• A consistent belief in non- violence is an interesting claim for any sane society to make.

Dr. Lalit Mohan Sharma

A consistent belief in non- violence is an interesting claim for any sane society to make. Beckoned by greats like Buddha and Gandhi, a host of sages having done penance for the well- being of humanity, for us non- violence navigates any script of international peace and coexistence, its symbol is significantly first mentioned in Maha Upanishad, and later in Hitopadesha as well: Vasudhaivkatumbkam. The World is one family. Obviously, no violence could hold it together as One Family. At different times, Prime Ministers, Rajiv Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Man Mohan Singh- used this phrase to emphasize India’s World – View. Shri Narendra Modi made it the motto of India’s presidency of G20. And every leader worth his salt has spoken high of non- violence whenever the occasion rose, or while paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth or death anniversary, how the truth of non- violence was enshrined in his concept of Satyagrah.

Now, the question begs no description as, ‘Are we not violent?’ Looking at literature and history, one gets conflicting impressions. Mahabharat may have given us The Bhagvad Gita, which, besides philosophical and psychological truths, leads Arjun to take up arms against his cousins and elders. A special case can be made of it. Still, how does one recall the epic but with such incidents and episodes as the game of dice leading to the disrobing of the daughter in law of the Kuru dynasty, the battle ground littered with blood and limbs of soldiers, the Wax House– Lakshagrih conspiracy, long tales of battles between Vashishtha and Vishwamitra, and so on.

Ramayan has well known episodes of war and violence, there’s also Sharupnakha, guilty of offering herself to the princes already married, but to cut her nose as a punishment is not of negligible violence even if she attacked Sita, there could always be other means to de-capacitate her. Let’s keep in mind that violence is not just physical bloodbath but can also be cruel psychological hurts.

Looking at history, of recent times, it was Gandhi who could choose to withdraw his non-violent campaign after the Chaurichaura violence. Most of the leaders and the people did not agree with the Mahatma. The great momentum was lost, and country’s freedom was as a result delayed. How quick and sharp our people take to violence?

Read: Cult of the Nazi – Poetry from Himachal Pradesh, India

How much provocation to target a whole community? Look at Delhi 1984, Godhra 2002, a whole people shed non- violent inhibitions, and astutely practiced the violence of civilized barbarians. Remember Hashimpura? Twenty seven years after that incident, the Court sent sixteen policemen to life imprisonment for the crime. Forget about commissions of enquiry appointed, their reports filed, politics of camouflage, that’s almost after every riot, let’s leave names of the cities. The most galling thing is that persons convicted of rape and riots are released on parole or on relaxation of jail term. And the greater violence lies in their public garlanding, and honour of such convicted persons.

Violence is indeed a kind of insanity. Once a while, one could be provoked into such a mood. In his book, The Continent of Circe*, Nirad C Chaudhari observes that insanity can strike a whole race for short periods of time. Like, it did in Germany, when Hitler came up with the Nazi Party and the Jews fell to that insanity. In case of India, he finds a permanent state of insanity, but it affects one tenth, nine tenths– artisans and farmers, they remain free. That’s why violent insanity has not engulfed or wiped us. We are staying on. Staying put!

You hear of lynchings over beef, later finding the meat wasn’t actually ‘ beef’. You hear of a person beaten to death for stealing, or even suspected of theft. For a whole year, Manipur is a dramatized metaphor for violence, you hear of no action, or any national outpouring of shock at the incidents. Women were paraded naked, the video goes viral. More people take note of it. Parliament suffers lack of cohesion on when to debate such matters.

Read: I like Hierarchy, I am Hierarchical

Our Shock- Absorbers of violence are made of tougher metal. Sonam Wangchuk walks from Leh to Delhi, non- violent, not even raising slogans, anxious about ecology and administration in Ladhakh. Not given a hearing! His associates are dragged away by the police, the new 163 or the old famous 144 has been dishonoured. Violence to law? We are a non- violent people. But only a baby which cries loud gets the feed!

*Nirad C Chaudhari, The Continent of Circe, Jaico Impression (1966), 2021, pp123-5.

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Dr. Lalit Mohan Sharma, born in 1952, has published ten books of English poetry which include ‘Man with A Horn’, ‘Eyes of Silence’ and ‘There’s No Death’. His book, A Three- Step Journey, is English translation of Zahid’s Urdu poems. ‘Icicles of Time’ came in 2024, and ‘ Inclusive Voids’ to be launched early in 2025. Sharma was conferred with ‘International Academy Award in Literature’ at World Poetry Conference in 2024 at Pune. A former Principal, Government College, Dharamshala, he has been anthologized in several books of poetry, stories and such books of academic interest as 21st Century Critical Thought : A Dialogue with Post-Modern Voices Vol I, (2020), A Handbook of Contemporary Ethics, (2024), Ed by Molly Joseph and JS Anand

The post On Being Non-Violent first appeared on Sindh Courier.

WPM HQ, Medellín, Columbia

World Poetry Movement (WPM) have gathered more than 1010 signatures by world poets in more than 140 countries on an appeal to act for immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

The appeal has been addressed to all honorable presidents and leaders of world countries: Joe Biden, president of the United States, Xi Jinping, president of China, Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of England, Olaf Scholz, Prime Minister of Germany, Emmanuel Macron, president of France, Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan, Gustavo Petro, president of Colombia, Manuel López Obrador, president of Mexico, Prince Mohamed bin Salman, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Ali Khamenei, head of state of Iran, Michael Higgins, President of Ireland, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, president of Brazil.

The Appeal to act for immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance in Gaza

“Your Excellency, we, the poets, writers and artists of all nations of the world, are deeply concerned by the barbaric, inhuman and systematic attacks on the people of Palestine in Gaza by the Israeli occupation forces. Media reports and other independent sources have claimed that at least 33,482 Palestinians have been killed and 76,049 wounded since October 7, 2023. Women, children, medical service providers, journalists and humanitarian workers have been indiscriminately targeted. Homes, hospitals, schools and public spaces are demolished, and humanitarian assistance is blocked.

The people of Gaza have become prisoners in their own nation, and are deprived of food, water, shelter and health services. They are denied their basic rights to life and dignity. This act is a clear violation of international human rights and humanitarian laws. It is loud and clear that no countries and territories can be at peace when people in Gaza are subjected to brutal war and historical injustices. Though the United Nations officials also have repeatedly urged for the immediate cessation of this genocidal war, it is very unfortunate that the world governments have failed to make any resolution to this crisis.

As poets, writers, artists and humans, sharing the common home, planet Earth, we have a collective responsibility to bear witness to this heinous crime against humanity. We strongly condemn the atrocities committed by the Israeli forces and appeal that the right to life and dignity of the Palestinian people to be protected by all means and in all circumstances. We maintain that these conflicts should be resolved through peaceful means and mutual dialogues.

We urge that the inhumanity in Gaza must be recognized and the perpetrators must be made accountable. But, as an emergency response, we appeal Your Excellency for your positive action in forging a deal for immediate ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, and in mobilizing the international mechanisms to provide humanitarian reliefs to the people in Gaza, Warmest Regards”

The signing poets are called by WORLD POETRY MOVEMENT (WPM), Hanan Awwad (Palestine), Fernando Rendón (Colombia), President of WPM, Rati Saxena (India), Alex Pausides (Cuba), Siphiwe Nzima (Lesotho), Keshab Sigdel (Nepal), Freddy Ñáñez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Ana María Oviedo (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Khalid Rassouni (Morocco), Zolani Mkiva (South Africa), Maribel Mora (Chile), Oscar Saavedra (Chile), Vadim Terekhim (Russia), Rosa Chávez (Guatemala), Ashraf Aboul-Yazid (Egypt), Sylvie Marie (Belgium), Achour Fenni (Algeria), Christine Peiying (New Zealand), María Ángeles Pérez López (Spain), Gloria Chvatal (Colombia), Ali Al Ameri (Jordan), Saley Boubé Bali (Niger), Wpm Coordinating Committee, João Fernando André (Angola), Ikhlef Abdelselam (Algeria), Djamel Belarbi (Algeria), Nasser Bakria (Algeria), Mohamed Bouteghane (Algeria), Ahmed Abdelkrim (Algeria), Ahcene Douas (Algeria), Arabi Abdelkader (Algeria), Hmida Ayachi(Algeria), Lakhdar Fellous (Algeria), Bourouis Amar (Algeria), Zineb Laouedj (Algeria), Mohammed Boutaghane (Algeria), Mebsoute Mohamed (Algeria), Nadia Nouacer (Algeria), Kadik Mohamed (Algeria), Mabrouk Bannaoui (Algeria), Salim Abadou (Algeria), Abdelhamid Bourayou (Algeria), Mohamed Daoud (Algeria), Aidouni Salima (Algeria), Fertouni Mouloud (Algeria), Mohamed Lakhdhar Juini (Algeria), Kamel Kerrour (Algeria), Brahim Tazaghart (Algeria), Ahmine Chafik (Algeria), Brahim Boudraa (Algeria),  Abdelhakem Belehia (Algeria), Mahdi Berrache (Algeria), Nicolás Antonioli (Argentina), Leopoldo Castilla (Argentina), Gabo Sequeira (Argentina), Dafne Pidemunt (Argentina), Alicia Vincenzini (Argentina), Paula Kersul (Argentina), Sol Zurita (Argentina), Bianca Cacia (Argentina), Lilah Strack (Argentina), Hugo Alberto Luna (Argentina), Silvia Jayo (Argentina), Claudia Christiansen (Argentina), Yanina Audisio Jayo (Argentina), Leandro Frígoli Jayo (Argentina), Liliana Majic Jayo (Argentina), Milvia America Mansilla Jayo (Argentina), Ana Maidana (Argentina), Melina Sánchez (Argentina), Ezra Monsalvo (Argentina), Teuco Castilla (Argentina), Guillermo Almada (Argentina), Samuel Bossini (Argentina), Anandi Fernández (Argentina), Arturo Desimone (Aruba), Quinto Nichoolas (Aruba), Les Wicks (Australia), Juan Garrido Salgado (Australia), Eldar Akhadov (Azerbaijan), Marion Bethel (Bahamas), Aminur Rahman (Bangladesh), Winston Farrell (Barbados), Kerry Belgrave (Barbados), Jacinth Howard (Barbados), Linda Deane (Barbados), Hermas Gbaguidi (Benim), Hosheng Ossi (Belgium), Peter Theunynck (Belgium), Annemarie Estor (Belgium), Frank Pollet (Belgium), Anne Provoost (Belgium), Erik Vlaminck (Belgium), Leonardo Gustavo Ruiz (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Mariana Ruiz Oviedo (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Francisco Sesto (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Luis Alberto Crespo (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Víelsi Arias (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Pedro Ruiz (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Antonio Trujillo (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Miguel Pérez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Gabriel Jiménez Emán (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), José Gregorio Vásquez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Venus Ledezma (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Yuri Patiño (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Juan Antonio Calzadilla Arreaza (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Nelson Chávez Herrera (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Hermes Vargas (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), José Gregorio González Vivas (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Jazmil Mendoza (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Milagro Meleán (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Ennio Tucci (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Ever Delgado (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Rodolfo Quintero Noguera (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Leticia Rojas (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Carlos Pérez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Leonel Ruiz (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Alexis Liendo (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Benito Mieses (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Pedro Tellez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Luis Alberto Angulo (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Arnaldo Erazzo (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Gregorio González Vivas (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Elí Caicedo Pinto (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Fidel Flores (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Job Jurado Guevara (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Christian Farías (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Azul Urdaneta (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), María Alejandra Rendón (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Rumilda Jiménez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Vanileybi Rivas (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), José Mestre (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Mohamed Hassan (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Ernesto Cañizalez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Eleazar Marín (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Ninfa Monasterios (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Bartolomé Cavallo (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Marcos Veroes (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Rafael Ortega (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Henry Colmenares (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Max Bembo (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Alexis Escalona (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Skarlet Boguier (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), José Gregorio Correa (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Maury Valerio (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Luis Emilio Romero (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Luis Miguel Patiño (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Rodolfo Rodríguez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Luis Velázquez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Mirimarit Paradas (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Gonzalo Insignares (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Ildemaro Rosales (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Raúl García Palma (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Isabel Molina (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Emilys González Ordóñez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Wilmara Borges (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Rubén Darío Roca (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Ramón Ojeda Cruzate (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Fanny Araujo (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Karelia Chávez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), José Ortiz (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Julián Escalona (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Alberto Rodríguez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Keomar Inojosa (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Nancy Caballero (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Miguel Viloria (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Roger Herrera (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Libeslay Bermúdez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Alejandro Silva (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Maríajosé Escobar (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), William Torrealba (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Ximena Benítez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Yuraima Salazar (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), José Javier Sánchez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Julio Borromé (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Enmanuel Colmenares (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Lennys Pérez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Juan Canelones (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Linda Ruiz Terán (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Aquiles Silva (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Marcos González (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), José Pérez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Franklin Fernández (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Clorinda Fuentes (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Jesús Velásquez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Edgar Hernández (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Rodolfo Rodríguez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela),  Gisela Delpino (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Benigno Barazarte (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Raúl Blanco (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Eduardo Rivero (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Luis Cabezas (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Argenis Méndez Echenique (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Marisol Pérez Melgarejo (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Adolfo Segundo Medina (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Freddy Araque Contreras (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Manuel Rojas Flores (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Alejo Vivas Ramírez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Alexander García La Cruz (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Federico Ruiz (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Stephen Marsh Planchart (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Nelson Montiel Acosta (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), José Miguel González Rossi (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela),Lucas Gil (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Marisol Pérez Melgarejo (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Adolfo Segundo Medina (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Freddy Araque Contreras (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Manuel Rojas Flores (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Alejo Vivas Ramírez (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), Alexander García La Cruz (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela).

