Fair I thought. But what caught my eye was not the mission but the organizational features of the conference.
I quote “largest … in terms of grandeur, excellence”, “Grand main stage: 12,000 sq ft huge with state of the art intelligent lighting and props, modified everyday over 10 days for a fresh look and feel’, “professional Tv recording… with ….blah blah blah … and other state of the art equipment
“Setting new records for size of stage, maximum number of camera used for recording, state of the art equipment, largest temporary AC auditorium, etc.”
I have nothing against the guy or his cause or his devotees, but it does make me think…
In advertising you generally devote more copy and ad space to what is important for your target audience or the CEO’s ego. I have seen enough to see that both exist. Case in point “XYZ biscuits now with attractive new packaging”. What have I got to do with packaging. Wouldn’t I put an emphasis on content as long as it is well communicated? That’s all. Do I care if TV covers the event with gazillion gadgets or not. I do concede that I and AC auditorium with adequate seating and a children play area are definitely good thoughts for audience comfort. but records for largest whatever is .......
A jain guru takes offsites abroad, hindu baba has a satsang in a cruise, some set up centers of meditation, one lady gives lipsticks as ‘prasad’, the list goes on… its fun to see the incentives offered for the downs.
I have a general skepticism (healthy I hope) with the rise of right wingers in any form. More and more of them are getting in our lives using new technology, razzle dazzle, new media and top class packaging. They speak the language that common man can understand. Wasn’t that one of the strong points for the spread of Buddhism and Jainism as well?
A new breed of them are emerging as we search for meaning and content in our lives. They preach their wares and create new cults building on old. Some scare some hold out hope, some promise…
Sometimes I want to go myself and see, what in the name of heavens is going on?
Interestingly, a recent article in Time talks of the terror suspect Najibullah Zazi's fascination with Zakir Naik, the chap pictured in that poster.
ReplyDeleteThe entire article is here: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1927126-2,00.html
The paragraph concerning Naik reads: A friend from that period tells TIME that Zazi became enchanted with the controversial Indian Muslim televangelist Dr. Zakir Naik, who preaches a wild mix of harsh Islamic rhetoric and unorthodox Muslim theology. His videos reach a global audience online. On the topic of jihad and terrorism, Naik was far from the most incendiary voice, but he managed in his own way to make clear the choice between bin Laden and Uncle Sam. "If [bin Laden] is fighting enemies of Islam, I am for him," the former medical doctor says in one YouTube clip. "If he is terrorizing America — the terrorist, biggest terrorist — I am with him. Every Muslim should be a terrorist." In an interview with TIME after Zazi's arrest, Naik insisted, "I have always condemned terrorism, because according to the glorious Koran, if you kill one innocent person, then you have killed the whole of humanity."
thank you Girish. politics and religion mix well for a reason. for the same reason I distrust both the politician and the godman
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