Why I am not a Bhagat Singh kind of atheist

For those of us who don't follow a religion, this period between Durga Pujo-Dussehra and Kali Pujo-Diwali is a peaceful time. As an atheist who doesn't practice, I don't have any issues with people believing in a divine power. It would have been wonderful for me to believe in an all-knowing entity, but it's not something I can learn from Harvard Business School.

I am not alone in my atheism, and it should not worry or threaten anyone. We live in a divided world, but our differences are more about taste than beliefs. My love for the Hera Pheri movie franchise, admiration for El Greco paintings, and fondness for custard pie-fights are all the same reason why some people dislike them. I am not a Bhagat Singh kind of atheist, and I am not part of the Hindu right's newest appropriation.

I find joy in religious rituals without having to accept the whole package, just like I enjoy great stories in Modesty Blaise, Feluda, and Batman despite knowing they are not real.