Meera Nanda Proudly Struts her Ignorance
Wednesday, 8. April 2009 - 7:28 PM
Preface
Perhaps it takes only a Meera Nanda to have the guts to strut her ignorance with such confidence. It took me a few days to digest what she actually wants to say. At the least, it is intellectually dishonest to criticize something without reading and comprehending it. I re-read this rather arrogant piece a few times in full. [Thanks to reader Amit for forwarding the link to her piece. ]
In the end, my initial consternation culminated in great amusement.
She has guts because no serious scholar would attempt to write anything on the same subject after being decimated so thoroughly by a person like Koenraad Elst. Elst’s masterly dissection runs to about 30 printed pages, completely worth reading with not a single wasted or frivolous word.
This rather lengthy preface was necessary because while I cannot dream of equalling Elst, it’s my duty to acknowledge the amazing foundation he provides for my piece.
Meera Nanda’s present article is the “full text of the introduction” to her forthcoming book, The God Market: How Globalization is making India more Hindu. The introduction says a lot but actually says nothing. More accurately, it says the same things that fossilized Indian Marxists and ailing secularists have said for more than six decades. Only, it couches it in a framework of contemporary times and phenomena. It also gifts us a jolly new term. It also, further, suffers from the same potomania that characterizes Marxist writings: a glaring paucity of clear thought and a tendency to use a thousand words instead of one.
Her chief “arguments” run thus:
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Hindu nationalism is by definition an evil that should be defeated (more correctly, “Hinduism” is by definition evil)
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India’s current prosperity has unleashed the latent hunger for a world-superpower status
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This prosperity owes to globalization, and the latent hunger for superpowerdom is essentially a Hindu hunger, which was present for millennia.
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Thanks to continued prosperity, this hunger is being fed by an evil axis that threatens to undermine the Indian society (as we shall see)
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Globalization has, and continues to make India more “Hindu,” which is bad for the entire subcontinent’s well-being.
The Origins of Ignorance
The title of Meera Nanda’s book is quite revealing: The God Market: How Globalization is making India more Hindu. It presupposes that a “more Hindu” India is somehow bad. But let me lay it straight: Meera Nanda is a Hindu-hater. I’ll let Koenraad Elst speak:
There are more points in Ms. Nanda’s paper which are worthy of further discussion, but for now I will conclude with an observation on what seems to be her sincere declaration of interest. Among the points that “worry” her, she mentions this as the final one: “The more prominence Hinduism gets abroad, even for wrong reasons like the new age and paganism, the more prestige it gains in India.”
Here, she really lays her cards on the table. It is very good that, unlike many other “secularists”, she does not try to be clever and claim to speak for “true Hinduism” against a “distorted Hinduism” of the Hindu revivalists. Instead, she clearly targets Hinduism itself, deploring any development which might make Hinduism “gain prestige”. Let us see if I can translate that correctly: wanting something or someone to suffer rather than to prosper is what we call “hate”. She hates Hinduism, and her academic work is written in the service of that hate. [Ed: Formatted]
Nanda’s blog post is an extended version of that hatred, and her book, a more voluminous version. But what is really amazing is her supreme confidence in the abysmal ignorance of the thing that she hates. A child that is scared of darkness at least has an adult for reassurance. Perhaps Meera’s venom is the result of a lack of that reassurance.
She begins her piece with a “us versus them” question.
India had its own “why do they hate us?” moment after the city of Mumbai came under attack in late November 2008 by a bunch of gunmen with links to terrorist outfits based in Pakistan…George Bush famously explained the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States: Islamic terrorists hate us because we are good and they are evil; we are free and democratic and they hate freedom and democracy. Some took this rhetoric even further and argued that we are good, free and democratic because we are a Hindu nation, and the Islamists hate us because we are Hindus.
This us-them divide was further linked to globalization, a word that got bandied about a great deal in the aftermath of Mumbai attack. Pakistanis hate us, many argued in India, because we are winning in the global economy, while they are a bunch of sore losers bent upon dimming the bright glow of our economic miracle. The terror attacks were seen as a conspiracy meant to destroy the confidence of global investors, slow down or even reverse the outsourcing of IT and other jobs to India, and stop the foreign tourists from coming.
All these analyses are only partially true but are more notable for their lack of a sense of history. India’s “why do they hate us” moment began when the Arabs came knocking on our doors at Sindh and began converting and/or cleansing the Kaffirs. Pakistan is actually an ugly manifestation of that “why do they hate us.” But let’s let that go and examine what Nanda terms as her “thesis.”
It is the thesis of this book that the growing liberalization and globalization of the Indian economy is not only compatible with, but is actually contributing to the growth of a virulent form of political Hinduism which is as wedded to the project of politicizing and universalizing a Hindu (or “Vedic”) worldview, as the Islamists and Christian fundamentalists are to maximizing the influence of their own respective faith traditions.
Yawwwnn…say something new baby. But she’s on a ground we’re quite familiar with: assuming a symmetry between Hinduism and desert cults. Desert cults are by definition intolerant. You need to really think from another bodily orifice to impute symmetry between the two. Sanatana Dharma subserves politics at the altar of Dharma while desert cults are merely garbs for a power hungry imperialism. Because I have to live up to my reputation, I’ll go ahead and say that the more influential Hinduism is the better it is for world harmony, peace, prosperity, and oneness. Besides, it is interesting how Nanda never bothers to define these terms: virulent form of political Hinduism, politicizing and universalizing a Hindu worldview. They’re important if she wants to be taken seriously. She understandably doesn’t define them because she’s ignorant of them. If she knew what the Hindu worldview was, she’d have never written tripe like this. And so she persists in piling folly upon folly.
This emphasis on everyday Hinduism stems from the fundamental assumption this book is based upon, namely, popular Hinduism is the soil in which the tree of Hindu nationalism is rooted, and Hindu gods, rituals and sacred texts are the nutrients that keep it growing. Hindu gods, myths and rituals by themselves have no necessary or inherent link to nationalism , or any -ism at all, including Hinduism itself, which some have argued is a modern invention. But they serve as readily available and dearly cherished cultural resources for mobilizing Hindu supremacist passions among the masses. As the national history, culture and destiny of India gets to be told and ritually enacted — over and over again, everyday — through the medium of Hindu gods and goddesses, the line between the worship of God and the worship of the nation is getting fainter by the day. India is not only witnessing a resurgence of popular religiosity, this religiosity is becoming indistinct from national and even civilizational self-glorification that openly demonizes Muslims and Christians and often verges on hubris. Backed by nuclear bombs and an ever-growing arsenal of sophisticated weapons, this hubris can spell disaster for the entire subcontinent.
