So who are ruling our country? Certainly not the political parties, looting and fudging seems more appropriate for them. Is it the corporate then? Naah, they are busy tackling the meltdown and saving their jobs…then who? Yes, yes, I know who, you all know who…our religious leaders!
The Mangalore incident cannot be seen as an isolated incident of religious voyeurism…it is an indicator of a crippling state power appeasing the so- called ‘upholders’ of our traditions,values and ethics! Young women were assaulted. Hooligans who have not even read Gita or Mahabharata followed the lines of Draupadi cheerharan in public that these very leaders see as an offence. But they kept mum when these thugs tore their t-shirts and all because they are not the ideal saree clad women. And then the leader said, “Jo hua achcha hua” and the state government refused to do anything for two days. Renuka Chaudhary called it as Talibanisation of India and yes, she is right.
I feel balancing our traditions, values, ethics with the fast moving world is increasingly becoming an issue. The leaders are the products of the transcending phase from a closed- traditional India to a globalised nation. Still, nothing justifies their act. The likes of Shiv Sena are sprouting up and it is a cause of concern. The conservatism in Islam is still acceptable as it is a religion and has its own norms though I don’t support its dualism and restriction imposed only on women. But we all know that Hinduism is more of a philosophy than a religion. If we are proud of our ancient culture symbolised in Khajuraho temple and Kamasutra then why do we have a problem accepting women drinking and pubbing? Why was pubbing never a problem till it was a man’s domain?
What’s the fuss about banning V-day? I mean we are free to choose what we wish to celebrate…and we need to celebrate love even more during this period of hatred and anger. I do not quite agree with the materialism that goes with it though.
Women have always been soft targets. Sanctity and purity of our culture and religion is the burden she always carries. Isn’t it about time we shift this focus? Culture and religion is all about individual perception and I feel that it is a private domain. Is it not time that we somehow let these kingpins know that religion will never get you power and appreciation? I can merely write and express my exasperation as a citizen who believes in democracy as a working mechanism rather than a mere puppet run by the power hungry politicians.
I feel balancing our traditions, values, ethics with the fast moving world is increasingly becoming an issue. The leaders are the products of the transcending phase from a closed- traditional India to a globalised nation. Still, nothing justifies their act. The likes of Shiv Sena are sprouting up and it is a cause of concern. The conservatism in Islam is still acceptable as it is a religion and has its own norms though I don’t support its dualism and restriction imposed only on women. But we all know that Hinduism is more of a philosophy than a religion. If we are proud of our ancient culture symbolised in Khajuraho temple and Kamasutra then why do we have a problem accepting women drinking and pubbing? Why was pubbing never a problem till it was a man’s domain?
What’s the fuss about banning V-day? I mean we are free to choose what we wish to celebrate…and we need to celebrate love even more during this period of hatred and anger. I do not quite agree with the materialism that goes with it though.
Women have always been soft targets. Sanctity and purity of our culture and religion is the burden she always carries. Isn’t it about time we shift this focus? Culture and religion is all about individual perception and I feel that it is a private domain. Is it not time that we somehow let these kingpins know that religion will never get you power and appreciation? I can merely write and express my exasperation as a citizen who believes in democracy as a working mechanism rather than a mere puppet run by the power hungry politicians.
