My ever evolving reasoning mind

Here are some thoughts I gathered from 30+ years of my evolving mind.

My fundamental issue/problem with the 'concept' of Religion is its sense of superiority. Not just now, but surprisingly even as a small kid I used to believe no one is superior or inferior based on their religious affiliations. Religion aside, every individual has the exact same opportunity and wisdom to be anything and everything they can be. Religion on the other hand creates an unnecessary division between people. Follow us and go to "heaven", the rest go to "hell" is just an absolutely ridiculous doctrine. I'd question the mental balance of anyone who lives with this belief.

I have a problem with the very concept of religion itself, I am very confident and it is quite evident that Religion was "invented" by human beings to essentially unite people and also to create a power group; however over centuries its practices became divisive and dangerous. I don't think I can ever get sold on Religion. The "Ours" and "Theirs" belief repels me. We are all the same people.

I remember asking my mom as a growing kid, how would the neighbor's kid who happens to be born in a "different" religion be any different. Why would "our" God treat them any differently.

I was never an atheist. I believed in God, believed that he created this universe and just left us to evolve on our own. Later I realized this is called "Deism" - however I decided not to put a label on my head.

I also take keen interest in politics, because invariably (and unfortunately) political leaders play an important role in peoples' lives at large by their policies and their ideologies; doesn't matter which country you live in. This is exactly why I take the torch bearers of communal politics in India VERY SERIOUSLY. Their growing "popularity" pains me and the least I can do is to continue vocally condemning them and their kind and their politics.

I believe I don't need faith to be good, my 21st century commonsensical conscience is good enough.

Policing the Police

Chai-paani is something we are oh-so familiar with. Haven’t we even had a good laugh at its mention?

I was on my daily dinner routine. Happened to see this on-duty police person walking out of his official patrol van called ‘Hoysala’. He walked up to the cashier of this local restaurant – grabbed some money – and was matter-of-factly walking back. Not that this was the first time I saw such a thing – but I don’t know what came on to me (perhaps Bollywood effect?) – I looked him in the eye and gestured to him asking him what he was up to.

He just walked off with a who-the-hell-are-you grin on his face. I got a bit miffed – again in true self-righteous Bollywood ishtyle.

I picked up my phone – dialed 100 (ironic) and there was this English-speaking lady who greeted me. The tone was surprisingly very pleasant – a feature we don’t quite associate with anything belonging to the government/state.

While I was narrating the story and lodging my complaint, this police guy was on his way back – perhaps after completing his “job”. He and his driver partner stopped the vehicle, walked out of it, gave me a threatening glare and swore at me with a loud and clear MC – we all know what that is. This was all while I was on the phone with 1-0-0.

I felt a sudden rush of power and courage. I stood my ground. Made a note of the route number as well as the vehicle number – gave it to the lady on the phone. Both men disappeared into thin air.

I was assured that the message has been conveyed to the concerned authorities and an “appropriate action” will be taken. Assuming there’d be a system, I asked for a complaint number – the computer wasn’t working. On request and insistence, I was given the mobile number of the city police commissioner – *sigh* his phone was switched off.

Moments at the Mosque in Koramangala, Bangalore

I realized it was Bakra Eid on its eve. There were times when Eid was a very important day and missing the Eid Namaz was unacceptable. As usual, I get a call early in the morning from mom reminding me making it very clear that I should go and offer my prayers on time.

I was lucky in a sense that I was born in a family which never promoted prejudice against other religions nor did it condone violence of any kind - but yes, everyone follows their own religious rituals and being a muslim, so should you.

Despite my contrary views & opinions, I didn't quite want to dissappoint her.

At the mosque it so happened that I got delayed and couldn't reach on time - the prayers were over. The post prayer sermon was in progress. I was never a great fan of self proclaimed scholars - especially when they indulge in spreading prejudice, hatred and intolerance. Nevertheless, I decided to sit in for a while.

It started with the relevance of animal sacrifice in Islam and how for every strand of hair of the goat you sacrifice, an equal amount of "Neki" (Blessings) will be conferred upon you. The frame of mind that I was in, I was evaluating each and every statement with (contemporary) reason and sanity. I for a moment thought about what would the animal lovers have to say. Although to be fair, until non-vegetarianism is banned, one should not be complaining - whether it's sacrifice or slaughter.

Moving on - to my surprise - I heard something I never expected. The priest talked about how in these "difficult times", we should live together (with people of all religions) in peace, harmony and love. On the occasion of Eid, we should share our happiness with all our neighbors; irrespective of the religion they follow.

Being the sarcastic cynic that I am - I asked myself if that one parting advice was worth any appreciation. The instant answer was YES.

At a time when the Togodias and the Modis (and their counterparts cutting across religious affiliations) preach absolutely contemptuous, politically unacceptable and blatantly extraconstitutional instigations - with the law of the land turning a blind eye to these very individuals, this (rhetorical, as it may be) advice - from someone (apparently) belonging to the same class - held a lot of relevance.

This small piece of commonsensical act - if I may say - made my day.