Petals!

In the last few days, I saw many tweets and Facebook updates/jokes & comments on women who celebrate Karva Chauth. While I can understand our need to express ourselves on every festival under the sun especially those we don't observe or celebrate, why do we mock those whose beliefs are valuable to them?  Lack of acceptance - therein lies the crux of the problem. This has nothing to do with religion. It's about our attitude to others around us - the increasing intolerance and sarcasm.  I still don't get it. Why do we force our beliefs or lack of it on others?  Let's take Karva Chauth itself. I don't follow or observe it but I don't mock those who undertake it. That's their choice. As long as they do not pressurize us to follow what they do, what is the problem? Why are we so judgmental about what others do when we don't have the patience to contemplate on our own beliefs or lack of them for that matter? It's also interesting how ...

A week ago, I watched an English movie called 'Shine' which is supposedly a real life account of one of the world's most famous pianists. The story begins with an oppressive childhood. A father who oppresses his family because of his obsession with music and forces his son to cultivate the same love for music. Out of fear more than interest, the little boy begins to learn and is so brilliant that he reaches great milestones at every phase. The only person who stays unimpressed is his father who wants him to reach higher and higher. Some very touching moments in this movie left me shaken. These are: Religion is Nonsense The father tells the boy, "Religion is nonsense. It's also a goldmine if you know where to tap it." I'm a Lucky Boy The father constantly shouts and finds fault with the little boy and makes him repeat, "I'm a lucky boy." He doesnt notice that his son has tears in his eyes whenever he says it because he doesnt believe...