Three exceptional souls

Kajal Chatterjee *

It is unfortunate that people often award the status of "divinity" to celebrities. Now, just because he/she has excelled in his/her chosen field of sports/entertainment; the concerned celebrity does not become the "Conscience" of the nation/society. Why should we promote them to the skies as far as humanity is concerned!

Why would we have to wait for their nod of approval/ disap-proval revolving around any burning issue ! They have just excelled in their chosen trade. They don't enjoy any monopoly over all things sanity; so why should their thoughts/silence on social matters be given so much importance ! Why should we have to wait for the opinions of the celebrities! Would we take a stand on any issue after going through what

However, we must sincerely respect and draw inspiration from those sporting heroes (without deifying) who display exceptional values, morality , philosophy, principle and courage outside the sporting arena. While waiting for aid near a distribution site in southern Gaza, former Palestine footballer Suleiman Obeid ('Palestinian Pele') was fatally shot and killed by Israeli forces.

In response to a post by Uefa "deeply saddened by the tragic death" ; Egyptian footballer and talisman Mohamed Salah has pointedly questioned "Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?"

And obviously Uefa has preferred to maintain silence, preferring to act "diplomatically/politically correct"!

The highly relevant question posed by (who had previously advocated for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza during the Israel-Palestine conflict) must serve as a lesson to all that succumbing to natural causes like Cancer or Tsunami is one thing; but annihilation of precious innocent lives through man-made violence of the invader Devils is another and it remains the moral compulsion of all people, country, Govts and institutions of the world to raise voice of protest against those cruel elements who rob the innocent folks their right to live honorably.

And obviously Uefa has preferred to maintain stunned silence, preferring to act "diplomatically/politically correct"!

The highly relevant question posed by the Humanitarian and Socially responsible Salah (who had previously advocated for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza during the Israel-Palestine conflict) must serve as a lesson to all that succumbing to natural causes like Cancer or Tsunami is one thing; but annihilation of precious innocent lives through violence of the invader Devils is another and it remains the moral compulsion of all people, country, Govts and institutions of the world to raise voice of protest.

The persons countries Governments and institutions who prefer to maintain silence in the guise of "political correctness" despite witnessing blatant assault upon all norms of humanity must be awarded a strong rebuke through the words of the 13th century Italian poet-writer Dante Alighieri - - "The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis".

In this respect the name of Late Johan Cruyff --- Dutch football legend --- promptly comes to mind. He had joined Barcelona FC in 1973 for a Himalayan deal of $9,22,000 (double the previous world record for a player).

When Cruyff joined Barcelona FC, Spain was then ruled by military dictator General Franco who had imposed a total ban on all things Catalan and even ordered all citizens of the country to name their babies or new born according to Spanish language. Within a few months, Cruyff's child was born. As a Dutch, Cruyff could have easily named his son in his native language.

But he registered his son as 'Jordi' according to the Catalan linguistic heritage so as to respect the language of Catalonia province in which Barcelona is located! Despite strong opposition by the Franco regime which insisted on only Spanish names; Cruyff stood his ground, fought his utmost and succeeded in registering his son's name in Catalan language.

Cruyff did not become a permanent resident of Barcelona. He went there temporarily on a football contract. Yet he named his son in Catalan language by ignoring the diktat of the dreaded Franco regime, thereby risking his career in Barcelona fetching an astronomical $9,22,000!

This is called gratitude towards the region in which one has set up base. This is called remaining indebted to the language and culture of the soil which provides shelter, bread and butter. Johan Cruyff was not only a great footballer, his courageous stance against dictator Franco and noble action of respecting the language of the soil proved that he was a great upright human being also of unique values and principles.

Lastly, the one and only Pele: Far from appreciating the greatest treasure named contentment, the unsatisfied lot among the middle class are splurging on luxuries so as to boost the treasury of the advertisers and endangering their very own future!

In contrast, during his childhood days plagued by acute poverty, Pele's family didn't know where their next meal would come from. Yet somehow his mother managed to garner a piece of bread with a slice of banana to feed the family. Still Pele used to think himself extremely fortunate as unlike millions of Brazilians, at least he never went hungry!

When lesser souls would have landed in extreme frustration and depression or deviated from the right path due to abject poverty; Pele used to remain content and continue to pursue his football skills. And the end result of his emergence as a legend is known to all of us.