What fascinates me most about religion is different people’s reaction to it.

Plato famously said that what shapes human behaviour is desire, emotion and knowledge.

For decades, scientists have told us that religion is propagated purely by superstition stemming from ignorance. Many sociologists and psychologists alike believe that cultural evolution and the resultant conditioning are the underlying determinants of religion in any society. But surely, human emotion and desire play an equal, if not bigger, role in preserving religion’s position at the centre of human social existence.

Recently I spent 3 continuous days in the temple following a relative’s death. There were patterns in this temple that my observant eye just couldn’t ignore. Patterns which gave me clues to understanding why religion remains so firmly rooted in society.

The Innate Human Desire for Immortality

More than 60% of the people in the temple were Senior Citizens.
Surely some of this can be chalked up to the fact that they come from a different generation; from times when information was neither accurate nor as easily available. But the more I spoke to these people, the more I realized how desperately most of them cling to the belief that there is life after death.
The inability of the human mind to accept the fact that all of us will one day turn into ash and dust is the most fundamental instinct that keeps us believing in religion and superstition. And the closer you are to that inevitable moment, the more pull religion holds over you.

Investment in the Emotional Aspects of Life

It was the women in the temple hall who had tears in the eyes and it was the women who knew the words to all the hymns.
I couldn’t help thinking that if I were to discuss this observation with anyone the immediate response would be — women are inherently more superstitious and irrational; and hence more religious.
But I believe the underlying cause of women relating to religion is their highly developed emotional quotient. Women are also more invested in raising children and inculcating values in them. Most women who have experienced child birth call it ‘miraculous’ and associate this life-giving capability to God’s will.

Human Scope for Comprehension

The mysteries of life are beyond the scope of human comprehension because the human mind cannot process anything that we cannot directly observe. And therefore, the only way to rationalise what we don’t understand is Religion.
So does that mean if human civilization can successfully answer the question — how was the universe formed, we will be rid of religion? I believe not.
In those few moments when I closed my eyes and lost myself in the hymns & mantras, I experienced a calmness that is indescribable. For a few moments I was no longer trying to achieve anything, no longer trying to be observant or answer any questions.

Maybe people with diverse cultural backgrounds, conditioning and levels of education will always react differently when confronted with the great question of religious conviction; but Faith that helps us cope with the inevitability of losing loved ones, makes us want to be better people, or simply makes it easier for us to deal with the explained is what truly unites us all.

I have recently started working for a venture which involves me talking to young budding entrepreneurs in India on a daily basis. This has got me thinking about their stories — what has worked for some them, what hasn’t, and in general, what skills does the Indian market reward.

So, for what it’s worth, here is my two-pence on what any aspiring start-ups in India should keep in mind.

1. Don’t stray too far from your passions

The most successful start-ups are the ones who have stayed true to what they set out to do. If the goal is just make tonnes of money then there was no need to quit that high-paying plush consulting job.

Find out what it is you love to do and build a successful business around your passions and interests. Heart-made entrepreneurs are the kinds who are in it for the long haul.

2. Don’t look to re-invent the wheel all the time

Yes, we all look at Zomato and want to be that ‘unique’ Indian start-up that went global. But let’s face it, one of the biggest advantages of being an emerging economy is that we can take ideas that have worked across the Atlantic and bring them home.

Of course, we can add our own zing, personality and desiness to the idea! Look at Snapdeal (inspired by Amazon), Samosapedia (inspired by Urban Dictionary) and Careem (inspired by Uber) and many more. Sometimes all it takes is identifying that gap in the market.

3. Don’t be afraid to talk to people

One of the most surprising behaviour I noticed in Indian start-up owners was the hesitation in talking to people, because they are afraid their ideas will be copied! Come on guys, Silicon Valley wasn’t built on paranoia. Talk to your family and friends! Find mentors!

If you don’t have a conducive environment around you, then join an incubator or an accelerator.

4. Don’t quit your day job too soon

I absolutely believe that you have to give your business your 100%, but giving up your only source of income even before you have decided exactly what you want to do is not the best decision from my experience. There are too many 20-somethings in the country trying new ideas on a monthly basis.

Instead save money and explore a few ideas by discussing them with your friends and mentors, before you actually take the plunge and quit your day job to follow your dreams. Work on your ideas after work hours. Remember, the road is long and weary and every penny will count when the winter comes.

5. Go Hard or Go Home

This brings me to my last tip — work bloody hard. Remember most start-ups have a long gestation period, and even though VC funds in India are at an all-time high you will still need to bring the business up to a certain point before you get that funding.

Unless you have bags of cash from the Fam to start your own business; you will need to put in all-nighters, sacrifice your social life and replace beers with servers. You have to be absolutely certain you want to do this and dedicate your life to it. So be ready to work hard or stick to the 9 to 5!