THE SECRET OF LIFE

In 1947, when the Indian subcontinent gained independence, the situation was such that on one side were the people of Pakistan, represented by Mr. Muhammad Jinnah. He said that they had received a “truncated and moth-eaten Pakistan.” (The Sole Spokesman by Ayesha Jalal, Cambridge, 1994, p. 290) His vision of Pakistan included the whole of Punjab and Bengal. He also wanted all of Kashmir to be part of his country. For this reason, the Pakistan that came into existence seemed far less than what he had dreamed of. On the other side, the people of India felt the same disappointment. In their minds, the vision of a free India—Swatantra Bharat—was greater than the nation that actually emerged. Even after independence, millions of people felt that their beloved India had come to them in pieces. What they received in reality was much less than what they had hoped for.

Independence, which appeared to be a great achievement, ended up creating a feeling of loss. On both sides of the border, a sense of political frustration grew stronger. Each side began to see the other as its enemy and worked against it. Both nations became busy trying either to revive their old political ambitions or, at the very least, to act against each other in order to cool the burning fire of disappointment within themselves.

Japan presents a very different example. The Second World War reduced its territory and stripped it of its political and military freedom. But the Japanese put aside what they had lost and, content with what remained, began practical efforts. Forty years later, Japan rose to the peak of progress. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan were left only with the habit of raising empty storms of words, each blaming the other for their misfortunes.

Life means being satisfied with less. In this world, the one who accepts less ends up gaining more, while the one who refuses to accept less is deprived not only of the little but also of the greater.