I am myself.

At recent meetings, speakers showed sensitivity towards me and my nationality as they were being critical of the British Empire.

I thank them for their sensitivity but I’m not the least bothered by such things.

Imperialists and their actions are reprehensible. But that’s not me. I’m also not responsible for what they did. Fact is they did some of their deplorable actions to their own people, potentially some like me: Irish, Scottish and working class.

By the ‘accident’ of birth I’m British but in no way am I responsible for British imperialism or colonial racist attitudes. On the contrary, I’m firmly against it. I’m from a different age and the politicians, leaders, business people of my birth country then or now, do not in any way represent my views.

It’s simplistic maybe even racist to think otherwise.

I decide for myself.

An Indian friend was surprised to hear that we British don’t, parade around and march on significant days, the royalty and army might but many of us from the U.K. reject it and the nationalism it represents.

Each to their own.

There are three items, a video, a book and a song that reflect something of my views. Worth a look if you have the time.

I’d prefer it if we saw ourselves as global citizens, with the responsibility as stewards of our planet.

In my life and work I’ve endeavoured to help people from many different ethnicities, cultures and situations to choose for themselves, to be active participants in the decisions which affect them and not passive recipients of what others force on them. To do this we need to continue to understand and manage our own prejudices and beliefs.

My first conversation with Manjula, who became my wife, was to declare we are equal, different but equal. That helped create a strong foundation for a wonderful nine years together.

In my view, we should show compassion and care for one another in appropriate ways. Sometimes that might mean challenging the way things are, I’m trying to do that in honour of my wife.

We all should however learn from our country and personal pasts, not use it as an excuse for contemporary inaction and be kind to everything else that makes up our world.

Bertrand also helps out…

It’s been almost five years since Manjula’s spirit split….

… Off to a new life (she still keeps in touch through her messengers). But part of her remains here, her presence is felt always. In the last few months as this anniversary approaches we’ve heard from and had visits from many previous guests who remain friends. Only two weeks ago our first guest Amina from 2011 returned to kindly deliver a mindfulness session for students at the school.

We found her entry, the very first, in our guest book. In it she said

‘it’s the people that make the place’

how right she was.

The no 1 person who set it up remains with us.

Wonderful visitors from India, Nepal, Germany, Netherlands, USA, and a fair few from the disunited kingdom including a special guest from Hebden Bridge, (my home town before Mysore. )

The beauty appear when she returns?

Maybe we could go for the Lady Penelope look.

I wonder how MAnjula would vote