Religious Pluralism

India.. An epic centre of religons flocking to glory, they say. Allow me to quote a TOI Crest Article. The World over, India is admired as an icon of religious pluralism. Every terror attack rooted in religious fundamentalism is a calculated attempt to subvert and dishonor this world heritage. For the most part, Indians have shown remarkable restraint in their response to the attacks on Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmadabad, Jaipur and now Pune. But its rightly said that shrapnel cannot shatter a secularism that is far older and deeper than terrorism can ever hope to be. In a country like India where the word 'Ali' nestles in 'Diwali' and Ram in 'Ramzan', it is hardly surprising that same person who reveres Ganesha and Guru Nanak also bows to Ahura, Allah and St. Anthony. The Indian has a remarkable capacity not only to be multidimentional but multidenominational. Being born into one religion doesn't restrict access to other Gods. Perhaps its time we were allowed to state more than one religion while filling up a form.

There is a specific reason why the above topic engraves a marking on my heart. My mother is a Catholic and my Father a Maharashtrian Brahmin. It goes without saying that, when I was small I was put to bed by stories of the Holy Bible, the Bhagvad Gita, Marathi and English songs and also Sanskrit Shlokas and Bible verses. I studied in a school which was a Roman Catholic Convent with a church in the front yard. I sung hymns in school in the morning, and said Sanskrit prayers in the evening. This I think has moulded my attitude towards religion.

I have friends from all religions alike. I have this uncanny ability of making friends alike. I always concentrate on the first name and never have I paid heed to the last name. If a new friend tells me his name is Krish, then it doesnt matter for me if he is Krish Singh, Krish Vadia, Krish Khan, Krish Kulkarni or just Krish. Why is it that the religion to which a person belongs doesnt matter to our generation when he/she is walking, talking, working with us. Might be we are entrusted to form the new world order. Isnt it? The young muslim today is aware of the Muslim alienation in the world. Alas, it continues to exist. But does it matter to you that there is a muslim in your work place? I beg to differ.....

At the back of my mind, it sometimes strikes to me. That the big bang that has been predicted by the Mayan Calendar on the 21/12/2010 should occur. Not because I want everyone dead. But because I think, but I can only hope, that, that time the world will rise for the new world order. No fundamentalists, No nationalists, No communists, No republicans, No democrats, Just THE PEOPLE.

There are a few instances which I would like to narrate in Mumbai which have caught my eye.
The Lalbaug Ganapati is the biggest sarvajanik ganeshotsav mandal in Mumbai. Everyone, boletoh everone, right from hindus, sikhs, muslims, catholics visit HIM. Its a seen to believe.The Haji Ali Durgah is a shrine visited by all. So is Siddhivinayak Temple or even the Mahalaxmi Temple.The Bandra Fair ie the Mount Mary Festival is a great Crowd puller where people of all faiths bow their heads.


I m waiting for that day when India will say....

'Vakratund mahakaya....
My father in heaven holy be thy name,...
Allah hi Rahem.. Allah hi Rahem...
Ik onkar, Satnaam, Karta Purak...'

It will be the 8th wonder of the world for sure.... waiting.....