The Colorful Religious India and the versatility of ‘Babas’

‘Religion’, an eight letter word, seemingly small, but mighty powerful, has the authority to change the ways of the world. It’s capable of creating strong attachments but can cause irreconcilable differences too. It can change an innocent into ‘hulk’ and bring down the greatest of great on their knees. And if you want to see the power of this word, India is the place to be.

With multiple religions and sects, all trying to accommodate themselves in the democratic boat of our nation, you will find everyday lives of people getting directed by this word. Within a hundred meters’ walk you are bound to come across multiple temples, mosques or churches and people who never let Gods in these places live in peace. From film industry to stock market ‘muhurat’ and stars play a huge role. And this fanaticism with religion gave birth to a new species – ‘BABA’.

The first record of this species is not known but I can safely say that they have existed forever. They claim to be the lawyers of God’s court; they claim to be doctors who can cure you of killer diseases just by a glance; they claim to be the mentors who will guide you on path of spirituality and ‘reveal’ you the truth of the world. But they will not tell you that they are incredible businessmen or they make their living probably by fabricating lies and deceiving innocents. At times, this saffron and white clad specimen is just a conman feeding on faith of common man.

The Rise of Cult- Babagiri

 

The ‘Rise of Babas’ has picked up speed in past few decades and they can be found almost on every nook and corner. And it’s not just Armani and Chanel that expect you to be heavy at pocket, the ‘Babaland’ demands or at least anticipates the same.

Well, it’s not like all of them are millionaires. Like every other business there is competition in this field too. As a result this territory also has hierarchy. The top level of pyramid deals with rich and influential. So they can afford extracurricular interests too. Along with preaching, it could be partying, politics or perverse behavior. And as a client/devotee, you are to participate too.

The next level has clients, oops ‘devotees’ in next class of social strata and so on. They may not enjoy the life of the top level but hey, that’s how world works. And they may claim to be unworldly but they are well aware of its ways.

On a serious note, as an open person, ideologically, I will not deny the existence of mystic, unless proved otherwise, so, I respect the opinion of people who believe that some individuals do achieve ‘enlightenment’. And if they have achieved it, they must understand that people can’t be ‘forced’ or ‘guided’ to achieve it and neither can it be thrust upon people. And somehow I think they do not try it either. It’s the ‘conmen-group’, who state ‘enlightenment’ to be the elusive fruit, out of common man’s reach, and can only be achieved by being on the receiving end of their ‘Babagiri’.

Let’s hope that with increase in education and advancement, people will recognize the truth and will be careful of this species.

Okay, Fine.

The pessimist in my brain is shouting loud and hard that these liars will learn new tricks and still be part of our society as they are today.

And, I, well, I believe that.