Time for Philosophy
By Nita Chicooree-Mercier
About two weeks ago, the good news delivered by the MBC was the introduction of a new program, with the first 60 issues freely gifted by the Indian public channel. An Indian production centering on philosophy with the participation of non-Indian guests to reach out to an international audience. Excellent!
In an Indian cultural background, philosophy runs through every aspect of life and is accessible to common folks in different ways
Why do we heartily welcome such an initiative?
First and foremost, philosophy is a matter of thought and point of view, a way of looking at the universe, life, humanity, and all existence on earth. The difference between man and man is Thought – this was the conclusion we came to through reasoning during Indian Culture classes under the guidance of Swami Venkatesananda at the QEC. Thoughts or the absence of thoughts determine our action. The local audio-visual landscape will be enriched by the inclusion of philosophical content that is accessible to a wider public. Due to their cultural background, a good number of our folks are attuned to questioning and arguing.
In an era when time-consuming jobs gear most energy towards achieving the goals of material pursuits, and the internet opens windows on a world simmering with tension and fury every time we log in to online news, it is quite challenging to fully comprehend the causes that send countries at one another’s throat. Not to mention that in violence-prone societies, nerves are frayed for any futile reason and youngsters impulsively resort to blows to settle scores.
A specific program focusing on a philosophical approach to private life and life in society among other topics can only be highly beneficial to one and all. This is an excellent idea to actively stimulate the grey matter and the emotional intelligence of all and sundry.
Why should it matter that the series is an Indian production with the participation of foreign guests? Indeed, it is of utmost importance because in an Indian cultural background, philosophy runs through every aspect of life and is accessible to common folks in different ways, regardless of them having received formal education or not. Indian supervision on philosophy with a profound encompassing vision spares us from Western-style hair-splitting debates over the most trivial topics that give the illusion of being learned.
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Authority and Order
The hallmark of good governance when it comes to public order is to take necessary measures without concern for the potential noise they may stir among political opponents or in the columns of the press. The former are inclined to seize any opportunity to justify their relevance. As for the latter, they see themselves as the guardians of democracy, ready to cry wolf at every turn.
In the neighborhood shop and casual conversations, the political chatter that occupies the pundits and weekly press conferences boils down to “One Seat for Five” (Un fauteuil pour Cinq), meaning seasoned contenders vying for the prime ministerial seat. The concerns that occupy the minds of the people are the same as elsewhere. The Mauritian public is well-connected to the world, understanding the deep-rooted causes of the high cost of living without succumbing to demagoguery. This global phenomenon leaves little room for manoeuvre for the government of any country.
However, it would be desirable for the authorities in Mauritius not to skimp on means to maintain public order, unlike in large democratic countries where not only the standard of living is declining, but the authorities hesitate to take action against those who unleash violence on the police and have made the vandalizing of public property a favourite sport. Sometimes strikes invade public spaces, sometimes mass protests take hostage the functioning of major cities, and sometimes young people, often of foreign origin, turn violently against the police.
The laxity of major democracies is condemnable as it reflects the abdication of the leaders in ensuring public safety. A resignation that goes by the name of the influence of woke ideology, which categorizes aggressors in all directions as victims while sticking the labels of racist and fascist on the foreheads of their targets and anyone who dares to denounce them. It’s fortunate for Mauritius that certain highly volatile groups hesitate to take that step because the public won’t play along.
Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 23 February 2024
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