snippets : embrace humanity
by Janki Nagaraj
I stay on the 2nd floor and every evening I hear the kids from my apartment building playing down in
the driveway. I hear their excited cries and shouts, laughter and their bitter fights. But I was stunned
when I heard this – “Arre, Rehman ne humare bhagwan ko gaali di…woh humaare Ganeshji ko
ajeeb bola.” (Rehman abused our God, he called Ganeshji weird.)
The girl who was accusing the boy was about 12 years old and the boy, Rehman, maybe around 5
years of age!
Where did this come from?
I am sure the boy did not know that ‘Ganeshji’ was a God. But the girl? She was clearly offended
and the bitterness in her voice…where did it stem from?
As parents, at home we teach our kids to pray. It is a misconception that religion is taught at home,
at least not until the child asks us questions. It is in the school that the children are introduced to
various religions. You may argue that the kids should be informed and have knowledge about
various races and religions. I don’t argue that. I have a problem with the way they are taught. They
are taught that Hindus celebrate Diwali, Muslims – Eid and Christians – Christmas; information then
corroborated by the parents.
I have seen schools organizing a Diwali party, a Christmas party or a New Year party. But Eid party?
As individuals we all are liberal and tolerant. As a group, we become a herd on a rampage having
the capacity to turn any difference-of-opinion into a religious or a political issue. Though we have
progressed in every conceivable field, when it comes to religion, we are primitive to the core.
The world would be a very happier place if we make humanity as one religion…