Religion and Terrorism

No religion should be maligned for the errors of its followers. The term follower itself is misleading. Ordinarily religion is inherited and not chosen after careful deliberation. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, few people strive to unearth the truth in their scriptures. They only view religion as an identity. Knowing only the outer shell of religion, they are drawn to charismatic extremist leaders and willingly become pawns in their hands. Any ideology is capable of producing fanatics under these conditions. Have not we heard of environmental terrorists?

The Y behind the X

Internet makes the lure of anonymity utterly irresistible. It provides a new avenue for a second life on a scale never before imagined. Why do people clamour for this escape from reality? By withholding certain aspects of their lives, are they not indulging in dishonest behaviour? Or by keeping back those outer aspects of life, which are mere embellishments to the soul, does this anonymity serve to bring out the real person in them? Let us explore briefly the Ys behind the ‘X factor.’

Traditionally, nondisclosure amounts to untruthful behaviour. It implies the need to hide and indicates a dichotomy of identity and personality leading to hypocrisy. When outer life fails to accurately represent the inner life, there is a splitting of the mind. It often arises from the lack of courage or vision to bring one’s ideals into practice. It also portends a repressive physical and emotional environment that inhibits true yearnings and hence the need for an alter ego. However, anonymity becomes acceptable or even desirable in real life when dangerous truths have to be revealed in order to avoid threatening consequences.

On the other hand, Internet poses challenges that are unique. Identities are often stolen, misused or hijacked by undesirable elements. There is a constant need to fend off predatory behaviour. The degree of exposure to the unknown is considerably higher on the Internet than in the real world where monetary, physical or social considerations limit sense of adventure. Under such difficult conditions, a pseudonym becomes an attractive choice.

Apart from its protective aspect, anonymity also serves to be therapeutic. Painful secrets can be revealed and understanding sought in the form of comments and opinions that gives a sense of solidarity and relief. Many poignant stories are told in these secret exchanges in broad daylight. When the burdens of the heart are made lighter, solutions to long-held problems can be adequately framed. Relationships acquired through these exchanges also prove invaluable in tiding over times of great emotional upheaval. Unlike the real world, a person can open up to others without fear of any stigma or any repercussions that are binding.

In addition to the above sober considerations, there is a fun side to anonymity. Often people embark on such journeys just for a new experience. The freedom it offers is exhilarating. It also becomes an arena to explore new facets of personality. It could also be a litmus test to a person’s true worth in the absence of societal pressures or accountability.

Some people resort to a nom de plume to escape from an illustrious name and the preconceptions that accompany it. It then becomes an opportunity to get an unbiased readership and shun sycophancy. Anonymity lends a mystic aura to the writing. It provides a fresh slate, the hope of a new beginning.

As with anything that life has to offer, anonymity too has its pitfalls if it is not handled with equanimity. There is the danger of excessive attachment to the pseudo identity at the cost of reality. Self control, as always, is the decisive factor.

Thus as science opens up new frontiers of existence, the doors to novel experiences are thrown open. Old rules do not apply here. New ones are yet to arrive. In this twilight zone of unlimited freedom how man behaves will prove his true mettle.

Attrition of India

Within a couple of decades, there has been a drastic change in lifestyle in India. We have seen globalisation spawning new wealth, which has unfortunately remained in the hands of a few privileged. Economic growth has not been inclusive. That means the poor have remained poor. The lower middle class, a unique educated class trapped in low-paying jobs that had somehow managed to hold its head high over the years has eroded into poverty. There has however been a rise of a new upper middle class through IT and other high-growth sectors. This young and elite crowd has displayed an opulent lifestyle rivalling even that of the traditionally rich.

No, I am not going to vent self-righteous anger against the IT crowd and blame them for all evils. That is just plain stupid. When you are young, naïve, and suddenly exposed to a heady mix of wealth and easy accessibility to luxury, it is natural to stumble into the rabbit hole of materialism.

That brings us to the second point. Earlier, there was no way a moderately rich person could buy a Merc and live outside his means. That prevented unnecessary spending and acted as a check against overt consumption. Today, you just get a bank loan and voila! Move over ambassador, here comes the Skoda Bravia or a Jaguar or even a Ferrari?

Third point, it has led to wealth being concentrated in a few cities and occupations and overwhelming misery to other parts of the country and other means of livelihood. As people from villages flock to the city in search of a better life, abandoning their fields and livestock, cities have become more polluted, congested, and frankly unsustainable. Agriculture has collapsed, farmlands have been sold, artisans are in despair, and farmers are committing suicide.

Thus having smothered our talents and pawned our resources leading to a gradual decline in self-sufficiency, there is greater dependence on other countries for food (physical, intellectual, political, cultural, spiritual, moral). We keep looking outwards for solutions forgetting that an inward gaze at any level is the best remedy.

As people flee from their natural environment, time-honoured practices are shelved. Many languages, art forms, and beliefs die. An indigenous culture that held together a vibrant pluralistic society is lost. Intolerance raises its ugly head. The rest is history.

Standing at the threshold of total bankruptcy, let us begin afresh.

Common sense of the Common Man

All ideologies are vulnerable to extreme interpretations. It is man’s innate tendency to always believe that his values are the best. From this pride arises all conflicts and violence towards others. All major religions including Hinduism and Islam advocate moderation and respect for divergent views. However, human nature as weak as it is sometimes succumbs to chauvinism. When we cease to merely tolerate others but start to love them, we will see differences as bright colours to be admired in the great palette of life. Paradoxically, religion practised in its purity serves to inculcate this love for others. Parents must instill in children a sense of respect for variety. The common man in India has always understood this rationale and hence the majority of the people have lived harmoniously over the years. It is up to the government and our political leaders to take up this common sense of the masses and show unity in protecting us against terrorism without maligning the reputation of any ideology.