THE 'MONETARY' MESSAGE

During national celebrations and on important festivals our leaders promptly and pompously issue stock messages greeting the people of the country.Any occasion or event without a message from a bigwig is considered incomplete.But most of these messages are routine,stereotyped and worn-out cliches  which are not only insipid but also uninspiring. We are so accustomed to such banalities that we altogether dismiss them without giving them a second thought . Presumably, they are the creations of some secretaries who don't even understand the solemnity of the occasions.

The other day,I got an unusual message which proved to be a refreshing change. It was a different sort of message on three counts.Firstly, it was anonymous. Secondly,it was obviously written with a good intention rather than garnering cheap publicity.Thirdly,it was written on a 'TEN RUPEE CURRENCY NOTE'.On the front side of the currency (on the white space) were the words,"FIGHT FOR PEACE". On the reverse I found the cryptic remark,'HUMANITY IS RELIGION'.

As a rule I abhor the practice of  defacing currency notes as it reduces the life-span of the money. It is also indecent and an act of callousness. But that particular 'monetary message' appeared to be relevant, altruistic and well-meant that,I had to shed my initial resentment and all my reservations.

We fight many a battle in life, the main motive invariably being that of self-aggrandizement. But the idea of 'Fighting for peace' (what a lovely paradox!) in these troubled times can emanate only from an enlightened soul. In this world we live as Hindus, Christians, Muslims,Buddhists etc.-forgetting the basic fact that we are all human beings.Our religious faith has failed to evoke humanitarian sentiments in our stony hearts. But, is it not the core of all religious tenets?.The writer,by his observation,'Humanity is religion' subtly pinpoints our folly and exhorts us to have a humane approach.

Flooded with these thoughts I lost myself in a reverie.
Suddenly,I remembered William Wordsworth"s immortal  lines:
"And then my heart with pleasure fills
And dances with the daffodils"

The profoundity of the message ,like Wordsworth's daffodils,made my heart dance with ecstasy.