But not for Rakhi Sawant. The item-girl of Bollywood plans to get married on the sets of the reality show “Rakhi Ka Swayamvar” being aired prime-time on NDTV Imagine. And this is no sham; she really means it and is loving and enjoying every minute of it. Close to 15,000 applications were received of which 16 were selected to be part of the melodrama that will decide on her Mr. Perfect. The show living up to its initial expectations is a Super Hit topping the TRP charts.

So, what kind of a hubby does Rakhi want? “Well, someone with a big heart and deep pockets” says Rakhi, but she admits “Right now the focus on how much the guy earns”. And what is that makes her think that she can find one on the sets of a TV program aimed at boasting its viewer-ship ratings? “TV has given me everything in life – name, fame and money – everything so I thought: why don’t I get my life-partner from TV too?”

The 16 contestants come from different backgrounds – from being a Crime Branch Officer in Jammu and Kashmir to a Vastu expert to an NRI from Toronto. And which one of these does Rakhi like? “I am confused” says Rakhi, “They all seem so good.”  aa..aa..aa that seems like the Rakhi Sawant we all know. The show as expected has thrown in some jolts and bolts with one of the contestants turning out to be married. eeesh; “I mentioned it in bio-data while applying” insists the man, “but was still cleared to take part.” We all know that, a small trick to make the heads turn! And it is working. Great Imaginings, team NDTV Imagine.

True Love is matter of Heart that cannot be gauged at first sight or in a couple of meetings. It is a feeling which begins with physical attraction and matures as mutual liking grows, a feeling that can only be time-tested. Some of the ex-contestants who were ready to do anything on the sets of the show to prove their love, have started to excoriate her in public accusing her of all sorts of things including partiality. Some have even gone on to confess that they were here for the “name, fame and money”. So much for true love!

Rakhi Sawant and NDTV Imagine have made a mockery of the sacred feeling of Love and tarnished the sanctity of the institution of marriage. Does she really believe that she can find a Heart in Reel life when she couldn’t in Real life?

The couple who realize these things will never have sexual union for the fulfillment of their lust, but only when they desire issue. I think it is the height of ignorance to believe that the sexual act is an independent function necessary like sleeping or eating. The world depends for its existence on the act of generation, and as the world is the play-ground of God and a reflection of His glory, the act of generation should be controlled for the ordered growth of the world. He who realizes this will control his lust at any cost, equip himself with the knowledge necessary for the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of his progeny, and give the benefit of that knowledge to posterity.”

–Mahatma Gandhi in his Autobiography,

“The Story of my Experiments with Truth.”

In a country already divided on the communal lines, there is a new divide. The divide on the basis of sexual-orientation. Homosexuals or Gays as they are popularly know, fighting for the right to have same-sex partners. But unlike other divides, this trespasses all religious boundaries. It has for once united people from different religion in what they call their “Fundamental Right” or a “Struggle for Social Equality.”

Delhi High court in a recent Landmark judgment with a far reaching outcome for the entire country, ordered the amendment of Section 377 of IPC – by decriminalizing private consensual sex between adults of the same sex.  But, is Homosexuality only a legal issue? What about social acceptance? Are we ready for a society were we say to our children “Mohan, they are Mr. and Mr. Verma’s Or say good evening to Mrs. and Mrs. Kapoor’s”? The bottom line simply being that, are we ready for a society were in our children are brought up to believe that a boy marrying a boy or a girl marrying a girl is natural?

Reacting to the Delhi High Court judgment, Archbishop of Karnataka, Fr Bernard Moras said “Homosexuality is animal behavior” further adding that “Anything that goes against Nature and divine Laws should not be encouraged.” Is Homosexuality an animal behavior? It is an undeniable fact that Homosexuality serves no purpose other than fulfilling ones carnal appetite. It does not in anyway help in procreation. Does that mean all heterosexual activity is aimed at procreation? Definitely not. How many people think of staring a family or continuing the generation as reason for sex? Not even 1%. It’s only for that too much to resist evil-pleasure and only pleasure!

All these answers only give rise to more questions. Why is it that some people find other people of the same gender more attractive? Is the answer as simple as why some people like Chinese food and some don’t? Is Homosexuality as rampant in Rural India as in Urban India? If yes then, is the fear of social stigma keeping the people from coming out in the open?

Finally, more than changing the Law, this struggle is about changing the society’s mindset towards Homosexuals. It is about changing a centuries-old belief that Homosexuality is evil, that it is unnatural. And it is not going to be an easy task. This whole struggle of social acceptance may demand a lot from the community including some sacrifices as is with all struggles. It requires the whole community to stand together as they have done brilliantly till now and fight for a right that they believe is rightfully theirs.