Yay! There, now we have another definitionless variant: popular Hinduism. This is followed by yet another liberal dose of ignorance. So if Hindu gods, myths, etc are not linked to nationalism, why is Bharata Mata worshipped as a Hindu Goddess? Or why do our myths, stories, and even historical poesies give calls to protect the sacred land of Bharatavarsha? The point about Hinduism as a modern invention is yet another mischievous device designed to obfuscate and mislead than clarify. Here’s a living, unbroken tradition of 5000 years that’s labelled as a modern invention. However, the right question to ask is this: what aspect of Hinduism is a “modern invention (sic)?” I cannot assume what Nanda hasn’t said. However, I’d place my bet on articles like the one written by phony intellectuals like Pankaj Mishra. Mishra’s scribblus ignominus (pardon and ignore my Latin) is pompously titled The Invention of the Hindu , where he postulates that
Hinduism is largely a fiction, formulated in the 18th and 19th centuries out of a multiplicity of sub-continental religions, and enthusiastically endorsed by Indian modernisers. Unlike Muslims, Hindus have tended to borrow more than reject, and it has now been reconfigured as a global rival to the big three monotheisms. In the process, it has abandoned the tradition of toleration which lie in its true origins.
If these are Meera Nanda’s sources of knowledge, it is unsurprising that she writes what she writes. I have deliberately refrained from attributing any ideological motive that backs her writing because I’m unaware of any. But ignorance doesn’t need ideology. It simply is. But then Meera Nanda doesn’t bother with such trivialities. She is on a mission to “prove” how Hinduism’s self-assertion “spells disaster for the entire subcontinent,” logic be damned.
Meera Nanda Designs a Lexicon
In Meera Nanda’s smoke-filled world, Hindu self-assertion is abetted by wealthy, powerful, and dangerous forces. These forces have apparently pervaded every sphere of the Indian society. Additionally, they supposedly act on different levels. Only a genius of her caliber can deduce something like this but she has a new term for this. As much as it may sound incredible, here it is: state-temple-corporate complex . Here’s what it means:
The book will provide concrete evidence for the growing Hinduization of a whole variety of institutions run by the four-sided public-private collaboration we call the state-temple-corporate complex (or STCC for short)
I’m unable to decide if this is Meera Nanda’s gift to the English dictionary or whether she has coined her own dictionary. This term reeks of the same stale stink of Marxism. In their heydays, Indian Marxists coined new terms to mostly denounce anybody who they couldn’t defeat logically. They invented new words to also explain what they couldn’t explain in English. Meera Nanda treads the same path. If anything, this STCC mumbo jumbo exists only in her imagination. But as we know, the reality is just the opposite: the state systematically loots Hindu temples, denigrates Hindu institutions, and Gods, and dozes as Hindu leaders are murdered, and issues fatwas to the corporate sector.
A cursory, state-wise assessment of the actual state of Hindus and Hinduism is sufficient to prove that Meera Nanda is smoking illegal narcotics.
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Andhra Pradesh: Aggressive Evangelization, attempt to subvert the sanctity of Tirupathi and Tirumala. Attempted state takeover of temple lands in East Godavari district. Heavily divided along caste lines.
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Karnataka: Aggressive Evangelization with a record rate of conversions in the last 3-5 years. State patronage to a known fraudulent “healer,” Benny Hinn. Divided along caste lines.
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Tamil Nadu: Destruction of the heritage of the Kanchi Mutt, wholesale conversions…assaults on Hindus and Hinduism too numerous to record. All done with the active abetment of the state government. The once-glorious temple culture effectively destroyed today.
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Kerala: Hinduism exists all but in name.
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Uttar Pradesh: Hindus are comprehensively divided along caste and sub-caste lines, temples are in horrible disarray, and the only two powerful political parties care a naught for Hindus. There’s also the threat of militant Islamism and many parts of the state are no-go as far as Hindus are concerned.
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West Bengal: Ditto as Kerala.
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Delhi: Doesn’t really matter.
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Orissa: Militant Evangelization with Hinduism on a fierce defensive.
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Rajasthan: Divided along caste lines. Although it’s not as bad as UP, the five years of the current government will ensure further splintering.
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North East: Effectively, it doesn’t belong to India. We’re talking about seven states here and a geographic area of 262,230 square kilometres.
Additionally, Hindu causes and viewpoints have almost no space in public discourse. Our universities and media are filled with people of the Meera Nanda species spouting the same secular filth. Christian schools/convents openly prohibit Hindu students from wearing bindis/tilak and visibly discriminate in favour of Christian students. Bollywood films have a self-imposed taboo on showing Islam or Christianity in anything but the most glorious halo but have a free license to make smut like Parzania, Rang De Basanti, Black Friday, and Mumbai Meri Jaan, which win awards and critical acclaim.
So where’s the dreaded Hinduization (sic) that Meera Nanda says is happening? The rest of her piece expands on the STCC fantasy. It is in several places the familiar concoction brewed so skilfully by past Marxist monsters. Equally, it makes for vapid reading because it rebels against even a pretence to meaning.
However, all these don’t matter to her because she is a Hindu-hater. She demonizes the very aspects of Hinduism that have endeared it to millions of people around the world. Which is why it is important to examine her understanding of Hinduism. Fortunately, she displays it in a comment on her post.
Can’t get a Single Fact Right
She starts her comment with the same confident arrogance that now characterizes her writing.
There is a history of Hindu supremacy and triumphalism that often gets ignored. Since the reader wants the evidence for my claim of “age-old ambitions of dominating the outside world” in Hinduism, let me provide some evidence.
If you find the very opening atrocious, wait till you get to the “evidence.”
1. one has to start with the Vedas. what is the status of the Vedic revelation? Traditional commentators have alays held that Vedas were divine revelations of fundamental cosmic laws that are true for all times and for all people everywhere. Unlike the Abrahamic religions where God reveals his commands to a prophet, the Vedic “seers” were actually supposed to have “seen” the Vedic truths in their minds’ eye, and directly heard the sound of the revelations (thus vedas are called the Shruti.) (A very important point of difference: while the commandments the God of the Bible were mostly ethical, the Vedic shruti is metaphysical, i.e., it describes the nature of the cosmos. The laws of humans have to correspond to the laws of the cosmos– that is dharma. .) [Ed: typos in the original ]
Here’s the thing: Meera Nanda should make up her mind whether she accepts that the claims of both the Vedas and monotheistic religions are literally true. That is, if she wants to diss the Vedas because they couldn’t be “heard” or “seen through the mind’s eye,” she has to equally dismiss as delusions the Prophetic religions’ claim that God revealed the so-called ethical commandments. We now arrive at Exhibit 1 of her ignorance: the laws of the cosmos are collectively called Rta, not Dharma. Dharma is how Rta is translated in daily human life.
Later commentators in the Hindu tradition have interpreted this “direct seeing and hearing to mean that there was no human interpretation and therefore no room for error. Since the Vedic teachings were about the nature of teh cosmos, they were universally applicable.
