In a room somewhere in the capital, a group of leaders sat around a large table and sincerely believed they had discovered a fuel they could export to the world. The chairman tapped the table. "Gentlemen," he said, "for the last few months we have been worried about importing oil, food and minerals. Economists have scratched their heads over trade deficits. Surely it is time we exported our own fuel. The fuel of hate."
The room erupted into applause. "And believe me," continued the minister, "we are producing it in abundance."
Charts appeared on screens. Graphs showed rising production. Experts pointed proudly at statistics. "In the last twelve years our refineries have done a remarkable job. We have taught citizens to manufacture outrage, suspicion and division. Now, every household has become a little factory. Every mobile phone is a production unit. Every social media account is a distribution centre."
More applause followed. "The manufacturing process is surprisingly simple. Take one teaspoon of rumour. Add one tablespoon of political speech. Mix thoroughly in a television debate. Stir vigorously with social media. Within minutes fresh hatred is ready for consumption."
The delegates rose to their feet. A standing ovation.
Export plans were immediately drawn up.
There were still countries burdened with excessive quantities of love and tolerance. Countries where people wasted valuable time respecting differences, listening to opposing views and treating fellow citizens like human beings.
Clearly such nations needed help. Marketing proposals were prepared. Trade delegations planned. Photographs were taken of stern looking leaders striding purposefully towards cameras, all ready to hug.
Then came the barter proposals. "A million litres of crude oil for a shipment of hate."
"Natural gas in exchange for manufactured outrage."
"Wheat for prejudice."
"Edible oil for polarisation."
"Coal for division."
"Copper for intolerance."
"Gold for anger."
The possibilities seemed endless. The room buzzed with excitement.
Then, just as the chairman was about to declare the meeting a historic success, a voice filled the room. Nobody could see who had spoken. Yet every person in that room recognised the voice instantly.
It was the voice of the Mahatma.
The room froze. The voice continued. "You are mistaken. This fuel is already being exported."
The leaders looked puzzled.
"Every act of hatred is exported from one Indian to another. Every prejudice shipped from parent to child. Every suspicion transported from neighbour to neighbour. Every lie delivered from one mobile phone to the next."
The voice paused. "How clever! You have become both the exporters and the customers."
Silence filled the room. Then came the final words. "While you proudly keep manufacturing the fuel of hate, you seem to have forgotten one thing. Fuel is meant to burn. And what is slowly being consumed by the flames is my beloved India herself."
No one applauded. No one rose from their seats. And in the silence that followed, every person in that room knew the Mahatma had spoken the truth…!
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