Have watched 3 programs related to religion and secularism on 3 consecutive days. Day before was a speech by Modi to some elite audience in Delhi, yesterday I watched "oh my god" for the second time. And today it was Barkha's discussion program about secularism in Indian politics.
By the way, many of the audience in Burka's program were saying the same thing. "We Indians are deeply religious people in private spaces- in our homes. But we are irreligious in public spaces unlike politicians". Hear, hear!!! That is how we should be. Our god is our private matter just like our family. Our God does not interfere once we leave our home. He does not get to decide how we interact with our neighbors, or our colleagues or friends. He definitely has no saying in whom we are going to vote.
I was not disturbed by Modi's speech. I was disturbed by the open admiration in the eyes of most of the audience, young and old alike. Today's youth especially the middle class (read aspiring class) are highly impressed by Gujarat model, its financial success and progress and all. But do they really find out whether this development is inclusive or are there some sectors which are left behind. And are these people left behind intentionally?
I read a TOI article comparing two popular leaders whom people have favored but who have a dubious images. Rajapakse in SriLanka and Modi. Rajapakse, according to some is responsible for the death of many Tamilians in Lanka. And like Modi, he too is not repentant.
It is good to see a statesman who talks about progress and does indeed achieves some of it. Especially so when we are surrounded by people who are neck deep in corruption, favoritism and some of them pure criminals. Today's generation want good economy and for that they need a good capable leader. And we have so few of them.
But is good economy enough? Do we not want a just government which does not discriminate any one? Are we ready to turn a blind eye towards the plight of Muslims in 2002 just because our pockets will be heavier? Are we ready to forgive and forget such a huge atrocity?
We need to look at history and ensure that we are not creating another Hitler here.
By the way, many of the audience in Burka's program were saying the same thing. "We Indians are deeply religious people in private spaces- in our homes. But we are irreligious in public spaces unlike politicians". Hear, hear!!! That is how we should be. Our god is our private matter just like our family. Our God does not interfere once we leave our home. He does not get to decide how we interact with our neighbors, or our colleagues or friends. He definitely has no saying in whom we are going to vote.
I was not disturbed by Modi's speech. I was disturbed by the open admiration in the eyes of most of the audience, young and old alike. Today's youth especially the middle class (read aspiring class) are highly impressed by Gujarat model, its financial success and progress and all. But do they really find out whether this development is inclusive or are there some sectors which are left behind. And are these people left behind intentionally?
I read a TOI article comparing two popular leaders whom people have favored but who have a dubious images. Rajapakse in SriLanka and Modi. Rajapakse, according to some is responsible for the death of many Tamilians in Lanka. And like Modi, he too is not repentant.
It is good to see a statesman who talks about progress and does indeed achieves some of it. Especially so when we are surrounded by people who are neck deep in corruption, favoritism and some of them pure criminals. Today's generation want good economy and for that they need a good capable leader. And we have so few of them.
But is good economy enough? Do we not want a just government which does not discriminate any one? Are we ready to turn a blind eye towards the plight of Muslims in 2002 just because our pockets will be heavier? Are we ready to forgive and forget such a huge atrocity?
We need to look at history and ensure that we are not creating another Hitler here.
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