Solar Eclipse

When I went for lunch at work today the office cafeteria was relatively empty, which was strange considering that I went at the peak hours. It was then that I remembered that today was the longest Annular solar eclipse of the century. There were very few people having lunch and most of the people were waiting for the solar eclipse to be over before they could eat lunch. One of the colleagues had in fact stuffed himself with heavy breakfast so that he does not feel hungry till 3:30 PM (when the eclipse would be finally over). It was strange to see so many highly educated people not realize the difference between faith and superstition.

A day before the eclipse most of the news channels in India had programs related to the eclipse. There were a variety of programs with guests\analysts from various fields on the TV - explaining the solar eclipse,how best to view it, how to prevent eyes from damage while viewing it and the last ones explaining the effect of the eclipse on the people.

Amidst all this there were some news channels telecasting the effect of social eclipse on the life of people. They had invited some self-styled know-it-all priests, numerologists and astrologers. The prime time discussion on the TV was informing people about how they can avert dangers arising in their zodiac signs because of the solar eclipse. This is irresponsible journalism in disguise of arguments like we-show-what-the-people-want-to-see.

While I do understand that in a democratic society people have the right to express their opinions and disagree with each other, I am all against some sections of the media blatantly propagating superstitions with such abandon. And these are TV channels with a sizable viewership in India.

By the by I did see the eclipse with a filter and it was one of the most wonderful sights I have ever seen. I pity those who were sitting inside their houses/workplaces-hungry and waiting for the eclipse to be over.