Title is inspired from Bhagat Singh's book Why I Am An Atheist.

Thumbnail credits: amazom.in

I have been an atheist ever since I was twelve. No, not an agnostic, I was never confused about God's inexistence. I was sure of it.

Now, that I have certified the fact that I am a non-believer, please don't put labels on me. I am not an anti national person. I am a patriot. I love my country and that is the reason I am not afraid to point out her flaws.

I am not insulting any religion in any way, form or shape. Just because I do not believe in God, doesn't mean I have a right to force my atheism on others. That would make me no different from the saffron robed 'messengers' of Ram who spread fear in my country. No different from the ISIS terrorists who slay innocents in the name of religion. No different from the European missionaries who had come to the colonised countries to convert native men and women and had left them with no choice, but to succumb.

In the light of recent events, I somehow feel relieved that I am casteless, creedless, factionless, an outlaw. I feel proud that I have no religion, that no one can ever associate me with bigots who kill in the name of God.

I may have no interest in offering prayers, but I do admire my culture. Culture, not religion.I am astounded by the intricate carvings on the walls of the Konark temple, testaments of our rich history, every time I visit Puri. I am amazed by the beautiful Arabian sea, tranquil and calm, on both sides of the Haji Ali mosque in Mumbai. I love to drown myself in the mellifluous strains of the harpsichord and the piano playing 'Hallelujah' in the church.

I love singing and strangely enough, I have a varied playlist: ranging from Dylan, Nirvana and Green Day to Tagore, Sufi music, bhajans and gospel music. You see, music does not discriminate between religions. I belong to a cultural melting pot of a country. And I am proud to embrace it.

Image credits: en.wikipedia.org

I would rather feed a hundred critters, give shelter to a thousand refugees, provide education for the less privileged than participate in the circus of religion that people find so enthralling.

And what about those who are 'religious'? Well if they can spend thousands on a 'God" they have never seen and cannot spare a coin for even one of the many beggars outside the temple gates, then I understand how devoted they are to mankind. This is, in fact, hypocrisy at its best.

The only religion I believe in is of love, harmony and peace. Love others and grow as a human being. Learn from your mistakes. Become a wholesome independent person who does not have to turn to a higher being to fulfil their wishes.

Peace!

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