November 4, 2006Karan Thapar , Hindustan TimesAugust 30, 2008First Published: 23:19 IST(30/8/2008)Last Updated: 23:59 IST(30/8/2008)
Who's the real Hindu?
Who's the real Hindu?
Does the VHP have the right to speak for you or I? Do they reflect ourviews? Do we endorse their behaviour? They call themselves the Vishwa HinduParishad, but who says they represent all of us? This Sunday morning, I wantto draw a clear line of distinction between them and everyone else. My hunchis many of you will agree.
Let me start with the question of conversion - an issue that greatlyexercises the VHP. I imagine there are hundreds of millions of Hindus whoare peaceful, tolerant, devoted to their faith, but above all, happy to live alongside Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Jews. If any oneof us were to change our faith how does it affect the next man or woman? Andeven if that happens with inducements, it can only prove that the forsakenfaith had a tenuous and shallow hold. So why do the VHP and its unruly stormtroopers, the Bajrang Dal, froth at the mouth if you, I or our neighboursconvert? What is it to do with them?
Let me put it bluntly, even crudely. If I want to sell my soul - and tradein my present gods for a new lot - why shouldn't I? Even if the actdiminishes me in your eyes, it's my right to do so. So if thousands or evenmillions of Dalits, who have been despised and ostracised for generations, choose to become Christian, Buddhist or Muslim, either to escape thediscrimination of their Hindu faith or because some other has lured themwith food and cash, it's their right.
Arguably you may believe you should ask them to reconsider, although I wouldcall that interference, but you certainly have no duty or right to stopthem. In fact, I doubt if you are morally correct in even seeking to placeobstacles in their way. The so-called Freedom of Religion Acts, which aim todo just that, are, in fact, tantamount to obstruction of conversion laws andtherefore, at the very least, questionable.
However, what's even worse is how the VHP responds to this matter.Periodically they resort to violence including outright murder. Whathappened to Graham Staines in Orissa was not unique. Last week it happenedagain. Apart from the utter and contemptible criminality of such behaviour,is this how we Hindus wish to behave? Is this how we want our faithdefended? Is this how we want to be seen? I have no doubt the answer is no.An unequivocal, unchanging and ever-lasting NO!
The only problem is it can't be heard. And it needs to be. I thereforebelieve the time has come for the silent majority of Hindus - both those who ardently practice their faith as well as those who were born into it but maynot be overtly religious or devout - to speak out. We cannot accept thedesecration of churches, the burning to death of innocent caretakers oforphanages, the storming of Christian and Muslim hamlets even if these actsare allegedly done in defence of our faith. Indeed, they do not defend butshame Hinduism. That's my central point.
I'm sorry but when I read that the VHP has ransacked and killed I'm not just embarrassed, I feel ashamed. Never of being hindu but of what some Hindus doin our shared faith's name.
This is why its incumbent on Naveen Patnaik, Orissa's Chief Minister, totake tough, unremitting action against the VHP and its junior wing, theBajrang Dal. This is a test not just of his governance, but of hischaracter. And I know and accept this could affect his political survival.But when it's a struggle between your commitment to your principles and yourpolitical convenience is there room for choice? For ordinary politicians,possibly, but for the Naveen I know, very definitely not.
So let me end by saying: I'm waiting, Naveen. In fact, I want to say I'mnot alone. There are hundreds of millions of Hindus, like you and me,waiting silently - but increasingly impatiently. Please act for all of us.
Let me start with the question of conversion - an issue that greatlyexercises the VHP. I imagine there are hundreds of millions of Hindus whoare peaceful, tolerant, devoted to their faith, but above all, happy to live alongside Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Jews. If any oneof us were to change our faith how does it affect the next man or woman? Andeven if that happens with inducements, it can only prove that the forsakenfaith had a tenuous and shallow hold. So why do the VHP and its unruly stormtroopers, the Bajrang Dal, froth at the mouth if you, I or our neighboursconvert? What is it to do with them?
Let me put it bluntly, even crudely. If I want to sell my soul - and tradein my present gods for a new lot - why shouldn't I? Even if the actdiminishes me in your eyes, it's my right to do so. So if thousands or evenmillions of Dalits, who have been despised and ostracised for generations, choose to become Christian, Buddhist or Muslim, either to escape thediscrimination of their Hindu faith or because some other has lured themwith food and cash, it's their right.
Arguably you may believe you should ask them to reconsider, although I wouldcall that interference, but you certainly have no duty or right to stopthem. In fact, I doubt if you are morally correct in even seeking to placeobstacles in their way. The so-called Freedom of Religion Acts, which aim todo just that, are, in fact, tantamount to obstruction of conversion laws andtherefore, at the very least, questionable.
However, what's even worse is how the VHP responds to this matter.Periodically they resort to violence including outright murder. Whathappened to Graham Staines in Orissa was not unique. Last week it happenedagain. Apart from the utter and contemptible criminality of such behaviour,is this how we Hindus wish to behave? Is this how we want our faithdefended? Is this how we want to be seen? I have no doubt the answer is no.An unequivocal, unchanging and ever-lasting NO!
The only problem is it can't be heard. And it needs to be. I thereforebelieve the time has come for the silent majority of Hindus - both those who ardently practice their faith as well as those who were born into it but maynot be overtly religious or devout - to speak out. We cannot accept thedesecration of churches, the burning to death of innocent caretakers oforphanages, the storming of Christian and Muslim hamlets even if these actsare allegedly done in defence of our faith. Indeed, they do not defend butshame Hinduism. That's my central point.
I'm sorry but when I read that the VHP has ransacked and killed I'm not just embarrassed, I feel ashamed. Never of being hindu but of what some Hindus doin our shared faith's name.
This is why its incumbent on Naveen Patnaik, Orissa's Chief Minister, totake tough, unremitting action against the VHP and its junior wing, theBajrang Dal. This is a test not just of his governance, but of hischaracter. And I know and accept this could affect his political survival.But when it's a struggle between your commitment to your principles and yourpolitical convenience is there room for choice? For ordinary politicians,possibly, but for the Naveen I know, very definitely not.
So let me end by saying: I'm waiting, Naveen. In fact, I want to say I'mnot alone. There are hundreds of millions of Hindus, like you and me,waiting silently - but increasingly impatiently. Please act for all of us.
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