A Eulogy for 1.2 Million

Author: Dhrid Ramesh

Country: USA


1.2 million. A number that hardly takes a second to say represents the number of Tibetans that have been slaughtered by the Chinese Government over the past fifty-eight years. Countless others have fled their homes and sought refuge in neighboring countries, and others rot away in jail for indefinite amounts of time. I'm sure Tibet has been on many people's minds after the protests and rioting that started on March 10th. However, before this wave of violence swept through Tibet, this problem lay dormant in our thoughts for too long.

For years monks, nuns, and everyday Tibetan people have been protesting the Chinese government's occupation of the area. Even those who believe that Tibet would do fine as part of China cannot deny the crimes against humanity happening there. Not only are people being killed and imprisoned but Buddhist Monasteries have been destroyed, and Ethnic Chinese have been moved into the area to take jobs that should by right go to Tibetans.

And what is the worst part of this situation? WE, as a human race are responsible for this. Had the international community intervened fifty eight years ago, during the invasion of Tibet, this would not even be an issue now. Fifty eight years later we have yet to take action and make a firm stance on this issue, an issue that affects millions of people. And why haven't we taken a stand? Mostly because governments are afraid of rubbing the wrong person the wrong way, and upsetting the fragile balance currently existing in international relations. In the end, we have to ask ourselves, can we just ignore the big issues like this because of fear? Can we just let millions of people suffer because we're scared that making a stance might drive up the cost of living? Can we just put this at the back of our brains for the sake of convenience? The answer should be no. So take a stance in any way you can, not just about Tibet but about any issue that you consider important.

What makes you tick?

Author: Victoria Maravi

Country: Peru

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” –Mark Twain.

I must admit that I do not follow our friend Mark’s advice as often as I would like to. You probably don’t, either. In your short life, how many times have you found yourself alone, unwilling to grab a book, do the dishes or your homework, and alternatively zapped TV channels all day? Maybe you were exhausted and needed some rest, but sometimes it is pure laziness.

If you are not suffering from any psychological disorders (just checking), then you are probably afraid of commitment. This means that there is some degree of anxiety to commit to something, such as your school subjects, work schedule or desire to be fit.

This is not uncommon, it is a problem that is affecting the whole generation we belong to. Zooming out from our individual problems, when was the last time that the world was shaken by an amazing scientific discovery? After the icons of the Second World War and peace leaders such as Gandhi and MLK passed away, when have we seen someone that was actually able to change the world with such strength? It is as if the world has entered a lethargic stage.

Oh problemo. Which could be the solution to this? In my perspective, and I do not know if you will agree, it is quite simple: finding motivation. Going for the impossible instead of staying indoors all day while complaining about life’s miseries. It is easier and safer, I even do it from time to time, but it will not get the world moving.

You could sit for a few minutes to consider your life purpose, and then plan small achievable goals that lead you there. It should be flexible, of course –at our age, not many things remain the same, even our life purpose. It could be crazy, too (except, well, trying to fly with a cape). Going from straight C’s to A’s? You can do it. Working for four hours instead of eight? It is possible. Saving children from AIDS? It can be done, it just takes time.

Gather all the information you think is necessary, ignore derogatory comments from others and just do it! It may take years, but it is possible. We need more leaders that will ‘shake things up’ in this world, do not be afraid to take charge!

A Question that Questions you to Think and Probe

Author: Saiqua Rahaman

Country: India

I came across an interesting story that was forwarded to me by a friend.It just made an impact and has compelled me to probe deeper in my heart, as I read it a few more times with its philosophically deep meaning. Here it is again for all of you to enjoy. Mind you this story was anonymously written:

Brian was parked in front of the mall wiping off his car. He had just come from the car wash and was waiting for his wife to get out of work. Coming his way from across the parking lot, he saw a fat man, arguably one of the homeless street dwellers or in plain language was what the society would consider to be a 'BUM'. From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes and no money. There were times when one would feel generous and there are other times that you just don't want to be bothered. This was one of those 'don't want to be bothered times' for Brian. He hoped the Man doesn't ask for any money. He didn't. He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop, but he did not look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus. After a few minutes he spoke. "That's a very pretty car", he said. He was ragged but had an air of dignity around him. His scraggly blond beard kept more than his face warm. Brian said, "Thanks" and continued wiping off his car. He sat there quietly as he worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between them widened something inside said 'Brian, ask him if he needs any help'. he was sure that the ragged man would say 'Yes', but Brian held true to his inner voice. 'Do you need any help?', he asked. The Man answered in three simple but profound words.

We often look for wisdom in great men and women. We expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments. Brian expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand. Instead, he spoke the three words that shook him down to the roots. "Don't we all?", he asked.

Here Brian was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a bum in the street, until those three words hit him like a twelve gauge shot gun. DON"T WE ALL? Yes we do! Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep or even to wipe the car, but is that all one is seeking for? He reached for his wallet and gave the Man not only enough for bus fare but enough to get a warm meal, and a shelter for the day.

Those three little words still ring true. No matter how much you have accomplished, you need help too. No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you can give help. Even if it is just a compliment, you can give that. You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all. They are waiting on you to give them what they don't have. A different perspective on life, a glimpse at something beautiful, a respite from the daily chaos. Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybe he was more than that! Maybe he was sent by a power that is great and wise, to minister to a soul too comfortable in himself. Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him up like a bum, then said, 'Go minister to that man cleaning the car. That man needs help !!"

Waiting for the dawn of a new day

Author: Hassen Mnani

Country: Tunisia

In our lives,there are many bad things like poverty, illiteracy, and exploitation that make children suffer and degrade their moral natural.

Miserable children are obliged to work in bad conditions in an early age doing cruel tasks, some of their employers make them steal, cheat, and so on. Some of them have to steal or cheat in order to provide for their families. So some of them turn to these ways. And so they run away from school, because they lack money to pay for their education and because they need that money for their families.

These children face hunger, they have to eat unhealthy food, drink polluted water. It might make them suffer from diseases like HIV or cancer.

Children are deprived of the simple joy and the simple happy childhood. I think these children have the right to lead a good life without fear and without diseases.

They feel obliged to provide for their families, when they should be provided for. They take responsibility from their early age and so their lives become very hard.

I feel very sad when I see these children or hear about their stories, and I believe that we should do whatever we can to help them.