Namaste Everyone!
I’m a proud Indian Atheist. Today, India is celebrating her 60th year of freedom. India was founded as a Secular nation. meaning, no religion is favored over another. BUT, this is not what we see everyday.
Some people say I’m not patriotic enough since I never had the luck to be born in my motherland. They are wrong. I’m as patriotic as any other Indian. Perhaps more. I want the tyranny, oppression, persecution and discrimination to end completely. I will voice myself until there is not a breath left it me for what is right. This is not the voice of rusted Indian traditions, but the voice of a new, young, and brave India. Those that live as true Indians, without following any set of theology or godly magic.
Independence day, for me, is also a time to remember great Atheists/Agnostics who faught for our countries freedom. Like Jawaharlal Nehru, Bhagat Singh, and many more... Year 2006-07 was one of the greatest years in Indian History, thanks to our last president, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalaam (A notable scientist and engineer), who made considerable amount of change in India’s growth. Loved by all, a true visionary and man of science (not an atheist though). He was replaced recently by Pratibha Patil (first woman ever to be selected as president). This is an important turning point in gender equality for my country. I have wanted a woman president for many years. I have always wanted woman to be treated just as equally (Lets not forget, we had female infanticides, sexual harassments, and many other violent acts towards girls, under the cover of religions, myths & rusted traditions for many years in India’s past).
While India is often perceived as a Hindu country, it is actually the largest secular democratic country in the world. Parts of India, such as the southwestern state of Kerala (My State), are as Christian as any part of Europe or the United States. Christianity in India is almost as old as Christianity itself. Islam, Christianity & Hinduism are the major religions with countless number of sub divisions and castes. With a huge population of 1,095,351,995, India is being diced into pieces by its own people in the name of religion, cast, and community.
I see religious fanatics blowing themselves up, and other people along with them, in trains, railway stations, courts, theaters, and every other public place screaming the name of their GODs. And it is only the name god that our brothers and sisters will ever hear, as you helplessly watch them burn into smithereens. And for what? Nothing. all these acts can be blamed on the heads of terrorists. They can all be called religious fanatics and extremists. BUT deep down, every single theist (let it be a hindu, muslim or anyother) has the same anger and hate towards people of different views. The only difference being that, they are not making bombs and tying them to their waists. We walk among these people every single day. You could be the next one to die.
Here is a Video I made while launching Young India Productions.
Population: 1,095,351,995 (mistake in the video is regretted)
People will always disagree, and cause riots. But 90% of it can be stopped once we put an end to conflicting religion & categorization. Atheists need to unite within my country, or even globally, to protect the world from annihilation. Therefore we must Speak OUT. Indians, take a very good look at India, This could be our last.
Vande Matharam! Happy Independence day everybody.
-Ruben!
