Cabin bag placed. Belt on. While I was gazing at the airplane book, a cute girl around 7-8 yrs of age smiled at me. I am good with kids you see.
She was accompanied by her parents. She came closer ,
Me with a smile back: What’s your name ?
She: Saina
She: What’s your name?
Me: Poornima
She: Are you a Muslim?
Me (In my mind: What!) and said No.
She: Are you a Hindu?
Me: No.
And she started staring with a doubtful smile.Thanking my humorous nature,
After 2 seconds, Me: I am an Indian.
Saina had nothing to say. With a little shy, she ran to her parents and started conversing in Urdu.
Keeping her religion aside,
Never a child questioned me about my religion. Why would she? Was she taught to do the same by her parents?
School? Or Influenced by something else? Or do I really look like one? Can’t blame anyone though. Moreover, blame game was not a solution.
This is not the question a child should be asking. Whatever, hope she gives a thought about my answer sometime since I could only teach her this at that span of time.
SOWING A SEED OF NATIONALITY IN CHILD’S MIND IS A MUST BEFORE RELIGION. Thank u Saina for making me realize !