Decline of Religions’ Dominance

Global religions are slowly losing their importance and criticality to human survival and sobriety.

I am not talking about the Universal God here. I am talking about the religions which have dominated humankind all this while, without really naming or listing them out here.

People have witnessed untold misery due to fights between religions and because of the fundamental ideological differences which have created animosity between people of different religions. Combined with the cultural differences resulting from religious mandates, one has witnessed “clashes of cultures” of late even in developed countries.

I believe that one reason why religions continue their influence is due to their show of might and ability to instil fear using outdated thoughts and philosophies, not in tune with the modern views of the 21st Century. Their ability to generate a consumer pull towards the icons of the religions is proof enough for them to continue their ways and obstinacy without the need to modernize for the new teenagers.

That’s the way I look at things. May not be the way that others look at things though.

I am amazed at the quick switch of even the best educated folks when it comes to religions – they quickly switch over to the side of their respective religions or convey their displeasure if the conversation veers towards religious matters which could potentially offend them or their beliefs. Their education notwithstanding, this is the situation that I have come across the maximum during my people interactions on the social circuit.

Well, I am not saying that being a conservative religion follower is a problem for others – I am just saying there should be a limit to what one should be prepared to go forward, in the name of his or her religion. Given that religion separates rather than unites people around the world, it is critical to recognize that fact and act in a manner that puts things in perspective, as people do have to live together and how can there be a division and difference as to the need for living peacefully ?

So, I would like to see less focus on religion in society at large, and less conformance to religious diktats going forward. Man created religion and religions are certainly useful in some contexts, but cannot set a boundary condition for our behaviour.

Well, think about in detail and in depth, and you would see that God is not the defining aspect of a religion. A religion wants followers and money and commitment to its philosophy and cause – that’s it. It is not meant to provide a “touch or pathway” to God – which every man and woman has to find out for himself or herself.

Food for thought and a good evening’s worth of debate and argument, for sure.

Cheers,

Vijay Srinivasan
16th Mar 2013

Why we don’t believe in Science – by Jonah Lehrer

Courtesy: Nagesh, my IIM-B Classmate

Courtesy: Jonah Lehrer and The New Yorker

Excellent Article on Science and Our Belief System

“WHY WE DON’T BELIEVE IN SCIENCE”

This is an outstanding analysis, and I strongly encourage my readers to contemplate. I am not giving my own analysis, but I eventually will…….in the meantime, food for active thought and analysis, based on your own beliefs……….re-examine your beliefs.

Courtesy: Nagesh, my IIM-B Classmate

Courtesy: Jonah Lehrer and The New Yorker

Cheers,

Vijay Srinivasan
10th March 2013

Crossroads of Tolerance

This is simply amazing !

A democracy should not come down on its knees by threats emanating from vested interests. It should ascertain its position clearly in unambiguous language, explain any apparent contradictions, maintain its neutrality and firmly ward off any potential violence mentioned in empty threats.

The Indian police and government failed in all these aspects when they had to deal with the visit of Salman Rushdie to attend the literary meet that was held last month in Jaipur. I do not know much about this meet, and I am not interested really. I only saw the news coverage in print media and the TV channels, and then realized some big festival was going on at Jaipur involving many learned men, writers and famous authors.

Well, that is fine. Many events are going on, and do we bother ? We just get on with what we wish to do or accomplish.

But what was surprising is that the powers that be tried to stop Salman Rushdie’s visit. They asked the organizers of the literary festival to cancel his visit. Notwithstanding the fact that he was not going to talk on his banned book, or read from it. The organizers could not sustain their arguments, I guess. Finally, the trip was cancelled.

I do not know if that was a loss for the literary festival, but I think we should not muzzle authors. Rushdie did not even need an Indian visa, as he had a PIO (Person of Indian Origin) passport which allows him visa-free travel to India. Later the Government of India said the same thing, they said that they did not try to stop his visit or pressurize the organizers (which no one believes), they also said that they would have given him necessary security protection. The fact is that certain vested interests wanted his trip to be stopped and applied pressure on the police and the government, both at the central and state level, and the government succumbed.

I don’t of course absolutely know the facts, but I believe that Indian democracy is strong enough now to withstand such pressure tactics. Is it wrong if anyone in the country believes that the government did this in view of the upcoming elections ? Is it not a logical thought ?

