Section of citizens ill at ease over overt display of aggression on city streets
Times of India | 23 January 2024
Kolkata: The overt display of religious flexing on the streets of Kolkata, which at places verged on the political, left a section of citizens, including those from the majority community, uncomfortable.
What disappointed many were the naked aggression—some were seen brandishing swords on the streets —and exhibition of political symbols by those celebrating the new Ram temple.
Onco-surgeon Sourav Datta said, “I am a religious person but I am disgusted by the politicization of gods and religions. It is harmful for our country.” Theatre personality Koushik Sen felt the way a temple’s inauguration was being portrayed and promoted, it was dangerous. “It will create insecurity among people from other religions,” he added.
JU Bengali professor Rajyeswar Sinha said, “What we saw today is against Indian spirituality and happened because religion is being used as a tool by the nation-state.” While Suman Sengupta, a government employee, termed the religious flexing “depressing”, he pointed out there was still some hope as thousands walked for peace and harmony, too.
Presidency emeritus professor of sociology Prasanta Roy said, “There has always been a blurring of line between religion and politics and the former is a tool to showcase power. There is a shrinking of the secular space by the revival of pronounced religiosity.” Assistant professor at IDSK, Kolkata, Anwesha Sengupta said, “I find it disturbing as you cannot selectively invoke history to celebrate power and marginalize people.”
The Ayodhya celebration had its ripple effect on housing complexes in the city. A big complex installed new idols and hung flags and festoons at a temple on the premises on Monday. Not all were happy with the sudden religious display, with one resident asking the association secretary whether he, too, would be allowed to observe ‘Ramakrishna Tithi’ there. He ostensibly did not receive a reply.
JU PhD scholar Fazle Wakil and Presidency student Anomitra Das were similar in their views, that of the secular fabric of the country being threatened by the display of power around one religion.