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“I remember as a child, I was fascinated with incidents that cannot be explained or understood,” says the explorer.“I believe in the power of hope and belief – I have the heart of a believer and the mind of a sceptic.” “I believe in a spiritual life,” affirms Flavia who researched Hinduism while studying. “Right from the time of Joan of Arc, there have been remarkable women who have defied men, church and politics. I think that it is important that individual beliefs are protected and maintained.” Flavia believes that for miracles to happen and be witnessed, people’s hearts have to be opened. In “Miracle Quest”, a new documentary series that embarks on a personal quest of discovery, which she hosts on Star World, she asserts that doubt is not the opposite of religion.

POWER OF BELIEF A scene from Miracle Quest and, right, Flavia, the show’s host

“It is important to ask questions rather than take words or beliefs as they are. It is necessary to read and investigate rather than listen to religious leaders who are just taking advantage of the people.”

About whether the very idea of miracles being a thing of the past, that they don’t happen today, she says, “More miracles were recorded in the past. But now with science versus religion, people have dispelled all beliefs about miracles. Miracles could occur anywhere – right around the block. Miracles do happen – it’s up to us to notice them or not.” She also feels they are not “lofty or supernatural”. “Miracles inspire and do more for people. If it makes people feel more loving or inspiring and make them better persons, does it matter if they (miracles) are true or not?” She believes that miracles transcend the world and bring God down to earth.

But on the other hand, Flavia is alarmed by fundamentalism which is “a perversion of religion”. “Religions are now preaching fear and intolerance rather than what’s given in the great texts – grace, love, inclusion and tolerance. They just make a lot of noise and put down other faiths.” She says, “At Lourdes in France, there were 60,000 regular people from all faiths – not just Christians – who wanted to see the site where Virgin Mary appeared. I find that miracles bring together people of all beliefs – Hindus, Muslims, atheists – to experience a universal special and sacred feeling.”

A. M.

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