Desperately Needed: Leaders of Unity

Continuing closely from where I just left off in the last post, I wish for a world filled with leaders of unity, and peace. In recent times, our world seems to have ended up with warmongers, hate-mongers, and extremists as leaders. What happened to all the peace-makers? Leaders of unity, reconciliation and tolerance? (One who was showing the way, quit her Prime Minister job, and moved to Australia… shucks.You know who I’m talking about?) Now, we have imperialists (yup, that’s you, Putin, and Trump… Greenland?!? What were you even thinking of? You land-grabbing bully); stubborn, religious zealots (you know who you are); right-wing, hate spewing extremists; warlords bent on staying in power, whatever the costs…; and so on, and so forth…

If only we have the likes of Gandhi, and Mandela, leading us again. I just hope that we’ll get out of this hostile situation soon, here in the Middle East. May all the countries here (yes, including Israel, and Palestine), live in peace and harmony with one another. May there be tolerance and understanding among people of different believes and cultures. May there be everlasting peace and friendship in this region, and the world.


Ending this post with some photos of a past leader of unity… Mahatma Gandhi, may he rest in peace.


Here’re pictures of our visit to the Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India in July 2024.


Om shanti… a memorial of Gandhiji


At the Hridaya Kunj, Gandhi and his wife’s residence from 1918 to 1930, when he was not travelling, or detained (which happened quite often, thanks to the British, being the imperialists that they were…)


A small hut near Gandhi’s residence, where 2 of his followers stayed (at different times…)


A small temple in the Sabarmati Ashram compound


A replica of the Salt March, the first act of civil disobedience in British India against India’s colonial masters, which eventually led to independence…


Enjoying the view by the Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, Jul 2024 - not much of a view though, with gloomy skies (it's in the middle of the monsoon season!)


This monkey had the same idea as us… And so did a crow, and it friggin poop-bombed me!! Why?!?? What did I do??!?? (Now, you know how Iran felt like?)


OK, let’s go. Autorickshaw, anyone?

And Happy Holi to all those celebrating out there!