Specialised Reporting 2024 - 25
23UDJ - Beat Reporting Worksheet
Department No : 23-UDJ-045
Date:19.01.2025 Time:2.33PM
Mode of Transport: Bike
Area visited: Arcot kuppam,Arakkonam,Madhur
Beat worked On: Art and Culture
Team No:
Team Members: shawn michle,venkat
People Met: pasters of different religious
Contact No: ----------------------------
Basic Observation:
India, a land of diverse cultures, languages, and religions, has always been a place
where people of different beliefs coexist. Growing up as a Hindu, I’ve always been
taught that the essence of spirituality transcends labels and embraces humanity. Hindu
temples, for instance, are places where people of all backgrounds come together to
offer prayers, participate in rituals, and receive prasadam, with no distinction based on
caste, creed, or religion. This inclusive spirit is at the heart of Hinduism, which
celebrates the unity in diversity.
Report/ News Article:
The Unity of Faith: A Personal Reflection on
Religious Inclusivity
However, recently, I ventured into places of worship of other religions to understand
their teachings better and broaden my perspective. What I encountered, however, was
a stark contrast to the openness I’ve always known in Hindu temples. My first visit
was to a Christian church. During the prayer service, I noticed the tradition of offering
unleavened bread as part of the ritual. Eager to partake in the experience and show my
respect, I approached the altar, only to be ignored. Despite my respectful intentions, I
was made to feel unwelcome, perhaps due to my Hindu background. The same pattern
repeated in every church I visited, leaving me with a deep sense of discrimination.
Seeking further understanding, I visited a mosque. As I entered the premises, I was
politely asked to wait outside during prayer time. I also observed that women were
not allowed to pray inside the mosque. While I understand that different religious
practices have their own unique customs and rituals, the sense of exclusion I felt was
hard to ignore. It reminded me of how, in many places, certain religious practices
inadvertently create barriers that separate people rather than bring them together.
This brings me to a deeper reflection on the way different religions approach
inclusivity. Hinduism, despite its vast diversity of beliefs and practices, has a
remarkable tradition of welcoming everyone. No matter your background or belief
system, Hindu temples often extend the same respect and share the same offerings.
The concept of dharma in Hinduism is rooted in the belief that all paths lead to the
divine, and thus, all people are treated equally, regardless of their religious identity.
The practice of doing archanas for people of all religions is a testament to this belief.
The experiences I’ve had in churches and mosques made me realize how, while
religion can offer a deep sense of community and faith, it can also inadvertently create
divisions. Sometimes, in the name of protecting the sanctity of rituals, certain
practices may alienate or exclude people who wish to learn or participate, even if their
intentions are pure.
At the same time, I recognize that religious practices are deeply personal and often
follow traditions that have existed for centuries. It is not my intention to criticize these
practices, but rather to reflect on the broader message of unity and inclusion that all
religions share.
Religion, at its core, is meant to unite, not divide. Every faith, including Christianity,
Islam, and Hinduism, teaches love, compassion, and respect for others. While the
rituals and practices may vary, the ultimate goal remains the same: to cultivate a
deeper connection with the divine and with one another. It’s important to remember
that the true essence of religion lies in its ability to bring people together, not in the
walls that separate them.
As I continue my journey of spiritual exploration, I hope to find ways to bridge these
gaps and promote an understanding that transcends the boundaries set by rituals. After
all, spirituality is about connection — not only with God but also with our fellow
human beings.
This article captures your personal experiences while highlighting the differences
you've observed and the lessons you've learned about inclusivity in religion. It
emphasizes the need for greater unity and understanding across faiths.
Possible Story ideas:
1. "The Unity of Faith: Embracing Religious Inclusivity in a Diverse World"
This story would explore the theme of inclusivity in religion, highlighting your
personal experiences of feeling welcomed in Hindu temples versus the sense of
exclusion in other places of worship. It could delve into the universal teachings of
love, compassion, and respect shared across religions, while also examining how
practices and rituals sometimes inadvertently create divisions. The story would
encourage interfaith dialogue and understanding, emphasizing that religion’s true
purpose is to unite rather than separate people.
2. "Religion and Rituals: How Practices Can Either Bridge or Build Barriers"
This story would examine the role of religious rituals in fostering inclusivity or
exclusion. It would focus on the different practices in Hinduism, Christianity, and
Islam, analyzing how certain traditions may unintentionally alienate outsiders or
newcomers, despite good intentions. The article would explore the tension
between preserving the sanctity of rituals and creating an open, inclusive
environment where people from all backgrounds can feel welcomed and
participate.
3. "Interfaith Exploration: A Hindu’s Journey to Understanding Other
Religions"
This story would center around your personal journey of exploring other religions
and learning about their teachings and practices. It could highlight the
experiences you encountered in churches and mosques, comparing them with
your inclusive experiences in Hinduism. The article would reflect on how your
exploration has broadened your perspective on spirituality and inclusion, and the
insights gained about fostering greater understanding and unity across different
faiths.
Selfies & Geo Tag Picture for evidence
Student Signature
Remarks & Faculty Signature
