Is Blind Faith a Collective Mental Illness? A Look at Modern India's Paradox
India, a land of vibrant colors, rich history, and deep spirituality, is also a land of stark contrasts. While we celebrate our ancient wisdom and traditions, we grapple with social issues that seem to defy logic and reason. It's as if a collective mental illness has gripped our society, blinding us to the harsh realities around us. One striking example is the growing phenomenon of treating inanimate idols as living beings. Recently, a family in Delhi made headlines for enrolling their Laddu Gopal (a form of Lord Krishna) in a prestigious school. While this might seem like an isolated incident of harmless devotion, it highlights a deeper malaise. In a country where millions of children are denied basic education and necessities, the fact that resources are being lavished on an idol is a jarring reminder of our skewed priorities. This brings us to the rise of self-proclaimed godmen or "babas" and the unquestioning faith people place in them. These charismatic figures, ofte...