THE POWER OF DIGNITY

There is an incident involving the former Vice President of India, Mohammad Hidayatullah (1905-1992). This incident was shared with me by his PA, Mr. Athar Siddiqui, MA. He told me that a delegation of Sikh leaders from Punjab once came to meet Hidayatullah in New Delhi. According to their traditions, they were wearing kirpans. The security personnel at the official residence of the Vice President told the Sikhs to leave their kirpans outside before going in to meet the Vice President. The Sikhs were not willing to leave their kirpans outside.

The situation escalated. The security officer called the Vice President’s secretary by phone and explained what was happening. The secretary ordered them not to let anyone in with their kirpans, and if they tried to enter that way, to arrest them.

Mr. Athar Siddiqui said that he sensed the seriousness of the situation, so he immediately went inside, met with Mr. Hidayatullah, and informed him about the developing circumstances. He explained that the behaviour of the security officer and the secretary was completely unwise. He suggested that Mr. Hidayatullah directly instruct the military officer not to stop the Sikhs and to let them enter with their kirpans. Mr. Hidayatullah understood the seriousness of the matter and accordingly gave instructions to the security officer over the phone.

Afterward, the Sikh delegation entered with their kirpans. As soon as they reached Mr. Hidayatullah, they removed their kirpans and placed them at his feet. They said, “Do you think we would stoop so low as to come here and attack you with these kirpans? You are like a father to us. We could never even think of doing such a thing.”

Wisdom is the greatest power. If you choose the path of wisdom, even an armed enemy will lay down their weapons and, recognizing your humanity, fall at your feet.