Character and Choice
“Character is defined by the choice one makes when the mind oscillates between two inner selves one pulling towards sins and another keeping conscience alive,” stated Vijay Phanshikar, Editor of The Hitavada, during the annual ‘Padma Bhushan Maulana Abdul Karim Parekh Memorial Lecture’ on the topic Role of Religion in Character Building. The event was held at the Convocation Hall of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) on 20 September 2024.
A Tribute to a Visionary
The annual lecture is organized jointly by RTMNU and Humanity Charitable Trust to honor the peaceful ideology promoted by the late Maulana Abdul Karim Parekh. Esteemed figures such as K. Sudarshan, Balbir Singh Renu, Kuldeep Nayar, S. Y. Quraishi, Arif Mohammed Khan, and Dr. Bhushan Kumar Upadhyay have delivered orations in previous years.
Phanshikar’s Reflection
Phanshikar shared his close association with Maulana Parekh, recalling the vast sea of mourners at the Maulana’s funeral, a testament to his character. He emphasized how Maulana Parekh introduced him to the 75 commandments of behavior outlined in the Holy Qur’an for building a good character. Instead of using the term ‘religion’, Phanshikar preferred ‘Dharma’ to convey the broader concept of character building. “Lord Ram stayed committed to his wife. It was his Dharma. A king takes care of his subjects. It is his Dharma. Good qualities are common to humanity, and every religion describes them in different ways. The term ‘religion’ limits the idea while ‘Dharma’ expands it,” he noted.
Defining Good Character
Phanshikar outlined essential traits that define a person’s character: honesty, integrity, and compassion. “What do good qualities have to do with religion?” he challenged. He drew upon anecdotes from the lives of Swami Vivekananda and Jesus Christ, referencing the Shreemad Bhagavad Gita and the Holy Qur’an to reinforce his message.
The Journey of Character Building
He concluded that one must be free from pride and prejudice to achieve greatness. “Character is defined by the choice one makes when the mind oscillates between two inner selves one pulling towards sins and another keeping conscience alive. The choice of which inner voice to listen to ultimately shapes one’s character. In the absence of character, the mind is like a headless chicken. The process of controlling the wandering mind is what character building entails.”
Legacy of Maulana Parekh
Maulana Parekh (1928-2007) was born on April 15, 1928, in Kanseoni, Maharashtra, into a family facing financial hardships. Starting as a child laborer at the age of nine, his education was limited to primary school. However, through his mother’s prayers for scholarship and his determination, he developed a love for learning, mastering languages and gaining knowledge in various fields.
Despite early challenges, he became a prosperous businessman committed to humanitarian efforts. His teachings on peace, tolerance, and respect left a lasting impact on his followers. Honored nationally for his contributions, he served as a leading patron of numerous organizations, including as a board member of Rabita Al-Alam Al-Islami (The Muslim World League). In 2001, he received the prestigious Padma Bhushan award from the Government of India for his advocacy of communal harmony.
A Call for Unity
During the event, Abdul Majid Parekh presented Phanshikar with a memento and urged attendees to set aside religious animosity and unite to address social issues. He emphasized that nations overcoming religious extremism have achieved significant progress. Dr. Shamrao Kareti highlighted that an individual’s character shapes societal character, which in turn reflects the nation’s character, encapsulated in the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam the idea of unity in diversity that represents India.
Conclusion
Dadhye conducted the program, and Dr. Vijay Khandal proposed a vote of thanks, marking a significant tribute to the enduring legacy of Maulana Abdul Karim Parekh and the vital role of character building in fostering brotherhood.
COMMENTS