Now, there is a long tradition that finds its way into Bhagwat Gita and Manu Smriti which clearly lays out that all those traditions that do not accpet the Vedas are barbaric, fit only for the low-born. here is what the Manu Smirii says, Chapter 12, verse 95:” all those revealed canons an evil doctrines that are outside the veda bear no fruit after death, for they are all based upon darkness”
This idea is repeated in the Bhagwat Gita as well. I don;’t have a copy right now, but i can find you the verse later.
This is quite delicious. Meera Nanda should show us exactly one evidence to support her preposterous claim that “there was no human interpretation” of the Vedas. The fact is exactly the opposite. We have a few lakh verses written by hundreds of scholars giving their interpretation of the Vedas. Also, the Veda firmly says that the final goal of the Veda is to transcend the Veda itself.
Ruco akshare parame vyoman yasmin deva adhivishve nidebhuhu|
Yastannaveda kim rucaa karishyati|
Ya ittaddviduhu ta ime samaasate||
The gist: the outer (or bookish if you will) Veda is useless to the one who has realized the Veda in his heart. Now show me exactly one Abrahamic religion that asks its adherents to cast off The Book.
What is interesting is she quotes–as usual–the Manu Smriti selectively. The Manu Smriti also says that a righteous and virtuous Shudra is far better than an unworthy Brahmin. Quoting the Manu Smriti seems to be a favourite way of berating Sanatana Dharma while it is explicitly mentioned that the Manu Smriti is not to be followed in the Kali Yuga, our age. Oh, and she conveniently forgets the Bhagavad Gita’s verse that supposedly conveys the same message. For a person who could quickly dig up an obscure verse from the Manu Smriti , how hard is it to find a similar verse in the Bhagavad Gita. Full translations are available on thousands of web sites. All it takes is a simple Google search.
The system of varna was derived from the Vedic conception of the cosmos — that is well known. But propagation of varna actually provided the inspiration of Hindu expansion from the north of India to the south, and to South-East Asisan countries. The idea was simply this: in the beginning, all people everywhere were created out of the Brahman (either from the head, arms, legs, feet etc.). Those who forgot the varna, or interbred and created a confusion between varnas, were dasyus (dasas, untouchables etc.).
only the land of Bharatvrata (in the north west of India) was the land where the varna was observed. Therefore the brahman born in that land had a universal duty to bring dasyus into the varna order.
It is amazing how she authoritatively claims that the varna system was derived from the Vedic conception of the cosmos. Again, she doesn’t provide her understanding of the Vedic conception of the cosmos. The system of varna falls in the category of vishesha dharma (read my related post on Dharma). In other words, varna was not the natural order of things. It was merely a system of convenience. From this erroneous postulation, Nanda makes a really wild claim that “propagation of varna actually provided the inspiration of Hindu expansion from the north of India to the south, and to South-East Asisan countries.” One word: bullshit. The Hindu influence in South East Asia was more a cultural exchange than a military expansion. But wait, Meera has more turd coming our way: “all people everywhere were created out of the Brahman (either from the head, arms, legs, feet etc.)” This take on the famous Purusha Sukta verse is garbage par excellence. People were not created, they were part of the same Divine Body. Which is why it’s rather stupid when people criticize the Purusha Sukta as the root of the caste evil because Shudras supposedly originated from the feet. This is like saying my feet is unclean so I’ll cut it off.
Also, there’s plenty of evidence of Anuloma and Pratiloma marriages (intermarriage between “higher” and “lower” castes) to disprove Nanda’s ignorant bunkum about interbreeding between castes. Equally, the dasyu claim reveals that she still latches on to the Aryan Fantasy Theory.
Oh and for a person who sets out to prove “Hindu supremacist ambitions” by tracing it over a 5000 year period, Meera Nanda says Bharatvrata instead of Bharatavarsha, a very basic term for anybody who “knows” ancient India. Oh, and I challenge Meera Nanda to show me where or how the word Dasyu can be translated as untouchable .
3. The idea that the Vedas are universally and eternally true was revived in the HIndu revival that took place through the 18-20th centuries. Bankimchandar and Vivekananda, fololwed by Aurobindo gave a concrete expression to “direct” seeing of cosmic truths through yoga. Hindu spirituality was declared to be the highest level of truth that simply enfolded and included the “lower” truths of all the world’s religions was established by these neo_Hindus. I invite anyone who doubts the utterly arrogant claims of Hindu supremacy to kindly read Vivekananda and Aurobindo .
Now now now, Meera Nanda shouldn’t offer such invitations simply because it’s a call to openly dissect her ignorance. First, I don’t accept the Hindu “revival” theories 100% because it presupposes an assumption that Hinduism needed some kind of “revival.” Which is historically untrue. Whatever was done in the name of “revival” was merely a reminder, an expansion of the Hindu consciousness on a larger, pan-Indian canvas. Second, like Vivekananda and others, I unequivocally assert that Hinduism is definitely superior to other Monotheistic cults. And I have read both Vivekananda and Aurobindo and lot many other greats. Hinduism is superior because it is open, it welcomes critical inquiry, it is not dogmatic, it believes in inclusion, and most importantly doesn’t proclaim any monopoly over truth. The burden of proof is on Meera Nanda to show at least one of these traits in the desert cults. On the other hand, if she argues that these traits are unworthy of emulation, I can speak in the only language she understands. What’s amazing is that she found Vivekananda and others as “utterly arrogant.” Speaks volumes about her mental makeup or balance.
HAving tasted success in economic globalization, Hindu nationalisits are seeking to establish the spiritual superiority of Hinduism.
If spirituality is this detestable, what alternatives does Meera Nanda propose? If seeking kinship and harmony with the entire creation is somehow bad, what does she want to replace them with?
As we see, Meera Nanda’s understanding of the basics of Sanatana Dharma is so shockingly vacuous that I’m amazed that she assumes a self-righteous moral authority to dismiss an entire way of life and philosophy with the sleight of her hand. She couldn’t get even one fact right but assigns herself the right to write a trite-filled treatise. Her utter nescience is only complemented by her nauseating haughtiness.
Like I said, this takes a lot of guts. Or utter shamelessness.
Postscript: The tone and content of Nanda’s piece only stops short of giving a public call to destroy Hinduism.
Tags: Commentary, Hinduism, History, How Globalization is making India more Hindu, India, Indian Philosophy, Koenraad Elst, Meera Nanda’s Arrogance, Meera Nanda’s Arrogant Nonsense, Meera Nanda’s Blog, Meera Nanda’s New Book, The God Market, Vedas
8. April 2009 - 9:06 PM
Check this out Sandeep…. This video of debate on Secularism and religion
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=CD50FC7A276689BB
original source: Rajeev blogspot
8. April 2009 - 10:17 PM
I thought it was the Taliban that was posing a threat;..oh but wait a minute, we live in a secular country so it is probably Hindu hunger that will engulf the sub-continent, the Taliban are merely victims of Hindu anger.
