In my soon to be released book Hi Society, which I hope will soon be in your hands, there is a moment that still echoes in my mind. A massive election rally is underway. Loudspeakers scream, banners wave, drums beat with a vengeance, and party workers run around like headless chickens in patriotic colours.
The MLA on stage begins to speak about religion, about protecting one community from another. He speaks of enemies lurking everywhere. He warns that identity must be guarded like a jealous lover. The crowd, exhausted from shouting, listens with a dull acceptance, conditioned to believe that division is strength and hatred is strategy.
Then, unexpectedly, Mrs Mehta steps forward.
No raised voice, no clenched fists, no manufactured drama. She simply asks a question. A question so gentle and yet so sharp that it slices through the political thunderstorm.
She asks, since all religions finally centre around God, should we not be following what God wants us to do? Does God want us to divide people? Does God want us to hate? Does God desire strife, bitterness and suspicion? Does God want families and communities ripped apart? Then why are you dividing people?
The silence that follows is not ordinary silence. It is the silence of awakening. The flags stop waving. The drums fall still. Even the loudspeakers hesitate as though embarrassed. For a few breathtaking seconds, the air trembles with truth. People stand frozen, as if someone has opened a window and fresh air has rushed into a stifling room.
And then applause erupts. Real applause. Not rehearsed, not paid for, not demanded. Applause that rises from hearts that suddenly remember that religion was always meant to bring people together. That God was never meant to be used as a vote-gathering mascot.
That faith was designed to heal, not to harm.
Later, she wins the election, not because she shouted louder. Not because she promised more. She wins because she dared to ask the question that everybody had forgotten to ask.
What would God do?
Would God ask us to throw stones or to pick up the fallen? Would He want us to build walls or build bridges? Would He want venom in our words or love in our actions? Would He bless leaders who divide or leaders who unite?
And if we already know the answer, then why do we behave as if we do not?
Why do we swallow hatred like medicine and refuse to ask questions that could save us?
Mrs Mehta walked out of my book and asked this question. Will you, who do not live within its covers, start asking the same question?
The Author conducts an online, eight session Writers and Speakers Course. If you’d like to join, do send a thumbs-up to WhatsApp number 9892572883 or send a message to bobsbanter@gmail.com
