We often form notions and perceptions about people, places, or things.
Sometimes, they get formed after due diligence or experiences we have. Sometimes, without so, based only on hearsay.
These past few days, as I spent time in Kashmir on a holiday, I realised the false notions and perceptions a lot of us Indians hold about the region.
For those who don't know, Kashmir has been a troubled part of India, with disputes running since the country's independence. Off late, it had become infamous for terrorist activities and anti-establishment echoes.
While the situation has improved considerably and people are again returning in droves to this tourist heaven, the long held notions and perceptions haven't changed much.
It was not surprising for me to note the same hospitality I had received in the state when I had visited it fifteen years back. But as I talked with my brother, for whom this was also his second visit, the feeling reverberated and that re-affirmed my thoughts.
Contrary to perception, most people in the valley are peace loving and cooperative. People here are genuine, well mostly. And they are very hospitable.
As I thought about my experience and the contrary nature to the notion most of us have, I realised that we make this mistake many a times in our daily lives.
We often accept what others perceive or tell us, without enough fact checking on our side. We follow the majority opinion, not wanting to be that one contrarian. We form our own notions based on someone else's experience.
I have made these mistakes many a times. There have been times when thankfully I have been able to identify and correct that mistake. But I am sure there are many more such mistakes I don't know about.
What if I start applying myself to understand a point of view better and without any bias always? What if I start to form any notions only after careful considerations?
I do think I will be a better person. And hopefully I will have the right perspective on those people, places, or things…
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