The list of poets joining the appeal has been updated since April 11, 2024. More are following:

Valeria Sandi (Bolivia); Sulma Montero (Bolivia); Vilma Tapia (Bolivia); T. J. Dema (Botswana); Thiago Ponce de Moraes (Brazil); Tanussi Cardoso (Brazil); Arthur Ledine (Brazil); Bianca Monteiro Garcia (Brazil); Carlos Orfeu da Conceição (Brazil); Juliana Athayde Silva de Morais (Brazil); Lucas Perito (Brazil); Tatiana Leal (Brazil); Humberto Mello (Brazil); Daiane Pereira Rodrigues (Brazil); Pedro Muñoz (Brazil); Rinzin Rinzin (Bhutan); Gopilal Acharya (Bhutan); Ruzha Velcheva (Bulgaria); Gary Geddes (Canada); Geraldine Mpesse (Cameroon); Aubin-Renaud Alongnifal (Cameroon); Marcel Kemadjou (Cameroom); Jean-Michel Ekele (Cameroon); Paul Atangana Atangana (Cameroon); Soledad Fariña (Chile); Jesús Sepúlveda (Chile); Chinoy (Chile); Luis Eduardo Aguilera (Chile); Margarita Berríos García (Chile); Jaime Quezada (Chile); Rayen Kvyeh (Mapuche, Chile); Francisco Villa (Chile); Amanda Duran (Chile); Daruin Durier Duarte (Colombia); Guillermo Acuña (Costa Rica); Rodolfo Dada (Costa Rica); Cao Shui (China); Ming Di (China); Víctor Gaviria (Colombia); Gabriel Jaime Franco (Colombia); Rómulo Bustos (Colombia); Femando Linero (Colombia); Mónica Lucía Suárez (Colombia); Luis Eduardo Rendón (Colombia); Jairo Guzmán (Colombia); Luz Helena Cordero (Colombia); Pedro Arturo Estrada (Colombia); Lucía Estrada (Colombia); Vito Apüshana (Colombia); Selnich Vivas Hurtado (Colombia); Simón André Chvatal-Rendón (Colombia); Yorlady Ruiz (Colombia); Valentina Rojas (Colombia); María Matilde Rodríguez (Colombia); Carmen Alicia Pérez (Colombia); Ángela García (Colombia); Guillermo Torres (Colombia); Patricia Ariza (Colombia); Ronald Cano (Colombia); Vanessa Torres (Colombia); Manuela Salinas (Colombia); Daniel Montoya (Colombia); Eugenia Sánchez Nieto (Colombia); Diego Rodríguez Saza (Colombia); Yesenia Méndez (Colombia); Yadira Cáceres (Colombia); Elvira Alejandra Quintero (Colombia); Álvaro Malenkov Rendón (Colombia); Lizha Candelo Grueso (Colombia); Jaime Nevado (Colombia); Niyi Itzamatul Ixmucané (Colombia); Jaime Londoño (Colombia); Valentina Rojas (Colombia); Selnich Vivas Hurtado (Colombia); Daniela Zapata (Colombia); Fabio Garrido (Colombia); Mercedes Vivas (Colombia); Edgar Sandino (Colombia); María Isabel García Mayorca (Colombia); Luis Carlos Domínguez (Colombia); Rosaura Mestizo (Colombia); Luz Marina López (Colombia); Marco Antonio Mejía (Colombia); Ángela Briceño (Colombia); Anna Francisca Rodas (Colombia); Juan Sebastián Sánchez (Colombia); Andrés Uribe (Colombia); Francy Liliana Díaz (Colombia); Bárbara Lins (Colombia); Angélica Pineda Silva (Colombia); Rubén Darío Flores (Colombia); Natalia Montejo (Colombia); Claudia Chaverra (Colombia); Edgar Sandino (Colombia); Natalia Montejo (Colombia); William Jiménez (Colombia); Liliana Marentes (Colombia); Daniel Acevedo (Colombia); Gianni Lara Cruz (Colombia); Gustavo Adolfo Garces (Colombia); Omar Ardila (Colombia); Karla Jazmín Arango (Colombia); Luisa Aguilar (Colombia); Manuel Pachón (Colombia); Carlos Fajardo (Colombia); Carlos Alberto Merchán (Colombia); Diana Carolina Forero (Colombia); Amparo Andrade (Colombia); Fausto Marcelo Ávila (Colombia); Ana María García (Colombia); Judith Bautista Fajardo (Colombia); Janeth Rico (Colombia); Jenny Cabrera (Colombia); Inés López Ramírez (Colombia); Félix Molina-Flórez (Colombia); María Tabares (Colombia); Damaris Román (Colombia); Héctor Hernán Hurtado (Colombia); Dorian Villa (Colombia); Víctor Ochoa (Colombia); Mauricio Flórez (Colombia); Michelle López (Colombia); Jaime Lara (Colombia); Rodrigo Jaramillo (Colombia);Carlos Alberto Valencia (Colombia);Osvaldo Sauma (Costa Rica); Arabella Salaverry (Costa Rica); Paola Valverde (Costa Rica); Tomija Bacis (Croatia); Omar González Jiménez (Cuba); Abel Prieto (Cuba); Lilian Alvarez (Cuba); Waldo Leyva (Cuba); Raúl Roa Kouri (Cuba); Heriberto Feraudy Espino (Cuba); Karel Leyva Ferrer (Cuba); Marta Pérez Hernández (Cuba); Marlene Alfonso Ulacia (Cuba); José Nicolás Díaz Roa (Cuba); Alberto Marrero (Cuba); Ariel Diaz (Cuba); Roberto Valera (Cuba); Lillian Alvarez Navarrete (Cuba); German Sánchez (Cuba); Alberto Marrero (Cuba); Carmen González (Cuba); Juanita Conejero (Cuba); Pedro Péglez González (Cuba); Dimarys Águila (Cuba); Nevalis Quintana (Cuba); María de los Ángeles Polo (Cuba); Lucia Cristina Pérez (Cuba); Ariel Brooks Espinosa (Cuba); Cecilia Soto Martinez (Cuba); Kenia Rodríguez Poulout (Cuba); Bertha María Gómez (Cuba); Oscar Oramas Oliva (Cuba); Jesús Úrsula (Cuba); Juan Ramírez (Cuba); Arelys Danger de la Cruz (Cuba); Reinier del Pino Cejas (Cuba);Daisy Brau y grupo Areanle (Cuba); Esperanza Martínez (Cuba); Carlos Tablada (Cuba); Jesus Sama Pacheco (Cuba); Modesto Caballero (Cuba); Marina Akhmedova (Dagestan); Lusmil Castor (Dominican Republic); Rafael Pineda (Dominican Republic); Rei Berroa (Dominican Republic); Tomás Modesto Galán (Dominican Republic); Luis Carlos Musso (Ecuador); Beatriz Beltrán (Ecuador); Paulina Suárez (Ecuador); Cristian Avecillas (Ecuador); Waheed Taweela (Egypt); Eslam Adelaziz (Egypt); Nancy Farouk (Egypt); Mohamed Taha (Egypt); Salma Mokhtar (Egypt); Azza Mohamed (Egypt); Mohamed Yehia (Egypt); William Alfaro (El Salvador); Otoniel Guevara (El Salvador); Lauri García Dueñas (El Salvador); Norma Flores Allende (El Salvador); Juana M. Ramos (El Salvador); Ada Membreño (El Salvador); Richard Berengarten (England); Robin Ouzman Hislop (England); Antonio Martínez Arboleda (England); Jüri Talvet (Estonia); Recaredo Silebo Boturu (Equatorial Guinea); Ethenat Awol (Ethiopia); Alemu Tebeje (Ethiopia); Inger-Mari Aikio (Finland); J.K. Ihalainen (Finland); Philippe Tancelin (France); Émile Boutelier (French Guiana); Jean James Junior (French Guiana); Jean Rolph (French Guiana); Peter Sipeli (Fiji); Christine Siebert (Germany); Christos Koukis (Greece); Eleni Psaralidou (Greece); Dimitris Kraniotis (Greece); Aggeliki Dimouli (Greece); Despoina Haitatzi-Houlioumi (Greece); Logginidis Panagiotis (Greece); Eleni Tatzimaki (Greece); Isidora Malama (Greece); Francis Peters (Grenada); Rudy Alfonzo Gomez Rivas (Guatemala); Marvin S. García Citalán (Guatemala); Francisco Garzaro (Guatemala); David Majano (Guatemala); Ángela Eunice Sacalxot (Guatemala); Pablo Sigüenza (Guatemala); Julio Cumez (Kaqchikel, Guatemala); Raúl Figueroa Sarti (Guatemala); Genesis Ramos (Guatemala); Negma Coy (Guatemala); Carolina Escobar Sartí (Guatemala); Hector Velis (Guatemala); Francisco Conduto de Pina (Guinea Bissau); Alexandra Cretté (Guyana); Miguel Duplan (Guyana); Michée Dasmar (Haiti); Kamran Mir Hazar (Hazaristan); Basir Aang (Hazaristan); Melissa Merlo (Honduras); Dennis Ávila (Honduras); Armando Maldonado (Honduras); Anarella Vélez (Honduras); Livio Ramírez (Honduras); Oscar Amaya (Honduras); Venus Mejía (Honduras); Perla Rivera (Honduras); Galel Cárdenas (Honduras); César Lazo (Honduras); Soledad Altamirano (Honduras); Lety Elvir (Honduras); Alex Darío Rivera (Honduras); Alexis Ordóñez (Honduras); Edilberto Borjas (Honduras); Yadira Eguigure (Honduras); Juan Carlos Caffol (Honduras); Rolando Kattan (Honduras); Salvador Madrid (Honduras); Atila Balaz (Hungría); Thór Stefánsson (Iceland); Birgitta Jónsdóttir (Iceland); K. Satchidanandan (India); Mamang Dai (India); Taniya Chakraborty (India); Prithviraj Taur (India); Prava Samantaray (India); Sukumaran Chelinga (India); Durgaprasad Agrawal (India); Sonu Yashraj (India); Anand Khatri (India); Varsh Mirza (India); Pooja Primvada (India); Kasturika (India); Neelotpal (India); Vijaya Raj Mallika (India); Sukumaran (India); Kedar Mishra (India); Kamal Vora (India); Prithviraj Tore (India); Brajesh Singh (India); Geeta Gloria (India); Sunita Chaturvedi (India); Santosh Kumar (India); Basant Jaitly (India); Anwar Suhail (India); Anupma Tiwari (India); Uma (India); Prem (India); Nand Bhardwaj (India); Biplab Majee (India); Aakriti Kuntal (India); Jinaus Kamvar (India); Govind Mathur (India); Usha Dashora (India); Amien Kamil (Indonesia); Mohsen Rahjerdi (Iran); Nahid Kabiri (Iran); Mohsen Emadi (Iran); Ati Albarkat (Iraq); Abdulhadi Sadoun (Iraq); Hatif Janabi (Iraq); Mohammad Al Aminr (Iraq); Desmond Eagan (Ireland); Gabriel Rosenstock (Ireland); Moya Cannon (Ireland); Katherine Mezzacappa (Ireland); Lia Mills (Ireland); Çağdaş Gökbel (Ireland); Katie Donovan (Ireland); Felicia McCarthy (Ireland); Simon Robinson (Ireland); Ignatius McGovern (Ireland); Therese Kieran (Ireland); Fiona Bolger (Ireland); Ammar Al-najjar (Ireland); Grainne Tobin (Ireland); Dave Duggan (Ireland); Geraldine Mitchell (Ireland);Amir A. Moslemi (Ireland); Ruth Carr (Ireland); Viviana Fiorentino (Ireland); Catherine Dunne (Ireland); Neil Hegarty (Ireland); Moyra Donaldson (Ireland); Evelyn Conlon (Ireland); Shauna Gilligan (Ireland); June Considine (Ireland); Celia de Freine (Ireland); Mia Gallagher (Ireland); Stefano Strazzabosco (Italy); Tomlin Ellis (Jamaica); Opal Palmer Adisa (Jamaica); Judith Falloon-Reid (Jamaica); Amina Blackwood Meeks (Jamaica); Susan Lycett Davis (Jamaica); Fabián M. Thomas (Jamaica); Neto Maceo (Jamaica); Meeks (Jamaica); Adisa (Jamaica); Susan Lycett Davis (Jamaica); Fabian M. Thomas (Jamaica); Kwame MA McPherson (Jamaica); Abhaya Shrestha (Nepal); Hemanta Biwas (Nepal); Jeebesh Rayamajhi (Nepal); Rajeshwar Karki (Nepal); Anupam Roshi (Nepal); Shakuntala Joshi (Nepal); Momila Joshi (Nepal); Lorna Shaughnessy (North Ireland); Govind Mathur (India); Kedar Mishra (India); Suraj Shaw (India); Madan Saini_(India); Kavita Mathur (India); Mahesh (India); Avinendra Maan (India); Ramesh Pandit (India); Beppe Costa (Italy); Stefani di Leo (Italy); Daniela Dante (Italy); Lamberto Garzia (Italy); Massa Massa Bari (Italy); Samuel Dégni (Ivory Coast); Judith Falloon-Reid (Jamaica); Amina Blackwood Meeks (Jamaica); Neto Maceo (Jamaica); Meeks (Jamaica); Adisa (Jamaica); Susan Lycett Davis (Jamaica); Fabian M. Thomas (Jamaica); Kwame MA McPherson (Jamaica); Mari Kashiwagi (Japan); Mohamad Migdady (Jordan); Ulugbek Yesdaulatov (Kazakhstan); Altynai Temirova (Kyrgyzstan); Eralieva Umutkan Polotovna (Kyrgyzstan); Mona Kareen (Kuwait); Abdulah Nammour (Lebanon); Antoine Boulad (Lebanon); Tristan Cassir (Lebanon); Naji Naaman (Lebanon); Rethabile Masilo (Lesotho); Violet Anderson (Lesotho); Bahlakoana Mothobi (Lesotho); Moretlo Likate (Lesotho); Limpho Thoahlane (Lesotho); Rethabile Francis (Lesotho); Likoche Maseru (Lesotho); Borane Kumi (Lesotho); Nokukhanya Hatahata (Lesotho); Naledi Pashe (Lesotho); Kabelo Leboli (Lesotho); Motselisi Hlongwa (Lesotho); Folatsane Makamane (Lesotho); Masekake Molapo (Lesotho); Jeffrey Lebona Mapesela (Lesotho); Lintle Mahloane (Lesotho); Thapiwe Nzima (Lesotho); Kalosi Bantu Ramakhula (Lesotho); Makhebe Seatlana (Lesotho); Baatile Makhetha (Lesotho); Ngakane Bosiu (Lesotho); Ntsane Gerard Molai (Lesotho); Mpho Mohapi (Lesotho); Polly Makotoko (Lesotho); Kano Lebajoa (Lesotho); Liatile Mohale (Lesotho); Lipuo Lelula Maseru (Lesotho); Relebohile Selebalo (Lesotho); Tankiso Lizzy Lethibelane (Lesotho); Lerato Mosollane (Lesotho); Abubacar Jabbie (Lesotho); Thato Rannana (Lesotho); Pulane Rantho (Lesotho); Maapile Moliepe (Lesotho); Yolanda Makhetha (Lesotho); Lesiamo Thatho (Lesotho); Bahlakoana R Tau (Lesotho); Tumisang Malope (Lesotho); Katleho Mohapi (Lesotho); Portia Ramoloko (Lesotho); Mpho Sefali (Lesotho); Sesing Khama (Lesotho); Lefu Kotlolo (Lesotho); Maphunye Likate (Lesotho); Boitumelo Makhoabenyane (Lesotho); Malefu Kotlolo (Lesotho); Mareatile Malebo (Lesotho); Mokoena Molise (Lesotho); Kananelo Likate (Lesotho); Lethuli Mohlomi (Lesotho); Caroline Lelosa (Lesotho); Moleboheng Sefali (Lesotho); Pulane Seitlheko (Lesotho); Kutoane Ts’iu (Lesotho); Karabo Mark Suping (Lesotho); Patricia Jabbeh Wesley (Liberia); Ashur Etwebi (Libya); Hisham Errish (Lybia); Rabie Shrair (Lybia); Rabie Shrair (Libya); Jean-Luc Raharimanana (Madagascar); Paul Sezzie (Malawi); Shivani Shlivagurunathan (Malaysia); Karl Schembri (Malta); Nicole Cage (Martinique); Marie-Françoise Bernard (Martinique); Gérald Désert (Martinique); Christophe Rangoly (Martinique); Umar Timol (Mauritius); Yasmin Alfaro (Mexico); Natalia Toledo (Mexico); George Reyes (Mexico); Manuel Sauceverde (Mexico); José Ángel Leyva (Mexico); Manuel Cuautle (Mexico); Roberto Acuña (Mexico); Chary Gumeta (Mexico); Sixto Cabrera González (Mexico); Juan Schulz (Mexico); Grissel Gómez Estrada (Mexico); Roberto Arizmendi (Mexico); José Cruz (Mexico); Evelia Flores (Mexico); Octavio Jiménez (Mexico); Cynthia Pech (Mexico); Luis Enrike Moscoso (México).

Read: World Poetry Movement urges international agencies to protect the Palestinian people

More poets from different countries also signed the appeal.

