As we come to the last few days of 2025… I end by stating that ‘Religion’ has been reduced to not only being a dirty word but one that divides…obliterates and creates chaos thanks to the people in power – oh yes, the political class. The games that they play and their power to indoctrinate the weak.
Looking at what is happening around us… Not just in India but the world over… The word ‘Religion’ seems to have lost the very essence for what it stands for: a cultural system of behaviours and practices, world views, sacred texts, holy places, ethics, and societal organisation that relate humanity to what an anthropologist has called "an order of existence".
Things at present sadly appear to be such that religion and anything to do with it has now been coerced into being a ‘dirty’ word where not only is everyone’s faith and belief being questioned but also being looked down upon. Unfortunately, it has lost not only its meaning but also its significance. Religion lays emphasis on love and humanity but it is the other way round now…
Religion often causes division by creating distinct in-groups and out-groups, fostering ‘us vs. them’ mentalities through differing doctrines, literal interpretations, cultural identity, and manipulation by leaders for power, leading to conflict, discrimination, or even violence, though it also serves to unite people through shared values and community.
In a heated discussion recently on religion, it was made very clear in a very ‘matter of fact’ manner that most people didn’t want to acknowledge ‘other religions’ and only that theirs was important… I refrain from even talking to the likes of such.
Politics had made the very word 'religion' dirty - the prevailing environment had cast a shadow. Which leads me to believe that people like me who believe in respecting all religions and personal faiths are wary of voicing an opinion in ‘matters of religion’ as that may set off chain reactions. Secularism in this country seems to be largely hypocritical. There can only be some normalcy if there is national awakening for religious freedom in our country.
Are we not all the same? So hence, are all religions not equal? The bottom line is that first and foremost we should all respect our heritage with all its history and glory. And not look at rewriting history as per convenience or ignoring or trying to obliterate what has occurred in the past. There’s nothing called a ‘clean slate’ no matter how hard each government at the helm tries to project an unsullied record.
Sadly, we also seem to have a ‘Religion Complex’ now - all old, archaic, and staid, showcasing caste system dysfunctionalities and sticking to our pre-conditioned and irresponsible minds!! Akin to a plaque - it needs prising and loosening! It's almost like 'when sex was dirty, the air was clean' - now it's religion!
When others tell you what to believe and when others tell you what to do is organized religion and this is a conflict zone as so many different religions exist at the same time, vying for belief. There is a place for spiritualism in modern society but no place for organised religion.
A secular society is not a godless society, but one in which people of different faiths and religions can flourish. If you look at it with an open mind, you can teach your children good morals and values without religion and at the same time have faith in something without a religious book or institution telling you what to believe.
Do explain to me just what does a person's religion have to do with his or her being human? We are the ones who created these pre-conceived boundaries, no pun intended of course. Surely, all the Gods can live in one Mandir, Masjid, Church or Gurudwara but not people of different religions… No, Sir!! That is just now allowed!
And complexes - those that think they are ‘superior’ and those that are made to feel ‘inferior’… this is what India is made up of today – the ostentatious displays on one end, and the fools and fundamentalists on the other. With no end to hypocrisies, how does one wake up the ‘Elite Kumbhakarnas’ and ‘Dormant Intellectuals’ and make them come to grips with reality.
I urge you all to awaken the spirits - in unity, cohesion and abundance of humanity and love - above hate, and aggression! Maybe ‘people’ need to read the Constitution of India once again in haste… And believe me, doing a ‘photo-op’ in various religious places showcasing acceptance of religious beliefs of others, without it transcending into reality on ground, has no meaning whatsoever!
~ Wake up India… Rise and Shine in 2026!
Rashmi Oberoi is a commentator on social issues. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.