Religious Freedom

14 years ago, before I dropped out of Medical school, one thing that really exasperated me during my stay in Bangladesh was being constantly asked by strangers  what my religion was even before they asked me my name. I hated the idea that my entire identity can be wrapped up into my personal faith. Now after nearly one and half decade later  it seems this vile poison of sectarian conflict and xenophobic tendency is raising its ugly head in my own motherland. Having been born into Hindu family, completing kindergarten in Buddhist school ,growing up in Muslim surrounding in Bagbazar and playing cricket with  Christian friends in the playground of Padma Kanya Campus, watching these events unfold is too painful. Who is to blame? Everyone:

a) Secularist: Irony is they don't even know what secularism is. People saying secularism means freedom of religion makes me laugh out loud. Secularism that came from French laïcité means government and legislature cannot draft any laws on the basis of religious teaching. Secularism concept came in Nepal to weaken the Monarchy and all political party gave silent nod to it. And now they are having cold feet. What you sow is so you reap. Touché!

b) Hindu fundamentalist: Hindu fundamentalist say secularism will destroy country because in future Christian missionaries will pour in money to proselytize the mass. My question is why don't you raise voice against cast system, poverty, remove the tradition that binds women. If you do that then believe me nobody is going to be cajoled out from their personal faith for money.

c) Political Correctness: There is vast majority of Nepalese who are as Nixon said Silent Majority, they are afraid to voice their opinion because of fear of political incorrectness. One thing if you don't stand for anything then you'll fall for everything. Political correctness doesn't mean morality. And this political correctness is sowing seed for the future conflict for our children's generation

d)   Politician: Do I even need to explain anything more. All they care is strengthening  their vote bank.

So whether you are secularist, agnostic, atheist, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, fundamentalist, traditionalist, Marxist or believer of any faith or non-faith remember we all are Nepalese first. So live and let live.  Uphold your tradition and don't let outsiders dictate how we should govern. Stoking religious fervor is the worst thing that can happen to any society . Reminds me of line from great Bhupi Serchan-

अभिशप्त घर

जब-जब बाँया र दाँया पट्टिका छिमेकीहरुले 
एक अर्काको छाना माथि ढुङा बर्साउछन,
यस घरको छानामा घाम ताप्न बसेकी बुढीको चश्मा र
कौसीमा रमिता हेरिरहेकी दुलहीका चुराहरु फुट्छन,
आधा रातमा जना छिमेकीहरुले आपसमा 
जहाबाट जे पायो त्यसैले कुटाकुट गर्छन, 
भोलीपल्ट ब्युझेर यस घरको बातको रोगी बुढाले
आफ्नो लौरी भाचिएको पाउंछ। 
यस्तो छ अभिशप्त घर
डढेलोको बीचमा उम्रेको रुख जस्तो छ यो घर।