Untouchability - Dignity for All
Satyamev Jayate - 8th July, 2012
As a child, I remember being aware that we all belong to different religions. I took my social studies and its "we are equal" teachings quite seriously. Religion was never a criteria in my relationships.
I thank my parents for giving me that choice - especially my mother. I was taught everything about Islam like any other but never forced into following it.
Religion rarely crossed my mind in any of my social interactions or friendships. I say rarely because it did cross my mind and I did encounter comments or unspoken acts of prejudice which made me feel "different". A result of pre-conceived notions, perceptions, prejudice and conditioning, theirs and mine, which I have learnt to absorb and accept over the years.
Equality, love, freedom, expression, talking, sharing ideas and living in a community are some integral choices we are offered and make during the course of our life.
Tolerance is a non-negotiable choice.
Dignity is not a choice though, it's a sense I feel as essential as sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch.
A powerful topic and a powerful episode from SJ team, I am lost for words.
Justice CS Dharmadhikari is immaculately articulate. He speaks in pure Hindi and holds a young audience captive, evoking a standing ovation.
Love and peace. xx
Satyamev Jayate - 8th July, 2012
As a child, I remember being aware that we all belong to different religions. I took my social studies and its "we are equal" teachings quite seriously. Religion was never a criteria in my relationships.
I thank my parents for giving me that choice - especially my mother. I was taught everything about Islam like any other but never forced into following it.
Religion rarely crossed my mind in any of my social interactions or friendships. I say rarely because it did cross my mind and I did encounter comments or unspoken acts of prejudice which made me feel "different". A result of pre-conceived notions, perceptions, prejudice and conditioning, theirs and mine, which I have learnt to absorb and accept over the years.
Equality, love, freedom, expression, talking, sharing ideas and living in a community are some integral choices we are offered and make during the course of our life.
Tolerance is a non-negotiable choice.
Dignity is not a choice though, it's a sense I feel as essential as sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch.
A powerful topic and a powerful episode from SJ team, I am lost for words.
Justice CS Dharmadhikari is immaculately articulate. He speaks in pure Hindi and holds a young audience captive, evoking a standing ovation.
Love and peace. xx