9. April 2009 - 4:52 AM
I just don’t understand why we give any importance to these anti-Hindu “sekoolar” rabble rousers like Meera Nanda. I mean every time a porno movie comes out doesn’t mean that we have to see or discuss it. Leaving these fringe elements where they belong (outside of social discourse) will do justice to them and their work. Of course, there will be ‘academics’ who’ll read and digest their work, but that way we can keep their toxic output quarantined and away from the public ecosystem of thought.
Sandeep, instead of wasting your time on brain-dead academics, a better way would be to provide us with some more translation of Aavarna (I’m not a Kannadiga but I’ve already become a semi-fan of Bhyrappa – thanks to you)
9. April 2009 - 8:26 AM
While we may dismiss trash like Meera Nanda’s to it’s rightful place, I believe people like her hold a respectable position in academia.
One can imagine how US universities will have her works as required reading for their “South Asia” courses.
9. April 2009 - 9:40 AM
Bhavananda,
I dont agree with you. Some one has to refute these sickularists and show them their right place, else their clout will keep on increasing. Some one has to expose their half formed brains.
Even if an article weans away 1 person from sickularism its great. Remember the roots of sickularism are quite strong, its starts in school.
9. April 2009 - 10:21 AM
Meera Nanda is an old friend of Hindu revivalism. She marvels at the mention of Vivekananda, Aurobindo et al.
Bhavananda/Kharahara – I feel that when we use “sekoolar”, “sickularism” and such; we give the impression that Secularism in itself is not bad and may also be good but its users or adherents have perverted the concept. Much like the Islam is good and Muslims are bad argument.
If I am correct, then we are falling into a well laid trap.
If instead, we straightaway target Secular and Secularism as such, we will be better placed in any debate and be speaking a plain truth.
9. April 2009 - 10:44 AM
Sandeep Anna,
You should put a warning on the link to Meera Nanda’s blog post saying “any cursory reading is injurious to the brain, click at your own risk”. An inadvertent click had me first in splits and then threatened to split my brains.
Thankfully, your post seems to have restored my balance.
Now my point is how do we make sure these idiots are defeated? These guys wont even debate with us…
9. April 2009 - 1:09 PM
May be we should take this in a different way as in, start building STCCs and the likes. Meera nanda might well be giving us ideas to bring back the glory of Hinduism in this country through her ignorant rants!!
9. April 2009 - 2:41 PM
Pala,
According to Websters secularism is defined as “indifference to or rejection or exclusion of religion and religious considerations”. In reality are these people following it?
The “seculars” in India, give different meanings to “secularism” @ different times. Its time and context variant
The definition of secularism as practiced in India, is so fuzzy that you cant help but get cynical and call them “sickulars”.
Either the secularists stop calling themselves so or change the meaning of secularism. But they wont do, they are chameleon types. Nice tactic so that the so called fundamentalists stay confused
That’s exactly why BJP looks confused when it comes to taking a stand on secularism.
9. April 2009 - 3:38 PM
If globalisation is making India more Hindu, it is something to celebrate.
9. April 2009 - 4:09 PM
Kharahara – “Websters secularism is defined as “indifference to or rejection or exclusion of religion and religious considerations.”
- My point is precisely that. Secularism as it is, is bad enough. Any adherence to it can only be bad and worse.
However, when we use humorous variations of the word “Secular”, we tend to give the impression that “actual/accurate/real” adherence to Secularism is what we desire or in any case, is desirable.
The BJP already committed this blunder by not pushing to demolish Secularism itself when they started the process with the “Pseudo” appendage. If you carefully observe, they also tell us that BJP is a TRUE Secular Party and not a Pseudo-Secular Party.
9. April 2009 - 7:06 PM
Pala,
Let the secularists atleast move towards “secularism” as defined in the dictionaries. That’s the first step.
Later we can always debate if secularism in its true form will work or not.
It worked in Europe because bible was not scientific. People became disenchanted with the same.
But our scriptures arent that weak. Be it ayurveda, astrology, yoga, mathematics, puranas, our system of music etc etc etc. All these come under the purview of Hindu dharma. So its debatable if true secularism would work with Hindus, by alienating religion or not.
9. April 2009 - 7:17 PM
kharahara – Secularism fails with the same results, everywhere. It has failed in Europe also and has made that continent vulnerable to the worst predators.
I would not go by any “scientific” argument while accepting or rejecting tradition. I think there is a different logic and basis to all that.
Sudhir has posted a terrific link on a debate on Secularism. I’m on the 4th video. Watch it. It’s superb!
9. April 2009 - 8:21 PM
>> I would not go by any “scientific” argument while accepting or rejecting tradition. I think there is a different logic and basis to all that.
What’s the different logic BTW?
I came to that conclusion because scientific thinking shook the foundation of the church. In today’s world people are trained to think on scientific and rational terms, so even in that sense Hindu dharma will not fall weak. May be I am wrong. Its just a gut feeling.
9. April 2009 - 8:44 PM
@kharaharapriya:
You said it right that some one has to refute them – and that someone has been Koenraad Elst. So, why popularize by keep writing on the same trash people. Today Sandeep is writing, tomorrow some other will write and thus they will gain publicity.
@Kharaharapriya and Palahalli: I never use the word sekoolarism in any good way. Its a bad thing (at least in the way it is practised – and thats all matters what happens in reality) and one of my my goals in life is to convert the word “secular” as a slang word, like f**k, b*t*h and so one – so that it goes away from public discourse. That is how I write my own blog.
PS – To clarify a bit more, I’m not against separation of government and religion. I don’t think its a good idea for any govt. to “actively promote” one religion or discriminate its citizens. Unfortunately, the reverse happens in the name of sekoolarism in India (and most other places, like UK). While the govt. bashes majoritarian religion (like Hinduism in India), it promotes Islamism along side. In fact, I’m just writing a blog post on why “Sekoolarization and Islamization goes hand in hand”. Feel free to visit it.
10. April 2009 - 1:32 AM
kharahara – I think we have to accept the fact that religious/spiritual traditions develop irrespective of scientific basis. I know of no one who tested any of these in a “lab” for validity before practicing and perfecting it. (– But one may interpret this method** practicing and perfecting** itself as scientific. I just don’t feel the need.) Most if not all, have evolved and stood the simple test of time and utility to human society. In that sense, they retain a logical and rational basis for their existence.
(My language may be inadequate, but I hope your getting my sense)
As regards the West, there is something very wrong with Secularism when it blinds people to obvious dangers. I might even say their reliance on Science instead of Christian tradition has not helped them meet an unscientific Islamic challenge.
