(Mario Goveia wrote: ?Santosh, While no one should support spreading something that is false (there goes Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny), would it be possible for you to use your impressive ability to separate fact from fiction to not just debunk urban legends that may conclude with a socially redeeming message or suggestion, but to find for us alternative truthful anecdotes that may support the same message, realizing that this may not be possible in each and every case.?) Is there really a need to present a fictional story as a fact to inspire, motivate and guide others? Did not Gandhi acknowledge the profound effect the ?Bhagvat Gita? and the ?Sermon on the mount?, have on his life? Has not religion, which admittedly is not based on facts, inspired and motivated millions of its followers, either for the better or for the worse?
I think the point Dr. Helekar is making is quite clear: why should an anecdote, which can tend to be inspiring by itself, be exaggerated and fabricated and then be presented as fact? Can we not call a legend a legend, a tale a tale, a myth a myth and a true story a true story? Why is there a need then to resort to falsehoods? On a related note, a funny incident happened a few days back. While we, a group of friends, were having a discussion, one friend got up and remarked that ?Swami Vivekananda?, while meditating, used to float in the air. We all had a hearty laugh. Fabrications and exaggerations can lead to otherwise sensible people thinking in such a ridiculous manner. (Mario, you will find a lot of truthful anecdotes and authentic stories about ordinary Indians who, through their intense struggle, perseverance and dedication, have now become role models in society at the link http://www.goodnewsindia.com ) __________________________________ Discover Yahoo! Find restaurants, movies, travel and more fun for the weekend. Check it out! http://discover.yahoo.com/weekend.html
