I am a non-tamil living in Tamil Nadu and a practicing Hindu.
Its September 2023 and Chennai CM MK Stalin’s son Udaynidhi Stalin has recently made a public comment about erasing Sanatan from India…. sorry, from BHARAT.
After a couple days of this incident, while I was waiting for bus on the road, one pastor came to me on his bike and was kind enough to give me a lift. During our journey, he asked my name and what I do. He specifically asked my full name, probably to know my religion.
At the end of my ride, he blessed me and asked if I love God. I said yes and he gave me a Bible and said it was a gift. Though I said I can’t read Tamil scripts, he insisted me to keep it at home. After thanking him, we parted our path.
But I kept thinking about the incident and was wondering whether I was being targeted for Catholic conversion. There are few rationales for this-
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Appearance – Most Tamil people wear tilak on their forehead- white sandal or turmeric or sindoor. I am not from Tamil community so, in my culture there is no such trend.
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Economic status- Most Tamil people, especially in my city, would have a bike or a car because public transport is not that good here. As I am new here, I am yet to buy any private vehicle.
As much as I have learnt, people who do not value own religion or come from lower spectrum of economy, are often targeted. A lot of lower class people turn towards Islam or Christianity to get the minority benefits.
But, I love my own religion. Though I don’t wear tilak or anything, and also, though I am from SC community, I know enough about all these things. So, I was a bit triggered. Also, Janmastami was nearby, so I wanted to focus on the Gita instead of any other scriptures. So, I decided to give the Bible to someone.
But, I could not give it to just anyone. Because, giving it to another random person, might make him triggered or even propagate Christianity. As a Hindu, I did not want to do that. I would rather gift someone something related to my own religion.
So, I decided to donate it to a library. It was hard to find a library nearby but, I found and donated it anyway.
I respect others’ religious preferences, but also expect others to respect mine. I am sure that the pastor meant no harm, but its always better to stay safe.
What would you do if you have received a Bible?
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