I'm born Hindu and though there is no monetary or employment benefits involved in being one,still I'm proud of ma religion.I regard ma religion as a part of ma identity and whenever someone put up a yard stick to measure ma beliefs I tend to get little irritated.I have total respect for all the other religions as, I believe the ultimate aim of any religion is the same.

The part of the story happened this week and there isn't a climax yet so,it may not sound interesting to many .I believe i need to vent out ma thoughts somewhere and this is the right place to do so.We were informed last day about three days retreat camp which in turn is an in-stay program for Christians and outstay for others.The point here is that the program was made compulsory for all the students in the college,failed to do so you are bound to pay the fines.What is more annoying is the date and time for the program.Initially for non Christians ,the program was scheduled on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 to 4:30 pm.After protests from parents, the management re-introduced the program as one which induces a +ve mental attitude in younger generation.Well,the brochure clearly states the program as the quest to search for the meaning of life .As an engineering student,ma goal in life is predefined and all others are secondary right now.21 years ,I lived ma life with this attitude and it hasn't done any damage,why do i need someone to tell me ma attitude is wrong and I can attain salvation through dance and song?.Iv attended similar programs organised by the college not out of choice though.The concept the person in question put forward then in turn clashed with some of ma value systems.

Iv been giving the whole thing a lot of thought.Why force this kind of things on students who are not interested?.Why make it compulsory?. After the fiasco what hurt me most was the comment made by one of the faculty"Those non Christians interested in attending Sundays program do inform earlier so that accommodation can be provided in rooms of their Christian friends".This statement was booed by ma mates.We don't make friends based on caste or creed,we celebrate Onam,Bakrid and Christmas with the same vigour and unity.Why is the older generation bend on dividing the society based on Religion?.We have the right to follow any religion as per the constitution of India ,why being forced to accept another?.Ma Dad calls it"BRAIN WASHING"

Last day Indian express reported on mass conversion in tribal belts by missionaries.Conversion is based on monetary gain.Most of the tribals are lured in with cash and other luxuries and the only way to lead a life that guarantees them all this is to convert.Here the belief is based on "Gandhi on paper",its certainly not something that is from deep down the heart .To force someone to change their whole life doesn't seem fair.I'm a Hindu and I'm proud of being one.