and will never engage in any battle with anybody. We remain focused on our goal.

Fellas, thank you for your criticisms and may God bless you.

n Prof Prakash Persad is the director of Swaha Inc

*Prof Prakash Persad is the director of Swaha Inc