The Indian Circus

About

The Indian society, a colorful blend of diverse people and cultures, has evolved over the years as a multi-ethnic, pluralistic entity that has stood the test of time. Varied traditions, languages, socio-economic classes have peacefully co-existed for centuries, collectively shaping and sustaining the spirit of India. It is the voice of this collective spirit that echoes in the wind that touches the peak of the Himalayas to the waves that kiss the feet of India. It is the magnificence of this unified spirit that has deeply impressed and attracted generations of foreign writers and travelers to this mystic land of wisdom and knowledge. But, of late, questions have been raised against this glorious foundation, on which the Indian society is based. These questions, in turn, have made others question if India, rather the Indian society, is what it portrays to be. This self-analysis is a constructive process that has always been a part of the evolution of society and is as important for the society as it is for an individual. However, as the Indian society transforms through this process, are we giving it the time it needs or is our political propaganda and religious garb coming on its way as obstacles every now and then? Democracy has equipped us with free expression, but are we using it for constructive criticism or are we merely hurling stones at each other in an attempt to promote our own narrow interests? If nonviolence is what the father of our nation had stood for, why do we have to breed linguistic hatred and communal violence? Why do we have to demolish and vandalize a place of worship to establish our own faith? Are we tolerant enough to point our fingers toward the intolerances of others? Are we celibate enough to point toward the sexual preferences of others? Are we blind to the triumph of humanity over religion?