Cultural beliefs versus progress
What makes India different from other democracies in the world is its cultural diversity. The country is home to billions of people, who speak diverse languages, it is built with the spirit of a multicultural society, their beliefs, their fundamental thoughts and perceptions.
It is quite disgusting to see an abrupt change in the perceptions among a section of the community. Policymakers from newage politics have changed India’s antique structure and have promoted a fashionable concept that may be harmful to a country like India.
In September, the apex court of India legalised gay sex, ending the legal challenges pending for more than two decades. Such a verdict leaves a lot of ambiguity and questions unanswered in the world’s largest democracy. People rejoicing the court order do not constitute the majority of India’s massive population, and for a mere section of the people, the whole country’s traditions cannot be exposed to a risk.
A few days ago, the top court had ruled that adultery was no longer a crime. The controversial verdict extensively damages the family structure of India. The verdict is also hurting the dignity and sentiments of women. The fight for gender equality should help safeguard family values. The much debatable verdict on the Sabarimala temple in Kerala has become another complex issue for the state to handle on its own. Even though the temple allows people of all religions to enter, restrictions exist for women aged 10-50. The court ruling now allows women of all age groups to enter the temple, crushing the believers’ privileges that they have been following in the past.
There must be a consensus in society and the choice of people becomes the priority in such crucial issues. It is a matter of trust and confidence that people carry along to retain their life in a structured manner.
Every country has its own root of beliefs and traditions and maintains its core values of existence. As far as India is concerned, the extensive legal interference jeopardises its strong cultural assortment.
Since India is home to several religions, castes and beliefs, there is an implied commitment on each citizen to safeguard and respect the needs of others. People and their customs are the assets of society. We cannot compromise on our values. There had been tireless efforts to build the nation having several religions and its associated functionalities that people respect and adhere to.
Though some people may defend the merits of the recent Supreme Court judgements, they eventually encourage creating divisions among people. The fact is that India has not fully grown up to embrace such changes by ignoring its traditions and the sentiments of the majority.
The reader is a resident of Oman.