- When will "secular" Hindus acknowledge the menace of proselytisation? People who believe or hope that religiosity will be on the decline in an increasingly modern and connected world, are mistaken. Religion and culture always have, and will continue to hold much stake in the soft power of countries/global economies. A lot of Christian and Islamic nations work towards internal cohesiveness and extending the cause of their religions. Hence, proselytising is a logical option for them. Why don't Hindus discuss this more openly? It is perfectly possible to remain secular, practise humanity, have enduring friendships with Muslims and Christians and yet, accede to the larger global agenda of religious supremacy.
- When will Hindus acknowledge the menace of casteism and untouchability? When will we wake up to the inherent injustice in our religion? I am surprised none of the commentators on television and otherwise have commented on these ills, which by the way, are also important reasons why Hindus agree to conversions.
Amit Varma shares his thoughts on India's plan of action to fight terrorism, emanating from Pakistan.
I have often heard this argument : Trade more with Pakistan. Engage with their business class. An economically stabler Pakistan is in India's interests.
A friend pointed out that similar logic was being used by China in Xinjiang (erstwhile East Turkestan).
Fair, I would say.
However, personally, I don't view terrorism as a problem of poverty.
If that were so, we wouldn't be able to explain the Middle East connection in the 1993 Bombay blasts, the background of the London bombers, and Osama himself.
Now, terrorism, really is a dense subject. There is never a single reason for it.
But, according to me, one of the most basic causes is - Superiority Complex.
When a particular community feels that it alone is the most supreme race on Earth, that it is born to rule, and every non follower is an Infidel, this is what the world comes to.
Hitler suffered from the mentioned complex and so did Turks, when they carried out the Armenian genocide.
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Narrowing down the above argument to India : the whole Brahmanical structure reeked of this syndrome.
We have had scores of our people being denied the most basic rights, only because, someone from an upper caste felt they didn't deserve those rights.
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India's plan of action to become an economic power - one of the most loved questions at every B School panel.
One, that most of us have held endless discussions on.
I feel stupid about technological know-how, employable workforce, industrialization, green energy, and the usual blah, I, and many others often come up with.
Until we put an end to this superiority complex, this mindset of treating non-believers/ non followers/ or anyone who is different from us, as lesser worthy humans, we should give up our dreams of becoming a developed nation.
