“Be informed of the history, not be imprisoned by it.” – Tony Blinken, Former Secretary of State.
This profound statement resonates deeply, especially when we consider the echoes of the past that continue to shape our present. Recently, I had a powerful experience with “The Bengal Files,” a film that meticulously documents the often-overlooked and dark history of Bengal’s partition into what we now know as Bangladesh. Unlike the more widely known partition of western India, the story of Bengal’s division remains largely untold, yet its impact continues to ripple through the lives of countless individuals.
For those of us from undivided India, this history can feel like an inherited burden. Even 80 years after the separation, the deep-seated pain and suffering persist on all sides. Certain historical truths, once swept under the rug, are now resurfacing, notably through Vivek Agnihotri’s impactful film trilogy.
Last year, I traveled to India and witnessed the making of “The Bengal Files.” Later, attending its premiere screening in the DC/MD/VA area in July, I was consumed by a persistent question: Why did this happen, and who was truly responsible? My conclusion, time and again, pointed to politicians who were tragically disconnected from reality. For them, human lives seemed to hold little value. Figures like Mr. Jinnah and the then-Governor of Bengal, Mr. Suhrawardy, appeared indifferent to the immense human cost – countless lives lost – in their pursuit of power. What, truly, did anyone gain from the loss of millions? Look at Bangladesh today; it continues to grapple with the aftermath.
When “We the People” Are Pawns
This devastating outcome could have been avoided. If “we the people” on both sides had understood the horrific potential for loss, if they had sat down, acknowledged each other’s pain, and prevented their leaders from making such monumental decisions, history might have unfolded differently. The truth is, conflicts rooted in race, religion, and caste are almost always instigated by those who stand to gain from division. When we examine genocides throughout history – whether sparked by race, religion, nationality, caste, or any other social issue – it becomes starkly clear: politicians rarely suffer personal loss. Instead, they almost invariably accrue more power and wealth.
Even today, this pattern persists globally. Ordinary people are used as pawns in the power games of the wealthy and influential. We are manipulated. Imagine if “we the people” understood a simple, yet profound, concept: the loss of any human is a loss for all of humanity, not just for a specific race, religion, or social group. If we recognized that we are being exploited in this relentless pursuit of money and power, perhaps we would stop fighting amongst ourselves.
Today, the categories of division have expanded dramatically. We are now pitted against each other over our tribes, races, religions, castes, nationalities, sexual orientations, our children’s curricula, our school districts, our land, our climate, our taxes, and the list goes on. And who benefits from this endless fragmentation? The rich and the politicians.
Consider the almost century-long animosity between Hindus and Muslims. It began because someone, somewhere, convinced people of each faith that they were being unfairly treated and deserved their own nation. Politicians and religious leaders then seized this opportunity, cashing in to expand their power and wealth. And what did “we the people” gain from this? Nothing but enduring misery.
It’s Time to Change the Narrative
Isn’t it time for “we the people” to awaken? All it would take is for us to critically examine every issue that divides us, to understand the political machinations behind them, and to truly acknowledge each other’s pain. If we honestly reflect on what we dislike about someone from a different race, religion, or nationality, we’ll often find it’s nothing more than a narrative we’ve been fed since childhood.
It’s time to flip the script. Turn the tables on the politicians who have systematically divided us based on superficial traits, using us as mere vote banks. Let’s challenge the current democratic practices where everything seems to be bought and sold. Stop the bloodshed in the name of religion. Stop being divided by race, religion, nationality, skin color, or sexual orientation. This madness must end. Turn off the noise, awaken your true human consciousness, and embrace the principle: Live and Let Live!
Take 2 Creations 