Nuclear weapons: A bane

Nuclear power can be utilised for both constructive and destructive purposes. None can dispute the fact that as long as nuclear weapons exist, destruction is imminent. In recent years, the subject of nuclear weapons has been marred by bitter controversy.

In this century, two world wars have devastated huge tracts of land, entailing incalculable misery to people in large numbers, all over the world. But the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki showed the real measure of nuclear weapons. But even after this, the super powers have been unwilling to give up. The human race has still not learnt to live in peace and harmony and has failed to establish a viable world order based on ever-lasting peace, amity and co-operation.

When a nation goes in for nuclear power, the argument is always that the nation has to defend itself against enemies. The basic cause for this deplorable state of affairs is suspicion, which is rooted in the very nature of world politics. Aggressive nationalism is the harbinger of war. From Ashoka to Gandhiji, India has been an advocate of peace and non-violence. It does not befit a nation like India to accumulate nuclear weapons.

The last century has experienced two world wars and a third war will lead to the extinction of the human race. The torchbearers of peace like Gandhiji and Mandela have proved that non-violent resistence is more powerful than any other weapon.

Wars cause destruction and destroy civilisations. Few will survive a nuclear holocaust. Disarmament should be encouraged. Only then can the world progress to a state of better material and spiritual well-being. And that, after all, is what everybody wants.

R. SARATH, XII B

P.S. MATRICULATION H S SCHOOL, Chennai

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