In reference to Mr Jubel D'Cruz's letter dated 10th-16th August 2019, a brother enters into a bond with a sister to protect her in any eventuality, as the bond has social, religious and cultural bearing in response to sister's goodwill for brother's well-being, while 'Raksha', a symbol of their sisterly and brotherly mutual love and respect, is being tied.
It is true that traditionally this festival is celebrated by Hindu brothers and sisters since the inception of Vedic Sanatan religion; and as it is strictly confined to the bond to promote simply brotherly-sisterly concerns, it is not intended to cover other purposes,such as, to appreciate the complimentary gifts of a man and woman, moments for women's liberation and rights, to promote politically intended brotherhood and equality among the citizens of India, or to expect each other as boyfriend or girlfriend etc.
It is erroneous to say that the festival was actually started by Noble laureate Rabindranath Tagore as stated by the author; while it was a red religious string and not a Raksha that was tied around a fellowman's wrist for a different purpose.
The premise of the promise of brotherly and sisterly love should not be tainted with other types of relations, and it must always be kept pure, as it is also prevalent in other faiths as well.
R. N. Patel
By email
