Being Hindu
About Puneet Sharma
Puneet Sharma is a very religious and cultural person. He believes that religion sometimes teaches you a lesson which helps you for the future. You would see him praying or working very hard and sometimes you see him in Horgen having fun with his two daughters. He always believes that everyone deserves a chance and that god will guide you through life.
Could we start with you talking about yourself with regards to your religion and culture?
My religion is Hindu,...
I am not a religious person as such, I don't believe in rituals,but I do believe in god and I believe in some of the major festivals, such as Diwali, which is the festival of lights… Given my experiences and given the fact that I come from India I also participate and am open to other cultures.
You said that you participate in all the festivals. Why are they so important to your religion?
The festivals are actually a fun way of celebrating your religion… It is just a way to remember God. Festivals are a fun way of getting involved in your religion. That is why they are so important to our community.
Have you ever felt like people made assumptions because of how you look or where you come from?
I have never actually experienced that even though I have been to many places. But I know that these things do exist and I have heard some stories about it. No, I have never experienced it.
““ Everyone deserves a second chance.””
“Festivals are actually a fun way of celebrating your religion. It is just a way to remember god.”
-Puneet Sharma
Why did some people feel that but not you?
I think that the people who were around me were very friendly. They never made me feel that I was from another country or religion or a different race. But I think not everyone in the world is kind so sometimes other people make them feel bad.
Does your cultural background change the way you see the world around you?
Yes, I think so to some extent. Given that I was brought up as a child in a Hindu society which is quite tolerant and open to other cultures and societies. So when I went to Europe I always had that same attitude with me, and I think if I was in another society and another culture I would have thought in a different way. But I am very happy with who I am and where I come from. According to the values it's given me.
Have you ever felt proud or embarrassed because of what you believe in?
No, I never felt embarrassed. I think I am proud of our beliefs and values. So I was never ashamed of who I was but I did feel proud if India did something well or something. I never felt arrogant about it.”
