MANDATORY

 

We are regular Church goers.

The frequent invocation of the word MANDATORY at the Church, we felt was a little too much.

I wrote to the people who mattered.

"Of late, we hear the word MANDATORY from the altar and from church announcements in the WhatsApp 

To be honest my knowledge in the language English is very limited. I had my education in Malayalam  medium in the school.

All the same I detest the word MANDATORY. To me it lacks civility. 

I checked the web.

I found few alternatives.

INDISPENSABLE 

ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL

COMPULSORY

NECESSARY 

PREREQUISITE 

There could be many more

To me MANDATORY is autocratic. Authoritative. Final. Holding it back for a final assault, that would never be required, is a better option.

To me people are sensible. They understand. 

Please go mild. Please be suggestive. 

They'd positively respond.

Force them. 

They'd ignore the exhortation.

Forgive me for writing on the word."