Eid Mumbarak! India
celebrated Eid one day after the US based on the schedule of the moon. The staff was great enough to make me mutton
curry and sev khumu. One thing I think
no one can ever say that India does not have that America does is religious
tolerance. Sure it is a deeply religious
land of ardent followers, but the tolerance here is outstanding to me
especially coming from the US.
The amount of people I have met in my life alone that have
ridiculed my faith or tried to convert me is quite substantial. Most of the people I surround myself even would
not even be able to tell you whether I am a Shi’a Muslim or a Sunni Muslim let
alone any of my beliefs. We come from a
land that is Christian and if you are not that you get put in that other
category where your beliefs and customs do not take any precedence. India has been so welcoming and wanting to
learn about you and what you believe.
Though I am the only Muslim amongst the volunteers and staff, my voice,
heritage, and customs were just as much heard. I see the same regardless of if you are Hindu,
Sikh, Muslim, Catholic, or Baha’i.
I know there are lots of religious differences here and
squabbles but that is the same in any place or country. The difference here is that this land is
accepting of all in that it does not try and push religion down anyone’s
throat. Religion is there for anyone to
take part, but it is at your choosing.
It is a way of life rather than a commitment or a duty. Those that wish to partake in that way can,
and those that choose not to, can opt out.
Those that say that the individual does not thrive here does not truly
understand the complexity of India. It
is a land of contradictions because that is what life is. The western world tries to make things black
and white. Maybe they should realize all
the colors they are missing in between.
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