The world used to be much simpler earlier but sadly it is turning out to be more and more complex day by day. How I wish the earlier days would come back, where people would be more polite and courteous, give the benefit of doubt to others, be respectful and presume that the other would be innocent until proven guilty. But these traits seem to be missing nowadays and intolerance is sadly creeping in. Aamir Khan must have been right after all. The two students from BITS Pilani institute who got into some mighty trouble in Rachol must have learnt this the hard way. Who would have thought that a possibly simple, innocent or naive action on their part, could have got them into so much trouble with the devotees? Was the overreaction necessary & warranted, whether in the name of God or even otherwise? Now I normally refrain from taking teerth or the holy water which is offered in temples or during Pujas, especially that which is made of milk/curd as I get nauseated drinking it. But I must confess on a few occasions when it was offered to me, not to offend the host, I took it and then quietly went outside the temple to wash my hands without actually consuming it. I have a gut feeling the two students must have done pretty much the same. People need to think in a much simpler and straighter manner and not get complex arguments to paint someone guilty who is not. Why, just why, would two young students go to such a historical place in the presence of a large gathering to insult or desecrate a faith? The core principles of religion teach love, peace, compassion and kindness towards others. I commend the Priest for his mature handling of the situation. In the name of respecting religious sensibilities, let us not forget the basic principles of religion and humanism.
warm regards, Sandeep Heble 9326129171
