Aug 17, 2004 02:36 PM
11602 Views
(Updated Aug 17, 2004 02:36 PM)
Taslima Nasreen?s portrayal of Hindus in Bangladesh only evokes one sentiment; Does a person need religion for his identification? Is there no space where class creed and culture are not the norm for interaction? I wonder How can we cry over any temple been raised off or any mosque being destroyed. At the first place why do you need to raise anything to which people attach their ?sentiments? and why do we need to make an issue over a mosque built on a temple ages ago?
The feeling of being neglected and subdued has been a consistent phenomenon in countries like India, America or any other so-called secular state. The subject would be in debate in the future as well. In Taslima?s Lajja, the Protagonist Suronjon?s love for Bangladesh evaporates when his friends and colleagues banishes him of being a Hindu. Born and brought in Bangladesh, Suronjon?s family kept their religion undercover. Rape, flesh trade and brutality on girls are a common feature with the Muslim state not to forget India as well. Fanaticism playing the fore the minds of each individual one need to know if world is a safe place for humans?
I am also reminded of the programme aired on BBC World that showcased ?status? (as if they had any) of woman in Afghanistan. The image of a man beating women in public and treating them like herds was an eye opener. The running video of a lady being shot in a stadium full of men for just seeing a man in public came as a stark reality. Women were no better than cattles, where half a dozen lady doctors were seen begging on streets. Americas carnage on the country although liberated the Afgan state from the staunch Talibans but it remains to be seen how women grow up to exercise their rights in the future.
Why cant the world be ruled my one religion, religion of love and care where all human worshipped only one God and had festivals that all could celebrate. Where the people are left free to move from one place to another.
Mr. George Bush?s reasons for attacking Iraq (although has put him under controversy) brought to light the status of the shias in the Muslim state. Saddam Hussain?s brothers astounding acts of picking up girls on a run was something that one cannot imagine in this civilized world.
Considering the fact that we have to shield ourselves under some name or some religion has been the basic reasons behind most conflicts in the world. Can?t we look at making this world beautiful and conducive for generations to come? If nationals of a country where they spend their childhood are casts out for being born in certain community, I guess religion becomes a bane than help.
India too witnessed communal carnage very recently in Gujarat where ordinary men and women were subjected to torture and death. The outburst of the religious sentiments, which took away innocent lives, would have been averted if the political system in the country were more stringent.
Can we grow out of the shell and see each other as human beings. If we can grow up to shelve our cocoon, I think world would be the best place to live in.
