Sacred Dot on the forehead!

Had to attend a meeting with one of our clients about some of our down south ventures at work. Meeting was proceeding quite well or so I thought since I was half tuned off and nodding my head. When the all important person (our client half white man) says “ Santhoshi need to tell you something please don’t feel insulted”

Me : (thinking oh damn he knows I am not listening to anything he is talking, but quickly give a smile) “No sir what is it?” ( My voice must have given away that I was utterly worried how he was going to insult me)

Client : You should not take it personally

My office manager was utterly thrilled and was sniggering happily. I was bit embarrassed cause I really did not would not like being shouted at. Especially in front of my colleagues.

Me : Its ok please go ahead

Client : I am not insulting you or your beliefs but it’s a request please don’t wear the dot in your forehead. This is important when you are handling my part of the region. Hope you understand.

Me : (dumbstruck for once just nodded my head) Mhem

Well I was not really insulted or worried cause in a day to day basis I wear the dot / pottu when I feel like it. Of course I would not go in front of my parents or in laws without it. I do have a habit of not wearing it when I go out. My mom scolds me all the time if she catches me without it. I know it’s not right but I have a habit of taking it off when I approach a security point.

Well the true fact is all married Hindu women are supposed to wear it in red color. But these days to keep up with fashion everyone wears different bling bling stuff. I never wore it to school, now my daughter hardly wears it either unless it’s some festival. But I know all the older women in my family would have felt insulted if someone told them not to wear a pottu.

Have a friend who had the nerve to tell me why u don’t wear a pottu, you should do so shows that you are a Tamil. Ya right my foot! He would never dare to tell his wife to wear one even to the temple.

A widow once told me you don’t know how lucky you are you should wear a pottu all the time. She knows the importance of it since she can’t wear it.

Maybe I am taking things for granted wearing it when I wish. Taking it off for convenience! So next time I head off to the south, will I be wearing the sacred dot on my forehead? Probably Not!!