I am deeply distressed to read news reports that some temples in Goa
have imposed a dress code restricting visitors while some others
have banned the entry of foreigners altogether. There are further
indications that many more temples in India's Tourist Capital are
likely to follow suit which is a matter of high concern as it violates
certain fundamental rights.
The idea of conservatism is slowly raising its head. In the name
of restoring temple decorum and sanctity, there are attempts being
made to dictate the lives of others which is unfortunate. Women are
liable to be the biggest victims of these new regulations, where in
one such case; a young girl was disallowed from entering the temple
because she was wearing shorts.
Goa has always been unique for its pluralistic traditions, its
cultural ambiance and its respect for universal human values which
distinguishes it from some other parts of the Country. That is what
gives it an element of charm and makes it one of the most favored
destinations for tourists worldwide. The temple authorities, who have
framed these fresh set of laws and restrictions, have neglected the
great pride of place our society has given to the tourist. By imposing
unreasonable restrictions, they also seem to have not taken into
account the varying cultural aspects of other Nations and their cultures.
The foreign tourist who arrives in Goa is our esteemed guest who we
must treat with dignity and honor. It is one thing to impose
reasonable restrictions on the basis of existing laws of 'Obscenity
and Public conduct' while it is quite another to act as some kind of a
moral and cultural policeman who sacrifices the principles of freedom
and liberty at the altar of supposed temple decorum and sanctity.
It is pertinent to note that Hinduism has always held the guest in
high esteem. Hinduism's inherent principles of "Atithi devo bhavah" or
"the Guest is God" have even been used by the Tourism Department of
India in its Social Awareness Campaign aimed at providing the inbound
tourist a sense of being welcomed to the country. As such, the new
temple regulations, far from making the Tourists feel welcome, are
denying them their personal space and freedom in a State that has
always embraced cultural diversity.
Our Constitution has been founded on the core principles of liberty,
freedom, and equality, which ensures that individuals are free to make
their own personal choices without unreasonable State interference and
discrimination. These regulations appear to be sheer violation of our
fundamental rights and are liable to be used/ misused by the
authorities to unintentionally or otherwise harass tourists/ other
citizens who do not fit into their narrow walls of conservatism. Even
those who adopt modern fashionable attire may find disfavor of the
authorities and may even be barred by the authorities, which is a
scary and frightening proposition.
What next? Are we taking our society backwards into time? Do
foreigners really vitiate our temple decorum and sanctity? Are our
Gods really insulted by all this? When I see the politics of
mis-governance happening all around me, I recount the words of Goan
poet, the late Bakibab Borkar, who in one of his books wrote:
"In the whole of India, Kashmir, Kamarupa, Kerala and Konkan are
supposed to be the richest in scenic beauty. I have had the good luck
of drinking deep in the founts of their distinctive charm and thus
have my aesthetic sense refined. But if I am to be born again and I am
allowed to choose my future birth place, I shall undoubtedly opt for
Goa because its great beauty has a supernatural quality of refining
the human mind and turning it inward into the depths of creativity and
spirituality..."
When I read these wonderful words, I begin to wonder whether Goa's
legendary Poet would write the same today. There is corruption
happening all around. There is indiscriminate looting of public assets
and resources happening all around. There are citizens who do not have
access to proper education, food and shelter. Even God, who gifted us
such a beautiful land, must be crying aloud wondering what we are
trying to do in his name. When land which is our greatest asset is
being destroyed, when there still exist citizens do not have even the
basic civic amenities to live a dignified life. Will God really feel
insulted by all this or by the foreigner's attire?
In the light of all the aforesaid, I appeal to all concerned
authorities to initiate steps for the reversal of the decision taken
by the Temple authorities on dress code restrictions. The clock of
prosperity and progress must not be turned backwards. A true
democracy is one that thrives on diversity and embraces different
cultural values. If our society has to progress, then this kind of
moral policing has to be strongly opposed. Goa, the land of diversity,
cannot be allowed to be taken over by an orthodox mindset. Modern
principles of human rights and respect for all must be adopted.
True justice can be done to God by serving the needy and the
downtrodden, by restoring our land to its pristine glory, by Good
Governance. Not by curbing the individual freedoms of others. I hope
the temple authorities will consider this plea rationally and
liberally.
with warm regards and good wishes!
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