01-21-2005, 11:57 PM
Interesting op-ed in Pioneer, 21, Jan., 2005
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->The middle ground
SK Srivastava
Mr N Jamal Ansari's repeated outpourings are perhaps the periodic effluxes of unexpressed load of pre-Partition anger and his paranoia about "Hinduisation". His sole aim is to criticise the BJP and "Hindutva" and indirectly denigrate Hinduism by making comparative claims of Islamic superiority. He needs to know that majority of critics of the BJP's radical elements are Hindus themselves.
The BJP, notwithstanding its radicals, during its rule, brought speedy national progress by simultaneously upholding national integrity and enhancing the country's international prestige. Self seeking politicians, corruption and favouritism are common to all political parties. It is actually vote-bank politics that goads people to criticise the BJP. Therefore, any talk of our cultural, moral and spiritual values, although these are inherent to our tradition, is outrightly rejected by self-styled secularists. However, this is aimed at consolidating the Muslim vote-bank.
Unlike in the West where the ideal of secularism emerged during the 16th century, the concept of <b>"Ekam satya, vipra bahuda vadanti" (God is one, wise men call him by different names) is integral to the Indian culture.</b> Its society has always been a mosaic of cultural groups and religious communities with those persecuted in their homelands finding refuge here. Our nation has always provided a sense of security to minorities who not only practiced their religion but also propagated it. It was the colonial period which saw the creation of a communal rift.
Hinduism allows protests both within and outside its fold. Some broke out of the religious fold in their quest to reform and form a separate group and identity. Thus, it is its flexibility, the readiness to evolve with the times, introduce reforms and reassert itself after repeated onslaughts, which is the secret of its resilience. Hindu radicals have emerged as a reaction to those who claim religious superiority: "My God is better than yours" or "I am more tolerant than you". Thus, religion is exploited by self-styled secularists and radicals of other religions.
Mr Ansari always seems to come up with hackneyed arguments which are more often than not out of context and holds Hinduism responsible for anything concerning Muslims. He would do well to be less vituperative in his writings in order to maintain communal harmony. <b>He must make efforts to project 'Islam as a religion of peace and tolerance' by explaining the real aim of jihad. He should try to enlighten those among his community who have tarnished its image to ensure that it is spared of further damage. Indian Muslims are different from those living in other Muslim countries because they are inheritors of common Indian culture and tradition.</b>
<b>Unlike in the past, Indian Muslims have shown tremendous restraint in recent times by not getting disturbed with the happenings in distant Muslim countries. Given their changing attitudes to education and an urge to compete for employment, the awareness of the importance of family planning, a change in the orthodox mindset with protests against unilateral talaq, and the proposed changes in marriage laws, an air of change is palpable. </b>Mr Ansari must, therefore, engage himself more in activities that will help his community to move forward.
What is more, the existence of radicals is important to any society. They are intelligent, sensitive even though passionate individuals who do not respond easily to reason. In fact, if they did, they would cease to be radicals. They only need to be kept under check which Hindus know too well.
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->The middle ground
SK Srivastava
Mr N Jamal Ansari's repeated outpourings are perhaps the periodic effluxes of unexpressed load of pre-Partition anger and his paranoia about "Hinduisation". His sole aim is to criticise the BJP and "Hindutva" and indirectly denigrate Hinduism by making comparative claims of Islamic superiority. He needs to know that majority of critics of the BJP's radical elements are Hindus themselves.
The BJP, notwithstanding its radicals, during its rule, brought speedy national progress by simultaneously upholding national integrity and enhancing the country's international prestige. Self seeking politicians, corruption and favouritism are common to all political parties. It is actually vote-bank politics that goads people to criticise the BJP. Therefore, any talk of our cultural, moral and spiritual values, although these are inherent to our tradition, is outrightly rejected by self-styled secularists. However, this is aimed at consolidating the Muslim vote-bank.
Unlike in the West where the ideal of secularism emerged during the 16th century, the concept of <b>"Ekam satya, vipra bahuda vadanti" (God is one, wise men call him by different names) is integral to the Indian culture.</b> Its society has always been a mosaic of cultural groups and religious communities with those persecuted in their homelands finding refuge here. Our nation has always provided a sense of security to minorities who not only practiced their religion but also propagated it. It was the colonial period which saw the creation of a communal rift.
Hinduism allows protests both within and outside its fold. Some broke out of the religious fold in their quest to reform and form a separate group and identity. Thus, it is its flexibility, the readiness to evolve with the times, introduce reforms and reassert itself after repeated onslaughts, which is the secret of its resilience. Hindu radicals have emerged as a reaction to those who claim religious superiority: "My God is better than yours" or "I am more tolerant than you". Thus, religion is exploited by self-styled secularists and radicals of other religions.
Mr Ansari always seems to come up with hackneyed arguments which are more often than not out of context and holds Hinduism responsible for anything concerning Muslims. He would do well to be less vituperative in his writings in order to maintain communal harmony. <b>He must make efforts to project 'Islam as a religion of peace and tolerance' by explaining the real aim of jihad. He should try to enlighten those among his community who have tarnished its image to ensure that it is spared of further damage. Indian Muslims are different from those living in other Muslim countries because they are inheritors of common Indian culture and tradition.</b>
<b>Unlike in the past, Indian Muslims have shown tremendous restraint in recent times by not getting disturbed with the happenings in distant Muslim countries. Given their changing attitudes to education and an urge to compete for employment, the awareness of the importance of family planning, a change in the orthodox mindset with protests against unilateral talaq, and the proposed changes in marriage laws, an air of change is palpable. </b>Mr Ansari must, therefore, engage himself more in activities that will help his community to move forward.
What is more, the existence of radicals is important to any society. They are intelligent, sensitive even though passionate individuals who do not respond easily to reason. In fact, if they did, they would cease to be radicals. They only need to be kept under check which Hindus know too well.
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->