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After exchanging pleasantries, Rajasekaran asked them about the state of affairs in the village.
"People like you have migrated to the city in pursuit of professions here. Who will take care of the village, then" asked Mani, a young man in the group.
"There are young and enthusiastic people like you to take care of the village" said Rajasekaran, smiling.
"We have started an association. We came to meet you only in that connection" said another person.
"We have started an association. We came to meet you only in that connection" said another person.
"What association?"
"Our state has a sizeable population of people belonging to our caste. Since we are geographically scattered, we have not got the recognition we deserve. If we have an association and act through it, political parties will take note of our presence. They will approach us seeking our support in the elections, listen to our demands and will make efforts to fulfill at least some of them" explained another person.
"Our state has a sizeable population of people belonging to our caste. Since we are geographically scattered, we have not got the recognition we deserve. If we have an association and act through it, political parties will take note of our presence. They will approach us seeking our support in the elections, listen to our demands and will make efforts to fulfill at least some of them" explained another person.
"If we want something done for our village, people of the village can join together and raise their voice. Though I don't have any property in the village, as someone hailing from the village, I will also come with you to meet the legislator, collector or the minister in connection with matters pertaining to our village" said Rajasekaran.
"This is not about our village. This is about the people of our caste. We have started this caste association with the objective of getting benefits for the people of our caste. We have been traveling to different places and enrolling people of our caste as members. It is only in this connection that we have come to meet you" said Mani
"Because I was born in a particular caste, I have been following the traditions of our caste. For the sake of convenience, we have been marrying within our caste. Otherwise, are not all human beings the same? Starting a caste association and dividing people on the basis of caste is not acceptable to me. Does humanitarianism not demand that every one should get justice? Is it fair to demand benefits only for people of our caste?"
"Because I was born in a particular caste, I have been following the traditions of our caste. For the sake of convenience, we have been marrying within our caste. Otherwise, are not all human beings the same? Starting a caste association and dividing people on the basis of caste is not acceptable to me. Does humanitarianism not demand that every one should get justice? Is it fair to demand benefits only for people of our caste?"
The visitors debated the issue with Rajasekaran for some time and left, feeling unhappy about Rajasekaran's attitude.
After that, Rajasekaran would hear some news about the caste association now and then. He also saw some reports about the activities of the association in the media. But, Rajasekaran didn't take any interest in such news reports.
After that, Rajasekaran would hear some news about the caste association now and then. He also saw some reports about the activities of the association in the media. But, Rajasekaran didn't take any interest in such news reports.
"At that time, you were relatively young. You were physically fit and active. You also had a good job. We were financially comfortable. Therefore, you had the courage to refuse the demand that you join the caste association. Can you take such a bold stand now?" asked Parvatham, Rajasekar's wife.
"Why? Who is pressurizing me now to join the caste association?"
"You are pretending as if you don't know what I mean. You have retired from your job. We can manage only if you go for some other job. Getting a job after retirement is not easy. In such a scenario..."
"Why? Who is pressurizing me now to join the caste association?"
"You are pretending as if you don't know what I mean. You have retired from your job. We can manage only if you go for some other job. Getting a job after retirement is not easy. In such a scenario..."
Rajasekaran remained silent.
One of his friends, a retired person like him who was searching for a job, came to his house recently and told him about a job opportunity he had come across.
"I tried for a job in a firm. It belongs to a person of your caste. I learnt that the firm would give the job only to a person belonging to the proprietor's caste. But the applicant should be a member of the caste association. If you apply for that job, you will get it" he told Rajasekaran.
Rajasekaran understood that his wife was referring to that job opportunity.
"Think well and take a good decision. When our financial position is weak, we should be willing to make some compromises" said Parvatham.
"Parvatham! If something is considered wrong, it has to be always considered wrong. We can't change our perception of right and wrong to suit our circumstances" said Rajasekar.
"Well, I don't have the wisdom to advise you" said Parvatham, feeling frustrated.
Thirukkural
Section 1
The Path of Virtue
The Path of Virtue
Chapter 12
Neutrality
Neutrality
Verse 115 (In Tamil)
kEdum perukkamum illalla nenjaththuk
kOdAmai sAnROrkku aNi.
kOdAmai sAnROrkku aNi.
Meaning:
Ups and downs in life are inevitable; but not acting against their conscience under any circumstances is the trait of noble men.
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