I disagree with the article, “Don’t like this temple? Choose another” (Jan. 17). If the argument that women should be kept out of the Sabarimala temple because of age-old beliefs can be accepted, so can be arguments for other practices. Caste discrimination can be justified. The ‘belief’ argument can be used to support almost every practice, including sati. We have a rich and vibrant culture which has both bad and good practices. No idea is perfect. An idea should be tested by logic and reason continuously. If an idea fails the test, it should be reformed or removed.
Faith, belief, religion, laws, etc, are not superior to right and wrong. Irrespective of what anyone believes in, right is right and wrong, always wrong.
T.V. Bipin,
Kannur
Before the Temple Entry Proclamation (State of Travancore) 1936, this very same deity had a problem with lower caste people entering the temple. When it comes to religious conventions, the attitude that nothing is flexible or questionable prevails among most devotees. The same attitude existed among sizable sections when the British colonialists, egged on by liberal thinkers such as Raja Rammohan Roy, brought about religious reforms including a ban on sati and promotion of widow remarriage. A look at our history will tell us exactly how vital a role liberal thinkers played in making India a fairer place for all.
U.V. Vineeth,
Thiruvananthapuram
