What should we do to free our planet from terrorism?

First, let me wish Your Excellency a very happy and prosperous new year. I am Sugato Mitra, a 41 year old man from Durgapur in West Bengal. As a very ordinary citizen of this great nation, I consider it an immense privillege of mine to be presented with an opportunity to answer a question which happens to cross the mind of someone who is not only the Honourable President of India but also happens to be one of the greatest intellectual minds of this country.

A look at the very elementary picture of terrorism reveals certain things:

1. A handful of immensely wealthy, influential and powerful people provide the leadership. In many instances they lead a justifiable movement. In an equal number of instances they have a personal axe to grind in the garb of mass movement. Some of them are prepared to come out and discuss their grievances. Others prefer to remain away from the public eye.

2. The foot soldiers are almost invariably youth of impressionable minds. It is also commonly seen that they come from ordinary or poor families.

The governments of different countries faced with the problem of terrorism has to do some serious and honest soul searching. The discussion below, tries to combine the aforesaid two aspects in an effort to find a solution to terrorism.

The question of origin of the terrorist movement has to be addressed first. Why did a terrorist movement arise? Was it because a certain section of the population justifiably demanded something, but was denied the same? In that case, how does the fulfillment of their demands fit into the overall national interest? If conceding to their justified demand does not affect national interests adversely, there is no harm in agreeing to them. But if those are contrary to the overall national interests then there is no question of conceding. But the issue should be considered objectively and impartially.

This seems to be particularly pertinent in the Kashmir problem. Here we see not only Kashmiris demanding their own independent homeland, but also a neighbouring country abetting the terrorist movement against India. Here Pakistan clearly has an axe to grind and in all probabilities ultimately want to annexe Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan and all Pakistan sponsored Kashmiri leaders should be firmly ignored in solving the problem.

The Government of India should address the people of Kashmir directly, especially the Kashmiri youth. The message should ring loud and clear: we want our Kashmiri brothers and sisters to be with us now and forever. India doesn't want to bribe Kashmiris with special concessions to be a part of this country. India wants every Kashmiri to be equal partners in the country's progress to prosperity. Every effort should be made to initiate progress in J&K through setting up of institutes of excellence and modern industries. The mind of the Kasmiri youth should be weaned away from the narrow confines of terrorism and divisiveness and exposed to modern liberal thinking through these institutes. When he or she is adequately trained, there should be adequate modern industries where he or she can put his hand on modern machines and applications. Hopefully, the Kashmiri youth will thereafter forsake the gun and terrorism and separatism as his or her aspirations in life, which are no different from any other normal youth, marches towards the path of fulfilment. Terrorism and its associated perils will be an unviable option compared to the peace and tranquility of a normal human life.

The same approach needs to be implemented in North East India as well. Development should be the dominant ingredient in the government's efforts to tame terrorism. Development for the masses, especially the youth and harsh repressive measures for the handful of masterminds can adequately tame terrorism.

Your Excellency, as you have rightly pointed out, the human population is growing and scarce natural resources are under pressure. If a system of equitable distribution could be worked out, it would leave greater number of people satisfied. But sadly this doesn't happen practically with the result that a lot of us feel deprived and aggrieved. This is particularly relevant to India and its exploding population. If the pressure of population on resources decreased, attrition would lessen consequently and quality of life of the average Indian improve considerably. That would also mean a drastic reduction in terrorist activities and chances thereof. Population control in India should not only be a slogan but a visible and effective national movement.

Adding to our woes, powerful nations want to corner a major share of the scarce natural resources. Terrorism originating from the Middle East has its roots in Western countries trying to control and corner the oil reserves located there. Kuwait was attacked by Iraq for its oil. The US started the Gulf War against Iraq to free Kuwait. And now Iraq is the latest hotbed of terrorism. Of course there is the Palestinian problem as a direct consequence of Israel's occupation. Israel can not be wished away, but it is Israel's responsibility to be the initiator of peace in the region with meaningful and acceptable efforts.

The UN of late has unfortunately come out as a pretty ineffective forum to implement peace. It has to be made effective. India is aspiring for a permanent seat in the Security Council. If she succeeds, India should hopefully provide solutions to end attritions accross the world and end terrorism. But right now responsible nations must unite against terrorism. The group should not only be composed of nations facing this threat, but also those still out of its tentacles. Terrorism should be tackled globally and not individually. When the World Trade Center came crashing down, the whole world condemned. But sadly, such reactions of universal solidarity are seen when terrorism kills innocents in India.

