I have never been a very religiously inclined individual. Rather I am an opportunity inclined individual who approaches god only when in need. Hence when I see people acting fanatic in the name of god I am puzzled.
I have always been fascinated by the minorities. The pretty faces behind the burka, the ladies in skirt celebrating christmas and sweet old parsees. I have always been curious and eager to make friends and read about the religions and communities of these kind. I have wanted to understand what is so different about them from us Hindus. They dress quite different but dont look different from each other. In a neutral attire can one make out the difference?
Being in a city where the nerve is the train which carries people of different class,age,sex ,community and religion, I get to meet a lot of people who have caught my attention. Also a number of writers like Rohiton mistry ,Shantaram, Suketu Mehta have helped understand these communities better. One gets to hear and feel the worries ,their achievements and highs and lows all the time.I have often wondered that people who look alike,think alike , live and feel alike can be different. Is religion a larger difference or being Indian a smaller commanility? When a riot happens, what pains more? Death of an innocent individual or death of a hindu/muslim?
I had an opportunity to meet some very nice people of probably India's smallest majority -Jews. Till I met them I had no idea that India had Jews at all. I had read and heard so much about this community that I was intrigued. I guess my curiosity overcame the usual suspicion about any other religion. After enjoying a hearty meal and extremely warm hospitality I sat down to think what differentiates them from me or any other hindus I knew? I want to go back and enjoy their company once again. Am I normal?
I have never really understood the fanatism about religion. What makes people of a certain religion better of worse than others? And most importantly what exactly does being religious mean? Does it mean praying day in and day out or visiting a holy place or killing people or just being a good human being? Who is a more religious person- the man who planted bombs to kill innocent people in name of religious cleansing or the one who is helping the people tirelessly outside hospitals? Both of who belong to the same religion.For how many more years will we go on killing?
So goes for racism. The world cup has also forced me to think. One of the most racist countries in the world i.e. France has a majority Afro-french players and their star is a Algerian Muslim. His biggest blunder in the world cup was forgiven by the French even before it was committed. Did the French just forget their prejudice or is it that prejudice is for convenience?How come Amitabh Bachchan/Madhuri Dixit are one of the biggest stars in Pakistan? And Shahrukh and Irfan Khan in a Hindu Majority State India?
Perhaps there are no answers to these questions but can there be a way to atleast make poeple think about it. Will there ever be a utopian world where everthing will be fine. There would be no hatred and killing. Where all will be respected?! Maybe not but atleast the hope of its existence gives us a reason and will to do our part honestly and tireless.
posted by DeepInThought @ 12:15 AM
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