Galsansukh Dejidmaa (Mongolia)

Hadaa Sendoo (Mongolia)

Sreten Vujović (Montenegro)

Yvonne Weekes (Montserrat)

Zelma White (Montserrat)

Hassan El Ouazzani (Morocco)

Mohamed Ahmed Bennis (Morocco)

Mohamed Hajji Mohamed (Morocco)

Mohamed Miloud Gharrafi (Morocco)

Mohammed El Amraoui (Morocco)

Aziz Azrhai (Morocco)

Ikram Abdi (Morocco)

Salah Boussrif (Morocco)

Jamal Elmoatassim-billah (Morocco – Canada)

Rachid Elyacouti (Morocco)

Amosse Mucavele (Mozambique)

Keamogetsi Joseph Molapong (Namibia)

Balu Thap (Nepal)

Balu Thap (Nepal)

Abhaya Shrestha (Nepal)

Hemanta Biwas (Nepal)

Jeebesh Rayamajhi (Nepal)

Rajeshwar Karki (Nepal)

Anupam Roshi (Nepal)

Shakuntala Joshi (Nepal)

Momila Joshi (Nepal)

Denis Pourawa (New Caledonia)

Christian Karl Stead (New Zealand)

Adamou Idé (Niger)

Inoussa Maman (Niger)

Abdoul Moumouni (Niger)

Zakariyaou Seybou (Niger)

Fatima Mashoud (Niger)

Iro Salif (Niger)

Chamsou Maiga (Niger)

Abdou Miko (Niger)

Abdoul Wahab Soumana (Niger)

Boukary Mamane Daouda (Niger)

Mayaki Doge (Niger)

Hannu Afere (Nigeria)

Tanure Ojaide (Nigeria)

Jan Erik Vold (Norway)

Erling Kittelsen (Norway)

Abdullah Habib (Oman)

Ashraf Fayad (Palestina)

Moheeb Barghouthi (Palestine)

Ghadeer Abusneineh (Palestine)

Yousef Abdelaziz (Palestine – Jordan)

Isam Alsadi (Palestine – Jordan)

Nabil Anani (Palestine)

Bassel Salen (Palestine)

Samar Alghuol (Palestine)

Giovanna Bennedetti (Panama)

Imdad Aakash (Pakistan)

Techi Cusmanich (Paraguay)

Mónica Laneri (Paraguay)

Susy Delgado (Paraguay)

Onix Fernández Báez (Paraguay)

Miguel Ángel Fernández (Paraguay)

Guido Rodríguez Alcalá (Paraguay)

Eduardo González (Paraguay)

Marta Violeta Garcete (Paraguay)

Ricardo de la Vega (Paraguay)

Carolina Mariana Cáceres (Paraguay)

Charlize Clarke (Paraguay)

Mario Casartelli (Paraguay)

César Aponte (Paraguay)

Proyecto Arcadia (Paraguay)

Chiquita Barreto (Paraguay)

Arte Cultura.  La Tocatta (Paraguay)

Roque de Pablo (Paraguay)

Sara Schupmann (Paraguay)

Juan Carlos Rojas (Paraguay)

Cala del Puerto (Paraguay)

Morena Sosa (Paraguay)

Milton Siegfried (Paraguay)

Kalya Luz (Paraguay)

Sofia Barbery (Paraguay)

Rosa Barbery (Paraguay)

Nelly Barbery (Paraguay)

Tury Talavera (Paraguay)

Mariale Enciso (Paraguay)

Sol Barbery (Paraguay)

Ricardo Flecha (Paraguay)

Trovadores de cada canción (Paraguay)

Maria Lourdes Zaragoza (Paraguay)

Ana Ramirez (Paraguay)

Rubén Domínguez Alvarenga (Paraguay)

Filomena Bejarano (Paraguay)

Enrique Sánchez Hernani (Peru)

Hildebrando Pérez Grande (Peru)

Marco Martos (Perú)

Gonzalo Espino (Peru)

Diego Alonso Sánchez Barrueto (Peru)

Katherine Medina Rondón (Peru)

Guillermo Saravia (Peru)

Miguel Lescano (Peru)

Elie Angles (Peru)

Tilsa Otta (Peru)

Tatiana Berger (Peru)

Natalie Celio (Peru)

Rosa Maria Díaz (Peru)

Paul Guillén (Peru)

Luis La Hoz (Peru)

Czar Gutiérrez Luis La Hoz (Peru)

Rodolfo Ybarra Luis La Hoz (Peru)

Mary Soto Luis La Hoz (Peru)

Edián Novoa (Peru)

Victor Vich (Peru)

Fernando González-Olaechea (Peru)

Lucas Cornejo Pasara (Peru)

Diana Miloslavich (Peru)

Jorge Espinoza Sánchez (Peru)

James Tian (Philiphines)

Marra Lanot (Philippines)

Ostap Nozap (Polland)

Santi Hernández (Puerto Rico)

Soad Alkuwari (Qatar)

Fida Alhail Alshooqtair (Qatar)

Alimirza (Qatar)

Lolita Mongo (Reunion Islands)

Ko Un (Republic of Korea)

Fahredin Shehu (Republic of Kosovo)

Natalia Kharlampyeva (Republic of Saja)

Ion Deaconescu (Romania)

Elena Armenescu (Romania)

Abdullah Issa (Palestine –Russia)

Svetlana Makarova (Russia)

Lyudmila Murashova (Russia)

Lidiya Davydenko (Russia)

Svetlana Savitskaya (Russia)

Alexander Gromov (Russia)

Natalia Kharlampyeva (Russia)

Elena Mashukova (Russia)

Marina Akhmedova (Russia)

Igor Tyulenev (Russia)

Lilia Okhotnitskaya (Russia)

Jane King (Saint Lucia)

Alvinus Melius (Saint Lucia)

Lasana Sekou (Saint Martin)

Lafleur Cockburn (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)

Jaykel Mars (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)

Milena Ercolani (San Marino)

Fowziyah Abukhalid (Saudi Arabia)

Christie Williamson (Scotland)

Aleksandar Novaković (Serbia)

Cheikh Tidiane Gaye (Senegal)

Oumar Farouk Sesay (Sierra Leone)

Issa Kanu (Sierra Leone)

Princess Mildred Kailey (Sierra Leone)

Mohamed Fuad Kamara (Sierra Leone)

Joseph Leema Peters-Macauley (Sierra Leone)

Lord Emmanuel Joseph (Sierra Leone)

Ibrahim Mustapha Fofanah (Sierra Leone)

Peter Semolic (Slovenia)

Brane Mozetic (Slovenia)

Jordi Virallonga (Spain)

Isabel Miguel (Spain)

Diana Bujarrabal (Spain)

Manuel Palencia (Spain)

Tomás Graves (Spain)

Amparo Arróspide (Spain)

Olivier Herrera (Spain)

Antonio M. Avilés (Spain)

Eladio Méndez (Spain)

Lola López Martín (Spain)

Javier Gil Martín (Spain)

Iosu Moracho (Spain)

Raquel Ramírez de Arellano (Spain)

Pedro Enríquez (Spain)

Santiago Sobrino (Spain)

Marie-Vida Obeid (Spain)

Carmen Huete (Spain)

José María Alfaya (Spain)

Antonio Cubelos (Spain)

Alberto Muñoz (Spain)

Rosario de Gorostegui (Spain)

Miguel Ángel García González (Spain)

Nieves Álvarez (Spain)

Fran Soto (Spain)

Milagros López (Spain)

Manuela Temporelli Montiel (Spain)

Villo Argumánez (Spain)

Rosana Acquaroni (Spain)

Gabriel Alejo Jacobkis (Spain)

El Dorado – Asociación cultural (Spain)

Eddie J. Bermúdez (Spain)

Javier Muñiz (Spain)

Ana Belén Martín Vázquez (Spain)

Noni Benegas (Spain)

Emma Fondevila (Spain)

Emilio Muñiz (Spain)

Dori Campos (Spain)

Luisa Antolín Villota (Spain)

Margarita Ballester Figueras (Spain)

Llucia Palliser (Spain)

José Luis Fernández (Spain)

Emily Roberts (Spain)

Gsús Bonilla (Spain)

Joan de la Vega (Spain)

Luz Pichel (Spain)

Alfredo Piquer (Spain)

Ana Ares (Spain)

Isabel Miguel (Spain)

Eva Hiernaux (Spain)

Esther Veintimilla (Spain)

Luis Adalid (Spain)

Mª Cinta Montagut (Spain)

Raúl Nieto (Spain)

Nieves Muriel (Spain)

Ricardo Pochtar (Spain)

Jesús Ge (Spain)

Manuel Fabián Trigos Baena (Spain)

Nacho Escuin (Spain)

Jorge García Torrego (Spain)

Cristina Morano (Spain)

Rafael G. Cáccamo (Spain)

Andrea Aguirre (Spain)

Ángeles Fernangómez (Spain)

Marga Blanco Samos (Spain)

Gonzalo Escarpa (Spain)

Silvia Cuevas Morales (Spain)

Isabel Pose (Spain)

Pepo Paz Saz (Spain)

Rocío Ordóñez (Spain)

Nieves Muñoz (Spain)

Inma Chacón (Spain)

Marta Sanz (Spain)

Amparo Pérez Arróspide (Spain)

Susana Obrero Tejero (Spain)

Marisa Bello (Spain)

Eva Navarro (Spain)

Arturo Tendero (Spain)

Belén García-Nieto (Spain)

Susana Muñoz (Spain)

Ela Sandín Prior (Spain)

Ángel Aguilar Bañón (Spain)

Frutos Soriano (Spain)

Eduardo Moreno (Spain)

Nicasio Sanchís (Spain)

Javier Lorenzo Candel (Spain)

León Molina Pantiga (Spain)

Paloma Espartero Martínez (Spain)

Matías Muñiz Borja (Spain)

María Asunción Caballero Muñoz-Reja (Spain)

Salomé Ballesteros (Spain)

Andrea López Montero (Spain)

María Concepción Álvarez García (Spain)

María Torvisco (Spain)

Mirian Carrera (Spain)

Jimena Cid (Spain)

Pilar Trol (Spain)

Pedro Díaz (Spain)

José Luis Esparcia (Spain)

Pablo Martín Coble (Spain)

Eva Chinchilla (Spain)

Lucrecia López Guisado (Spain)

Vera Moreno (Spain)

Dolores Méndez Méndez (Spain)

Juana Castro (Spain)

Pedro Tébar (Spain)

Pepe Ramos (Spain)

David Foronda (Spain)

Lola Álvarez Feito (Spain)

Olga Ruiz (Spain)

Daría Rolland Pérez (Spain)

Jean Claude Rolland (Spain)

Murillo Casas (Spain)

Daniel de Culla (Spain)

Matteo Barbato (Spain)

David Otero (Spain)

Álvaro Salvador (Spain)

Samir Delgado (Spain)

Nieves Díaz (Spain)

Victoria Yagüe Martínez (Spain)

Santiago Úbeda Cuadrado (Spain)

Elisa Rueda (Spain)

José Manuel Carcasés Cortés (Spain)

1. Luna Pérez Gastón (Spain)

Aurora Saura (Spain)

Rosario Guarino (Spain)

Cristina Morano (Spain)

José Antonio Martínez Muñoz (Spain)

Jesús Antonio Ruiz Munuera (Spain)

Inmaculada Pelegrín (Spain)

Cristina Guirao Mirón (Spain)

Mª Loida Ruiz Rodríguez (Spain)

Roberto Ruiz Antúnez (Spain)

Begoña Montes Zofío (Spain-Brazil)

Jorge Molinero (Spain)

Shirani Rajapakse (Sri Lanka)

Peter Rorvik (South Africa)

Zohra Abdul Hamid (South Africa)

Tarek Eltayeb (Sudán)

Lina Tibi (Syria)

Monzer Masri (Syria)

Maram Al Masri (Syria)

Maram al Masri (Syria)

Dick Emanuelsson (Sweden)

Jochen Kelter (Switzerland)

Chiranan Pitpreecha (Thailand)

Abdukakhor Kosim (Tayikistán)

Patron Henekou (Togo)

Tahar Bekri (Tunisia)

Radhouane Ajroudi (Tunisia)

Houda Al Hermi (Tunisia)

Khedija Gadoum (Tunisia)

Chemseddine Elouni (Tunisia)

Fadıl Oktay (Turkiye)

Metin Cengiz (Turkey)

Matt Sedillo (United States)

Joy Harjo (United States)

Quincy Troupe (United States)

Allinson Hedge Cooke (United States)

Gene Grabiner (United States)

Nelson Traba (Uruguay)

Khosiat Rustam (Uzbekistan)

Huu Viet (Vietnam)

Mai Van Phan (Vietnam)

Mohammed Al-Lawzi (Yemen)

Nasir Aijaz (Pakistan)

Ayaz Gul (Pakistan)

Dr. Akash Ansari (Pakistan)

Dr. Mushtaque Phul (Pakistan)

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Read: World Poetry Movement Salutes Freedom Fighters Everywhere

The post World Poets call for immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance in Gaza first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Chandigarh, India

The renowned scholars while expressing their views at a 2-day International Conference on Contemporary Ethics, said that in the process of mal-development of contemporary civilization, we have destroyed our nature, and it is imperative that our progress is redirected to include the wellbeing of nature’s beings, also.

