26th January, the 72nd Republic Day of India turned out to be very disappointing this year. Protesters entered the Red Fort in New Delhi and forcibly hoisted flags of their group organizations. Public property was vandalized and clashes left hundreds of security officers injured.
All this and much more ‘as reported in the mainstream media’ happened during the mass tractor rally organized in protest of the new farm laws. While the farmer unions have distanced themselves from the riot episode, who all were involved is a matter of inquiry.
“I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent” – Mahatma Gandhi.
Mob activism and protest further creates friction and anger. ‘Retaliation’ as an expression of anger disturbs peace. A wise man rightly said “Anger doesn’t solve anything and it builds nothing, but can destroy everything”. It is the ‘Destructive Mindset’ that leads to confrontations. ‘Protest’ approach causes losses and it is also self-damaging.
“In a gentle way, you can shake the world” – Mahatma Gandhi.
In contrast, ‘Patience and Perseverance’ is a way of reconciliation. It generates positive outlook and a ‘Constructive Mindset’. Progress may be slow, but the outcome will be harmonious. The direction of our reaction has the ability to make or break the situation. It takes years to build and minutes to destroy.
Like any other citizen, I had no knowledge of what was transpiring in Delhi, and I was grossly engaged with my cycling activity in Mumbai. As I went about to celebrate Republic Day with a cycling group, a co-cyclist distributed a cotton cloth pouch with a drawstring and the map of India printed on it. Now you may scroll-up, have a look at the top image and come back here.
The pouch contains floral seeds, and once sown by all the recipients, they are sure to adorn the home gardens and galleries.
This is the ‘Cycology’ of a cyclist that separates the two ‘Mindsets’ we discussed above, and both the events seems to be planned ahead. The act of violence and the act of benevolence. I am glad that our group is on the side of the ‘Growth Mindset’. One that cares for the environment, believes in sustainability and maintains good camaraderie.
The Cycology of a cyclist maybe hard to decode, but this time it was relatively easier for me. What are your views on this type of ‘Cycology-cal’ behavior? I welcome your opinion in the comment section below.
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Author: Vijay Malhotra, Mumbai
