Discrimination at Religious Sites: The Uncomfortable Voyage of Simran Bhatru
Discrimination at Religious Sites: A recently gone-viral video has been doing quite the rounds among the common populace. The video involves television actress Simran Bhatru, who rose to prominence playing the character Khushi in the popular show 'Bhagya'. Simran and her parents visited one of the most popular sites of the city of Mumbai, the famous Lalbaugcha Raja, which is highly sought after by many devotees. What was actually supposed to be a spiritual journey got really uncomfortable. Since then, the incident has been hanging in the air on social media, and it brought into the limelight one big issue: discrimination at religious sites.
Discrimination at Religious Sites
The Visit to Lalbaugcha Raja: An Unsettling Experience
A visit to famous Lalbaugcha Raja was planned to the minutest detail by Simran and her family; they knew how to manage the crowds well and avoid the hassle in darshan. Yet, with so many visitors coming to this place, there were lots of obstacles. Getting through the sea of devotees, a mishap took away their pleasant experience.
In the words of Simran, one worker at the temple was being very rude to them during the visit. The mayhem started with individuals clicking photos of the place, which is no new thing in such jampacked spots. In the midst of that mayhem, he tried to snatch away Simran's mother's phone, and it became an unexpected tussle. That snatch brought not only a feeling of distress but also laxity on the part of the temple staff in handling the visitors' behavior.
Details of the Incident
As the incident was elaborated through the video by Simran, it got grimmer. She said that during the time she was bowing her head for the prayers, the worker pushed her physically. The situation tended to worsen as the bouncers present at the site also joined in, trying to push her along with her family away. Despite statements by Simran to the effect that she was trying to defuse the situation calmly, and for the police to treat her with respect, she and her mother continued to be subjected to further rough handling. This video was a powerful visual image which framed what physical and emotional distress Simran and her family had been put through.
Reflections on Social Behaviour
The case of Simran throws up a predicament staring greater number of places of religion in the face: discrimination based on a person's status or identity. Indeed, it was handled differently. Simran explained, "If as a common devotee, special arrangement or concession was not provided, as an actress she was given special route for darshan." As a matter of fact, the difference in treatment underlines a disturbing tendency where celebrities and people of prominence get special consideration while ordinary devotees are left to their resources to fight the odds at such crowded religious places.
This means that there is some kind of discrimination in treatment based on status, which is very questionable in terms of the equity with which religious places are managed. Being at a place of worship should be an experience shared by all persons, regardless of social or economic status. This feeling of being pushed around and treated rudely, more so in an institution founded on peace and reverence, was a gross lapse in values the site was to portray.
Faith and Respect to Humanity
Following the accident, Simran explained further the reason for treating all devotees as equals. She said that people come to religious places for an association with God and not to enjoy special treatment. Standing in the queue for 19 hours, she considered it an opportunity to be nearer to God and not a privilege extended to herself. More than anything else, Simran was oriented toward the spiritual value of this visit, rather than any special treatment extended to her.
This belief by Simran is basically the gist of true faith and respect-that all followers deserve equal respect. The centers of worship are meant to be free for all, where any person from any origin and background should feel easy and respected there. The situation she felt highlighted that one needs to maintain a respectful and friendly environment for all viewers visiting the place.
Conclusion
The story of Simran Bhatru points to harassment-the devotees go through at the places of worship. Basically, the personal discomfort felt by her and the family is a pointer towards higher concern regarding management and behavior one gets at such a place of worship. An important debate was stirred up after this incident on equal respect and humane treatment for all devotees.
These religious places of worship need to work on the principle of parity, justice, and respect towards one and all. Dignity accorded to every type of visitor irrespective of status and given a fair opportunity to connect with their faith is of utmost importance. These issues addressed, the religious institutes shall not only create an atmosphere where faith and devotion shall be respected with no discrimination but will also allow each person to approach one's spiritual practices in due respect and peace.
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