Kanwal Prakash "KP" Singh
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
We are speechless as we mark the solemn 60th Anniversary
of the liberation of Auschwitz in Poland and other concentration
camps from the soul-numbing, unimaginable horror of Nazi
Holocaust in which ten million, including six million innocent
Jews, perished. Hopes and prayers of "Never Again"
remain unrealized. Acts of inhumanity, genocide, regional
conflicts continue. One has to wonder: Have we learned the
right lessons out of the sacred ashes of Auschwitz and countess
other tragedies throughout human history?
There is room on this fragile planet for diverse and distinct
cultures and people and a better chance of survival through
peaceful co-existence. Our differences need not be a license
for cultural hostility and trampling the sacred space and
rights of others but an opportunity to learn about our common
strengths, struggles, and humanity.
History offers us warnings and lessons: intense darkness
and promising new beginnings. Today, we have the power to
make a clear distinction. Nations united to end the continued
human anguish need a collective will to see that justice
and dignity triumph. Nations need to engage in advancing
universal freedoms: from hatred, want, ignorance, fear,
and violence against fellow human beings. This would be
an affirming testimony of our better nature and a lasting
memorial and tribute to victims of Holocaust. (6)
