Respect emanates out of the heart, soul, mind and similar other places; footwear, under such circumstances, is out of the question. This comes into evidence when people offer flowers, garlands and petals to statues, busts and portraits of highly respectable and immortal personalities who have stood the tests of unending time with their deeds in various domains of expanding pursuits.
Committing the error of not following this dictum knowingly or otherwise (the latter case is obviously more pertinent), is unpardonable, no matter how much pardon is sought after the glitch has been committed. Shoes, slippers, sandals (and even floaters) are stern “no-no” when one offers prayers and flowers to great souls who have left their imprints for the prosperity of mankind.
This whole issue of offering respects with footwear on, turned into a storm of sorts as recently as on March 3, on the occasion of Founder’s Day when dignitaries solemnly walked up to the statue of JN Tata to offer flowers and their respects to the visionary who had added layers of dimension to the concept of industrialization.
The onlookers moved forward towards the dais to have a closer look at the personalities. Their eyes rambled from head to foot ‘of the people of the moment’ and it was at one such juncture that some were caught on the wrong feet. Fortunately, however, most dignitaries had their footwears off as they offered their floral tributes. But some truant eyes nailed their sights on some feet with footwear on. It was not a sight in passing. It was a discovery that was beyond the realms of ethics. The slip was certainly showing.
The issue has become a talking point and it might or might not take time to simmer down. But the deed has been done. The personalities at the wrong end of this slip-up may now be biting their tongues and regretting their mistake which was hopefully not deliberate.
After all, there are other platforms where designer footwear can be displayed.
