The idea has been that we remain committed to promoting the unity of our people through cultural revival. In this pursue we are opened to misconception but what is paramount is the zeal for a durable legacy.
We are different people but bond by common conviction of service to our people. What should mould our thoughts should be the question "what will I be remembered for after long I would have gone by Tarok people?". To me the answer is critical.
Three years ago we started the Tarok Christmas carnival which very popular amongst the common people but have been heavily criticized by some elites and religious opinions. The question has been why tagging it Christmas carnival when Tarok masquerades and all forms of practices associated with traditional worship like Izam Ichir are involved? Call it something different others suggested. To me, all those reflection of cultural diversity conforms with the definition of a carnival. While Christmas is a season for remembering the birth of Jesus but certainly not a mandatory religious obligation, if it were then we shouldn't have others not celebrating it.
In any case, Jesus Christ said any body who is not against us is with us. So if the traditionalists participates in a Christmas carnival its a good omen who knows one day they will become believers? The bottom line is a common platform for people to inter react and understand themselves. Extremism is the bane of contemporary gospel crusade. When man appropriate to himself the monopoly of knowledge of God outside his shortcomings he becomes violence to alternative opinions.
We welcome all criticism to this great idea because it keeps us within limits however we don't think that our critics are suggesting that we abandon it. We shall improve on our lapses while recognizing the common interests we share as a people. All we are trying to archive is to promote our cultural heritage.
Franz Fanom argued that "the future has no pity on those men who posses the exceptional privilege of tell word of truth to their oppressors but chose to take refuge under silence, mute indifference and sometimes cold complicity".
Of course we all know that our people are faced with all forms of challenges paramount is divisions along diverse lines. Is this politic, religion or clan? As result, the common denominator of our communal existence which is our heritage is being threatened.
Neglected, hunger, poverty and unemployment has played a dominant role in further widening the gap. Our Intergrity as a people is subject of constant ridicule from forces naturally opposed to our social cohesion. Indeed we are collectively culpable for not managing our heritage within priority therefore things fell apart and the centre cannot hold.
Iam optimistic that the period of this interface shall soon be over but we must prepare for greater responsibilities with attendant challenges.
An international relations scholar once stated that "for a civilization to dominate the world it must have the capacity to process its culture, package it and export it to others" meaning that Tarok people cannot make significant progress outside its culture. Culture has been defined as the sum total of peoples way of life which includes customs, traditions, beliefs, language etc.
As victims of colonialism, our knowledge of our culture has been greatly vandalized by import of religion. To dominate us colonial powers criminalizes every aspect of our culture making us guilty of our identity. Meanwhile they practice till date all forms of their culture guarding it with legislation. It's time we draw the curtains against these divisive tendencies that promote disunity instead of cohesion.
We must promote cultural practices that are not in conflict with modern traditions or laws. How does Tarok culture affect my belief in God? Or are we having human judges before the day of judgement on earth? Tarok are Gentiles and not Jews, therefore we are guided by the decision of the first Jerusalem Church Council which defined our relationship with God stating explicitly the prohibited aspect of our culture.
As God knowing people, it's imperative we engaged our faith as parameter of our conscience. We do not have any assets outside our cultural heritage to showcase our unique identity. Nothing can mobilize the people like their culture. No wonder even the Jews have the feast of Passover celebrated under grace.
Therefore, the EASTER LOVE FEAST organized by TAROK PEOPLE CULTURE is not in any way offensive to any belief except those who refused to understand with us based on either politics , social differences or sometimes natural hatred. It is Tarok project, no body is the owner but we are all tall stake holders. The members are mere catalysts of cultural revolution. I must admit that in our zeal to serve we might have over shot the run way. It's human and not deliberate so it should be credited into the account of forgiveness.
Let's rally round our common heritage and salvage our society from the drifting into oblivion. I thank God for creating me Tarok and if given the opportunity again I will chose to be Tarok.
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