An Unconventional take

The movie “PK” correctly depicted the blasphemies being conducted in the name of religion everyday in today’s world. The presence of self-styled god men commanding authority over nothing but naïve followers has become a pressing issue of late. The movie did great in trying to erode the influence of these cheaters by using the medium integral to the lifestyles of “almost” everyone. People needed to be made aware and the crew of the film did a great job in spreading the message.

However, few of the messages weren't showed in the true light and their alternative approach surely made sense to me.

“Jo darta hai woh mandir jata hai”: Those who are fearful go to temples. This statement doesn’t find resonance with everybody.

“A state has rules for its effective administration and imposes certain restrictions on its citizens so as to avoid anarchy. People following the rules and regulations are civilized people and not fearful. Just as a state defines standards for the community, religion can be thought of as a vehicle to maintain personal standards. If only, people could be made to understand that demanding things by doing certain rituals and practices (give and take) can never be the essence of religion. Let’s leave such attitude for our daily mundane transactions and jobs. People love their father, mother, wife, children etc. Why is it wrong for someone to love God? When there is love for someone, there is no thinking of returns for our actions. Some people like to see their relationship that way, as a loving exchange and not just a transaction to satisfy others' desires.

As a society, we take pride in assimilating differences. Where does that rational mind go when we are out there despising those that try to follow their beliefs? It’s up to us that we don’t like to follow such things and rituals; fair enough, but that doesn't give us the rights to mock somebody else’s beliefs. US President Obama might be right about the religious intolerance increasing in India. 

  

This is one way through which religion can be looked upon. If religion shows the path of austerity, mercy and truthfulness, then surely we need it in our lives for a better tomorrow. The present day divisions of Hindu, Muslims, Christians etc. are not the true face of religion, it never was. It has been created by some power hungry people for their own benefits and sooner or later people will understand their trickery. Men like Asaram & Rampal have already fallen from grace and these should be enough proof for anyone to stay away from such thugs.”

Not being someone with a religious bent of mind, the explanations certainly helped in looking things with a different perspective. The time might have come to change the glasses with which the world is being seen or maybe get rid of the glass altogether.