The bogey of religion

Recently there was a controversy in Russia regarding the Bhagwat Gita. Our political class feigned outrage. The opposition spat fire. The government ‘protested’. I then felt India should have just ignored these developments in Russia. The teachings evinced in the Gita are universal so much so they can be detached from specific individuals and situations. I say the same about this controversy brewing on Golden Temple pictures and Leno –NBC – USA. Are we not becoming oversensitive on such non-issues? Are our citadels of culture standing on such weak foundations that they can be felled by breeze from a stinking neighborhood when over centuries stronger forces have failed to sway them? But then are we now feeling insecure? By insensible reaction to unfounded insinuations we make ourselves vulnerable and liable to be overwhelmed.

Let not the sensibilities of religion bind us. Let us not hound the Hussains and Rushdies out of our country. Let us not be so intolerant as to be shackled. Remember the time in school where the easily irritable fellow was always the laughing stock? Do not let our Nation become a laughing stock. An easily irritable Nation will be a weak Nation.

The mobocracy enacted in Jaipur Litfest on the eve of our Republic day is highly condemnable.