ASK MAULANA

should attribute it to the law of nature. Everything in nature has both positive and negative aspects. For example, modern democracy is a boon, but at the same time it has aspects that some people regard as objectionable. Globalisation is a phase of a historical process. This historical process will carry on and cannot come to a halt through a person or group’s opposition or resistance. All we need to do in this new age is to avail of the opportunities that have been brought about as a result of globalisation. Do you think it is possible to think of a different sort of globalisation from the one that we have at present? If so, what would its distinctive features be? And what might be a realistic way to promote this alternate globalisation? It is unrealistic to ask for an alternative. There is no alternative to globalisation as it is not the creation of any person. It is the culmination of a long process of history. Only another historical process can change the current state of affairs to bring into effect another phenomenon. If, for the sake of argument, an alternative to globalisation is created, even then there will be people who will find that it has problems. We have to accept that there would always be problems, and at the same time recognize there will always be opportunities. Therefore, singling out problems and initiating a movement of resistance is not the way of wisdom. One should ignore the problems and focus on availing the existing opportunities. o Proving Oneself When a person suffers a loss, he should not consider himself a failure and a deprived person; he should not lose hope and courage, and begin uttering endless complaints. He must prove his courage and bearing up under the burden of adversity, retain his mental balance.