The International Academy of Ethics (IAE), under the aegis of Aazaad Foundation organized the conference at Tricity Chandigarh. Prof. Manjit Singh, eminent scholar and political analyst from Chandigarh, was the Chief Guest, and Dr. Rana Nayar, former Professor of English, PU, was the Keynote speaker. President of the IAE Dr. Jernail S. Anand, chaired the function, and Dr. Parneet Jaggi, Professor of English from Rajasthan, the Organizing Secretary, anchored the event. The Conference began with the address by Dr. Maja Herman Sekulic, Vice-President, Dr. Basudeb Chakraborti, Chairman Org. Committee and Dr. Molly Joseph, Chief Coordinator.

Dr. Anand in his opening speech said that this Academy is a precursor of the University of Ethics which will be a unique organization dedicated to the study of Ethics. He alluded to W.B Yeats’s ‘The Second Coming’, focused on the need to introduce the idea of ethics in human conduct. He stressed that in education, the study of ethics should not be optional, but a priority, because ultimately, education is not about giving jobs. “Going beyond this objective, it is also to make a great human being.”

He mentioned that Universities are judged on the basis of several parameters by NAAC, but Ethics does not figure anywhere. “Are we educating the youngsters only to make them employable, and is education concerned only with 8 hours in office? What about the rest of the day? How to conduct themselves in society? Can we leave them to the forces of materialism?”

Prof. Manjit Singh, in his address, stressed the need for removing the baggage of civilization, and returning to natural life, so that humanity can be saved from the onslaught of technology. The dehumanization of mankind stems from increasing space usurped by technology. He cautioned that if humanity is to be saved, we have to start the process of unlearning, and relearning the basics. We have natural intelligence, which should be enough for man to lead a happy life.

Dr. Rana Nayar addressed a wide range of issues and stressed the need for man to return to the idea of ‘dharma’ which stands for his ‘duty’ towards himself, and other human beings. He pointed out that the western world conceived the idea of individualism, and happiness is considered the greatest desire of mankind. But he added, Indian philosophy does not support the idea of a selfish happiness. It has to be with a sense of responsibility. Dr. Swaraj Raj lamented that in the process of mal-development, we have destroyed our nature, and it is imperative that our progress is redirected to include the wellbeing of nature’s beings, also. Col. D.S. Cheema wanted that we should have Schools of Ethics in Universities and Colleges and the message should be taken to the students at large.

Others who spoke include Dr. Lalit Mohan Sharma, [Dharmsala], Dr. Bhagyashree Varma [Mumbai University], Sh. Rajiv Ranjan Roy, Prof. Randhir Gautam [ITM Univ. Gwalior], Prof. Dr. Manju Verma, P.U, Dr. Manju Chouhan [Chandigarh University], Sh. Vinod Khanna, Vice President Readers and Writers Society, and Dr. Veer Abhinav, a theatre and film artist. Sh. KP. Singh, News Head, Jus TV was also present as a distinguished guest.

Read: The Possibilities of Joy in a Nightmare of Ceaseless Pain

The IAE has come up with ‘A Handbook of Contemporary Ethics’, edited by Dr. Molly Joseph, which includes views of more than 30 scholars in question answer form. This book was released at the occasion, along with several other books by Dr. Anand, Dr. Parneet Jaggi, Sh. Vinod Khanna & others. Another major book release was related to Poetic Anthology WPC-5. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Vice-President of the Aazaad Foundation, Dr. Manminder S. Anand.

The papers presentations were made in the online session on 29/3/2024, chaired by Vice-President, Dr. Maja Herman Sekulic, in which scholars from universities and colleges of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, and Mumbai presented their papers, which proved to be a great discussion of the dangers of AI and the idea of Ethics.

READ: THE GRAMMAR OF THE LOST SPACE

Dr. Mukesh Yadav, Prof.  & Head, UEM, Jaipur, was the Keynote Speaker. The Guests of Honor included CEO of Different Truths, Sh. Arindam Roy and international scholar from Canada, Rawle Iam James. The function was hosted by Dr. Shalini Yadav and Dr. Sushmindar Jeet Kaur. (Press Release)

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The post Mal-development of Contemporary Civilization has destroyed the Nature first appeared on Sindh Courier.

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We believe that writing, storytelling, singing, versifying, and thinking critically about our world through creative expression are essential to human community and its flourishing

As teachers, researchers, and students of Literature and Creative Writing in Australia we express our acute sorrow and outrage at the loss of innumerable colleagues and peers in our fields in Palestine over the last five months. Since early October, the devastating attacks on the people of Gaza have led to the deaths of over 30,000 Palestinians, with hundreds of thousands injured and disabled, and the entire population of Gaza displaced. The region’s infrastructure has been decimated, including schools and universities. The extraordinary loss of life and livelihoods is a daily confrontation. As Palestinian writers remind us, each life is a whole universe.

On December 7, Professor Refaat Alareer was killed by an Israeli air strike. Professor Alareer taught Shakespeare and World Literature. He wrote short stories and poetry. His now famous poem “If I must die,/ you must live/ to tell my story” was posted on November 2 anticipating his own death. In an act of literary solidarity, this poem has been translated into 161 different languages. It has circulated around the world, telling the story of Refaat as he so tragically requested in the poem’s closing lines: “If I must die/ let it bring hope/ let it be a tale”. Professor Alareer was especially concerned with the loss of histories from elders and established a project for younger generations to capture in writing the oral stories of parents and grandparents.

Scores of other writers and poets have lost their lives. These include Heba Abu Nada, Amar Abu Shaweesh, Abdul Karim Hasash, Inas al-Saqa, JIhad Al-Masri, Ysuf Dawas, Shahada Al-Buhbahan, Nour al-Din Hajjaj, Mustafa Al-Sawwaf, Abdullah Al-Aqad, Said Al-Dahshan, and Saleem Al-Naffar.

We believe that writing, storytelling, singing, versifying, and thinking critically about our world through creative expression are essential to human community and its flourishing. The destruction of literature’s condition of possibility in Gaza constitutes the destruction of Palestinians as a people who can tell their stories and hand down their living cultural heritage. One of literature’s key tenets is that all the products of cultural history – fiction, film, archives, histories, artefacts – are foundational for a people to imagine how to build better worlds and possible futures.

Scores of other writers and poets have lost their lives in Israeli attacks on Gaza 

Palestinians in Gaza pride themselves on achieving their educational goals despite their extreme living conditions, forced since 2005 to inhabit an enclosed space. Those aspirations can no longer be realized as every site of higher education has been reduced to rubble. The current Israeli government has ensured that generations of Gazans will not have access to higher education, crippling the future of each Gazan and cruelling prospects of prosperity for Gaza and Palestine as a whole.

We cannot retrieve what has been lost. We cannot bring back the lives that have been cut short. But as educators, writers and researchers we urge the Australian Government and all Australian educational institutions to join with the growing global chorus calling for an immediate ceasefire.

Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah, Macquarie University, Creative Writing

Ms Maha Abed, Macquarie University, Creative Writing (Masters)

Dr Paula Abood, Writer/Educator

Dr Debra Adelaide, Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Technology Sydney, Creative Writing

Dr Michael Mohammed Ahmad, Western Sydney University, Director of Sweatshop

Dr Claire Albrecht, Unaffiliated academic, Poetry

Mr George Alexander, Creative writing

Dr Veronica Alfano, Macquarie University, English

Ms Lur Alghurabi, writer and poet

Associate Professor Esther Anatolitis, RMIT, School of Art

Adjunct Associate Professor Chris Andrews, Western Sydney University, English and Translation Studies

Ms Shannon Anima, WestWords and Varuna, Narrative

Dr Evelyn Araluen, Deakin University, Literature and Creative Writing

Dr Prema Arasu, The University of Western Australia, Creative Writing

Professor Bill Ashcroft, UNSW, Postcolonial Literary Studies

Dr Sarah Attfield, University of Technology Sydney, Creative Writing

Associate Professor John Attridge, UNSW, English

Dr Tamlyn Avery, The University of Queensland, English

Dr Ashkan Bahrani, Monash University (Postdoctoral Research Fellow), Religious Studies

Mr Neel Banerjee, Nautanki Theatre Company, Theatre & Creative Arts

Associate Professor Charles Barbour, WSU, English

Ms Sandra Barker, Casual High School Teacher, English/History

Mr Joshua Barnes, University of Melbourne, English

Associate Professor Jumana Bayeh, Macquarie University, President of Australasia Association for Literature

Dr Vanessa Berry, University of Sydney, English and Writing

Dr Craig Billingham, UNSW, Creative Writing

Ms Danielle Binks, RMIT University, Professional Writing & Editing

Professor Tony Birch, University of Melbourne

mx bea birett, WSU, creative industries/creative writing

Miss Angelita Biscotti, University of Melbourne, Faculty of Arts

Dr Emily Bitto, Writer

Ms Anna Bober, Writer

Dr Brooke Boland, Writer

Dr Sue Bond, Creative Writing

Dr Meg Brayshaw, University of Sydney, English & Writing

Associate Professor Anne Brewster, UNSW (affiliate), Literature and Creative Writing

Adjunct Associate Professor Gay Breyley, University of Adelaide, Arts and Humanities

Dr Leonie Brialey, University of Melbourne, Creative Writing

Mx Nat Briggs, RMIT, Media and Communication

Dr Andrew Brooks, UNSW, Media and Cultural Studies

Associate Researcher Sienna Brown, Western Sydney University, Creative Writing

Dr Elizabeth Bryer, University of Melbourne, School of Languages and Linguistics

Dr Melinda Bufton, Poet

Mx Jade But, The University of Melbourne, Creative Writing

Professor Mark Byron, University of Sydney English and Writing

Dr Michelle Cahill, University of Tasmania, School of Humanities

Mr Elliot Cameron, University of Wollongong, English Literature and Creative Writing

