Q.)“The weak can never forgive, forgiveness is the attribute of the strong”. What does it mean to you in the present context?
The above statement means that it takes the strength of character to forgive. Gandhiji used to say that the weak do not have the strength of character to forgive someone. As human beings are flawed beings prone to mistakes, it is usual to make mistakes. To say sorry needs courage and it takes more courage to forgive someone who is ready for an apology.In the present context we see growing intolerance among people. Forgiveness as a virtue and value has become much more relevant in such times.
An example of forgiveness can be seen in the voluntary surrender schemes for left wing extremists and those who have taken to terrorism in Kashmir region. Phoolan Devi is a classic example of the forgiveness provided by the Indian State after a career of dacoity. She completed her prison term, reformed herself and then was elected as a Member of Parliament as well.
Even in human relationships, forgiveness is a virtue of great value. Parents often forgive us for our mistakes in the hope that we learn from them and be better individuals not to repeat those in future.
In Christianity there is a culture of going and confessing sins to the father once a week. Such a value of forgiveness displays that God is strong and to confess does not make us sinners in the first place. God forgives the human follies.
To conclude, it was also the wisdom of our founding fathers to vest the head of the state (President) with the power to even forgive the death penalty of an accused. Forgiveness indeed is an attribute of the strong.
