I do not for a moment doubt
his sincerity in protecting the Hindu culture, but find his
views belonging to the Dark Ages of human evolution, and
his understanding of the Hindu religion very superficial.
Distributing swords with the Gita is definitely outdated.
Hinduism: At its core Hinduism is the most Pluralistic
of all religions, and accepts all forms of worship without
discrimination. It is not a religion in the conventional sense
of the term, but rather it is the “Pursuit of Truth”. That is why
there are so many varied belief systems, and so many different
viewpoints expressed by the number of Sages and Gurus
within it. By this definition everything is Hindu; the River, the
Tree, the Sun and all Humans are Hindu. Each one pursues
their Truth in their own way.
Dress: We all have our personal likes and dislikes on the way
people dress, but its best we do not enforce our views, Taliban
style, on others. Self regulation does work. If one dresses like
an idiot, the chances are one will be treated like one.
Beef: It is due to the generosity of the Hindu heart that I
can go to the market and pick up some beef. If this generosity
dies then one of the central Pillars of our Civilization will die
with it.
Conversion: I was educated in a Catholic school, but never
once was told that I had to convert people to Christianity.
Good human values were the only creed I was taught at this
school. There was a time when Christianity had a misguided
view that the only way to heaven was through their door. That
view is obsolete, and the few that still carry it, will die out in
time. The forced conversions that happened in the past was
a crime against humanity, and I am sure will not raise its ugly
head again. Even if a few voluntary conversions take place,
have a look at statistics. The Christian community has grown
at a very slow pace, and has always been within approx 3 or
4% of the population. A drop in the ocean. A more generous
outlook on this issue will be beneficial to us all.
I do appeal to Mr. Muthalik and his kin, to stop creating
myths to disrupt the harmony we live in, and instead use
their resources to tackle real issues that will benefit Goa in
particular and India in general.
Employment, education, health, corruption, transport,
garbage, water management etc, are all issues that beg for
True leaders to come forward and address them.
