Readers of my weekly column will have learnt about the vast social and cultural capital created by communities which may have no measurable value, and yet is priceless. Meanwhile, the science world is moaning about broken trust, atomised people and deeply selfish, individualist and rudderless society. Many scientists are also critical of faith and feel that all religious people are backward fundamentalists who have no desire to reason or even be reasonable.
Those of us who live and work in communities know where the truth lies and are often frustrated by our misrepresentations. For me community leaders are unique beings who sacrifice a lot to voluntarily protect our sisterhood and keep inspiring future generations to understand their faith and heritage.
Giving time for free in a very time poor society is virtually impossible. Yet leaders do it and often sacrifice their personal family commitments for it. I remember on the day of my registry wedding I attended a community event in the evening, such was my passion for community. Also, community leadership is a thankless task with more brickbats than appreciation, often from people who have never ever volunteered or experienced how challenging it is.
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In my mind, I am clear that Dharmic communities are very precious for the challenges of modernity, and we must preserve them at any cost. On a busy working day, Shandip N. Shah, Chair of Oshwal Association UK’s Religion team, is accompanying me to the Oshwal Centre for a preview of a new art installation by a world-famous artist. He is sacrificing his working time very humbly and is open to new suggestions and ideas for attracting young people and empowering all members to take interest in their heritage. This is visionary leadership.
I request you to express your gratitude to your leaders. They are not perfect, and you can critique them when they are undemocratic and egotistical or authoritarian and close-minded. But please respect their sacrifices and communicate constructively – even better help them preserve our heritage and share it with new generations.
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The outside world will queue up to learn from our wisdom. We need to invest to protect and conserve it.
Professor Atul K. Shah [@atulkshah] teaches and writes about Indian wisdom on business, culture and community at various UK universities and is a renowned international author, speaker and broadcaster.
