The mayhem in Orissa

The tragic events in Orissa reminded me of something that happened in 1986 on the eve of the Pope’s arrival in Kerala. I was present at a discussion about the impact the visit could have on the different religious groups in the State. There was apprehension that protests might be organized on the contention that the Pontiff’s trip would adversely affect the Hindu interests and feelings.

One middle aged Nair gentleman concluded the dialogue by saying that Hinduism was not a weak entity that could be damaged by the visit of a Pope. He knew the strength of Hinduism. It is a religion or a way of life that is built on solid theological basis. Jesus Christ is believed to have told His chief disciple, ‘Peter, you are the rock on which I shall build my Church’. The wisdom of the Rishis, and the Vedantas form the indestructible foundation of Hinduism.

History stands witness to this. India has been ruled by the Moghuls and the mighty British. The Portuguese, the Dutch and the French dominated pockets in the country for long periods. In spite of all these, Hinduism survived.

Some people claim to be apprehensive about the future of Hinduism. Do they really believe that there is a genuine threat to the religion? In Orissa, out of the 36.7 million people, 94.35% are Hindus. This includes 5.1 million Dalits and 7 million plus Adivasis; they are the underprivileged.

Most of the Dalits and Adivasis live in abject poverty and backwardness. Reportedly, there are instances of them being denied entry into temples. It is doubtful whether they are accepted as true Hindus by the savarnas (upper class). It would appear that the Christian missionaries are mostly working among these oppressed people.

Uplifting the downtrodden through education and other means often pose problems to the vested interests. When the Portuguese were converting low castes in Kerala in the 17th century, protests arose from the upper caste Hindus and Christians. There was nothing religious about that. It caused inconvenience, economically and otherwise, to the savarnas because conversion released avarnas (lower class) from their caste obligations. (See History of conversions to Christianity in Kerala – an overview )

Another significant point is that the Christians, not Muslims, are the second largest religious congregation in Orissa, though their strength is only about 620,000. The Muslim population is even less, and rather subdued. It is the Christians who provide education and other amenities to the backward people, thereby empowering them.

Affiliation to any particular religion is not a prerequisite to be a citizen of India. That is what secularism is all about. And, any citizen of India is free to do what he wants within the bounds of law. That is what democracy means, what the Constitution guarantees. Again, it is the job of the government to enforce law, not that of a citizen or a group. That is known as the rule of law.

Any one who breaks the law should be brought to book. This includes erring missionaries, bogus god men and people who indulge in arson and murder for whatever cause. Those responsible for the killing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader and his four aides last Saturday, whether Naxals or Christians, should be arrested and prosecuted without delay. The same should apply to those who indulged in criminal activities since then. That is the duty of the government.

We have an ancient civilization. Every Indian should be proud of that. But what is happening in Orissa today is making a mockery of our heritage and traditional values.

Very sad indeed!

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Projecting the right image of India abroad

Justice Syriac Joseph, a Catholic from Kerala, who was till recently the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, is being sworn in as a Justice of the Supreme Court of India today. This elevation has come as no surprise to those who know the eminent judge. Also, it is another proof that in India, a citizen can go right to the top irrespective of his caste or creed. That is the greatness of this country of ours.

Do some Indians in other countries forget this? I am reminded of an interview published in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel some time back. It was given by a professionally, financially and politically successful doctor of Indian origin. The man reportedly said that minorities in India live under a glass roof and that the Christians, Muslims and Jews of that country go nowhere. The doctor is the son of a Protestant missionary [from India] according to a note accompanying the interview.

I don’t know who this man is. But I felt very bad at what he had said. He is apparently an important person in his community and his words would have caused a wrong impression about India among the readers of the newspaper which carried the interview.

Several members of the communities the Indian American doctor mentioned have held very important positions in India. These include RAW Chief, Commanders of the Defense Forces, Chief Ministers, Central Ministers, Political leaders, Governors, and Presidents. And they were/are from different parts of the country. I wonder whether there is any other country which can claim such tolerance.

Incidentally, the same Sun-Sentinel, on May 12, 2008, wrote in detail about a person fitting the description of the doctor in this story being charged with insider trading by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. I came across this information today while checking before starting to write this. Of course, it is only a charge, and will be fought out in the courts of law.

The point is, in my opinion, People of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Indians traveling abroad should always try to project the right image of India.

Ends.

Also see:

Great soldiers never die…

Syrian Christians (Nazranis) of Kerala: Some interesting customs