Strong initiative is the need of the hour: Balaji on racism

While people are trying to win the duel against the COVID-19 pandemic, Balaji asked when the world is going to quell the other viruses – disgraceful acts – that have contaminated our minds. “Until and unless people of different classes, races and nationalities recognise the seriousness of the problems – like they have in the case of the coronavirus – they can’t be solved,” Balaji told sports commentator Arun Venugopal on his Gethist Creative YouTube channel.

“I believe there is discrimination of all kinds; it happens everywhere. Generally, there is a tendency among a few to target someone’s perceived weakness. We get called all sorts of names, based on our face, size, height etc. Such behaviour is 100% condemnable and should not be encouraged at any cost,” added the Chennai Super Kings bowling coach.

Balaji emphasised that a strong initiative is the need of the hour since these are issues that need to be dealt seriously. “If someone says they haven’t encountered these problems, there is a good chance that they aren’t opening up. Traditionally, we aren’t encouraged to speak up. At present, a lot of people have begun to come forward and speak more openly. But, the spark caused by an outrage dies soon and we move on with our lives. That is why we need to react well,” he stressed.

Balaji said that the global community has to step up to the plate immediately to ensure social responsibility is engrained in at least the next generation. “All these years, such acts have come to be seen as acceptable. So many have suffered and people of all classes are responsible for this,” the 38-year-old stated.

“There are plenty of rules and regulations that seek to prevent behaviour like these. It is about time we stop them as these are not issues that concern an individual or one part of the society alone. I feel it has to start from elders. Only then, children can learn by example.”