Who Am I?

Often people ask me the question of who I am ? I tell them that I am Mili. This doesn’t answer their question. It is not the reply they are looking for. I wonder why. What is wrong with the reply that I gave? Then I realize that I am being asked about my religion and nationality. I wonder, why does it matter?. I am like everybody else on this planet. To silence them I say that I am an Indian. This still does not satisfy them. They ask me whether I am a Hindu, Muslim, Christian, etc. I choose not to answer and slowly walk away.

It is important to add that unlike many other countries that classify themselves on the basis of their religion, for example Pakistan is an Islamic State, India is a secular one. Secularism basically implies that the State does not promote any religion and is tolerant to all religions. This after knowing the fact that 80% of the Indian population comprises of Hindus. We deserve a pat on our back for this! This embraces equality in our country. I am glad to say that religion is not even defined in our Constitution otherwsise unwanted elements would have taken undue advantage of that fact to promote their own interests. That does not mean that God is a ‘dirty’ word. It simply implies that the devout, agnostic and atheist are all equal.

But it is sad to know that religious violence has claimed more than 4000 lives in 20 years! We have seen riots in Gujarat post Godhra, anti-Sikh violence, Hindu-Muslims riots sparked by demolition of Babri Masjid and many more.We should not get influenced by the anti- social elements that thrive on petty issues. We should not let them spread like a virus through our social fabric. We should not let the strong foundation laid down by our forefathers to weaken.
So stand up everyone and rise above religion and be a citizen of the world. Trust god(or whoever/whatever) not to be angry with you. Service to mankind is service to a higher calling.