Editorial
Global Village and Us
It was only recently that the idea of a Global Village became popular. There were several reasons: means of transport shortened distances tremendously and there were newer modes of communication. Thus we had the concept of the global village. So now distances mean almost nothing. Now we can eat breakfast in New York and dinner in London. We can send messages instantaneously to our friends in the other part of the globe. All distances have collapsed. The idea of the global village became a reality.
Unfortunately, closeness has brought about numerous problems and evils. Everything seems to be collapsing. Except for searching for stable jobs and surviving to breathe, Globalisation has not brought much good to people of the world except increase in stress, diseases, pollution, corruption, etc.
So the same proponents of the Global Village concept seem to be thinking of keeping each village as farther away from another village as could be possible. Enough is enough, they seem to say.
Is Globalization bad? We don’t know but economically, culturally and civilizationally definitely globalisation is a challenge. Economically because in the global market, competition becomes lesser and exports are affected. Culturally because everyone begins to eat the same food, wear the same dress, rush to office the same way. This happens after sacrificing self, individuality, diversity, uniqueness, etc and also peace at the altar of hurry and stress. Civilization specialties are not the same as before.
Globalization at a different level is perhaps wonderful. That is the Vedantic way of Globalization. Universality is natural for the Self or Atman. The Self is universal or it is the universe. Physical breaking of distances and divisions will help but internal unification is the need. When you sit in a corner and pray for the good of the whole world, that is one form of “globalization”. Now the world needs prayer more than war cries.
May Sri Ramakrishna guide us all towards the supreme Light. This is the eternal prayer of all of us.
Swami Sunirmalananda