I believe that America, the United States, is a nation that continuously questions itself to address the burning problems of humanity—problems that are present in every nation. At this moment in history, despite the challenges of the pandemic, millions of people from all races have united as one voice. People who are not personally affected are standing on the streets for those who are. This is the spirit of America—a country where empathy transcends boundaries and people fight for justice, not just for themselves, but for others as well. Great minds from the USA are responsible for incredible inventions such as electricity, the computer, the Internet, and so many other advancements, including the very medium I’m using to write this. These innovative thinkers are not only pioneers but are also willing to learn from and apply the wisdom of other cultures.
In 1893, the United States invited a great man, Swami Vivekananda, to speak at the World’s Parliament of Religions. He delivered one of the most iconic speeches of all time, addressing the gathering with the words, “Sisters and Brothers of America.” The United States embraced him as one of its own. One of the many ways this country honored him and India was by naming the street adjacent to the hall where he made that famous speech “Swami Vivekananda Way.” It has been 127 years since that speech, and its impact still resonates.
Martin Luther King Jr., inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, applied those principles to challenge the moral failures of his time. His voice was heard, and his message addressed. Today, America’s daughters and sons carry forward his spirit, along with the spirits of many other leaders, striving to complete the transformation that Dr. King gave his life for.
Sure, not everyone welcomed Vivekananda. Not everyone supported Dr. King. And yes, there are still those who do not and never will.
Similarly, there are some who act uncivilly, some who seek to loot and exploit even in times when their brothers and sisters are risking their lives for justice. This is a shameful reality.
But how ignorant it would be to judge an entire nation by these exceptions. How unfair it would be to take a moral high ground and ridicule a country whose products, services, and above all, ideas, benefit the entire world.
An honest introspection by every citizen of the world would reveal how far each of us is from the ideals that millions of people in America are striving for today.
Long live The United States. #CitizenKK #Kamaraj #TheUnitedStates #America
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