The Social Network by Akanksha Narain

Gone are the good old days of letters and pen pals, thanks to the numerous social networking sites cropping up. Status updates, photo comments, wall posts and tags- that’s how the Gen Y does it. The internet has created a new rage of networking and connecting with the world around us.

Every passing day seems to back Marshall McLuhan’s claim that the media would make the world a ‘Global Village’, sites like Facebook being primary examples. Children as young as 5 years old are well versed with the activities that social networking entail- from liking posts to uploading photographs.

Social networking inevitably has returned to the spotlight as an issue of contention with the recent release of “The Social Network” – a film that explores the life and success of shrewd and prodigious Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg, played by Jesse Eisenberg. The question inevitably raised in a discussion of this sort is that with the advent of sites like Facebook are we venturing into deep waters? On such sites we unknowingly drop our guard, putting up rather personal information and photographs for the world to see. We put up photographs of ourselves holidaying in Goa while burglars happily see this and rob our houses. How difficult is it to plan a robbery when we ourselves inform the world when it is that we will be returning home?

With the explosion of the phenomenon of the internet, parents began to express extreme worries about their children accessing questionable chat sites and giving out information to strangers who might take advantage of it. We all have heard of numerous cases of kidnappings and children running away with strangers they met on such sites. Social networking sites have definitely aggravated this situation. The recent rape case in Delhi, where the victim met the culprit on Facebook is a fine example.

On such sites we not only expose too much information that could be misused by unsocial elements but also information that could cost us our jobs and marriages. Thanks to Facebook bosses now know that whether you were really unwell or were actually partying with your friends, all thanks to your status updates! Moreover, thanks to social networking sites all your claims of being a teetotaller are quashed. Before marrying anyone parents and the to-be groom/bride go through your profile and pictures to know what sort of a person you really are.

So the next time you go on Facebook set up your security setting and make sure that you do not put information that could be misused by people.

Empowerment of Women- Is It A Mere Slogan? by Akanksha Narain

Pick up any Newspaper, switch on any Television Channel and what do we find? Incidents of Female foeticide, bride burning, dowry deaths and even Sati still being practiced. We need to hang our heads in shame as women who constitute nearly half the population in our country are not treated as equal. Though the Indian Constitution confers equal rights and opportunities for all, irrespective of gender, in reality it is not so. To provide dignity to its women folk, a mere legislature is not required. What is required is to educate women and thus empower them.

Our vision of India emerging as a Global Superpower can only be realized when its women who constitute nearly 50 % of its population are involved in issues of growth and development. Equality and respect to women is deep rooted in our ancient culture. In Indian mythology whereas the male Trinity - Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva are credited with the genesis of ancient civilization, the female energy- Durga is worshipped as the destroyer of evil, Laxmi as the goddess of wealth and Saraswati as the giver of knowledge and all creative forms.This should not be so in the cosmic frame, but also within each of us. As women, each one of us needs to recognize our own intense creative energy. Somewhere over the centuries, the status and glory attributed to women has become hazy.

So wake up! We ought to treat women at par with men. Only then can we say with pride that India is a democracy. Then only will our vision to be a superpower be fulfilled.

Should Religion Govern Us? by Akanksha Narain

The Times of India on July 16 had a very interesting story about a gay penguin couple, Harry and Pepper. The story described how the two had broken up after a five-year long relationship! The two loving creatures would take abandoned penguin chicks under their care. While surfing through blogs, I found numerous posts sympathizing with the penguin couple. It left me wondering why we can sympathize with gay penguins but mock homosexual humans?

 Despite homosexuality being prevalent amongst penguins they do not show any anti- social behaviour. Though penguins do not follow any religion, they are social and caring like human beings. In contrast, in the Hindu religion, snakes have a revered position and

are worshipped but they eat their young ones. Clearly, anti social. Hence the premise that everything related to religion is good does not always hold.

Then why is it that we allow religion to dictate us? Why is it that we silently nod our heads when religious leaders protest against recognition of Gay Rights? Even in the 21^st century our laws are over shadowed by religion. Sanctity of human behaviour by religion does not hold good anymore. So, how can we allow the government and law to function on the dictates of religion? The government initially refused to recognise homosexuality stating that it is against the laws of nature and religion prohibits unnatural sex. With the scrapping of Section 377, consensual sex between adults of the same sex has been legally recognised despite initial hiccups.

 Though religion should act as a binding force, it is ironic to see how religion is diving mankind today.  Think about it and you will realize that religion is indeed dividing us. It is dictating us what to do and what not to do (not on the basis of right or wrong, but just on their interpretation of what is written in holy books).

We do not just have faith in religion; we have blind faith. When mixed with politics and law, religion usually results in catastrophe. I am not writing to vocalize my feelings for gay rights (which I do support) but to vocalize my feelings about how religion is being used to abuse us. I am not against religion, but strongly feel that religion and law cannot and should not be mixed. The result is always disastrous. 

Lotus Temple by Akanksha Narain

Popular belief is that Delhi is a very noisy city but after spending a day at the Baha’i Temple your belief is bound to change. Situated near Kalkaji, the Baha’i Temple commonly known as the Lotus Temple, is a marvel of modern architecture. Even before you reach the temple complex you can see the beautiful structure from far away.

As one enters the complex, one finds oneself amidst sprawling lawns- the temple is spread across almost 27 acres. Though the summer heat renders the lawns a little dry, along the path are various varieties of flowers in full bloom –from Easter Lilies to Morning Glories. While walking towards the temple one is awestruck by the simplicity of the structure.

Dedicated to the oneness of God, humanity and religion, the Baha’i House of Worship is in the form of 27 lotus petals made of white marble and is surrounded by nine pools.

The lotus flower represents purity. Although often found in murky water, it symbolizes that every human is born pure, and like the lotus, one can rise above the dirt. The House of Worship is nine- sided. As a volunteer explains, nine is the holy number for Baha’is, it is the highest digit and symbolizes comprehensiveness, oneness and unity.

 On the way to the prayer hall there are numerous volunteers who will greet you warmly with folded hands saying namaste. They will explain to you the principles of the Baha’i religion and the importance of prayer and meditation. Once you enter the prayer hall you will be surrounded by the sound of silence. People of all religions are welcome here to pray and meditate. The silence is once in a while disturbed by the beautiful sound of birds, who have somehow managed to come in. The echoing makes their songs even more melodious. As you look around you will notice that the inside of the temple is devoid of any carvings. Just like the entire structure, the seats too are made up of marble. You can sit here for quiet self-introspection. If you look up at the lotus shaped skylight you will see two stars representing the twin manifestations of God- Baha’u’llah and the Bab, and a Baha’i symbol known as the ‘Greatest Name’, in the dome.

Afterwards one can sit on the steps besides the water pools. Some people make use of the water to cool themselves, while children enjoy making paper boats out of the literature handed over. Soon calmness takes over and you are at peace with yourself. Take a deep breath and you will find all the answers you have been frantically searching for.