Sensitize at a young age…
Increasingly, it is borne by facts that we are religiously less tolerant than we admit. Memories of our times are sure to leave behind this stark reality that looms large over ironically even among our educated fraternity. Children are…what we teach them! Well, if the maxim holds good, then we could trace the roots of religious discord plaguing our society to our academic apparatus that adds values at childhood.
No doubt, upon a review of the innumerable acts of inhuman violence perpetrated in the name of religion, dominant sections of the mass media have indeed been receptive to condemn the same. The ignominy of violence borne out of religious hatred also finds disfavor and condemnation across the political spectrum with varying degrees of reason. However, these are facets of a growing modern nation that marks the expected civility in the public domain. The fact lies that the same shall not stand scrutiny in private domain. We are guilty of reserving all our virulent, vehement defences in our private domain. Despite the magnitude of the social havoc or human loss brought out by any specific issue at hand, the tendency to ally with one’s stated religious loyalty shall come into auto-play in the private domain.
Each religious school of thought has a meticulously evolved process of inculcation through a plethora of traditions, customs and ceremonies as to create an unflinching follower. Our state guided educational system has failed in measuring up as sequel to harness intra-religious tolerance that is called for. How many of us having reasonable access to education explain the significance of important festivals of other religions. Despite being a beneficiary of enjoying national holidays for last forty years for Bakrid, mila-di-nabi, Ramzan, Easter, Good Friday, I cannot recollect the significance of these festivals of other religions unless I make specific efforts. The answer may remain unchanged if the same the question is posed to a Muslim or Christian brethren. The fact lies that many of us grow up wary and circumspect of even places of worship of other religions.
Is it not warranted of the state guided elementary educational system to sensitise our children at a young age to harness the collective conscience to build a better civic society. The state may not enter the contentious issue of dwelling upon the mythological legends associated with each religious festivals. However, is there not a common thread in all these festivals that propagate virtues of common good and social ideals in equal measure. All religions perforce effectively intrude our persona initially through a ideal virtuous set of belief system.
As a fast growing vibrant democratic nation with self avowed commitment to secularism, our academic system at elementary level requires more sensitization efforts to infuse the required scientific temper required in such a large pluralistic and diverse society as ours. Our academic pursuit of religious tolerance cannot remain dwarfed before the well entrenched domestic religious belief systems.
N.Sekar,
A-1, Malar Apartments,
Johnsonpet, Salem – 636007
nsekar445@gmail.com
9488031745
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