When incidents like the recent Hindu Sabha Temple controversy in Brampton occur, they ignite a firestorm of religious fervor. Hindus proclaim Hinduism as supreme, Sikhs declare Sikhism as supreme, and followers of other religions do the same. But how long does this zeal last? A few hours, perhaps a day?
In India, as soon as these passionate people arrive at their workplaces, especially government offices, they forget their religion. As soon as they enter the office, their only "religion" becomes taking bribes and earning commissions, even from people who can barely make both ends meet. Some don't even spare their own brothers and sisters. Yet, they call themselves religious and proudly become defenders of their faith. Can we truly call ourselves religious when we exploit others, including our kins, for personal gain?
India, a land with the highest number of deities and with the proud label of a "spiritual nation," stands paradoxically as one of the most corrupt countries. It is also a nation where even three-year-old girls are raped, alcohol consumption is a cultural norm, theft and loot is rampant, and integrity is scarce. And yet, the same people with this mindset are willing to fight and kill for religion.
A Hypocrisy Beyond Borders
Many Indians leave the country for a better future, seeking world-class infrastructure and opportunities in Canada, America, or Europe. By leaving their country, they admit that India, despite its rich heritage, couldn't meet their aspirations. But once abroad, they proudly declare, “I am proud of India!” If you were so proud of India then why did you leave India?
And here is the irony. These same people, who left for a better life, engage in violent disputes over religions that originated in India. If your devotion is so strong that you are willing to resort to violence, why are you living in countries with foreign religions? Why not stay in India, the birthplace of Hinduism and Sikhism, and uphold your faith there?
The True Cost of Hindu Sabha Temple Clash
Who really lost in the Hindu Sabha Temple clashes? Was it the protesters, the temple, or the Indian government? None of them. It was you. It was your parents.
The Consulate General of India in Toronto suspended its life certificate campaigns for pensioners due to these protests. Now, over 5,000 elderly people in Brampton alone will have to spend approximately $3,000 per household to travel back to India just to prove they are alive and keep their pensions running. This financial burden falls squarely on the common man that is you and me.
Closer to home, a tragic story unfolded. Two family friends, one Hindu and one Sikh, argued over the Brampton Hindu Sabha Mandir incident. The argument escalated, and one stabbed the other with a kitchen knife, leaving two families destroyed forever. Neither family knew the protesters or the temple-goers personally, yet they paid the ultimate price for a fight that was not theirs to begin with.
A Reality Check on Our "Religious" Lives
Let us be honest. How "religious" are we? In Brampton, we have committed massive insurance frauds, driving up the highest insurance premiums in Canada. We have manipulated the real estate market, exploited the mortgage system, and wreaked havoc on the transportation industry. Yet, we call ourselves religious and fight in the name of religion. Does this make sense?
If religion has any moral effect on us, why are newlywed brides still burned alive for not bringing dowries? Why do we objectify young girls, calling them "Tota" in Punjabi? Why are our women treated as domestic laborers, working tirelessly day and night? Why do every other person demands bribe in India and here in Canada too? Why do Indians are the most involved people in rampant car thefts in GTA? So, do we follow relgion just to fight with each other? Let's ask this question to ourselves and then start talking about religions.
A Call for Change
Keep your faith, but leave your religion at your doorstep. Do not bring it to the streets. Religion was meant to guide us, not to divide us. It was meant to foster kindness, not to fuel hatred. Fighting and killing in the name of religion does nothing to improve our lives. It only destroys families and communities.
Let us change our mindset. Let us live peacefully and let others live. Because in the end, what we do in the name of religion reflects more on us than on the faith we claim to follow.