It quickly dawned that just a cursory glance, a half-hearted attempt would not do. The only chance of any success would depend on being open to the full weight of evidence. If I was afraid of being proved wrong and even more afraid of having to make changes in my life, my quest was doomed even before it began. Of course, being open and fair under such circumstances was easier said than done, yet I could not make that an excuse for not trying.

So I made a choice -- to start where the ground was level; taking the place of a common person ‘on the street’ and facing the myriad voices without my ‘emperor’s clothes’ on. The dilemma notwithstanding, I felt I had made a beginning. But would I be able to maintain that atmosphere for the whole venture?

Whether I managed to do that, you be the judge. I am willing to acknowledge the inroads that bias, intolerance and narrow-mindedness can make into my professedly ‘open’ mind. Now, before you get tempted to judge me hastily, pause for a moment. Remember, nobody on earth has risen free of these. Nobody. Bias and intolerance are rampant and found among well-respected individuals too. So please hold your verdict for later and when it has to be given, let it be with understanding and empathy. Have I asked for too much?

So now come, let’s plan to go on this journey together. If I prove to be an unworthy companion, the solution is simple – just drop the book! But if you agree that ‘give and take’ is integral to life, respect and honesty can peacefully co-exist, and differing views need not spawn rancor or hostility, I invite you to COME SEARCH WITH ME. After all, how pleasant and enjoyable can a journey get without fellow–travelers and companions!