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.....

Give it Back to the Country I say!

A Color of Patriotism...

To Mother India,
Where I took birth
Where I cherish every moment I spent
Where the foundation of my life(education) was constructed
To Mother India
Who provided me the Best of Friends
Who gave me People which are hard to Forget
Who has done whatever possible for me to blossom
To Mother India
to whom I shall always be indebted to.

Points to be noted your Highness:

1.Every time twice in a year we have the best Financial Analysts passing out. I m referring to
CAs. 7500 per attmept. These people can do wonders in the Public Finanace Field.

2.Every year once we have a Batch of Doctors who can do wonders in Public Helath, Engineers who
can do wonders in Public Technology and Infrastructure and Lawyers who can do wonders in the
Public Law & Order. No. of people passing out each year are "unaccountable"

These, my dear literate readers, are examples of honored professions of our country. All these educated literate ones mint lakhs of rupees each year. Not just one year but year on year. After debiting their incomes for provisions for the future if their children, their own future in old age, there are some filthy rich who also reserve some for the next generation. Funny isnt it. Ironically funny. When there are guys in the country who is not sure about tomorrow or even the evening dinner, there is this guy in the same country who has reserved money for his grand children's MBA education abroad some 75 years thence. Sounds weird, but I think this should be the definition of Income Divide in our Books.

Well my point is how often have you come across a CA taking care of 'Public' Finance.
or a Doctor looking after 'Public' Health and not 'Private' Health out of choice.
Or a Lawyer looking after a 'goons' bail appeal when he knows that his client is guilt. public law and Order did anyone say?

This list can go on and on.

But why is it that the word 'Public' just goes 'bhoosh'. Infact 'Not-Applicable' in some cases.
OK. From the other side. I know you doctors, lawyers, engineers, CAs, and MBAs have invested a lot in your education and are just gaining returns. But then dont become a havrat, sorry, puppet whose only aim of living is earning lakhs, expending lakhs and then provionsing lakhs. Make proviosions for your family and your immediate family. Infact with the Life Expectancy about to fall in the coming years, you wont need much.! (next post, I say why)

Might be a nice hard work of 15-20 years can be enough for you and your old age and even your immediate family needs till the next generation starts earning and looks after itself.

I think when you are experienced and cash-rich India needs you that time. Experience cause Probs are galore here. and Cash-rich because I dont want the new administrators to indulge in corruption. Here is a deal. Think about this blog again. Infact go through it again. The very fact that you need India now, India needs you later. And even if it doesnt come calling to you, its your moral duty to look after ageing 'parents'.


PS: then you ll be a literate in the sense of the term
then you ll be a honored professional
then you ll be an example of a perfect son to your 'parents'
then you ll be an Indian.

Disclaimer: the author does not believe in any kind of service = service to the country. nor does he believe to post a lawyer on the LOC in the army. the author believes in people doing something for the country in what they are best at. these are the opinion of the author. any relation to your lifestyle and profession is purely co-incidental. the author's opinion has been drafted here on general observations of the 'indian' society. and grievances caused is regretted. this post is spontaneous and a personal favorite. :D


adios...
MP