Describe how something that happened in your own neighborhood aroused strong feelings among neighbors
They called it the rationalists’ meeting. People suspected their bona fide and said they had some political motive in holding that meeting. It appeared they wanted to divert the attention of the people from the main issues and that they wanted to spoil the youngsters. Their main aim was to attack the established order and that was why they called themselves rationalists; whether they were rational is for others to say. One thing is certain, their meeting had destroyed the peace and tranquility of the place. People got divided on issues, and as the general law is every action generates an equal opposite reaction. That was the result of the said meeting.
The so called rationalists went on a procession. They carried placards criticizing the practice of people. They had slogans condemning rituals and observations. They met at the municipal hall and the meeting was addressed by some self-styled leaders who spoke at length about the rituals, festivals, places of worship and other things. They spared no people, or any institution. They claimed freedom under the freedom of speech principles.
Since they had a well paid army of volunteers, there was no lack of noise and applauses. They passed resolutions not only condemning the practices and customs of people but also asked the Government to bring in legislation to stop such practices. It was rumored that these people had a powerful lobby in the State Assembly where their voices could be heard. But the newspapers were very cautious in reporting the proceedings of the meeting.
The meeting brought about a sharp reaction among the people of the neighborhood. Most of them could not exactly see what these people meant. So they also brought out posters condemning the rationalists. They brought together all the people and held meetings to chalk out a plan of action to counter the influence of the rationalists.
The meeting of the rationalists had one effect. It had stirred the erstwhile dormant people into action. Youngsters have taken up the challenge and have come forward in large numbers to carry on counter propaganda against the rationalists.
Sensible people fear that the rationalists have unfortunately raised the hornets nest and it may take quite sometime for the bitterness to die down. Whether it would lead to further strained feelings and outbursts, is anybody’s guess. Anyway well meaning people are not happy over the turn of events.
