The enlightened - Short story

Disclaimer: The below write-up is a work of fiction and bears no resemblance to any individuals living or dead. The views expressed are entirely mine and has no allegiance to any organization.
It was a sunny afternoon during the winter season; I was standing close to the podium of the ‘pandal’ where one of the many fire-brand leaders of our country had just delivered his speech. More than a speech it was a salvo of accusations, challenges and insults targeted towards the minority community. Seneca said ages ago – ‘Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false and by the rulers as useful’. The Indian political class is adept in latching on to this usefulness.

 This speech was from a saffron clad ‘saint’ who was supposedly devoid of any worldly pursuits and ills. But his jingoistic appeal to the masses and the choice of words defied all norms of sainthood. However, the crowd loved the performance and showered praises and flowers on their leader.  After all, he is the protector of their ancient culture, religion and dharma. Alas! I wish they all knew what ‘Dharma’ actually means.

Anyways, I had come to attend this rally as a press photographer and was winding up along with the others. There was a team wrapping up the pandals, posters and banners. A different team was piling up the plastic chairs and was loading them into the van. Suddenly a sight caught my attention and gave me a reason to stop longer than usual. At a podium that has just been witness to a speech bashing his religion and community was standing a Muslim worker! The sight was among most contrasting ones I have ever seen in my life! A follower of Islam with a white cap covering his head standing on a podium clad with saffron and embellished with many related religious symbols.

I got curious on what made him come here and what’s he doing on that stage? I moved closer and found out he was the one who amplified this speech to the ones gathered and also to the millions others through media telecasts. His name was Rashid and he was the sound technician, packing the microphones and speakers after they have been used for the function.

I gathered some courage and went ahead to ask Rashid, “So, what do you think about this speech? Didn’t this rhetoric against your religion bother you?” Being the impatient soul I am, I myself replied – “I am sure it would have! But then what makes you work HERE?” He paused for a moment and stood firm to answer my question. His replied assured me that we as a country are still not finished yet!

He said ‘O Saheb, what do you think, we do not understand these things? It’s all about this, he patted his belly. He gets his food by hurling abuses –so be it. I earn by fixing sound systems and that’s what I am doing. And yes, rest assured, there are similar leaders on the other side too and I work for them as well. It’s just that the microphone and speakers should get tinges of green instead of saffron.’

I photographed him as he turned back and walked away with a smile. I didn’t want to have his face published, lest the humanity is damaged yet again by ‘Gods’.