I would like to congratulate US President, Barack Obama for daringly speaking sense like a truly highly educated modern gentleman on issues like religion; women’s rights etc and for trying to make his own point during his recent visit to India. As a keen world observer, he rightly reminded our ruling central BJP government to ensure everyone freedom of religion as enshrined in Article 25 of the Indian Constitution and to uphold Women’s rights in India. He said that India would succeed as long as it was not splintered along the lines of religious faith.
Whilst cautioning India against religious intolerance/extremism, Mr Obama also said that every person has a right to practice the faith that they choose and to practice no faith at all, and to do so free of persecution, fear or discrimination. And like in all countries, upholding the fundamental freedom was the responsibility of respective governments and also the responsibility of every person.
These statements follows VHP’s controversial ghar wapsi programmes, backed by all fringe elements of the ruling BJP, seeking to “reconvert” Muslims and Christians.
Obama said that his faith too was questioned many times by people who never knew him as they said that he followed a different religion, as if that was something very bad. He finally reminded everyone that the real peace one seeks in the world practically begins in one’s own human heart and no other place. I Just hope that the ruling BJP government at the centre goes to take Obama’s every advice seriously and not used his recent trip to India for its own political selfish gains/benefit or to market itself to play dirty politics.
Anyway, three cheers to Barack Obama for truly speaking on behalf of religious freedom, women’s rights and humanity, and that too after shaking hands/dining with known fundamentalists dreaming of taking this country backwards to the dark ages playing their favourite communal politics. Barack Obama rocks… He truly is not just a charismatic world leader but a true rockstar in every sense….
