Sathish Andricks
It’s been more than 60 years since India attained independence and it is hard for me to digest that even today there is bloodshed in the name of religion. I am amazed at the fact that in a country which boasts of “Unity in diversity,” secularism is today just a word in our constitution. It is indeed an irony that India is being congratulated by the world leaders on the one hand for reaching an important mile stone by signing the nuclear treaty with the US, while on the other hand the same leaders are questioning our Prime Minister on the violence happening in Kashmir, Kandhamal and Karnataka.
Even though I am a Christian by birth I am not being biased towards what has happened to my brothers and sisters in the violence affected states, but I do strongly feel as a rational human being that by harming people from other religions you are not going to attain whatever your goal is. I do agree as a Hindu or a Muslim or even Christian one has a duty to spread the word of god to all people irrespective of their faiths but please follow the virtuous paths shown by the religious leaders of the past. These leaders were known for the services they rendered to mankind and not by their religion. Today’s religious heads unfortunately are busy in creating more controversies by throwing oil into troubled waters.
If these atrocities do not stop we may have more and more hot-blooded youth alienating themselves from mainstream society and taking to the path of violence and terrorism as is seen in the recent instances of “Jihad” in the name of religion. I know that luckily the majority of fellow-Indians share my sentiment and are secular in their outlook. But unfortunately this majority chooses to be passive and the small voices of sanity are drowned in the cacophony of violent slogans. I am raising my voice against the radicals from all religions, an issue which is threatening to tear the secular fabric of this glorious nation. Most of us have become so passive to the happenings around us that we don’t even bother to react to atrocities as long as they don’t directly affect us. In our busy modern lifestyles where we don’t have time for our families, where are we going to have time for others?
This is indeed a sad state as we do not realize that if we don’t unite now to tell these radical Indians that the majority of us do not endorse their views, it may be too late tomorrow. If India is to take its rightful place in today’s world, it has to be a united and secular country. O fellow Indians please raise your voice against atrocities committed against any religion because I personally believe that no religion in this world preaches bloodshed. It is people with vested interests who twist the preachings to suit their selfish needs and to gain money, power or even position. Ours is the only country in the world which does not have a national religion and boasts of people of all religions. So my dear Indians please believe in “Unity in Diversity” because India is not about Hindus or Muslims or Even Christians but it’s a a beautiful mixture of race, color and religion, - JAIHIND
4 comments:
Religious fanaticism reflects that mindset of common man. Though, we all have our sentiments in control, sometimes, our basic instincts betray us. Thanks to the Frustration, Ego, Greed and alike. I feel intolerance is an evil element which we all possess to a certain degree. We as individuals contribute a lot in shaping a society. Small and trivial things do have a large impact on the evolution of the same. This implies that we as an individual need to be much more sensible to all these issues, to catalyze a change in the society.
well written Satish!!
Times of India has been doing a yeoman's service by churning out a series of great articles on this issue. Its a shame. Really!
Bajrang Dal is set out to super size its "Ideal Hindu Village" to "Ideal Hindu Country."
I am an Indian. By birth. Nothing else matters. To be an Indian, is our birthright enshrined in our constitution. Unfortunately, I don’t see the law doing much in making sure that this right is not violated.
It’s a deep entangled mess. Hope is the only thing left.
I have three angles to it, throughout history there have been atrocities against minority groups and that'll continue to be the case.
The first angle deals with the fact that Hinduism has been present since time memorial and (as the British coined it) is the major religion and it is worthwhile to notice that in a densely populated country like India there hasn't been a genocide unlike some other countries. Any guesses why?
two, evil is a human characteristic. There are evil people exist in every religion.
three, If the media chooses to make an example out of it and manages to affect a few people it would make a lot of money.
Religion is a private matter. We need to have boundaries when it comes to religion. Each one has different processes and means. For each one to achieve its unique spiritual potential. They can't intersect with other. I think that is what we have forgotten. Imposing on other beliefs and practices has become a planned strategy for some.
Very strongly written Satish. Your article echoes the sentiments of the majority of us Indians, as you have very rightly pointed out. I believe that the evil being perpetrated in the name of religion is a well-planned and coordinated attack. It is modern terrorism at its most efficient. To combat this, we need an equally well-planned and coordinated retaliation. If the government fails to do even this little bit of work, I cant see what purpose it serves. However, I don't believe that all leaders endorse this situation. There have got to be some people up there who can attack the situation with their minds. All these terrorist attacks, serial bombings, and religious riots are obviously a message that is being repeated again and again. Any bright minds out there who can read the writing on the wall? It is time for the media to play a more active role. Instead of reporting in gory detail (that serves no purpose, because most of us are immune to blood baths), I think the media should actively promote emotional unity. Where are all the ad guys and great movers and shakers who influence public feeling? It is the media's responsibility to send out the message of unity at this time. What is the use if the power of the media can not be used for good?
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