Ratika Jain

My father had refused to believe it; he may still be in denial. I was about fifteen years old when I finally gathered up the courage to tell my father that I'm an atheist, that I don't believe in God or idol worship or after-life and the like. That was the only time I ever tried. I lowered my head and apologised for being myself, “I’m sorry, Dad, but it’s true.” He just stood there for a second, then smiled and said, "Beta, don't lie, you know that's a sin." His response muffled my voice once and for all. In many countries, being a 'non-believer' is highly stigmatized or even illegal, so people tend to hide their lack of faith; like I used to. Sometimes, it's just easier (saves you from being "that child", becoming a reason for your "failed" parents' embarrassment) and sometimes it's safer that way (atheists in some Muslim-majority countries face persecution, severe penalties or even capital punishments – commonl