SOCIAL media is filled with ethnic and religious tension, says Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran.
Addressing guests at the Sathya Sai Baba’s 100th birthday celebration in Lautoka yesterday, she said such tension on social media continued to increase.
“These days we see so much negativity, everyone trying to prove that their religion, their faith, their race is superior than others,” she said.
“Social media is filled with ethnic and religious tension.”
Ms Kiran drew a distinction between the spiritual leader’s teachings and the current climate.
“Swami did not talk about tolerance, which means we must put up with each other, he talked about love, peace and nonviolence.”
Ms Kiran stressed the need to reflect on this message.
“Only when we achieve inner peace can we radiate peace in our community and build a nation which is truly built on love and respect.”
Ms Kiran reinforced the connection between individual conduct and national harmony by quoting Sai Baba’s reflection.
“If there is righteousness in the heart, there will be beauty in the character. If there is beauty in the character, there will be harmony in the home.
“When there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation and when there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world.”
Ms Kiran highlighted the societal cost of neglecting the five human values.
“Our diversity is our strength, and our unity is our blessing and we are committed to serving our communities selflessly, supporting families to thrive, upholding the dignity of the disadvantaged, promoting peace and nonviolence, and building communities grounded in compassion and respect.”
