74th UNGA

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     Well the time has come where the world's parliament convenes, for the 74th annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This is a time of happiness, where diverse leaders meet, a time of opportunity, to express accomplishments, agonies and frustrations, that arise upon the agenda of the leaders who have gathered to represent their nation. As we look towards the speeches, we are reminded of the many global level challenges. As humans we ourselves are challenged or even limited, as to what we possess the ability to focus upon. Yet, the convening of leaders in one location allows us to hear thoughts, and think about issues, to formulate global perspectives. 

     This is what I thought about with regards to the tensions of Kashmir, India and Pakistan. It's especially disheartening when there is cultural heritage and shared histories between the two nations. Of course leaders themselves are aware of this, but it's the politics that make innocent people suffer. We can assimilate Kashmir to such a territory / land, to that of the Israel / Palestine - West Bank, where there is also Arab - Israeli tensions. The U. S. / Mexico border can also be brought to the discussion, except we don't see or hear of the escalation of violence as we do from Kashmir, or the West Bank, until recently where the throwing of tear gas at migrants were a mimicry of global tensions surrounding bordering spaces. Or the manipulation of immigration policy to hurt the most vulnerable of people.  The similarities between the examples offered, burst to the outcry: the age-old war between Palestine and Israel. Where lands have been allocated as plots, or bases for wars to control. Not just from the level of the people, but also to build pressure upon leaders. Whilst we can make assumptions such as these, it goes without saying - it doesn't matter if one is Indian or Pakistani, what is taking place in Kashmir is very dis-heartening. Examples include: India's Revoking Special rights to the Muslim-Majority state, Government-imposed curfews, and as previously noted, the firing of pellets to the Pakistani - administered Kashmir. We cannot cheer Modi, even as we treasure the shared history and culture, without acknowledging the escalations, tensions and unrest of Kashmir. And for this-I am grateful for the protests that took place outside of NRG stadium, Houston, Texas. It should also be noted that views such as these are not directed as a personal attack to Indians, but are speaking to what is taking place within Kashmir. 

     When we think of the rallies for climate change, I wonder what about the rallies for humans?
*Kashmir
*Jammu - Kashmir
*Palestine
*Syria
*Venezuela
*Honduras
*...... the list can go on and on and on...
When will there be rallies for humans? When I say this I not only focus upon global leaders, I think of the young attendees / participants, who are advocating for climate change. It is encouraging to hear the voices of the youth, for their love and care of our one and only planet. But we must also realize how these voices are being molded. 

     It goes without saying that humans need a healthy world to survive - essential for the human survival. But don't humans also need humans to survive? To actually be able to live in a world that one is advocating for? As world leaders seek the opportunity to voice their concerns, we must also be mindful that there are balanced arguments, particularly from the voices of youth and leaders. We can't turn the human "race" or the world to one single color. So why would we want future generations to focus on one single issue? Similarly climate change is one social constructional issue of focus, it can't be the defining issue of our times. Especially when we think of the destructions, or mass destructions that humans themselves are causing upon humans. 

Further Reading:

The New York Times - What Is Article 370, and WhyDoes It Matter in Kashmir?

Houston Press - Thousands Protest Modi-Trump Rally in Houston

The Times of India - Ready to mediate on Kashmir if Pakistan and India agree: Trump 

The Jerusalem Post - Israeli – Palestinian conflict that has been shaping the Holy Land for a century.

USA Today - One deadly week reveals where the immigration crisis begins — and where it ends

I look forward to what the 74th UNGA has to offer.
My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on September 23rd, 2019.
Image 1 - Web Link 

Update: Since originally writing these thoughts, Pakistani - administered Kashmir and the Punjab Province was struck by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake. We send out love, prayer and condolences to those whose lives were taken, injured and suffered.