(Religion is very fundamental in India. Mahatma Gandhi was a true ideal synthesis
between a religious man and also a politician. Therefore, he had a vision of an idealized version of Hindu civilization. It was not communal but universal and inclusive.)
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India's Republic democratic identity in modern sense of the term is now 73 years old. But this nation is an old civilization. It is also a matter of fact that the antiquity of Indian civilization is enormous. Historians and experts have always marveled at the diversity of Indian cultures and its civilizational ethos. The Bhagavad Gita, the Sermon at Sarnath and the teachings of Upanishads had left intellectuals across the globe awestruck and also wise.
Of course in the other parts of the world as well greater unification of human race and contributions of some civilizations have been rich. But if philosophy and literary cultures were real strengths of the Greek, in India the real influence was from religious background -- both Hinduism and Buddhism. In fact, it may not be wrong to suggest that for a considerable period Buddhism marked a decisive turn of events as it reflected transformations of many types.
But the world will have to be told that there was a stark difference in perception and philosophy vis-a-vis the synthesis seen in the other word between Christianity and Greek philosophy.
Experts will back the argument that the Church leaders were even nourished by Greek philosophy. But in the words of Mexican expert and an eminent scholar, Octavio Paz: "In contrast, the Muslim theologians did not look the Vedas or the Upanishads with the same veneration with which St Augustine or St Thomas Aquinas studied Plato or Aristotle".
Moreover, there is another chapter in history which needs to be analysed properly or rather objectively.
The coexistence of Hinduism and Islam has been generally marked by rivalries and those also have often turned into violence. As stated above religion has always formed a foundation of Indian life. This also brought in play of 'rules' and discipline and obedience. Hence, talk about Indian families; there are always rules. Even the caste system follows a set of own rules.
Respect is also linked to religious doctrine for Hindus and hence, a Guru including a music teacher is not only to be obeyed; but his feet is touched and virtually worshiped.
Mahabharata showed a classic example when Eklavya completes his entire training by merely his dedication and worshiping the statue of Guru Dronacharya.
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During the British period when freedom struggle was being driven by galaxy of leaders including the illustrious Bal Gangadhar Tilak, it is a matter of fact again that the profound religiosity of the Hindus had become more assertive with the injection of passion called Nationalism. Thus, there is little surprise in today's era as well, that the BJP's essential political principle is based on the ideology of Hindutva and Nationalism.
There is nothing being communal about it; and the world ought to be told this.
In this context, it will be relevant to refer to the elevation of Rishi Sunak as the first Hindu Prime Minister of Britain. Of course to have a Hindu inside 10 Downing Street may be something astonishing but it was also a moment of great joy for many Indians even as some of Sunak's policies for all diplomatic and practical purposes could be aimed either pro or anti India.
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| UK PM, Rishi Sunak |
But to thousands of Indians, Sunak’s faith may not be so relevant, but is a matter of pride that someone of 'Indian heritage' has reached the highest office in a country that once ruled India and also brought in Christianity in large numbers. The feeling is inherent and it is not being anti-Christian or hating a Christian tribal from North East India or anywhere else.
As we write these lines, it will be relevant to point out how a Naga Christian leader and a BJP national vice president M Chuba Ao wanted to make it clear that there is no inherent contradictions or confrontation for him being a Christian and also a BJP leader.
Take a more practical issue at hand. The Hindu assertion of the community's right vis-a-vis a Supreme Court judgement on Ram temple at Ayodhya has been widely reported but also misinterpreted. The international community may not appreciate, that's one thing; but they deserved to be told nevertheless.
It is a matter of fact and now established through the Supreme Court order that in 1528, emperor Babur had leveled a grand temple dedicated to Ram and built a mosque in its place. Now, the verdict has been passed by the highest court of the land after years of litigation and all sorts of studies by Archaelogical authorities.
This Hindu assertion is also nothing to do with communalism as being branded time and again by vested interests in India and also overseas.
Religion and religiosity were actually centres of strength in India. The revolt against Mughal rulers and the use of celebration of Ganesh Puja in Maharashtra under the guidance of Tilak were also guided essentially by love for the nation and also by the commitment towards own faith and culture.
If one moves to Mahatma Gandhi, here too there was a strong element of religion.
His good governance plank was linked to 'Ram rajya' -- where everyone gets the fruits of a benevolent kind and his inclusive approaches vis-a-vis Su-rajya (good governance). Critics will agree that Gandhi's political actions were often based on Leo Tolstoty's pacifism. He was also influenced by Thoreau's civil obedience. But Gandhiji was a true traditional Hindu, but he saw the need for reforms as is required in every human societies.
Finally, let us come to the Indian Constitution as the definition of Republic is linked to it. The Indian Constitution has withstood the numerous separatist movements. In the US, the nationhood is linked to the future -- on the notion of creating a 'common future'.
But a sharp contrast in India is the fact the nationhood is essentially defined by the tenets of a critique of the past. And that past is not merely history. In India, history is seen as a passing phase. The more fundamental facet is 'religion' and the people's faith is in the Hindu identity more from the civilizational perspective.
ends
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