Even for a moment let us accept this claim that she was a poster woman of missionaries, who were converting poor to the Christian faith. What is the issue here? Don’t we ourselves find ways like studying or learning different skills to improve our situation? Is it wrong if poor get the better education or healthcare and enhance their living standards?
The next in line of rebuttals would be the sanctity of religion and how it is corrupted for materialistic means. Let me tell you, religion has always been closely tied to social progress be it Hinduism or Sikhism or Islam or any other belief system. Religion is never an esoteric phenomenon; it always has a communal or social appeal.
Mother Teresa, despite all the allegations against her, was a towering figure in her understanding for the underprivileged. For those who are busy accusing her, can they claim to be any nearer loving the poor according to her standards? She left her home at a tender age and dedicated her life steadfastly to a cause. We cannot question her motives or intentions, but judge her from her actions and the love people have for her today.
As a society, it is a pity that we have started rejecting virtuous individuals by our frivolous moral standpoints. We have become artful in denouncing them since they did not leave by the dominant social ethos. “Sacrificing” one’s life for others is a foolish choice for many. Our materialistic and highly selfish values preventing us from expressing ‘higher’ moral qualities, which even animals possess.
It is high time that we reclaim what is “human” in us. The loss of empathy and love for the wider world is indeed a devastating ‘gift’ of modernity to us. We must get it back to live fuller and complete lives.
Written by Rishya Dharmani
"Life is not a mystery, as they say, rather it is simplicity itself. Unlearn, fail and realize the true joy."