Bhavananda – I don’t think the opposite of Secularism is Theocracy. It need not be. I’m just asking us to be governed by a system rooted in our traditions. Not by that which by design, is indifferent to them.
Yes, we must work hard to delegitimize Secularism in political discourse. Trust me; it’s easier to do this in our country than in any other of the free world.
10. April 2009 - 2:07 AM
After going through your post, I have to disagree with your title. I don’t believe that Meera Nanda was strutting her ignorance when she wrote this filth. She did it deliberately and with a reason. Excellent job ripping her logic to shreds though.
10. April 2009 - 12:13 PM
Sandeep – penetrating analysis as always. The star sarkaari scholars of secularism are actually paper tigers when it comes to some serious academic debate.
I do hope you will go through all the video’s posted by reader Sudhir in the first comment of this post. These come from this youtube channel – <a href”http://www.youtube.com/user/cultuurwetenschap”http://www.youtube.com/user/cultuurwetenschap
I have watched the debate videos three times already – and I am going to watch them again. By far the best piece is Dr Jakob De Roover’s piece by piece assault on the very concept of secularism (as opposed to it’s flawed implementation in India). The statement that “modern secularism is the spread of christian religion in a secular guise” keeps ringing in my ears.
So far Hindu revivalists have only tried to prove that the opponents are ‘pseudo-secular’ implying that secularism itself is a positive goal. Nobody has dissected the origins of secularism itself. Roover (and Balgangadhar) show how secularism is historically and civilizationally invalid goal in India.
Please give everyone your analysis of this conference and showcase the same through a blog post.
10. April 2009 - 2:23 PM
Sandeep,
Mahaan ho tum.
You actually have read that. I could not read the paragraphs you quoted completely. I found myself skimming through them even though I forced myself to read it..
What kind of muddled people actually write such prose. I would rather read some obscure poetry and still comprehend it.
10. April 2009 - 5:52 PM
Last checked, this Nanda nutjob, though commie, was making a living working for a Christian outfit. Has that changed?
10. April 2009 - 6:56 PM
@Palahalli: Yes, I agree. If there’s any country that can delegitimize sekoolarism, it will be India. The only other countries practicing it are christian ones. But as mentioned before, sekoolarism is Christianity in guise, so there’s just no one else left to do this. The Islamists don’t give a hoot to sekoolarism – the word doesn’t exist in their lexicon.
Yes, I’m also seeing the videos. And, its a rare goldmine, so I’m taking my time and not getting “all the golden eggs at once”. I do urge everyone to watch it!
10. April 2009 - 7:52 PM
“But as mentioned before, sekoolarism is Christianity in guise, so there’s just no one else left to do this.”
- Yes, this is a conundrum for nominally Christian Nations. Secularism has it’s origin in intra-Christian dialogue and has, cancerously taken to eating the vitals of its own body.
The Christian West can yet save itself if it retreats or disconnects itself from the Church’s unrealistic expansionist strategy and refocuses on preserving its own intrinsic Judeo- Christian Traditions and Lebensraum.
10. April 2009 - 8:07 PM
I would like to thank sudhir for providing following link
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?pll=CD50FC7A276689BB
It really added a complete new and an very important dimension to todays indian secular discourse.
I would request everyone to go though it.
10. April 2009 - 8:55 PM
Sudhir,
That’s one amazing set of videos, thank you.
I’m very impressed about those two profs from Ghent University: Prof Balagangadhara and Prof Jakob de Roover. While a large section of Western intelligentsia is on a “civilizing” mission in India, there’s no doubt that it’s also the West that allows the freedom to question that mission. I can’t imagine intellectuals like Balagangadhara and Roover surviving and flourishing in that Indian leftwing intellectual slum called JNU, for example.
10. April 2009 - 9:44 PM
Ot,
I got those links from rajeev2004.blogspot.com where they were posted by some Ghost Writer. So all thanks to him.
Do watch the 2nd part of the QA with the audience. Neera Chandoke when cornered intellectually behaves in a very crude manner. They are usually not used to being questioned openly about their bogus theories on Sickularism. When some one outwits them they just accuse others of unfairness…So typical Neera Chandoke.
10. April 2009 - 10:08 PM
Yes I watched that. What that episode illustrates is the fact that for all its intellectual pretensions, the Left is incapable of debating an issue in conceptual categories; it feels like a fish out of water if it is robbed of the right to bring politics into it. Sloganeering and “moral” posturing are the chief weapons in its armor; scholarship really isn’t.
10. April 2009 - 11:10 PM
Thanks for the kind words. I’ve already watched those videos. Two, I know prof Balagangadhara. Jakob Roover is his student. These videos are an extension of what Jakob wrote in a paper in 2002-03 on the same subject. Can’t recall the title but it appeared in EPW. and yes it’s amazing.
11. April 2009 - 7:20 AM
The videos on Prof Balu and Dr Roover linked by Sudhir in first comment are very informative.
Prof Balu’s idea about ‘colonial consciousness’ is thought provoking.
The way in which the ‘secular’ side of the debate refused to address the issue rasied by Dr Roover- about the dilemma of a govt that adopts secularism, in responding to conflicting demands with regard to proselytization- demonstrated the attitude of ostrich with head in sand mentality.
Instead of responding with meaningful and relevant thoughts, the ‘secular’ side resorted to rhetoric as pointed out by Prof Balu and adopted a technique of stressing certain words as if to intimidate any attempt at critical analysis of what is being said.
Such techniques may have been found succesful in the classrooms of the university where these people are employed, but are not useful in a public debate.
What it demonstrated was that these people don’t have a ground to stand on.
It is like, in the presence of light darkness disappears.
Prof Balu’s idea of ‘colonial consciousness’- the inability of so-called indian intellectuals to have an independent ‘experience’, was acutally demonstrated by the ‘seculars’ during the non-debate.
11. April 2009 - 6:38 PM
Watched the videos. Very good indeed. I dozed off umpteen number of times, when the secularists spoke. Why didn’t chandok and vanaik attend the Day 3 discussions? Escapism @ the best.
12. April 2009 - 8:18 PM
The website “Nirmukta” is a joke – they don’t even publish comments that disagree with them, or poke logical holes in their arguments. Hypocrites!!
13. April 2009 - 12:48 PM
where is konraad elst’s current blog and wht abt his previous websites/blog? thnx in advance ….
u culd also highlight francois gautier in this context ….
13. April 2009 - 3:00 PM
One more interesting part of the debate was that the questioners seem to recognise and have an affinity towards the mumbo-jumbo dished out by the secularists. The plain simple to-the-point talk by Dr.Balu was a bit too much for them. I guess they prefer the purposefully complicated language of that vanaik guy “everything is connected, and so everything is complicated, secularism, democracy” etc etc.
