Interviews- God Is More Of A Concept: Marwah

| Sunday, December 30, 2002 |

THIS WEEK

	Front Page
	Manipur
	Features
	Opinions
	Profiles
	Editorials
	Interviews
	Potpourri
	Photos
	Books
	Links
	Forum

ARCHIVES

MANIPURONLINE

-	About Us
-	Advertise
-	Feedback
-	Contact Us
	Classifieds
	Letters to the Editor

TOOLS

Currency Converter

Stock Calculator

National Stock Exchange

Bombay Stock Exchange

xxx

God Is More Of A Concept: Marwah

Manipur Governor Ved Marwah talks to Witoubou Newmai, Editor, Newmai News Network

Newmai News Network: In past interviews with you we had discussed many social issues. In this interview I want to dwell more on your philosophical views. Do you believe in God? If so justify your personal view point that God really exists and if no then…

Marwah: Yes, I believe in God. I do not look upon God as a person, but more as a concept. With all the progress in science and technology, till today there is no explanation how this universe has been created. Belief in God gives me stability in my life.

NNN: Why have you chosen the religion you are following?

Marwah: I have not chosen the religion. Like most of us we are born in it and that is why it is important to respect all religion. We tend to think that one’s own religion is the one that is superior and should exist. All religions say more or less the same thing and no one is superior or inferior.

NNN: Don’t you think that today’s various religions have communalized the society?

Marwah: It is unfortunate that some religious fanatics have created division amongst human being. All religions teach love for all humans. There is no place for divisions and competition. It is wrong to think that religions are in competition or at war with each other. So-called religious fundamentalism needs to be condemned by all decent human beings.

NNN: How do you serve God or say, the way people should serve God?

Marwah: The best way to serve God is to serve the weaker sections of the society- those who are poor and underprivileged or physically handicapped.

NNN: Tell me one specific event when God has answered your prayer.

Marwah: I have only one prayer to God that is to give me strength to do the right thing. This is not a one time prayer. I do not believe in praying for fulfillment of any particular wish.

NNN: You headed the National Security Guard during the Operation Black Thunder in Punjab. Kindly comment one memorable anecdote of the event.

Marwah: While the operations were going on in the Golden Temple complex, the rest of the Amritsar city was so normal that after a visit to the operation theatre I was able to eat Jilebis in one of the sweetmeat shops.

NNN: Who has been your mentor? Why?

Marwah: I have no mentor. May be, because I believe in doing what needs to be done without waiting for advice from others.

NNN: Describe the character of an ideal politician?

Marwah: An ideal politician is a contradiction in terms. A successful politician makes compromises all the time and he can never be any one’s ideal.

NNN: What do you foresee regarding the Indian politics after a decade? Will it crumble down to anarchy?

Marwah: I am optimistic. Like many other countries, including the West, we have to go through this transient phase. But I am sure that we shall overcome all the difficulties and come out with the Indian democracy holding its head high in the world community. If you look at our neighboring countries, there is no reason for us to feel defensive about the shortcomings of our democracy.

NNN: Also suggest one panacea to check money power in politics.

Marwah: The only one panacea I can think of is to abolish the role of black money. Without the existence of black money, money power cannot play an important role in politics.

NNN: What do you have to say regarding the growing insurgency movement in the North-East India? What is the solution to it?

Marwah: The solution to the growing insurgency movement in the North-East lies with the people. Awareness needs to be created among the people so that they fight insurgency. Without their active support, the Government and the security forces alone will not be able to root out insurgency from the North East.

NNN: You have written a book called ‘Uncivil Wars’ which is the pathology of terrorism in India. Is corruption and ethnicity the root cause of terrorism in our country?

Marwah: As I have written in my book, terrorism is a complex problem. Of course, corruption and ethnicity contribute to its growth, but its causes are many- political, economic and social. There is no quick-fix solution to this problem. Only an integrated approach, where all these aspects, that is political, economic and social, are addressed.

NNN: Is New Delhi really depriving the North East India in many ways. If not then why North East is still lagging behind from the rest of the country in all fronts?

Marwah: This constant refrain of blaming others for the problems in the North-East is one of the reasons why this region is lagging behind the rest of the country. Ultimately only the spirit of self-reliance will take this region forward. No amount of financial help from New Delhi will uplift its economy, unless the institutions of governance in the North-East can optimally utilize it. There is no substitute for hard working people and an honest Government. Manipuris are hard working people, but I wish I could say the same thing about the various institutions of governance.

NNN: Suggest one concrete measure to thwart the growing threats on the journalists?

Marwah: It is not possible to isolate the threat to the journalists apart from the existing law and order situation in Manipur. The ultimate solution lies in rooting out insurgency from the State. Terrorism will continue to threaten the journalists, because they play an important role in molding public opinion. As I have said earlier, only a coordinated approach will bring a sense of security both to the journalists and the rest of the people in Manipur.

NNN: Lastly, kindly describe your philosophy of life or what is the real meaning of being a human being according to your philosophy?

Marwah: I try to accept life as it comes. At this rather late stage of my life, I have come to realize that individuals play a limited role even in their own lives. We are the creation of forces over which we have little control. So why not relax and do our best irrespective of the results?

(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)

Copyright © 2002 ManipurOnline. A Virgo Communications Company ALL RIGHTS RESERVED..	\| Privacy Policy \| Contact Us