Community awareness

For the last few years, the main topic of discussion in the community has been interfaith marriages and the acceptance of the issue of such couples. Such events used to take place even 50 years ago but in those days such members were treated as wrong doers whereas today we see a bulk of community members come forward and support such people. We cannot dump this responsibility entirely on dasturs, vada dasturs or scholars. It is the duty of all members of the community to ensure that such actions are reduced and brought to nil. We may not be in a position to control death or birth but definitely we can make attempts to reduce interfaith marriages. When we approve one such marriage it encourages the younger lot to believe that there is nothing wrong in such actions.

One must respect all the religions but have faith in his/her own. Unfortunately indulging in another religion’s prayers is common in our community. Indulging in prayers/rites of other religions may have negative effects indicating absence of faith in one’s own religion.

If we feel happy by seeing members of another religion showing faith in our religion, we stand to be fools, for if such a member does not have faith in his/her own religion how can you believe that he/she will be faithful to your religion?

If one wishes to increase the quantity of pure milk, he cannot do so by adding buttermilk or curd, even when they are products of milk itself. If you try to do so, the existing milk will lose its quality.

Social reforms, equality or civil liberties are definitely progressive ideas but have to be within prescribed circumferences. Uncontrolled or indisciplined actions may bring undesirable results.

We have seen a number of such couples, especially from overseas, arrange for the navjote ceremony of their children, but if we see such children after a lapse of few years, we feel sorry for having done so.

Community activists should ensure that

our properties are put to beneficial use for community members or disposed of and funds utilized properly;

prepare area wise directory of community institutions and members;

arrange for get-togethers of community members, especially youths by way of training camps/classes or even for enjoyable picnics, etc;

arrange for educating members in reading and writing of the Gujarati script, by running workshops during vacations;

identify young members showing extra skills in study/sports/art, etc and attempt to provide more facilities and encouragement;

discuss and plan to arrange for mergers of agiaries so that problems of maintenance can be reduced.

Instead of giving readers an overdose of controversial articles, which could reduce readership, the Press/publishers should present information in question-answer format as today’s youth desire reasoning and explanation for every action. Such answers should be in easy language.

Explanations on the significance of rituals like navjote/navar/martab/weddings/nirangdin would also be welcome as also on the mode of behavior and prayers required during visits to an agiary, atash behram or Doongerwadi.

MANEK F. BHARDA