Dr Grant Caldwell, University of Melbourne, Creative Writing

Dr Gilbert Caluya, Deakin University, Writing, Literature and Culture Group

Ms Chloe Cannell, University of South Australia, Creative Writing

Associate Professor Kylie Cardell, Flinders University, English

Dr Luke Carman, Western Sydney University, Creative Writing

Professor David Carlin, RMIT University, Writing and Publishing

Ms Debra Carroll, UNE, Linguistics

Emeritus Professor David Carter, University of Queensland, Australian Studies, Literary Studies

Dr Felicity Castagna, Writing and Society Research Centre, Western Sydney University, Creative Writing

Dr Burcu Cevik-Compiegne, ANU, Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies

Dr Mridula Nath Chakraborty, Monash University, Postcolonial and Diaspora studies

Miss Joy Chalaby, English Literature

Miss Rosie Clarke, The University of Queensland, Literature

Associate Professor Justin Clemens, The University of Melbourne, English and poetry

Ms Emily Clements, Literature

Professor JM Coetzee, University of Adelaide

Professor Deirdre Coleman, University if Melbourne, English & Theatre Studies

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Mr William Collis, Writer

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Mr Jack Cox, Author

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Dr Amanda Curtin, Author

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Dr Emma Darragh, UOW, Creative writing and English literatures

Dr Duc Dau, The University of Western Australia, Literary Studies

Dr Toby Davidson, Macquarie University, Literature

Mr Arthur Day, Murdoch University, English

Dr Tegan Bennett Daylight, Western Sydney University, Creative Writing

Dr Carolyn D’Cruz, La Trobe University, Gender sexuality and diversity studies

Professor Helen De Cieri, Monash University

Ms Michelle de Kretser, Honorary Associate, University of Sydney, Creative Writing

Tricia Dearborn, Poet, writer, editor

Dr Marina Deller, Flinders University, Arts & Creative Arts

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Dr Shastra Deo, The University of Queensland, Creative Writing

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Dr Melissa Dickson, University of Queensland, Literature

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Ms Jennifer Down, Author

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Dr Briohny Doyle, University of Sydney, English and Writing

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Mx Robin Eames, Poet

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Dr Quah Ee Ling, Western Sydney University, Writing and Society Research Centre

Dr Frances Egan, Monash University, Arts

Ms Sara El Sayed, QUT, Creative Writing

Dr David Ellison, Griffith University, Literary Studies

Associate Professor Ben Etherington, Western Sydney University, Literary Studies

Associate Professor Kate Fagan, Western Sydney University, Literary Studies and Writing

Dr Delia Falconer, University of Technology Sydney, Creative writing

Associate Professor Mara Favoretto, The University of Melbourne, Faculty of Arts

Professor Rachel Fensham, University of Melbourne, English and Theatre Studies

Dr Sara Fernandes, University of Melbourne, English

Dr Rachel Fetherston, Deakin University, Literary Studies

Dr Toby Fitch, University of Sydney, Creative Writing

Dr Zouhir Gabsi , Deakin University, Arabic and Islamic studies

Dr Kelly Gardiner, La Trobe University, Creative Writing

Dr Christian Gelder, Macquarie University, English

Emeritus Professor Ken Gelder, University of Melbourne, English

Associate Professor Sarah Gleeson-White, University of Sydney, English

Adjunct Professor Anna Gibbs, Western Sydney University, Humanities and Communication Arts

Dr Sarah Gilbert, UTS, writer and podcaster

Professor Jessica Gildersleeve, University of Southern Queensland, English Literature

Mrs Sandra Gleeson, Writer

Ms Elena Gomez, University of Melbourne, Creative Writing

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Dr James Gourley, Western Sydney University, English

Dr Elias Greig, writer

Dr Michael Griffiths, University of Wollongong, English Literatures

Professor Helen Groth, UNSW, English

Dr Alice Grundy, ANU, Literature

Ms Hellai Gul, Writing

Miss Isabella Gullifer-Laurie, The University of Melbourne, English

Dr Eda Gunaydin, University of Wollongong

Dr George Haddad, Western Sydney University, Creative Writing

Dr Francesca Haig, Author

Dr Michelle Hamadache, Macquarie University, Creative Writing

Ms Amu Hamilton, ANU, Law and the humanities

Dr Jennifer Hamilton, University of New England, English

Dr Alexandra Hankinson, Associate Researcher, Enlightenment, Romanticism, and Contemporary Culture Research, University of Melbourne

Mr Michael Hannan, University of Wollongong, English Literatures and Creative Writing

Associate Professor Melissa Hardie, University of Sydney, English and Writing

Dr Rebecca Harkins-Cross, RMIT, Creative Writing

Professor Adrian Hearn, University of Melbourne, Arts

Associate Professor Margaret Henderson, The University of Queensland, English literature

M Emily Herdman, University of Sydney, Creative Writing

Ms Alysha Herrmann, Deakin University, Writer and Honours Student

Dr Isabelle Hesse, The University of Sydney, English and Writing

Mx Cyma Hibri, University of Sydney, Department of English

Mx LK Holt, Poet

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Dr Joe Hughes, University of Melbourne, Literary History

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Dr Wyatt Moss-Wellington, University of New England

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Barnali Saha, Author, Literary Fiction

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Dr Micaela Sahhar, Trinity College, University of Melbourne

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Dr Jenny Sinclair, English, creative writing

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Professor Vanessa Smith, University of Sydney, English

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Emeritus Professor Hazel Smith, Western Sydney University, Literary Studies and Creative Writing

Mr John Na’em Snobar, Poet

Dr Stefan Solomon, Macquarie University, Film Studies

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Dr Beth Spencer, author, poet

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Dr Prakash Subedi, Monash University, Literary and Cultural Studies

Dr Tyne Daile Sumner, Australian National University, English

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Dr Susie Latham, Western Sydney University

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Dr Samina Luthfa, University of Dhaka, Sociology

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Dr Adrian McNeil, Ethnomusicology

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Ms Melinda Menning, Visual Art, Photography, Teacher, Environmental Activist

Associate Professor Alys Moody, Bard College, Literature

Ms Amar Mustafa, Monash University, International Relations and History

Miss Georgia Nash, Macquarie University, Psychology

Associate Professor Joseph North, Yale University, English

Mr Ben Paul

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Dr Susan Reid, University of Sydney, Env. Humanities

Ms Sifti Riat

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Ms Luna Rushdi, Planning Partners, Financial Planning

Professor Gillian Russell, University of York, English Literature

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Dr Indra Saefullah, University of New England, Indonesian Studies

Mr Ettore Siracusa

Professor Alexis Tadié, Sorbonne Paris, English

Mr Robert Titterton, Architecture

Professor Nicole Walker, Northern Arizona University, English/Creative Writing

Read: Why did Israel bomb bookstores?

____________________

Courtesy: Sydney Review of Books (Published March 1, 2024)

The post An open letter regarding Palestine from the literature and creative writing community first appeared on Sindh Courier.

We know how the Christmas story ends. This child becomes a leader, a prophet, and the epitome of marginalized humanity: despised, hunted, convicted, and sentenced to death.

By Richard Eskow

Every now and then an image perfectly captures the moment, in all its light or darkness. I was struck by the crèche that was set up in Bethlehem’s Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church after that city’s Christians canceled this year’s Christmas celebrations. You’ve probably seen it: it shows the Nativity scene, as all such displays do, but the newborn infant Jesus is lying in the ruins of a concrete building.

“God is under the rubble in Gaza,” says the pastor who created the crèche, Rev. Munther Isaac. “This is where we find God right now.”

I’m not a Christian, if Christianity means embracing the theology of a threefold God and the idea of Jesus as the sole source of personal salvation. But I love the teachings of Jesus as they’ve been conveyed. And I’ve been deeply moved by the meaning of the Christmas story, even if I can’t accept it literally. It says that God, the most powerful entity that ever was or ever could be, chose to enter this world in the most helpless form we humans can imagine: a newborn infant. And not just any infant, either. A Jewish infant. A homeless infant. A refugee infant.

A Palestinian infant.

“This is where we find God right now.”

Rev. Isaac, who last name once meant “he who laughs,” has touched the world. That’s not due to any artistic skill. On the contrary. Not to be unkind, but the crèche is not an aesthetic triumph. His execution and framework are awkward. But his heart is pure, and it shows.

Look at it again.

The animals in the manger are at the bottom of the ruins and the Three Wise Men are in the upper right. But what’s most striking is the sight of Joseph and Mary in the upper left corner, separated from their child by the rubble and unable to reach him. I imagine them not knowing if he’s dead or alive. Perhaps they wrote his name on one leg to identify him if the worst happens, like so many other Palestinian parents.

The childlike simplicity of the crèche stays with me: the toy figures, the candles, and the doll itself, so unlike any real child — but so like a toy a real child might have.

According to the story, Jesus was born in a manger because the Romans forced everyone to return to the city of their birth to be counted in the census. Historians say that’s not true; people (only men, actually) were counted where they lived. But it’s true that the occupiers demanded that they be carefully counted.

Nothing in this story—nothing—teaches us to side with the oppressor against the oppressed.

That particular colonial practice hasn’t changed. As Israeli architect and author Eyal Weizman writes in his book, Hollow Land: Israel’s Architecture of Occupation:

An important aspect of Israel’s overall domination … is manifested in its control of the population registration. Every Palestinian birth in Gaza, death in the West Bank, marriage in Jerusalem, or change of address in Galilee must be entered into Israel’s Interior Ministry database in order to exist. No one can travel, work, open a bank account, or even emigrate without it.

We know how the Christmas story ends. This child becomes a leader, a prophet, the epitome of marginalized humanity: despised, hunted, convicted, and sentenced to death.

Nothing in this story—nothing—teaches us to side with the oppressor against the oppressed.

Joe Biden is Catholic. So was one of my grandmothers. (The other was Jewish.) Like many a Catholic grandmother, mine terrified me with the prospect of damnation at a very young age. But people carry their own kind of hellfire. The Catholic faith and litany is also rich with beauty and profundity. My life has been enriched by its art, music, and literature. A Catholic monsignor helped me recover from drugs and alcohol. I know the dark side of the Church’s history, but I know its other side, too.

I can’t help but wonder how the president reconciles his faith with his support for today’s occupiers. Pope Francis, the Holy Father, said of the conflict: “we’ve gone beyond war. This is terrorism.” He used the word “terrorism” again after Israeli snipers shot and killed two women sheltering in a Gaza church – “in cold blood” and “without warning,” according to Church officials there.

I believe the president is a sincere Catholic. That’s why I don’t understand how he can reconcile his actions with his faith. I don’t know why he isn’t moved by the image of the infant in the rubble, even after 8,000 children – perhaps many more – have died. I don’t know why he sides against the homeless, the refugees, the laboriously counted and still unseen people suffering under occupation.

I believe the president is a sincere Catholic. That’s why I don’t understand how he can reconcile his actions with his faith.

