As we scroll through our social media feeds, viewing the images and videos coming out of the protest sites, a common theme emerges:
There is no despair or fear in the faces of the protesters. Instead, we see images and hear words of determination, hope and positivity.
Why is that?
It is because these men and women subscribe to a mindset that is unshakeable.
What’s it called?
Chardi Kala.
Chardi Kala describes a state of mind that has its very foundation built on unwavering optimism and positivity, even in the face of the most daunting of odds and obstacles.
What is happening to these people is not in their control, but their reaction to it is. In a situation where despair and depression would be understandable to most, they refuse to succumb to this path of darkness. Instead, they embody what Viktor Frankl so eloquently stated in “Man’s Search for Meaning”:
“The one thing you can’t take away from me is the way I choose to respond to what you do to me. The last of one’s freedoms is to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance.”
Their way of life is in jeopardy.
They could lose everything.
They are being painted by some as something they are not.
Despite all this, they choose to smile.
They choose to dance.
They choose to sing.
They choose to feed the authorities and the poor of Delhi when they themselves sit down to eat.
They know what is at stake, and they know how difficult this ordeal has been and will continue to be. They are aware that no end is yet in sight. There have been injuries, and unfortunately, some have even lost their lives. The longer this continues, numbers in both of these categories will rise. Despite this, these brave souls remain optimistic, for their resolve is unwavering.
They may not have had a choice in the passing of the bills they are protesting, but they will not let their way of life fade silently into the pages of history. They will face this fight with smiles and determination. They will continue to stand up for themselves, and they will do it with something no one can ever take away from them:
Chardi Kala.
