Hope to see a non-communal, developed and humane world

By William Nokrek – BCSM

Indonesia is the darling child of a nature-a country filled with lush greenery, a variety of flowers and scenic beauty. An assortment of different communities, languages, and culture has made Indonesia diverse. According to my opinion- diversity, unity and tolerance are the components that make Indonesia beautiful. In fact, the Constitution of this country has introduced it in this way. The theme of Indonesian constitution is “unity is beauty”. I really like this saying.  Another wise man has aptly said, “Diversity is a beauty.”  I have been fascinated by this beauty of Indonesia. I am in love with it.  Truly, I am in love with Indonesia.

I never thought I would be able to go to Indonesia and then all on a sudden, this opportunity landed on me through IMCS Asia Pacific. Asian Youth Academy and Theology Forum, taking the theme “Asian Youth, Champion for Building a New World: Centering on Peace, Sustainable Developments, Ecological Justice” organized a summit with the participation of 13 countries in Jakarta, from 22^nd-31^st July. I felt a huge jolt of excitement when I heard I would be able to participate this time as well since this would be my second time. Got to meet many old faces and be friend many new ones! Was able to meet and interact with Alban, John and Neilan from IMCS India, Thomson, Mathilda and Ekarista from IMCS Indonesia and Ashique from IMCS Pakistan and was able to learn so much from everyone! This opportunity is a blessing for me, my family and my nation. Because once the program is over, I have to back to my roots. And when I do, hopefully, I will be able to translate the lessons from such experiences into my work.

Asian Youth Academy and Theology Forum organizes this outstanding training every year. This event is led by a former member of IMCS, Dr. Paul Hwang. The way he is dedicating himself to work for the growth of Asia is surely praiseworthy. We are undoubtedly grateful to him for his contribution. This event plays a vital role in grooming the future leaders of Asia. Another person whose name must be mentioned and without whom this event would not have been a success is Ms. Felicia Dian. We first met in 2012, in Dhaka, at the Asia Pacific Council of IMCS. This wonderful woman always wears a smile on her face, despite our constant disturbances. We keep bothering her for this and that and she, selflessly, keeps catering to our needs like a candle that burns itself to enlighten others.

I was not supposed to attend this event although I am the President of the National Executive Committee of BCSM.  Shoshi Sylvester Peris and George Lincoln Roy were supposed to represent Bangladesh. This opportunity came to us through the current coordinator of Asia Pacific Bangladesh, Mr. Ravi Tiserra, the man who is constantly fighting to rebuild IMCS AP. He gave me the opportunity to represent IMCS AP, I am grateful to him. Salute to you boss.

21^st July 2017. My heart was racing with excitement. A day earlier, I came back finishing exposure with the Youth Commission at Kolkata. I was mentally prepared to gain new experience. As usual, at the airport, I stood in the queue to get my boarding pass. Transit was in Malaysia. Many Bangladeshis travel to Malaysia in search of work. Saw a teary eyed son, bidding farewell to his father there- a scene that broke my heart. I couldn’t help thinking about that guy, how he is journeying towards the unknown, how he doesn’t know what awaits for him there. Even after such uncertainties, many people take this path. I have read in the newspapers how many people sell off everything just so they can make this journey; they do so hoping better future, a little bit more happiness for them and their families. But do they really find? We learn about their situation and struggle from daily news- when their unlucky dead body comes back to country, fugitive by terrorists or when they rot in jails at abroad for being “illegal”. While waiting in the queue, I observed that the man gives boarding pass was misbehaving with these people. He was yelling at them every now and then. Although the hard work of these so called “petty” laborers are the source of his salary. I guess this is how the powerful always oppress the weak.

We discussed on many issues in the program. Sustainable development was one of the vital issues that we have discussed. We discussed a lot on this topic. We all are human being. But till today we couldn’t be a complete human. We are still holding inequity, that inequity is devouring the world. If this inequity persist, than sustainable development is not possible. One will have better share, while another would’nt even get the slightest amount- this inequity should not exist in the society. The world should belong equal to everyone. I don’t know the present condition of that person, last i met at airport. Let us pray that migrant workers like that brother might live well, may they get their right salary. Let their family smile like the brightest star in the sky. The persons who are working day and night for these migrant working people is none other than former IMCS coordinator Adrian Pereira. Salute to you guys. Best wishes for you and your work. Let the deprived working people earn, what is right to them.

After reaching Indonesia we stood in immigration line for the visa.  The duty officer asked what the purpose of our arrival was. After knowing that I have come to attend a program, he asked me about the type of program. After all the interrogation they made us wait in a room. The room was filled up with Bangladeshi people. Only one or some else were from other Country. The others, who stood in the immigration with us was from Argentina, Brazil. England. But they didn’t have to face any sort of interrogation. I do believe that, every country has their own laws if there is a necessity for questioning anyone for the security of the country they must do it. The law should be equal for everyone irrespective of caste creed nation. But people from other Country didn’t have to sit in the waiting room, this rule is only for the Bangladeshi people. There’s a song of Vupen Hazarika that states, “can you give me a white person with white blood or a black person with black blood?” We are all from the same world. But Alas, till now we could’nt  be one/ rules and laws are not same for all.

We discussed sustainable development, human rights, women rights, world peace, environment and all. But untill discrimination doesn’t end, world peace can never be introduced.
Novelist Samaresh Mazumder, in one of his novels, stated that “The routes are much better than the destination.” The reports of different countries and sessions of many intellectuals, made me realize that we are still on our route. We still need a lot of time to reach our destination. I believe if the youth of all nations work together for the overall development, then we are not far away from our destination. Then, the word DISCRIMINATION would vanish from the world some day. Because youth are the representatives of positive change. It is said, the darker the night becomes, the closer the morning comes. A new sun will start a new day. Let’s hope for the bright day to come soon.
Durring exposure, we realized the true beauty and diversity of Indonesia. We went to Temangung for exposure. Their we gather knowledge on a project of 4 social entrepreneurs. They built up the environment-friendly farm, bamboo bike, wooden radio mill and organic coffee garden, organic agriculture farm. They are now socially established by dint of their hard work. Bamboo bike and wooden radio have huge public demand. They have become self-sufficient by arranging a social market where they meet every 4 months, have traditional foods and enjoy among themselves. They are protecting their own culture with a strong hand, which is a very hard task to do. I was amazed to see the organic farm and organic coffee farm. Everyone except them uses insecticides and fertilizers. They use the organic process to grow their products. School going students learn these techniques of farming from them. Inded they are preparing their future generation for this project. While visiting these projects I felt the necessity to do something like this in my native land. Though this is quite challenging in a country like Bangladesh, I am trying my level best to do something. If not successful, at least I can say, “I tried”. I discovered a new self, found a new energy.

We have discussed sustainable development, human rights, women rights, world peace, environment, future youth leadership and all. We thought about how to build a new better world combining the youth all over the world. Because the word DISCRIMINATION is devouring us. Human Rights activist and columnist, the indigenous leader Sanjib Drong often says a word while discussing about discrimination, “Would the child born in Kandahar in Afghanistan and the child born in Amsterdam in Netherlands have the same facilities to grow up?” after United Nations took the plan of SDG 2030, a slogan has become quite popular –“Leave no one behind”. But this is the thing happening in the world, But we want to see non-communal, developed and humane world, where everyone will live in peace and harmony enjoying equal rights. There’s a song to the God, “make me your messenger of peace”. We the youths being united can work with this motto together and build the world full of love and unity.