I’m grateful to Rev. Isaac, “he who smiles,” for creating this work. I hope he and his neighbors can smile again someday soon. I’m haunted by his portrayal of two parents unable to reach their child under the ruins. Of the mother — the divine mother — who for Christian and Muslims is a uniquely sacred figure for all of humanity. Of the mother, afraid. Of the mother who is every mother living under oppression.

By most Christian accounts, Mary was a teenaged girl—probably no older than 14—when an angel appeared and revealed her destiny. That’s a heavy weight to place on a young girl’s shoulders. But it’s no heavier than the weight a mother or father carries when they hold their dead child in their arms.

As for the president, perhaps at some point he learned the Litany of Loreto, one of the prayers of praise for the mother, Mary. It includes these words:

Mother of hope.

Mirror of justice.

Mystical rose.

Gate of heaven.

Morning star.

Solace of migrants.

Comfort of the afflicted.

Queen of Martyrs.

Queen of peace.

And it concludes:

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world

__________________

Richard (RJ) Eskow is a freelance writer. Much of his work can be found on eskow.substack.com. His weekly program, The Zero Hour, can be found on cable television, radio, Spotify, and podcast media. He is a senior advisor with Social Security Works.

Courtesy: Common Dreams (Posted on Dec 24, 2023)

The post Jesus of Palestine. Jesus of the Gaza Strip first appeared on Sindh Courier.

S. Irfan Habib

Maulana Azad was never as relevant for us as he is now. It is unfortunate that he has been pushed the margins of the history of India’s freedom struggle. Not much is known about him, though he was one of the four or five top leaders of the Congress party.

He is important for us today because he left behind an intellectual and political legacy that is under severe strain. Azad spent most of his life propagating and defending an idea of India that was premised on a composite/indivisible nationalism. He also articulated his faith afresh, rejecting the theological inheritance that he got from his puritan father. I see his relevance today because both his concerns mentioned above are under threat.

He committed himself to integrative politics, leaving aside purely narrow Islamic concerns

Azad began his early career as a scholar and also as a journalist when he was barely 15. Most of his engagements in this phase were limited to Islamic theological as well as communitarian concerns. Soon his anti-imperialist battle began as the editor of Al-Hilal, his newspaper that was launched in 1912 from Calcutta. Maulana Azad was declared the most dangerous Indian by the colonial administration for his ‘seditious’ writings even before he joined the Congress and the freedom struggle formally.

He committed himself to integrative politics, leaving aside purely narrow Islamic concerns. He battled for an indivisible nationalism where religious identity had no divisive role. This is for his detractors today, who themselves kept aloof from this intense battle till the end and do not feel ashamed in casting communal and other baseless aspersions on Azad. Let us touch upon some of the key questions related to the above mentioned two issues.

I have tried to explore Azad’s engagement with Islam and his interpretation of Quran in my recent book extensively. He was exposed to a puritan Islam through his father Maulana Khairuddin, who was himself an Islamic scholar and a Sufi. Despite the fact that Azad stayed a firm believer, except for a short youthful phase of unbelief if not atheism, which Azad confesses as part of his human frailties. In reading Azad, we enter into the world of Islam just as we enter into the world of Hinduism when we read Vivekananda. It is imperative to refer to Swami Vivekananda today, as he is touted as a great proponent of Hindutva and its politics. Vivekananda spoke of compassionate Hinduism and his discomfort with religious hatred and violence in his iconic address to the Chicago Assembly in 1893 when he said:

“Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.”

Vivekananda did not allude to any particular religion but raised a larger issue involving all religions and faiths of the world. He spoke against intolerance and violence which diverse faiths have indulged in against each other over the years. Azad is not very far from Vivekananda in his understanding of religions, when he writes in Al-Hilal as a young scholar and later elaborates his view of Islam and other faiths in his Tarjuman al Quran. Azad concluded that:

“All the religions of the world are correct, but their followers have deviated from the truth. All ignorance, opposition, differences of claims and conflicts of organizations, which we now find, are due to lack of intelligence and defective actions of the followers of religions; in the teachings of religions there is no difference whatsoever.”

If humanity is to be brought together it will only be on the basis of mutual understanding, especially in matters of fundamental belief

As I mentioned before, Azad’s phase of unbelief did end and a somewhat refurbished faith came back but skepticism never left him, he always stressed on the critical faculties, which god gifted to humans to make them ashraful makhluqat (the best of god’s creations). He was even closer to Vivekananda when he said soon after independence that for “the advancement of nations there is no greater hindrance than narrow-mindedness…In the domain of religion it appears in the form of blind faith and wants to deceive us in the name of orthodoxy.” His Tarjuman al Quran was an interpretation of faith with a comparative religion perspective and not an attempt to see Islam as a supremacist religion. Azad said:

“If humanity is to be brought together it will only be on the basis of mutual understanding, especially in matters of fundamental belief. The philosophical understanding of the nature of ultimate reality, and the practice of love, regardless of the distinction of creed, community, and nationality, these are the basic teachings of the Quran.”

This was the spirit of the faith he practiced and preached all his life. It inspired his politics and his definition of identity and nationalism as well. It was humanism that remained supreme, taking precedence over religious or national identity.

We find that the same eclectic spirit and humanism permeated his articulation and understanding of nationalism too. He spent all his life battling for a united India based on composite nationalism. The notion of composite nationalism, which Azad espoused, can be traced back to the early history of Islam. He used the oft cited example of the Prophet of Islam who formed the first nation of the early believers in Madina. The prophet signed a covenant to form a United Front, which included the Quraish, the Ansars and the Jews, and brought them together as one nation against their common enemy.

Azad stressed on the usage of the word qaum for the Hindus and Muslims to form a one nation, following the example of the Prophet. This was the strongest argument he put forth before Indians, particularly before the Muslims, that a composite nationalism is possible. Azad urged people to keep away from the Muslim and Hindu communalists who were pushing for a divisive idea.

Azad engages with the idea of patriotism and nationalism in one of his articles, ‘Islam and Nationalism’, in Al-Hilal in 1927. Here, his engagement culminates into a maturity which he calls the stage of ‘humanism’ and ‘universalism’. At this stage, Azad says, man realizes that the boundaries and relative affiliations of human associations and areas that he had created were not actual and natural. In the words of Azad, “True relationship is only one, the entire earth is man’s native land, mankind one family, and all human beings are brothers. At this stage the voyage of man’s collective affiliations terminates, and, in place of unity of race, unity of place, and unity of nationality, the only and perfect unity, the unity of the human race…manifests itself.”

In the context of both religious faith as well as the idea of nation and nationalism, Azad’s stress on humanity is starkly lacking in our societal as well as political lives. It is this human element and the idea of togetherness that needs to be resuscitated if we want to remain a forward-looking nation.

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S. Irfan Habib is a historian and author of a recently published biography, Maulana Azad: A Life. Courtesy: The Wire – Posted on April 16, 2023 (Received through email on April 22, 2023)  

The post Maulana Azad Always Stressed on Humanity – A Lesson We Need Now More Than Ever first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Shoukat Lohar

The brutal murder of Dr. Ajmal Sawand in broad daylight due to a tribal clash in Sindh has shaken the entire nation.

Dr. Sawand was an Assistant Professor at the IBA University Sukkur, and his murder is a tragic reminder of the deep-rooted social and cultural issues prevalent in the country that need to be addressed urgently.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of the educated and enlightened individuals in the country who are working to bring about positive change in society. Dr. Sawand was a highly qualified and respected academic who dedicated his life to educating the youth and empowering them to become agents of change in their communities. His murder is a loss not only for his family but also for the entire academic community.

The tribal clashes that led to Dr. Sawand’s murder are a manifestation of the larger issue of tribalism and feudalism that plagues the country. The feudal system is deeply entrenched in the rural areas of Sindh, where powerful landlords exercise complete control over the lives of their tenants. The feudal lords are known to settle their disputes through violent means, and the innocent civilians often become the victims of their power games.

The government needs to take concrete steps to strengthen the rule of law and ensure that justice is served

The root cause of these tribal conflicts is the lack of education and awareness among the masses. The feudal lords are able to maintain their hold on power by keeping the people uneducated and unaware of their rights. The absence of rule of law and a weak judicial system also exacerbate the situation, as the perpetrators of crimes are rarely held accountable for their actions.

The murder of Dr. Sawand has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from all segments of society. The government has promised to bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice, but this is easier said than done. The feudal lords and their henchmen are known to have strong political connections, and they often use their influence to evade justice.

To address this issue, the government needs to take concrete steps to strengthen the rule of law and ensure that justice is served. The judicial system needs to be reformed to make it more efficient and transparent, and the police force needs to be strengthened to ensure that they can effectively investigate and prosecute crimes. The government also needs to invest in education and awareness campaigns to empower the people and enable them to stand up for their rights.

The judicial system needs to be reformed to make it more efficient and transparent

In addition to these structural reforms, there is also a need for a change in societal attitudes towards tribalism and feudalism. The people need to be educated on the negative impact of these practices on society, and the values of equality, justice, and human rights need to be promoted. The media can play a crucial role in this regard by highlighting the issue and bringing it to the forefront of public discourse.

The murder of Dr. Sawand is a tragic reminder of the work that still needs to be done to build a just and equitable society in Pakistan. The government, civil society, and the public at large need to come together to address the root causes of tribalism and feudalism and work towards building a society where every citizen has the opportunity to live a life of dignity and respect.

Background of feudalism

Feudalism was a social and economic system that emerged in medieval Europe in the 9th and 10th centuries, and lasted until the 15th century. It was characterized by a hierarchical society in which a lord granted land, called a fief, to a vassal in exchange for loyalty, military service, and other obligations.

Causes

Invasions and instability: The fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD led to political instability and invasions by various groups, including Vikings and Magyars. As a result, people turned to local lords for protection, leading to the rise of feudalism. Decentralization of power: With the decline of central authority, power shifted to local lords who controlled the land and the people who worked on it. Agricultural developments: Technological advances in agriculture increased productivity, leading to surpluses that could be used to support a ruling class.

Consequences

Social hierarchy: Feudalism established a strict social hierarchy, with the king at the top, followed by lords, vassals, knights, and peasants. This hierarchy determined social status and relationships between people.

Economic system: The feudal system created a hierarchical economic system, in which land and labor were the main sources of wealth. Landowners extracted surplus from the labor of their tenants and serfs.

Military obligation: The feudal system created a military obligation, with lords and vassals providing soldiers and knights to protect the land and to fight in wars. Lack of mobility: The feudal system limited social mobility, with people being born into their class and having limited opportunities to move up.

Decline

The feudal system declined with the rise of centralized monarchies and the growth of urban centers, which weakened the power of the nobility and created new economic opportunities.

But it still deeply rooted in Sindh and now and it has devoured its masses.