Well, we have to accept facts of life, and reach maturity levels of developed nations. When hate speeches occur in our society, does the government take suo moto cognizance and arrest the speaker ? No, I haven’t seen that happening. So, what are we trying to do ? At the end of the day, free speech does matter to this country’s people and why stop it from happening ? Why yield to undemocratic and unsustainable pressures ? Why can’t the government have a mind of its own ?

It is critical to demonstrate to the population that the government is a neutral establishment when running the government and not a stooge of its own party at all times.

Tolerance of different people and thoughts is at the core of democracy, and let us remember, not everyone believes in democracy. Let us support efforts which strengthens the core of democracy, let us not worry about short-term benefits.

Cheers,

Vijay Srinivasan
11th February 2012
Mumbai

Festivals galore

Today is a public holiday in Mumbai.

We are currently in a week when we have two major festivals getting celebrated all over India. One is the Eid and the other is the Ganesh (Elephant God). So, most of Mumbai is wearing a festive look.

Muslims celebrate the breaking of their fast and one can see them all dressed up well and moving around for shopping and family get-togethers. The festival was celebrated on Monday and Tuesday in Singapore but in India it was celebrated yesterday.

The Ganesh Festival started off last night and it would go on for the next 11 days. Ganesh is a key God in the Hindu Pantheon, and is revered for his problem-solving focus – everyone worships him with a prayer to make their current venture successful. Huge statues of Ganesh are built out and taken in a procession around various parts of the city. Eventually the Ganesh statues are sunk in the sea. That has been the tradition, especially in Mumbai.

I saw many processions of Ganesh statues yesterday when I had been to the airport side of the city. Big crowds gather, one can see women and children congregating and moving behind the statue, and colourful lights all over the place. Ganesh worship is a very important aspect of life in Mumbai amongst the Hindus.

Festivals such as these bring together the communities and reduce friction between communities. The fact that both Muslims and Hindus were celebrating important festivals almost on the same day is attestation to the strength of India’s communal harmony. And, you can imagine the huge numbers of people involved all over the country, in a nation of over 1.2B people.

Indians like to celebrate in colourful fashion, with lots of sound and colour. These festivals are no exception. The city is surely relishing these couple of days, and I am sure the following week will witness more action involving Ganesh processions all over the city of Mumbai. Of course traffic will be affected somewhat, but there is nothing much of Mumbai traffic that can worsen further !

So, life goes on. People enjoy these festivals and let them give the space on the roads.

Enjoy the colour, sound, sweets and savouries !

Cheers,

Vijay Srinivasan
1st Sept 2011
Mumbai

Irresponsible Religious Polarization

I read the article in DNA website by Dr Subramanian Swamy, a political leader and Harvard Summer School Professor of Economics (“Analysis: How to wipe out Islamic Terror”).

I was shocked to read a blatantly arrogant portrayal of India and Indians. I respect the freedom of expression which can rightfully be claimed by every free citizen, compounded by additional rights that can be expected in an academic environment such as Harvard. But, there is red line not to be crossed even by an academician. Dr Swamy crossed it in this article penned by him on the 16th of July, 2011.

Please search the web and read for yourself. But, I conclude that Dr Swamy has lost his academic savvy and erudition. He has blatantly attacked Indians who converted from Hinduism to other religions, and wants to disenfranchise non-Hindus. I think there is a limit that all sensible people do not wish to cross and should not cross, and he has crossed it.

What would be the result if such a reputed academic and a political party leader does something as irresponsible as this ? The terrorists will get emboldened. They will first get threatened by the aggressiveness and the brutal tone of the article, for sure. But it will not take them long to realise that the agenda mentioned in the article would be almost impossible to implement in a secular India. However, they can easily use such diatribes to strengthen their own base across the border and launch even more vitriolic attacks on a peaceful India.

Do we want this ? Surely not. So, what should we do ? Engage in a constructive dialogue with Pakistan and help Afghan people by rebuilding their nation. Which is what the present Government is doing. But, it appears that Dr Swamy does not want this dialogue process to continue.

It is rather strange that such things are happening. Extremism is worse than terrorism, and the results are hard to predict. Such actions will lead to a strong polarization along religious lines, which will surely not be helpful to India at this critical juncture.

We need peace and harmony. We also have to show a strong hand when and if required. We are building a formidable arsenal to defend the country from potential attackers. But at the end of the day war and strife do not solve problems. Ask the U.S., Israel, Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan.

