Reason is a real guide to men’s actions. Men coming to live together in an organized society are not acting simply for the sake of convenience, but because it is human nature; humans realize they have a common destiny. Yet it is imperative, that how humans are to attain the ultimate common objective is to be discerned by individuals who are free to choose, while they live in a society. The moment an organized society takes this freedom away, it is to be condemned, because, it then reduces these rational beings into a herd of animals who have no reason. The outcry of rationalists/authors in India, symbolized by relinquishing their prestigious awards, should sound an alma-bell for the rest of the society to recognize the gravity of the situation. Democracy is under threat. The common will of the people in a democracy is given into the hands of the elected leaders, who are expected to uphold the proper nature of human beings and to enact laws to enhance their quality of life, based on truth, justice, equality and freedom, so that all will benefit and progress.
In the midst of religious turmoil during the independence, wherein, the subcontinent was divided on the basis of religion, India embraced secular democracy. Indeed, it was a guiding goal of our founding fathers to protect the soul of a great civilization. They allowed reason to prevail in India so that all could seek their objectives in freedom. Given the vicious atmosphere prevailing today, question arises, is it still true that the goal for the citizens of India today is to let all pursue their goals in freedom? Can India today take pride in its secular democracy? Lynching an innocent person because of religious difference is an atrocious act and a mortal wound to secular democracy. The majority government cannot and should not work for its own political causes, but for all citizens, especially to protect the rights of all, including minorities.
Anti-conversion laws, and bans on the consumption of certain food items, and similar other laws and bans, are illogical in a secular democratic society. Although most people in India are Hindus, they are not fundamentalist. Hinduism in its true essence is a timeless and universal compilation of human wisdom. Therefore, reason should prevail. Dr. Ambedkar had rightly said political power would be necessary to wipe out casteism, the irrational system. He believed that Dharma was essential for men. But he revolted against those who, in the name of Dharma, treated some of their fellow men like animals. Ironically, both the national parties, BJP (the baby of the RSS), and Congress party have failed Indian democracy in their attempts to appease their vote bank. Most people vote for caste, not with reason, which explains the plight of this nation. Understanding the electorate well, RSS desires to hold the caste system intact in order to keep the Brahminic hegemony. For that reason, the present situation is India is scary, because the ruling party has two birds in one hand, RSS ideology and political power. Therefore, if we allow reason to die, we will be the cause of the demise of democracy in India.