In conclusion, the murder of Dr. Ajmal Sawand is a heinous crime that must be strongly condemned. It is a stark reminder of the deep-seated social and cultural issues prevalent in the country that need urgent attention. The government needs to take concrete steps to strengthen the rule of law, invest in education and awareness campaigns, and work towards changing societal attitudes towards tribalism and feudalism.

It is only through such collective efforts that we can hope to build a just and equitable society where the rights of every citizen are respected and protected.

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Shoukat Lohar is Assistant professor in English at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro. He can be reached at Shoukat.ali@faculty.muet.edu.pk

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By Dariusz Pacak, Vienna, Austria

In relation to the indicated topic, it is very easy to observe that especially today, in this strange period. In order to continue the existence of our civilization, inward transgression should be the essential need of the human species, which will lead to the annihilation of current substrate recognized as ‘the ego’.

Only that way, the TRUE LOVE can come into being among us, and we will be rewarded with it.

And then as the righteous we will drink from a cup full of happiness*, fulfilled from the Spring of Shining. There is no other right path among the many paths.

A new vision of the next war will arise again, as it did many times in the past. And we will never be able to transform to the next, higher level of the existence, free from all pathologies, crimes, borders.

Only an act of moral and spiritual transgression can lead us to getting rid of all dualities, boundaries, fears, the dark side of the power of human character, and many other global problems created by human civilizations, including the abandonment of hidden wars between supporters of secularism and adherents of the church state.

But if our reason creates only ‘understanding’ of this subject, and feared spirit doesn’t follow the reason and will not free us from chains of the mental process of differentiating (where ‘I’ is always separate and always more important than ‘you’ and ‘they’, where science is treated in the same way as the Wisdom, and Wisdom and its experience are forgotten or effectively eliminated, and lies are more welcome than True is), nothing more will be done. Just another new veil of the projection of ego will be born – the cancer of modern humanity.

Cancer leads to destruction, extermination and death.

A new vision of the next war will arise again, as it did many times in the past. And we will never be able to transform to the next, higher level of the existence, free from all pathologies, crimes, borders. We won’t be able to live the REAL EXISTENCE, which is the opposite of the modern image of hell of diseases, of hatred, and sufferings inflicted on each other. Everything will remain a dream only, endlessly… still.

So, is it not Philosophy and Poetry (and not the dangerous politicians and their manipulative games) conceived as a part of the basic principles in the complex structure of the foundation of human beings, of the Homo Sapiens: Homo Eruditus, Artifex, and finally–  Homo Liber(!) are indispensable to experience life, TRUE LIFE, like it is in REALITY ?!

Real Law and Power on Earth, how can they be products of man’s reason and littleness, when he himself is a formation of dust and water, thus having no other power but the soul? The soul does not come from the world of human imaginations.

Then, should we not, rather try to follow the path of the Spirit? Should it not be the source of all structures of social life on this planet (which is also not from man), even the most important, greatest ones, such as the state or life in faith?

Should we not, then, do this together (while maintaining our inviolable separateness and human rights) in coexistence and humility, without fears and limits, boundaries, as ONE, as a multilateral WHOLE?

Then also the problem of balance / harmony between the secular state and the influence of religion in the construction of the state will cease to exist.

In conclusion, with these words I address both the clergy assuming the role of politicians and corrupt layers of the ruling:

18 Vide humilitatem meam et laborem meum, et dimitte universa delicta mea.

19 Respice inimicos meos, quoniam multiplicati sunt, et odio iniquo oderunt me.

20 Custodi animam meam, et erue me: non erubescam, quoniam speravi in te.

[Psalm 24:18-20.]

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*  […] As to the Righteous, they shall drink of a cup

          [Of vine] mixed with Kafur,

          – A Fountain where the Devotees of Allah do drink,

          Making it flow in unstinted abundance.

          They perform [their] vows, […]

Sura LXXVI, 5-7. [In:] The Holy Quran (Koran). King Fahd Holy Quran Printing Complex, Madinah1987, Saudi Arabia. Translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali.

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About the Author

Dariusz Pacak is a poet & essayist, settled in Austria. He holds MFA Degree in Art (Poland 1998). Professional Studies (Austria 2000). Hon. Doctor Degree of Literature (USA 2011). Member of World Academy of Arts and Culture (USA), Union of Polish Writers Abroad (Great Britain), Maison Naaman pour la Culture (Lebanon), Association of the Romanian Writes in North America (Canada), World Nations Writers’ Union, (Kazakhstan), IG Autorinnen Autoren (Austria), etc. Authored books: Birds of Emanations (2001), In Shattered Course of Things (2003), The House of the Golden Fleece (2004), The Seasons (2006), literary sheet: Bulletin of Library &Culture Information dedicated to Dariusz Pacak (2011), Homo Viator (2018, 2021). Worldwide awarded, published in 14 languages. Author of the over 380 worldwide publications in literary magazines, anthologies and on web. He deals with the axioms of tradition, religion, socio-political systems, the diversity of the norms of human existence and in creations of realities, and beyond of the human dimensions, the transgression towards mysticism.

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Aamir Latif  

KARACHI, Sindh Pakistan

Pakistan on Sunday dispatched another batch of relief goods for Türkiye’s earthquake quake victims.

According to the country’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), another consignment of nearly 5 tons of relief goods, including blankets, and winterized tents was dispatched through a Pakistan International Airlines flight.

Islamabad has established an air, sea, and road corridor to dispatch relief goods to the earthquake victims of Türkiye and Syria.

At least 24,600 people were killed and more than 80,000 injured by two strong earthquakes that jolted southern Türkiye on Monday, Türkiye’s disaster management agency said on Saturday.

The 7.7- and 7.6- magnitude earthquakes, centered in Kahramanmaras province, affected more than 13 million people across 10 provinces, including Adana, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye and Sanliurfa.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already set up a relief fund for the collection of funds and relief goods for the earthquake victims of the two countries, aside from forming a Cabinet committee to coordinate and oversee the countrywide relief efforts.

Sharif also telephoned his Syrian counterpart Hussein Arnous to condole the human losses in last week’s massive earthquakes. He assured that Islamabad will continue to mobilize all possible resources to help the earthquake victims of Syria. Pakistan has already sent the first batch of relief goods to Syria.

Jamat-e-Islami Pakistan, a mainstream religious party, is setting up camps across southern Sindh province from Sunday to collect relief items for the earthquake-hit people of Türkiye and Syria, the party’s provincial secretary general, Kashif Saeed announced.

The party’s relief wing, Al-Khidmat Foundation, has already sent rescue teams and trained volunteers to join the ongoing relief and rescue operations in quake-hit areas of Türkiye.

Pakistan-administered Kashmir government fund

Across the Line of Control (LoC) that divides the region between Indian and Pakistani controlled areas, the government of Pakistan-administered Kashmir or Azad Kashmir (AJK) has set up a “special relief fund” for the earthquake victims of the two countries.

Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Tanvir Ilyas, announced the formation of the fund following a Cabinet’s approval on Saturday.

Ilyas called upon philanthropists and common people to donate generously to their Turkish and Syrian brethren.

“When AJK was hit by a disastrous quake in 2005, the govt. & people of Türkiye were the 1st to rush to our aid. Today, it’s time to reciprocate the favor,” he said in a tweet.

The AJK Cabinet and assembly members, as well as employees from grade 6 to 22, will donate their five-day salary to the quake victims.

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Aamir Latif is a senior journalist based in Karachi. He represents Anadolu, a Turkish news agency.

Courtesy: Anadolu Agency (Published on 12.02.2023)

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Geneva

Independent UN human rights experts on Friday expressed grave concern over the deaths early last month of two young Black men in the United States, at the hands of police officers.

Keenan Anderson died in Los Angeles after being repeatedly tased by police following a chase resulting from a traffic stop, according to news reports, and Tyre Nichols in Memphis, died after being severely beaten as he lay on the ground, by five officers in Memphis, Tennessee, who have since been charged with murder and other offences.

‘Urgency to act’

“The brutal deaths of Keenan Anderson and Tyre Nichols are more reminders of the urgency to act,” said Yvonne Mokgoro, Chairperson of the UN Human Rights Council-appointed International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in the context of Law Enforcement.

The experts have asked for detailed information on the deaths of Mr. Anderson and Mr. Nichols, from the US Government, “on the ongoing investigations and regulations applicable to the use of less-lethal weapons vis-à-vis applicable human rights standards”, according to a statement issued by UN human rights office OHCHR.

“In both cases, the experts stressed that the force used appears to have violated international norms protecting the right to life and prohibiting torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. It is also not in line with standards set out under the UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.”

Be ‘guided by principles’

Juan Mendez, a member of the Expert Mechanism, said that “while we acknowledge the role of less lethal options to reduce the risk of death or injury inherent in police conduct, any use of force by law enforcement officials must be guided by principles of legality, precaution, necessity, proportionality, non-discrimination and accountability”.

Morris Tidball-Binz, the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions said that the use of “less lethal” weapons like stun-guns, “continues to raise serious concerns when it comes to States’ obligation to protect the right to life and the right to be free from torture and other ill-treatment. Such weapons can cause death, serious body injuries and permanent disability”.

‘Excessive use’ of Tasers

“We observe that, in cases like these, police officers use Tasers as a routine protocol” to incapacitate those who aren’t following orders, or individuals who are “going through mental health crises, who often do not appear to pose a serious danger to themselves or others”, added Ms. Mendez.

“We remain highly concerned about the excessive use of tasers in law enforcement, especially in light of their inherent potential for misuse.”

“Police and law enforcement bear special responsibilities to protect their citizens and to uphold their rights”, said Alice Jill Edwards, UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

“When this basic function is overtaken by unlawful and uncontrolled violence, it causes ordinary people to fear their own police. Only community-led and -designed solutions will do, in such circumstances.”

Hiding behind the badge

Responding to the death of Tyre Nichols which drew worldwide condemnation, the experts stressed that as well as prosecuting the officers involved, it was time for US authorities to show “determination in questioning and reforming an institutionalized police culture that permits criminal assault under the guise of law enforcement and public safety.”

Tracie Keesee, another member of the Mechanism, said the independent experts had called on authorities in the US to “ensure prompt accountability and reparation”.

Call for a ‘genuinely new approach’

Despite the charges against the five police officers who were swiftly fired from the Memphis force, accused of murdering Mr. Nichols, “the horrifying footage of his beating is an alarming reminder of the urgent need of genuinely new approaches to traffic safety, traffic stops, and public safety more broadly.”

Following and invitation from the US Government received last December, to visit the country, members of the Expert Mechanism will be conducting a “much-needed official mission to the US in April”, said Chairperson Mokgoro.

“We will engage with the Government and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that police brutality is addressed with determination and that victims and their families obtain justice”, she added.

Special Rapporteurs and other independent human rights experts appointed by the Human Rights Council in Geneva, work on a voluntary basis and serve in their individual capacity. They are not UN staff and are not paid for their work.

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Courtesy: UN News (Posted on Feb 10, 2023)

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