Sounds a lot like some of our kutcheri season elders. They know how to argue that Semmangudi’s ‘Rama ni samaanamevaru’ is better than Balamuralikrishna’s but wouldnt know a thing about raga-lakshanas of Kharaharapriya. They have no way of identifying a raga, and hence their anger and disgust at those who are better at raga-identification (personal experience
).
13. April 2009 - 11:39 PM
Sandeep,
Look at the secular saint URA pontificating about sickularism
http://ibnlive.in.com/electionblogs/dr-u-r-ananthamurthy/2441/53345/i-prefer-congress-bjp-is-shamelessly-communal.html
This time openly campaigning for CONgress
14. April 2009 - 12:15 AM
Sudhir,
URA=vruddha nari pativrata. Enough said.
14. April 2009 - 5:25 AM
Tales of how our Sickular NGOs operate
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/NGOs-spiced-up-Gujarat-riot-cases-SIT/articleshow/4396986.cms
“NEW DELHI: The Special Investigation Team responsible for the arrests of those accused in Gujarat riots
has severely censured NGOs and social
activist Teesta Setalvad who campaigned for the riot victims.
In a significant development, the SIT led by former CBI director R K Raghavan told the Supreme Court on Monday that the celebrated rights activist cooked up macabre tales of wanton killings. ”
“Rohtagi also said that 22 witnesses, who had submitted identical affidavits before various courts relating to riot incidents, were questioned by the SIT which found that they had been tutored and handed over the affidavits by Setalvad and that they had not actually witnessed the riot incidents.
The SIT also found no truth in the following incidents widely publicised by the NGOs:
* A pregnant Muslim woman Kausar Banu was gangraped by a mob, who then gouged out the foetus with sharp weapons
* Dumping of dead bodies into a well by rioteers at Naroda Patiya
* Police botching up investigation into the killing of British nationals, who were on a visit to Gujarat and unfortunately got caught in the riots
“
14. April 2009 - 12:41 PM
Not about Meera Nanada but about another so called “human rights activist” Teesta Setalvad. Read the below link and you would be horrified to know that in the times of communal tension she did all she can to aggravate the situation. to a point that the “seculars” used these false stories to malign the “saffron brigade”. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/NGOs-spiced-up-Gujarat-riot-cases/articleshow/4396986.cms
14. April 2009 - 5:59 PM
proper debunking of meera nanda’s ignorant gibberings.
Sandeep, it would be great if u find an authentic version of Manusmriti and put it up..
All the commie pseudo secularists often misquote from the conveniently mistranslated version of Manusmriti
16. April 2009 - 1:23 PM
A very nice rebuttal! In fact what I find interesting is Meera Nanda keeps writing on science, and specially about pseudo science. As a person of science she seems to forget the basic premise of science, analysis, and proof.
Anything in this world cannot be called true, without proof, and cannot also be called false without disproof.
I read her piece about “Is India a science superpower”- http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2219/stories/20050923002109200.htm. What I find interesting is that she blindly propogates theories that astrology, vastu, ayurveda, and yoga are pseudo science. Going into ayurveda and yoga, they are one of the most well articulated and well analysed areas. If anyone has to call them pseudo science or rubbish them, they should prove it with sound scientific analysis. In the west lot of doctors prescribe yogic poses to their patients – are they also pseudo scientists?
Calling someone pseudo based on biases is again pseudo science. One should provide strong proof, and analysis to support that. Ms.Nanda must provide proofs saying that the ISRO scientists didnt use sound science to design PSLV! Only then is that questionable. But just branding someone as a pseudo scientist just because they goto a temple and believe in sanatana darma is extreme bias, and as a Phd in Biotechnology Ms.Nanda must be more balanced in her analysis.
Finally sanatana dharma itself is a science. Perhaps Ms.Nanda wont agree since she doesnt seem to understand basic premise of science. I will let her figure it out.
16. April 2009 - 7:48 PM
Satya,
She could very well do what you propose if she had some integrity, but then, she knows which side of her toast is buttered, and who provides that butter. Besides, if one has built up a certain identity and career based on half-truths and obedience to an ideology, it takes much courage to admit mistakes about what contributed to that identity. Better to keep covering it up with more lies and half-truths, and keep moving forward with the blind belief in ideology. She can’t disappoint her followers, you see, who believe in her.
17. April 2009 - 5:12 PM
Kaffir,
I understand, but mocking or name calling scientists just because they are theists is very much over the top. Such people like her will only stop if scientists who do serious research sue her for libelous statements that question their scientific integrity. Unfortunately only people like her earn millions, not real scientists who contribute to this country and world, so a case would never see the daylight.
“When I read the Bhagavad-Gita and reflect about how God created this universe everything else seems so superfluous,” said Albert Einstein.In fact he was working on a universal theory of Physics which could answer everything but did not succeed. He has written so much about the seeking for perfection and spirituality.
http://www.rationalvedanta.net/node/148 has a nice article on this. Specifically I found this part very interesting:
‘When asked how he accounted for being both a scientist and a man known for religious musings, Einstein replied: “Well, I do not think that it is necessarily the case that science and religion are natural opposites. In fact, I think that there is a very close connection between the two. Further, I think that science without religion is lame and, conversely, that religion without science is blind. Both are important and should work hand-in-hand. It seems to me that whoever doesn’t wonder about the truth in religion and in science might as well be dead.”‘
I know all these things said are like talking to a person pretending to be sleeping, and Ms.Nanda is definitely one. But atleast the readers need not be swayed by her rantings. Unfortunately a lie spoke a thousand times becomes a truth, and in India it has become true. Systematic lying about our culture and traditions have spoilt what our future generations think of our country and its culture and contribution. There is no pride in anything that is Indian or hindu, and on there is only shame in it. The least we can do is show an alternative point of view, and not allow the falsehood to propagate.
5. May 2009 - 10:51 AM
Great article Sandeep.
But being a Keralite, I must protest your assertion that Hinduism exists only in name in Kerala. My points of argument being:
- A lot of the more empirical Hindu sciences like Anna Yoga, Ayurveda, etc have a lot more followers in the traditional way in Kerala rather than other parts of the country. Additionally, some forms of massage, ayurveda are taught formally at special colleges and transcend religion amongst their students.
- Some of the traditions of Keralites display true strength and tolerance of the Hindu religion. For example, one of our biggest festivals revolves around the benign King Mahabali who was killed by the Vamanavatar. I believe it displays the Hindu way of revering all existence, rather than a black and white approach of Evil vs. Good.
I agree that Hinduism does not reflect itself politically in Kerala but that is mostly due to our recent history rather than a lack of identity. My honest belief is that Kerala will go the Karnataka way in the next 10-15 years.
An excellent article all the same..