Sanity and responsibility are still dominant in the world. The need of the hour is unity of sane and right thinking people cutting across national barrier and ideologies. When they unite, greedy and aggressive regimes will be forced to take a backseat. Let there be greater exchanges between the youth of all countries who want peace in their own country and also internationally. Let ideas flow freely. Voices should be raised when a powerful nation tries to bully a weak nation into submission and thereby open another front for terrorism. Such nations, however powerful, should be shunned by one and all. And let the condemnation be equally loud and clear when terrorism strikes and kills innocents.

A check on the population growth, quality education and living standards, development and employment opportunities for the youth and respect for humanity and universal human values will ultimately wipe out terrorism one day. This may appear Utopian right now. But I am optimistic of seeing this day arrive soon. And with this fervent hope, Your Excellency, I end my humble submssion.

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I am also among them a citizen of America before an Indian as we cannot stay a citizen of two countries because being American resident we are no more Indian but we can visit our mother land for ever and are free to live there too loosing all benefits if we stay longer I think , Every body loves peace and hate a place where there is no security . when I see terrorism is a global problem every body should play his or her role . When Malala a muslim girl can fight for education of girls ,when a child wants his or her freedom a terrorist lives in terror and not free from its consequences ,a day would come when people would come forward to wipe it from human minds but it is too late already , there are so many means of destruction to wipe whole humanity if necessary action is not taken sooner . I am too small to take any action ,but all kind of violent films should be removed from media so that we do not have access to them through any means . People can rent these kinds of movies for couple bucks and get up to fight with family members then to next neighbor then at work then somewhere at shopping mall ,then wherever he does not think right triggered by media and resources he can access from cafes and star buck who give this freedom so easily . Then we try to calm the mind which is already bombarded with so much negative information all over the world .

I agree with all the readers that terrorism is a short lived problem if every body knows how to deal with it .If everybody knows the meaning of love ,if everybody knows how hatred is worse when it grows in everybody's mind . Thanks to media and yahoo sites that I could read what president of India was asking to all yahoo readers . Very few must have read this questions and very few answered it though I am also among them a citizen of America before an Indian as we cannot stay a citizen of two countries because being American resident we are no more Indian but we can visit our mother land for ever and are free to live there too loosing all benefits if we stay longer I think , Every body loves peace and hate a place where there is no security . when I see terrorism is a global problem every body should play his or her role . When Malala a muslim girl can fight for education of girls ,when a child wants his or her freedom a terrorist lives in terror and not free from its consequences ,a day would come when people would come forward to wipe it from human minds but it is too late already , there are so many means of destruction to wipe whole humanity if necessary action is not taken sooner . I am too small to take any action ,but all kind of violent films should be removed from media so that we do not have access to them through any means . People can rent these kinds of movies for couple bucks and get up to fight with family members then to next neighbor then at work then somewhere at shopping mall ,then wherever he does not think right triggered by media and resources he can access from cafes and star buck who give this freedom so easily . Then we try to calm the mind which is already bombarded with so much negative information all over the world .

The Only Possible Solution To This Problem Is To Uproot Some Social Evils Like Communalism And Increase The Rate Of Development So As To Make The People Feel Financially And Religiously Secure. This Is Sure To Make The World Be Proud Of Its Natural Resources And Aware About The Consequences Of The Terrorism. The Already Existing Terrorism May Still Survive Till Its End But The Rate Of Rising Terrorists Can Be Controlled To A Great Extent.

To The President Of India;

I am not a citizen or resident but...

Greetings and Salutations from a citizen of this most lovely planet we call home.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

There are many forms of terrorism, from that that begins in the home and then spreads through out the community at large.

There is the terrorism of the mind, the body and the spiritual being of the person.

There is no easy or simple fix to remedy this enigma on humanity. For as humans the world over and thru the ages we will always dispute points of view. A sad fact that a majority of people refuse to admit, but in saying that we should as a WHOLE should at least find a common goal to achieve a common ground to agree to dis-agree.

But very few governments will disclose all that they have at their disposal to protect their own interests.

Even now in this world we live in today we have a government that said to the greater community of this planet that NO OTHER government or system shall hinder their domination of the world.

What message does that send to the rest of US that live on this planet. The answers to that are many; the solutions are even more complex.

