Prejudices begin at home: Litterateur

Mangalore, Mar 9: Religious and caste prejudices and stereotyping of women begin from home, said Bolwar Muhammad Kunhi, litterateur and Kendra Sahitya Academy Award winner.

Speaking after inaugurating the 9th Students' Literary Conference organised by Mangalore University PG Alumni Association at Government College, Mangalore, on Saturday, Mr. Kunhi said that parents are responsible for sowing seeds of biasness in the minds of children who later go on to continue to contribute to social prejudice.

“It is often parents who tell their children that it is incorrect to worship gods of other religions. When this issue of 'ours' and 'theirs' comes into picture, seeds of prejudice get sown automatically”, he said.

Lamenting that society at large continues to remain plagued by caste ailments, Mr. Kunhi said that people are fighting each other on the basis of castes, although they are not aware of which caste their forefathers belonged to.

The element of stamping superiority of caste has drifted into cultural sphere as well, Mr. Kunhi said, citing the example of the changes that the “Bhoothakola” and “Daiva” practices have undergone over the years. “Like 'Operation Kamala', an attempt to carry out 'Operation Aadhyathma' is being made to hijack cultural practices and bring in the caste element”, he said.

Mr. Kunhi blamed religion for the existing stereotypes against women as well. “People have held on to their religious texts and practices. Some argue that religion in itself is not to be blamed and the way it is implemented by people in their lives is to be criticised. What is the need of religion if it cannot be implemented in a right manner by people?”, he asked.

Biases against women continue in the society at a great scale, Mr. Kunhi said. “Why is a man helping his wife in her daily chores considered to be going against the norms? When even women carry loads on their heads and work under the hot sun we find signboards reading 'Men at Work,” Mr. Kunhi pointed.

Commenting on Muslim girls coming to schools and colleges wearing 'burqa', Mr. Kunhi said that non-Muslim students must look at them with grace instead of looking down upon them, as they are coming to college braving all odds.

“The families of Muslim girls unlike their non-Muslim counterparts did not have exposure to education in the past. Appreciate the fact that these girls are coming to schools and colleges. Burqa is not compulsory but men force their daughters to don burqas and go to colleges because if they don't, they will receive scolding from the members of their 'Jamaath'. Look at these girls with grace and encourage them”, he said.

Prof. K Chinnappa Gowda, Folk scholar and lecturer, Mangalore University, Dr. H R Laxminarayana Bhatta, Principal, University College, Mangalore, were present among others.