Her name has been doing the rounds, mainly, for all the wrong reasons. Rehana Fathima, who made an attempt to enter the hill shrine in Sabarimala, has been hogging the limelight, both in mainstream and social media, for the past few days. For many, Rehana is a nemesis, but for others she is a weapon to be wielded for some gain. People might be grumbling at the presence of police officers at her house for security. But some had a word of appreciation for what she did, says Rehana.
The decision to visit the Sabarimala temple was not taken in a jiffy after the Supreme Court allowed entry of women of all ages into the hilltop temple, she said.
Rehana doesn’t harbour any ill-feeling against people who are holding press meets to chide and rebuke her, and those who want to take her to court. But as she puts it philosophically, the time will come for everyone to perceive the reality.
Excerpts from an interview:
Contents of Irumudikettu?
I have great clarity about the holy contents of the Irumudikettu, and my scared bundle (irumudikettu) also had things that should be carried to the holy shrine. I don’t have anything to say against politicians who make statements based on hearsay. It will be a futile attempt to put sense into people who think that women mean napkins, menstruation and sex. That’s why I responded with my silence. Some alleged that there were oranges and apples in my Irumudikettu.
Knowledge about Sabarimala’s sacredness
Those who are up in arms against me may not be aware of my quest to learn Hindu religion. When I come out of the religion I am born into, I make earnest efforts to study other religions and live accordingly. I was born into and raised in a Muslim family, but I am learning about other religions out of my personal interest. My partner is a Hindu, and I am aware of Hindu religion’s tradition and ritualistic values.
So, you observed fast?
Definitely. I abstained from all that should be avoided during fasting. I don’t know on what basis people are making wild allegations that I used to drink, eat meat and dance. Some said that I danced chanting 'Saranam ayyappa'. I undertook the holy trek with purity of mind and body. It was my long-cherished desire to visit the temple. I embarked on the holy trip with the hope that my dream will be realised following the apex court's order.
Photos on Facebook
It was an impulsive reaction to the Supreme Court order. My mode of communication, as a model, is my body. But there are some ‘devotees’ who found something sexually offensive in the photos I posted. This is our bane. My body was the medium when I was part of the traditional pulikali.
The recent transfers...
It is learnt that the job transfer is for my safety. I am quite satisfied with the explanation given for my transfers. First the (BSNL) officials told me that I was transferred to Ravipuram and now I came to know that I was shifted to Palarivattom. Either way I am happy. But a ‘bigger transfer’ is on the anvil, and that will make my adversaries ecstatic. So, I am not revealing it for the time being.
Association with BJP leader K Surendran
I like to clear air on that. My association with Surendran has been cooked up by a person who had vengeance against me. I gave a police statement against that person, who was once my friend, in connection with an online sex racket case.
There were even allegations that I was the second wife of Surendran. But all these don’t matter as I don’t know Surendran in person.
Future plans
Is it possible to chalk a schedule for staging protests against mosque, church and Gurdwara? There are some who ask questions on such lines. My outlook and reactions creep out of certain developments. I will be there where justice is denied. There were also attempts to close my Facebook account, and I have only things to say that no one can silence me.