As one person with a voice I am but a whisper,

Two people we are a breeze that some-one may feel,

But with many let the storm be felt by all.

The above three lines have been repeated many times by different people the world over for change. Some of it good and some of it bad, but that depends on the perspective on which you stand.

What is needed is EDUCATION of the mind.

Not a forced indoctination for that eventually fails in the end and the outcome will be even worse.

People have said educate our young and the world will change. That is true. But why only educate the young. We should all be re-educated to be more accepting of the differences that lie within ourselves as individuals, communities and greater society.

If we want our children to inherit and possess a living planet,we must start the learning NOW.

Learn the differences of self and others.

To understand the differences that make the way we think.

The WHY of the way we are who we are.

Again the answers are complex, but never as complicated as what we think they are. The solutions are there but finding the means to get there will be a path that will be never ending.

Ideologies will change with time and so will our thinking. But we must continuously strive to learn and understand.

BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY WE MUST COMMUNICATE WITH ONE ANOTHER!!!

Very good , I wish president of America had read all these comments and suggestions. I agree with all the readers that terrorism is a short lived problem if every body knows how to deal with it .If everybody knows the meaning of love ,if everybody knows how hatred is worse when it grows in everybody's mind . Thanks to media and yahoo sites that I could read what president of India was asking to all yahoo readers . Very few must have read this questions and very few answered it though I am also among them a citizen of America before an Indian as we cannot stay a citizen of two countries because being American resident we are no more Indian but we can visit our mother land for ever and are free to live there too loosing all benefits if we stay longer I think , Every body loves peace and hate a place where there is no security . when I see terrorism is a global problem every body should play his or her role . When Malala a muslim girl can fight for education of girls ,when a child wants his or her freedom a terrorist lives in terror and not free from its consequences ,a day would come when people would come forward to wipe it from human minds but it is too late already , there are so many means of destruction to wipe whole humanity if necessary action is not taken sooner . I am too small to take any action ,but all kind of violent films should be removed from media so that we do not have access to them through any means . People can rent these kinds of movies for couple bucks and get up to fight with family members then to next neighbor then at work then somewhere at shopping mall ,then wherever he does not think right triggered by media and resources he can access from cafes and star buck who give this freedom so easily . Then we try to calm the mind which is already bombarded with so much negative information all over the world .

Stop buying oil from the Middle East.

There is no easy way out of our current global situation, but I am convinced that it is primarily through education that we can help differing peoples understand each other and choose to change how we interact with each other for the better. I do not wish to re-write what Paolo Friere has already (and most eloquently) written, but the idea is that freedom and democracy require critical citizenry. A critical citizenry is more difficult to deceive, and are more likely to understand issues. And it is my opinion that every war of the modern age has either been initiated or perpetuated through the deception of the masses. Reduce the ability of the leadership to lie and deceive, and there will be fewer and hopefully smaller wars. Between the increased understanding of other cultures, and increased critical citizenship, I think our world might stand a...fighting chance...

Gooday Dr. The Whole Question Of Terrorism May Well End Up Being A Moot One. As You Say The Global Population Is Heading Relentlessly Toward 8 Billion By 2025. We Are already Squeezing The Planets Resources To The Limit At Which It Can Sustain Life On Earth.

Our Goal In The Immediate Term Should Be To Reduce Our Impact On The Planet, Global Warming Etc And Work Toward Drastically Slowing Down The Population Growth.

This May Not Be A Popular View But I Believe That We Don't Have The Automatic Right To Reproduce Regardless Of Ability To Do So Naturally. Medical Intervention In Many Cases Of Premature Birth Should Also Be Restricted If the Outcome Is Uncertain.

I Apologise For Stating These Views Dr. But I Just Wanted to Point Out As Many Know But Few Say There Are Far More Wide Ranging Problems On This Planet. State Or Otherwise Terrorism Is Just the Tip Of The Iceberg. Capitalism Has Much To Answer For As It Encourages Us All To Want And Demand Everything That Others Have And Then Some!

God Bless You For Asking Such A Searching Question Dr. May The Answers Go Some Way To Helping In Formulating Future Policy. The Route Of The Wise Is Often A Lonely Trail Filled With Many Pit Falls And Though Fools Rush In Where Angels Fear To Tread It Is Just Occasionally The Fool Who Is The Last One Standing When All Around Have Failed.

Have A Gooday And A Binza 2007 Dr.

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