I’ve been a believer most of my life, but you never know where life can take you or what can happen in a single day. Life is unpredictable, and those who deal with life’s uncertainties are the ones who come out on top. However, too much uncertainty can make you more spiritual than religious.
I take pride in my country, but it hurts me that some people ‘worship false Gods’. I’m a Hindu, and we are accepting and tolerant of most things in my religion. Our Gods have several hands and heads and perform various feats. We combine the magical with the mundane and tackle superstition with spirituality—at least, I do. I realize it’s not always possible to speak on behalf of another human being. These are my beliefs. This is the Incredible India I believe in.
I was born in 1977, and as I write this piece, it is 2024. In the last 47 years, I have witnessed dramatic changes in my country. I can’t process too much change at a given time, so I find the need to slow down and let things sink in. I believe that is a healthy approach to life and living.
I avoid divisive forces in my life. Division tears me apart. I like things to be united and whole. Just as one’s soul needs to be intact, I think it is equally important for a country to be united and whole.
Sometimes, people end up fighting, killing, demonstrating, protesting, bombing, and terrorizing in the name of religion. This, for sure, is not a valid interpretation of religion. It seems people look for an excuse to fight, whether at the individual level or a global level.
People often assassinate the ‘peacemakers’ of the world. I believe in and pray for a country and a God who will keep me alive, safe and happy. I’m sure every citizen and human being feels this way. Yet, it is easy for individuals to create or manipulate an atmosphere of fear and terror. I’m terrified of such things, and I’m grateful to be praying at home to a God who blesses me with the wisdom to believe in books and rely on them for guidance and peace.