So, Dr Swamy, please desist from such actions for the benefit of India. Many people respect you, and you have done well by precipitating the 2G scam. Let us focus on scams and bring the perpetrators to book. But let us not create new religious tensions and damage the already weakened fabric of our society. Please listen up.

Cheers,

Vijay Srinivasan
30th July 2011
Mumbai

Gods, Godmen and Money

There is an obvious link, isn’t it ?

The discovery of over USD 16B (INR 75,000 Crores and counting) of cash and gold at one of the famous South Indian temples has shocked many people. Combined with estimates of over USD 10B of cash and gold found with a famous godman who died recently, this establishes the fact that money is invariably linked with spiritualism.

You can contest this assertion, of course, but facts are facts, aren’t they ? Most believers are aghast, but they won’t open their mouths as for them, the discovery of money and gold would not change their beliefs in any way. For skeptics, this discovery only fortifies their conviction that the money which could have been invested for the poor people and the charities has been stuck for ages without any use and will now get stuck in litigation between the government and the temple trust.

The notion that a temple or a godman can be the trustee of money (mostly illegally stashed away in secret chambers to avoid detection) is wrong, and should be accounted as government money and nationalised as peoples’ wealth. When the focus today is on black money and bringing money stashed away overseas back to India, why not government seize money which has not been accounted for ? If there is no book of accounts, and if kings had hidden their wealth to put it away from seizure by the British as in the temple situation, then the government of India has every right to seize the cash and the goods and hand it over to the Reserve Bank of India, where it would do some good for India.

However, given the blind faith in India, even the government would find it very difficult to fight a case in the court against temples and godmen. This is going to be the case, and it would be fun to watch further waste of time and public taxpayers’ money chasing after these temple trusts and godmen. In fact, all temple trusts, private trusts and godmen with ashram and investments, should be brought under a religious regulator, and this should apply across religions. Let us see whether the government has the boldness to institute reforms in this direction.

In the meanwhile, the money waits for the common man.

Cheers,

Vijay Srinivasan
3rd July 2011
Mumbai

Religious Fanaticism and Money

Money seems to be the big motivation for religions these days.

While it has always been the case that religions sought money to run their work and charities, the extent of money power on religions has generally been underestimated, in the Indian context. Everyone knows that money is critical for the survival and growth of religions, religious sects, charities, educational trusts, hospitals, et al. The money which flows into such work is mostly money from devotees, politicians and businessmen who seek the blessings of the gods and godmen.

Yes, godmen ! India has loads of them and will continue to have them. Irrespective of their behaviour or contributions to society, money continues to flow into their operations without any close scrutiny by the taxman ! It is probably considered as “pure” or “god” money, beyond serious scrutiny anyway.

While it is perfectly all right to contribute to orphanages, hospitals or schools, which even needs to be actively encouraged, blind contributions to temples and godmen need to be kept under watch. Illicit money trails would lead the tax sleuths to some religious operations, for sure.

If a religious operation can have USD 10B of assets and cash, how do you categorize such an operation ? Is it above the law of the land, simply because it belongs to a famous godman ? If this has been the case in the U.S. the godman would have paid taxes, both personal and corporate taxes. But, how about India ?

Such money pressure and push leads a continuous flow of money into such operations, leading to formation of select set of special people who are high-level contributors and the godman is expected to shower them with his blessings. This leads to an imbalance in society, as the guys who give more get a better treatment than the poor folks.

It is critical that the government takes a serious look at all religious operations in the country – many more scandals might be brewing around these operations, as we all know that the temptation of money is overpowering – even to godmen. Probably the Indian government would be able to collect more taxes this way.

Cheers,

Vijay Srinivasan
07 May 2011
Mumbai

A Difficult Judgement

Courtesy : My IIM-B Classmate, Anu

A Difficult Judgement

In a small town in India, a person decided to open up his bar which was right opposite a temple. The temple and its congregation started a campaign to block the bar from opening with petitions and prayed daily against his business.

Meanwhile work progressed. However, when it was almost complete and about to open a few days later, a strong lightning struck the bar and it was burnt to the ground.

The temple folks were rather smug in their outlook after that, till the bar owner sued the temple authorities on the grounds that the temple through its congregation & prayers was ultimately responsible for the demise of his bar either through their direct or indirect actions or means.

