18th July is celebrated as Nelson Mandela International Day and we celebrate the progress of humanity with one thought, that is ‘Peace’. The Nobel Peace Prize winner was a ‘warrior of peace’. The mandate is obviously for a peaceful co-existence but our journey of life takes us towards conflict for reasons best known to mankind.

With the pandemic, the social fabric is set for introspection. Our generation is worried for the survival of the next generation and the big question that we shall face if not now but when we are not here in this world is only one, and that is, what did we do to keep ou earth a better place to live for our next generation? 

All the debate on social order, political activism and economic wellbeing will connect to a constant entity called ‘peace’. Without a peaceful mind and peaceful social DNA, progressing is not going to be fruitful. We shall face a dead end. The search for all relationship should be focussed on peaceful co-existent of the human race.

Is it practically possible? We don’t have an absolute answer but we can explore to find a solution and continue the search for the light in the tunnel. The fabric of any society is influenced by the politics of the region and it is thus a big factor. The demand for a peaceful political narrative where inequality, tolerance, justice and most importantly the ‘peace mindset’ should be pursued. As we progress and realise our deeds or the misdeeds, there will be a time when it will be clearly visible the benefit of peaceful politics. The return on investment of a ‘politics of peace’ is much higher than the ‘divide and rule politics’.

The economic health of any country is its strength and to maintain its economic growth, for a country in chaos and conflict, it is never going to be easy. Instead, the politics of stability, growth and development is a big winner. Our political activism will do much better if we reorient our political way towards those peaceful and productive goals than the politics of conflict. The present pandemic has just given us a signal and today a politician does not have any answers when you ask them what they think of the pandemic. They fumble to give meaningful answers.

The only answer is to act on economic development, work on generating employment, build communities that can co-exist, build bridges so that societies can mingle and cross over. Do not confine people by dividing. COVID has locked us up, we don’t need any further politics to bind us down. 
As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘ It is easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build’.   Hope these echoes in our ears when we step out for prosperity.