hidden image

Wise Becoming Fools

Nikil Robin Nikil Robin
18 Mar 2024

The recent controversy surrounding the names of two lions, Sita and Akbar, at a zoo in Kolkata, has ignited a heated debate about the power of religious beliefs and their impact on society. This incident, which escalated to a plea in the High Court, serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between religious sensitivities and secular values in India. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad's petition challenging the names of the lions as "blasphemous" and an "assault on Hindu religious beliefs" is a clear example of how religious sensitivities can lead to irrational and extreme reactions.

The VHP's argument that naming a lioness after Sita, a revered figure in Hindu mythology, alongside a lion named Akbar, a Mughal emperor, violated their right to freedom of religion and equality reflects the deep-seated religious tensions that exist in Indian society. The belief that such a naming choice could cause immense hurt to the Hindu community's religious sentiments shows the extent to which people are willing to go to protect their religious beliefs, even if it means resorting to legal action.

The High Court's observation that the names of the lions could potentially cause controversy and advisory to the West Bengal government to consider renaming them to "avoid controversy" is a troubling indication of how even the judiciary can be swayed by religious sentiments. The court's suggestion that the government should prioritise maintaining peace and harmony over upholding the right to freedom of expression is a worrying sign of the erosion of secular values in India. The eventual outcome of the case, with the Bengal government renaming the lions "Vijay" and "Vijaya" in response to the controversy, highlights the power of religious beliefs to influence decision-making at all levels of society. The fact that a seemingly innocuous naming choice could lead to such a heated debate and ultimately result in a name change is a testament to the hold that religion has over people's minds and actions.

The case of Sita and Akbar and the legal drama are cautionary tales about the dangers of allowing religious beliefs to influence decision-making in a secular society. The fact that a simple naming choice could lead to such a divisive and contentious legal battle is a stark reminder of the need for tolerance, understanding, and respect for diversity. It's concerning to note that blind belief has led even to animals being tied to religious divisions, with attempts to sow seeds of hatred and discrimination even among them. This situation reflects a troubling trend where people struggle to accept names chosen for animals that are completely separate from religious contexts, raising questions about their ability to embrace other religions. Such actions may fuel future rivalries or conflicts among religions. Moreover, it's disheartening to witness the judiciary being influenced by religious beliefs, mirroring the sentiments of those who petitioned. This underscores the need for a more secular approach within the government, ensuring decisions are based on principles of justice and equality rather than religious bias.

Recent Posts

Close at the heel of our other neighbours, Nepal's journey has swung between hope and betrayal. The monarchy fell, the republic faltered, and now its youth demand dignity, justice, and a future free f
apicture A. J. Philip
15 Sep 2025
The recent Vice-Presidential election has exposed deep cracks in India's democracy. Cross-voting, intimidation, abstentions, and invalid ballots have raised serious doubts. It ultimately begs the ques
apicture M L Satyan
15 Sep 2025
September 11 carries memories of violence and division, but also of Gandhi's Satyagraha and Vivekananda's call to end fanaticism. In a world scarred by war, injustice, and hate, 9/11 must challenge us
apicture Cedric Prakash
15 Sep 2025
India may soon become the world's third-largest economy, but its low per capita income, unmitigated inequality, weak healthcare, and fragile education system reveal a different truth. GDP milestones a
apicture Jacob Peenikaparambil
15 Sep 2025
Modi's long-delayed visit to Manipur are mere optics. After two years of silence amid ethnic cleansing, displacement, and inhumanity by the Meiteis, what peace, protection of minorities, and restorati
apicture Dr Manoj Kumar Mishra
15 Sep 2025
Umar Khalid, the Jawaharlal Nehru University scholar who has spent more than five years in jail, on Thursday, September 11, told a Delhi court that the larger Conspiracy case in connection with the 20
apicture Joseph Maliakan
15 Sep 2025
Looking back at the 100 years of Medical Mission Sisters, there was a pioneering spirit to begin health care facilities for the less privileged, openness to look at themselves critically to make their
apicture Sr. Mary Pullattu, MMS
15 Sep 2025
Though declared a secular republic in 2008, the nation's legal and cultural frameworks remain steeped in Hindu-majority sentiment. Nepal's National Penal Code of 2017 criminalises religious conversion
apicture CM Paul
15 Sep 2025
To be a "Carmelite on the street" is to unite deep prayer with public courage. We must build interior castles yet opening their gates, carrying contemplation into classrooms, farms, protests, and parl
apicture Gisel Erumachadathu, ASI
15 Sep 2025
In today's India, more than flyovers or metros, what we desperately need are bridges. Bridges between communities. Bridges between faiths. Bridges strong enough to carry us into the future without col
apicture Robert Clements
15 Sep 2025