In its reply to the court, the temple vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection that their prayers were reasons for the bar’s demise.

As the case made its way into court, the judge looked over the paperwork at the hearing and commented:
I don’t know how I’m going to decide this case, but it appears from the paperwork – ‘we have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer and we have an entire temple and its devotees that don’t.’

Courtesy : My IIM-B Classmate, Anu

Cheers,

Vijay Srinivasan
26th March 2011
Mumbai

God and Admission Money

It has been a normal practice for a long time to have temples or places of worship linked to charities and donations. This applies to almost all religions.

There is nothing wrong or unusual about this practice. Temples are supposed to be places where one goes for some solo time with God. It is a place where one does not, and should not, have pretensions of any sort. All are equal in places of worship. God does not differentiate between various categories of His devotees, not even between believers and non-believers. God is not parochial. Differences should vanish at temples.

However, this is not the case in most places of worship, and again I am not talking about any one religion in particular. Devotees who can donate significant sums of money get a specialized treatment. Devotees who are not so financially capable, join the ordinary queue, and are treated rather differently. Personally, I have seen and experienced this several times, so I refuse to believe when someone articulates a different picture that all are indeed equal in the eyes of the God.

Yes, surely, in the eyes of God, all men and women are equal.

But in the eyes of the chosen representatives of God, not all men and women are equal and will never be. When the treatment meted out is proportional to the amount of donation, that is not exactly equal treatment.

Devotees carry on and proceed. They don’t have a choice, do they ?

While it is critical to donate “official” money with proper receipts to charities (whether run by temples or not), to encourage a culture of “giving” and helping poorer souls to sustain their lives, donations cannot and should not be done in a random manner and called as “admission fee” to enter temples in a short-circuited, fast-track manner. VIPs (Very Important Persons) will always come and go, and they will surely have a fast-track anytime, no issue with that. Others cannot be differentiated.

It should be like the airports.

When we cannot withdraw money from ATMs beyond a specified daily amount, why should we be allowed to donate in cash and then get a jump on the queue – both are illegal.

This is sure to create some controversy, but let us see !

Cheers,

Vijay Srinivasan
5th March 2011
Mumbai

God’s Anger at Man’s Stupidity

The worst accident at the Sabarimala Hills yesterday causing the death of over 100 pilgrims due to a stampede reflects on the poor preparedness of the State Government and the law enforcement authorities. Even during the best of times, the citizens cannot expect much from any government, but the complete apathy towards what is a human tragedy of such proportions can only be termed callousness.

The government of the day anywhere in the world enjoys its position due to the support of the citizens to get elected in the first place. The safety, security and well-being of the citizens should be the first priority of any government, and these criteria should take absolute priority in the government’s reckoning.

But, alas, this is not the case in India.

Any law enforcement authority would strictly regulate access to a place of national religious importance, and ensure that the pilgrims follow a certain route up and down the hill. There should be more than adequate security provided during the months of heavy pilgrim influx, which is the case now. Having a few policemen loitering around when there were nearly 2 Lacs pilgrims on top of the Sabarimala Hill can only be termed as gross negligence of duties on the part of the government.

Presuming nothing much is going to happen as this is a holy place or some such logic would have played on the minds of the law enforcement authorities. But there are obviously several factors at play when you have such a huge crowd – on the one hand, people have to navigate a narrow hilly path through a forest, and tensions could flare up between any two persons leading to a scuffle ; on the other hand, the same path is used by vehicles and any mishap between two vehicles can easily cause a serious accident. Both these occurrences seemed to have happened last night.

One can only regret the consequences. Imagine the plight of thousands of people caught in a stampede ? Can we dismiss this as an inevitable result of India’s humongous population ? Or, should we accept the fact that a few policemen could not obviously control so many thousands of people ? Who should be blamed for this tragedy ?

Accidents are avoidable in almost all situations. Government is to be held solely responsible, as it always has had the regulatory authority to control the situation and the outcome, irrespective of numbers. It did not exercise that power in this situation, and it does not do so in many other valid situations crying for governmental intervention.

Well, God is angry at men and their stupidity for having elected governments who do not perform their duties.

When is man going to change and mend his ways ?

Sincere Regret at what happened to man last evening at Sabarimala,and heartfelt condolences,

Vijay Srinivasan
15th January 2011
Mumbai