9. May 2009 - 2:51 PM
For decades, individuals and groups (masquerading as social justice activists) have found the centuries-old “manusmriti” a veritable treasure house to abuse a section of the Hindus, Hinduism and the nation itself and to secure supremacist rights. But in selectively quoting from the “manusmriti” even a commonsense approach is not adopted. One wonders whether there exists any grey matter in their heads.
Of the many English-translated prescriptions of “manusmriti” found on their websites, let us consider only one –
“…If a (low-born man) mentions the name or caste of a superior revilingly, an iron pin, ten inches long, shall be thrust into his mouth (red hot).”
To begin with let us consider the instrument “an iron pin, ten inches long” that is to be thrust into the mouths of the supposed “low born”. The word “pin” has several meanings. Is it a rolling pin with which we roll chapathis or is it the pin that is commonly used to attach sheets of paper? “Manu” did not make this clear, and since the people responsible for “thrusting” the pin were not clear either, probably that is why, we have never heard of a “pin” having been thrust into the mouths of an alleged low-born!
Now, let us suppose that the “pin” in question is the one with which we attach sheets of paper. Is such a pin available in the market? Has anyone thus far seen such a “pin”? Yes, we have seen iron pins one to two inches long, but ten inches? Probably, it would have to be specifically manufactured!!! Since such a pin has not been available, probably that is why, we have never heard of a “pin” having been thrust into the mouths of an alleged low born!
Another reason why there is no recorded case of a “pin” having been thrust into the mouth of supposed “low born” is that “Manu” forgot to specify the pin’s “thickness”!!! Since, the thickness was not known, naturally, the gentlemen incharge of “thrusting” did not know which pin to thurst and probably that is why there is no evidence of any pin (that too ten inches long) having been thrust into the mouths of …men!!! For that “manu” would surely have to be reborn!!!
Now let us consider the quotation itself “…If a (low-born man) mentions the name or caste of a superior revilingly, an iron pin, ten inches long, shall be thrust into his mouth (red hot).”
The “red hot” portion is added as an afterthought, that too in brackets! Probably, “manu” wrote it that way!!!
The quotation actually conveys the impression that “an iron pin, ten inches long” should be thrust when the mouth is “red hot”!!! Probably, pre-heating is required and since the concept of pre-heating did not exist then, the ten-inch pin of indeterminate thickness was never thrust into the mouths of any men!!!
Now let us come to the issue of who are the “low born”. There is no definition of who are the low-born or the high-born. But there are some clues available. Traditionally, the scriptures have been used to launch hate campaigns against the Hindus, who may be Brahmins, Banias etc. One should therefore conclude that they are not the alleged “low born”. Needless, to say, neither the Brahmins nor the Banias are proclaiming themselves to be either “low born” or “high born”.
Now let us consider the issue of an alleged “low born” mentioning the name or caste of a superior “revilingly,”.
The hate-brahmin movement started nearly a century ago in different parts of the country and is growing ferociously with each passing day. There are thousands of web-sites that glowingly eulogise such anti-social exterminationist movements. The media and various other so-called “progressive” elements instead of condemning and feeling ashamed of such irrational hate- campaigns, approvingly refer to such movements as “anti-caste” movements.
During the past one hundred years all kinds of illegal, anti-constitutional and derogatory ‘labels’ have been invented and pasted on the hapless victims of the so-called anti-caste movements, some of which are “upper caste”, “forward caste”, “oppressors”, “schemers”, “wily”, “Brahmin dog” etc. (Considering the above, the word “reviling” is surely a mild word!)
Such sustained campaigns and the supremacist rights secured from such campaigns has (a) denied lakhs of innocent citizens of their right to education and livelihood; (b) driven them out from their homes and the nation resulting in the loss of their citizenship; and (c) caused demographic changes, like the one witnessed in Kashmir.
And who has carried out such “reviling” and “revolting” campaigns? It is best left unsaid…Needless to say, the concept of “low born” is a self-proclaimed one.
But, despite one hundred years of such sustained caste atrocities (euphemistically called “anti-caste” movements, which actually made “caste” the only basis of governmental functioning), there is no evidence that “an iron pin, ten inches long” has been thrust into the mouths of any “low born man”!!!
Yet the vicious campaign continues.
5. October 2009 - 11:54 PM
“Hinduism is superior because it is open, it welcomes critical inquiry…”
Really? Your review of Meera Nanda’s critique is hardly what I would call welcoming.
6. October 2009 - 9:42 PM
@chris,
Hey Chris, Meera “Panda” Nanda, at the end of the day is just an unscrupulous seller who wants sell the stuff she produces no matter what it takes. She is neither bothered about the quality or facts and is ready to stoop to any level to make a few bucks. Hinduism is open to criticism doesn’t mean we show the other cheek when slapped on one (thats so medieval, it worked when people were physically rough but mentally still had lot of integrity). Supporting pluralism (Hindusism) doesnt mean forgiving dogma, falsehood and negative propaganda. So whats your problem, get your logic straight dude.
18. November 2009 - 11:33 PM
I am appalled by the injured tones of several of the Hindu comments above. Can’t Hindus take criticism at all? Is cultural inferiority at the root of this? Let’s see:
The whole South Asian region seems intractably backward and unstable – a failed region. The region, part of the British Empire for some 200 years, seems not to have recovered from its colonial hangover. The rest of Asia – West, Central, South East and especially the East – is generally flourishing. In particular, Japan, S Korea, China and Vietnam which have gone through fiendish American aggression have emerged dynamic and vibrant.
This suggests that much of the blame for South Asian chronic poverty and underdevelopment may well lie with its inadequate leaders, their lack of vision and flawed policies. India, the largest member in the region, has shown little leadership or diplomatic or intellectual acumen to hold the region together and move it forward. It hardly gets on with its neighbours and Pakistan has been an implacable foe for over 60 years. Worse still, the state cannot unify the (ethnically and culturally) diverse communities – in Kashmir, the North-East and the Adivasi areas (like Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa). It simply makes harasses and attacks non-Hindu minorities.
So what ails India and holds it back?
