CCP Councilor Bharati Heble opposes new Temple Dress Code and Bar on foreigners, Appeals to authorities to reverse decision.
I am deeply distressed to read news reports that some temples in Goa have imposed a dress code restricting temple entry while some others have banned the entry of foreigners altogether. There are further indications that many more temples in India’s Tourist Capital are likely to follow suit which is a matter of high concern as it violates certain fundamental principles. The ugly head of conservatism is slowly raising its head. In the name of restoring temple decorum and sanctity, there are attempts being made to dictate the lives of others which is unfortunate. Women are liable to be the biggest victims of these new regulations, where in one such case; a young girl was disallowed from entering the temple because she was wearing shorts. Goa has always been unique for its pluralistic traditions, its cultural ambiance and its respect for universal human values which distinguishes it from some other parts of the Country. That is what gives it an element of charm and makes it one of the most favored destinations for tourists worldwide. The temple authorities, who have framed these fresh set of regulations and restrictions, have neglected the great pride of place our society has given to the tourist. By imposing unreasonable restrictions, they also do not seem to have taken into account the varying cultural aspects of other Nations and their cultures. The foreign tourist who arrives in Goa is our esteemed guest who we must treat with dignity and honor. It is one thing to impose reasonable restrictions on the basis of existing laws on ‘Obscenity and Public conduct’ while it is quite another to act as some kind of a moral and cultural policeman who sacrifices the principles of freedom and liberty at the altar of supposed decorum and sanctity. It is pertinent to note that Hinduism has always held the guest in high esteem. Hinduism’s inherent principles of “Atithi devo bhavah” or “the Guest is God” has even been used by the Tourism Department of India in its Social Awareness Campaign aimed at providing the inbound tourist a sense of being welcomed to the country. As such, the new temple regulations, far from making the Tourists feel welcome, are denying them their personal space and freedom in a State that has always embraced cultural diversity. Our Constitution has been founded on the core principles of liberty, freedom, and equality, which ensures that individuals are free to make their own personal choices without unreasonable State interference and discrimination. These regulations appear to be sheer violation of our fundamental rights and are liable to be used/ misused by the authorities to unintentionally or otherwise harass tourists/ other citizens who do not fit into their narrow walls of conservatism. Even those who adopt modern fashion and attire may find disfavor of the authorities and may even be barred in due course, which is a scary and frightening proposition. What next? Are we taking our society back into the dark ages? Do foreigners really vitiate our temple decorum and sanctity? Are our Gods really insulted by all this? When I see the politics of mis-governance happening all around me, I recount the words of my father, the late Bakibab Borkar, who in one of his books wrote: "In the whole of India, Kashmir, Kamarupa, Kerala and Konkan are supposed to be the richest in scenic beauty. I have had the good luck of drinking deep in the founts of their distinctive charm and thus have my aesthetic sense refined. But if I am to be born again and I am allowed to choose my future birth place, I shall undoubtedly opt for Goa because its great beauty has a supernatural quality of refining the human mind and turning it inward into the depths of creativity and spirituality..." When I recount these wonderful words, I begin to wonder whether Goa’s legendary Poet would write the same today. There is corruption happening all around. There is indiscriminate looting of public assets and resources happening all around. There are citizens who do not have access to proper education, food and shelter. Even God, who gifted us such a beautiful land, must be crying aloud wondering what we are trying to do in his name. When land which is our greatest asset is being destroyed, when there still exist citizens do not have even the basic civic amenities to live a dignified life. Will God really feel insulted by all this or by the foreigner’s attire? In the light of all the aforesaid, I appeal to all concerned authorities to initiate steps for the reversal of the decision taken on dress code restrictions in temples. The clock of prosperity and progress must not be turned backwards. A true democracy is one that thrives on diversity and embraces different cultural values. If our society has to progress, then this kind of moral policing has to be strongly rejected. Goa, the land of diversity and universal values, cannot be allowed to be taken over by an orthodox mindset. Modern principles of human rights and respect for all must be adopted. True justice can be done to the Almighty by serving the needy and the downtrodden, by restoring our land to its pristine glory. By Good Governance. Not by curbing the individual rights and freedoms of others. I appeal to all concerned to consider this plea rationally and liberally. Thanking you, Yours sincerely Bharati Heble, Ward Councilor, Ward 13 Corporation of the City of Panaji.
