http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/kerala/Church-circular-wrong-says-dismissed-Kerala-teacher/Article1-599206.aspx
In Kerala, TJ Joseph was a professor at Thodupuzha New Man College where he issued an “inflammatory reference to Prophet Mohammed in a question paper he prepared for second year B.Com students in an internal examination of his college.” This stirred a political fever within the College, the local Catholic diocese, and the Popular Front of India (PFI), Muslim activisits who chopped off his right palm for this occurrence. This article provides a focused example of how religion plays a vital and sensitive role in Southern India. In addition, it exhibits how the professor holds his integrity against the Church and maintains his innocence of not “purposefully” attacked the Muslim faith, thus losing his passion; teaching.
I was shocked to read that a professor had his palm chopped off, period. I understand this sort of violent behavior happens in the world, but just found it surprising that such an act would be done toward a teacher who in his heart, was not trying to defame the Muslim leader. One could imagine if this type of aggressive behavior was a norm here in the States. I think there would be a lot of professors with chopped palms from various groups across the board if this were the case here.
p.s. a Circular (as a noun) a letter, advertisement, notice, or statement for circulation among the general public.
This is interesting, it really shows how much "policing" is done by groups and individuals rather then the state in the name of religion or historical custom. It makes me think of other issues such as bride burning and honor killings which I believe are illegal but sill occur.
ReplyDeleteIt is also got my interest since it started in Kerela, in our experience with the students there were numerous religions all happily co-existing but I know that is not always the case.
I find the same aspect very interesting. Almost every part of the world has created a higher authority [i.e. police, judicial system, etc.] in order to enforce laws. However, it seems the voice of the people will always over-power the designated authority, right or wrong. People with shared interests can be a very powerful force, and they can lead directly to "war". Whether that means cutting off a hand, or burning someone's book of worship.
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