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6
Birth of a Noble Nation
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace; Where there is hatred let me sow love; And where there is injury, pardon; And where there is doubt, faith.
-St. Francis of Assisi
W
hether it is an individual or a nation, the constant endeavour is to face the realities of the present and to prepare for the challenges of the future by drawing on the experience of the past. Look at any dialogue anywhere, in whatever discipline-you will notice in it a concern for attaining peace, progress and prosperity. Students are concerned about opportunities, farmers are worried about making both ends meet, women are worried about discrimination, common citizens are worried about rising prices and inflation. While individuals and families are concerned about such problems, nations are facing many issues threatening human species as a whole, such as energy, water shortages, environment degradation, healthcare challenges, corruption and terrorism. Peace is eluding individuals and nations and this is not only impeding their progress, but also causing restlessness of minds, giving rise to further concerns, inequalities, fear, hatred, extremism and terrorism. Unfortunately, in addition, we have not been
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