<b>While I do not agree wth most of the views expressed by Pathma on the Dalit issue, we should not disallow him or discourage him from posting in this forum simply because he is part of the diaspora and lives in malaysia. He has travelled much in Iindia and we welcome his intense interest in matters pertaining to Hinduism.He if course has his own prejudices which are irrational imo but that is his prerogative.
So i ask that we do not use the argument that a Hindu lives elsewhwere and has therefore no right to comment on Indian conditions. It is one of my aims in IF to underline all that is unifying in the weltanschuung (Darshana) of the Hindus. It is unfortunate that lately Pathma has chosen to emphasize issues that divide rather than Unify. It is my contention that as far as the Dalits are concerned we all wish them well so that they will not feel compelled to refer themselves as dalits. Contrary to the viewpoint oft expressed by Pathma, the vast majority of those who are not dalits do walk the talk in myriad different ways to make this happen. Unfortunately every change in India takes time and happens at a glacial pace.</b>
So i ask that we do not use the argument that a Hindu lives elsewhwere and has therefore no right to comment on Indian conditions. It is one of my aims in IF to underline all that is unifying in the weltanschuung (Darshana) of the Hindus. It is unfortunate that lately Pathma has chosen to emphasize issues that divide rather than Unify. It is my contention that as far as the Dalits are concerned we all wish them well so that they will not feel compelled to refer themselves as dalits. Contrary to the viewpoint oft expressed by Pathma, the vast majority of those who are not dalits do walk the talk in myriad different ways to make this happen. Unfortunately every change in India takes time and happens at a glacial pace.</b>