I am thinking about the present fates of two men. One is Dr D Jeyakumar who is under police detention; the other could be any one of our leaders who have been guilty of or linked to dishonourable acts through using his/her position for personal gains.

While many of the latter are living in the lap of luxury, Jeyakumar is dwelling in the dungeon of darkness.

They – who have pillaged and plundered the nation of its wealth, used their positions to satisfy their lust, committed gross acts in the name of their religion – are living their hedonistic lives without a care for the afterlife. Meanwhile, Jeyakumar, said to be an honourable man who has dedicated his life to helping the poor and defenceless, is being confined for God knows what.

On one hand, those who live only for themselves, walk free and unfettered, while the one who lives for others is in chains.

What an outrageous irony!

But to our dear doctor and many others like him, take heart. You care little for your glory in this present world, but in years to come when you are long gone, your name will rise like a sweet perfume as people tell of your deeds from generation to generation.

Your children will hold their heads up high and proudly count themselves blessed to be your progenies.

As for the descendants of the others, they will hang their heads in shame at the mention of their parents’ names (that is, if they have a conscience, which the present ones don’t).  

My prayers are ever with Dr Jeyakumar and his colleagues and many others like them – courageous men and women who are voices for the voiceless, beacons of light for the lost, defenders of truth and justice.