Burqa and the Sky Clad

Contrary to the impression given by my letters in the newspapers, I am known among friends as a tolerant man. This is understandable considering my family background. I was brought up in India in a neighbourhood where various Hindu sects, Muslims and Sikhs lived harmoniously together. The residents were mostly professionals who practiced the dictates of their religions with due consideration to others. Sikh men wore turbans, Hindu women saris and Muslim and Sikh women pantaloons and tunics. However, Jains of ‘sky clad’ sect did wear clothes in public. Whether they did in their homes was their business alone. No one covered their faces; they had nothing to hide.

When the Burqa controversy hit the headlines in Canada I was amazed. Why would any self-respecting person want to go around with her face covered? I sent a letter to the newspaper stating that Jains of my sect are not expected to wear any clothes but I compromise to suit the local conditions and the women from Arab countries should do the same. It was published under the pictures of two women, one wearing a burqa and the other only a bra. I showed it to my female colleague and commented “I wouldn’t mind if she took even the bra off.”
“Of course you wouldn’t. You are a Jain.” The colleague fired back.

It took a second to sink in but when it did, the laughter brought a ceiling tile down.