The following reasons are suggested:
- historical inferiority and the spirit of defeatism,
- the grip of caste and rigid socio-religious practices,
- unending poverty, failure to provide basic needs to the people,
- Hindu nationalism (Hindutva) and the BJP,
- internal unrest and state repression,
- decaying institutions, flawed democracy, lack of moral vision
20. November 2009 - 2:17 AM
ok… this looks like a hardcore hindutva site by the looks of it – the commentary, the style, the critique as well as the comments . your opinion is yours. in fact, all of you may even be (to a certain extent) right about meera nanda’s work (and how these things have already been said before) and the stance of many pseudo secularists (of who’s ranks she is not)..but stop for a second and ask yourselves a few essential questions, questions that possibly pertain to the left as well (but less so in this context)…. what is hinduism?- and if there is something called hinduism – then be able to open your eyes to the reality that there is a vast majority of people who do not identify themselves with such a repressive concept (esp after the thousands of years that it has advocated the suppresession of shudras and antajyas (i hope i’ve got my terminology right, or rather i hope you know the difference and meanings of both)…. in fact what is india? – cause a large large part of the so called ‘indian’ population do not at all identify themselves with such a concept – and here i’m not talking about just people of other religious followings, but of other geographical units as well – for e.g. the north east (who i’m sure a lot you term ‘bloody chinks – but if you have the patience, take a second to listen to their version of the story as well), as well as the sc’s and st’s who’ve been brain-washed by hindu brahmins into believing they’re part of the caste fold and hence have been ‘integrated into the nation’—-presenting this arguement i already know the answer mainstream hindu ideology (if something like it exists that is..) – which will be to say that we simply as a people throw out people who dont belong or who do see themselves as being different. …. ask yourselves therefore whether, if there are so many diverse communities – and if you do believe in the concept of a nation state, ask yourselves whether such a nation state should be run according to one religious code or is to be painted in the light of one religion (that too as it is known as the so-called majority…which it is not – for reasons i have mentioned )…does the caste system (or the varna system in its idealized form) give one the freedom to be outside this body?… why is it bound (constraint here ofcourse being a form of repression which hinduism has been able to legitimize with its simplified ‘we are one body’ analogies – while social realities are starkly different….
there are a lot more questions that need to be asked with regard such issues, and a lot more reading needs to be done by people in order to understand new discourses and different vignettes of reality apart from the one we’ve been given either by our parents/state/religious persusasions…. and please do not say that academia is brain dead toxicity that must be curtailed – as half of the people out there are only able to live because of the different realities academics are able to consider…
i guess this comment will recieve very many criticisms…. but …. for one second, before you start hammering away at that keyboard, i ask you to take a breath, close your eyes and consider deeply what i’ve written, for there are other truths out there however absurd it may seem, and the best way to underestimate those other truths and struggles is to close your eyes and ears to them……
20. November 2009 - 3:51 AM
George, 90% of the 60 years, a secular party (Congress) has been at the helm of the government, shouldn’t we should finish their secular ideology first before tackling other matters? BTW, aren’t Roma (Indian) people discriminated against in ‘progressive and civilized’ Europe?
Link posted by Raghavendra on Toxin thread,
http://expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Ethnic+violence+in+Mizoram:+Thousands+displaced&artid=i4sFrXZ65vc=&SectionID=b7ziAYMenjw=&MainSectionID=b7ziAYMenjw=&SectionName=pWehHe7IsSU=&SEO
First Published : 15 Nov 2009 12:56:16 PM IST
AIZAWL / AGARTALA: Mobs have set fire to over 225 huts of Reang tribals in Mizoram, displacing several thousand people……
The mob mentioned are the followers of christian mythology.
20. November 2009 - 10:11 PM
=>”i guess this comment will recieve very many criticisms…. but …. for one second, before you start hammering away at that keyboard, i ask you to take a breath, close your eyes and consider deeply what i’ve written, for there are other truths out there however absurd it may seem, and the best way to underestimate those other truths and struggles is to close your eyes and ears to them……”
=>
nevermind, it’s a good idea to take your own advice and apply it to your views, before you ask others to follow it.
24. November 2009 - 1:39 PM
Hey george – you talk of flourishing economies “Japan, S Korea, China and Vietnam”. If you know a bit of economics, you will realize more mouths to feed means lesser growth. Vietnam has 80 lakh people.. Jury is still out on China.
You did not list Congress (mis) Rule in your list. (55 years). So nicely you blame the hindus for the lack of growth. Do you want to see the income tax collection and see what percentage comes from hindus and what percentage comes from practioners of other religions??? (YOU WANT TO TAKE THIS AS A CHALLENGE?) Put in your list corruption, nepotism (especially by congress and your beloved ex-andra chief minister), communism… Also put in your list minorities of this country that keep on producing babies knowing very well they cannot provide them decent standard of living. Before you run your mouth off blaming Hindus have the numbers …
24. November 2009 - 1:45 PM
geoge – “India hardly gets on with Pakistan”… Try getting on with a person that comes into your home uninvited and destroys your belonging.
17. January 2010 - 11:03 AM
Phenomenal… outstanding.. my dear friend, this is one of the best articles i have ever come across defending our religion..
9. March 2010 - 9:41 AM
‘The God market’ – Meera Nanda
I picked up the book casually in our library and got deeply engrossed with it as I started reading it….
First of all, the book evinced interest in me because of the catchy statement ‘ … Globalization making India more Hindu’! However, on reading the book, I formulated my own messages that the book conveyed:
? The behavior of the majority religion of a country is bound to reflect the superiority or inferiority of the nation. I find no compulsion to feel more humble or ‘more broadminded’ so as to attribute the credit of this behavior to all (in other words, to include minorities too)! I am bound to credit this behavior to the ‘majority’ only! There are no specific instances or events quoted by you which have stood out wherein an act of the minority has been distinctively proven to be of creditable value (something of the kind you can say about the Parsis who have distinctively shown to have outshined in performance).
? A society can claim to be more evolved based on the behavior and conduct of the majority towards minority! Here, I agree with you that the norms and the law of the land should ‘actively be seen’ as being equal and considerate to all!
? You may be right to have come to the conclusion that human beings are more conscious / aware of the religion / group to which they belong after 9/11. But can this ‘awareness’ be denied or wished away? The broadmindedness of mankind in the process of evolution / civilization development has been deeply affected by such morbid events. Trust is lost. Mankind can no longer survive based on good words, kind deeds, and intellectual methodologies.
? The common statements amongst the intellectual purists are that there are evil elements in every religion, in every society. Yes! But whose philosophy prevails in that society? It is the philosophy of the majority! That’s how the concept of majority-ism has come into being!
? You have made a strong usage “The new culture of political Hinduism is both triumphalist and intolerant in equal measure….. “. To feel triumphalist may not be a bad attribute – it is essential for every society to feel happy, confident of their philosophy. That’s what gives the fodder for every society to be continuously evolving! But to say that Hinduism is ‘intolerant’ is improper and incorrect. You have not shown anywhere in the book that Hinduism is ‘intolerant’. That you keep saying that Hinduism makes every effort to show ‘how tolerant and non-violent’ they are contradicts your own usage of the word ‘intolerant’! Aberrations that keep occurring within our society (like the Gujarat issue quoted by you again and again) are not being acknowledged by the majority! There is no chest thumping behavior by any group to proudly claim the ‘greatness’ of such events in our majority-ism society!
? You have finely elucidated the pluralistic nature of Hinduism as compared to monotheistic religions of the world. By these explanations I wonder whether you too (deep within your conscience) admire the superiority of the majority-ism (nothing wrong about it though)! These intellectual discussions would be for eternity for each thought to keep saying that they are superior … nothing more than that!