26. Professor S. G. Mujumdar

I entirely agree with Dr. Shreerang Godbole’s view on the likelihood of confusion being created by the leaders of the Sangh Parivar, owing to its contradictory stances on its approach towards the Muslim problem. The Mantra of ‘Sarvadharmasamabhava’ has clogged the mind of Hindu leaders for too long. Firstly, how many of these leaders who have interiorized this concept can claim to be aware of the tenets of Christianity and Islam which have time and again wreaked havoc on Hindu Society? Secondly, how many of the Sangh leaders can demonstrate the ‘Sarvadharmasamabhava’ being practised by the Muslim Clergy and the Christian Missionaries? Thirdly, what is the logic of equating Hinduism with exclusive ideologies like Islam and Christianity which have never had anything to do with the spirit of pluralism, either in theory or in practice? Will the Sangh leaders care to find out in the spirit of ‘Sarvadharmasamabhava’, as to how many of Muslims and Christians who are presently touted as ‘secularists par excellence’ will invite or install a Hindu God adjacent to their Allah or Jesus. Fourthly, how can Muslims and Christians, who have a tyrannical record in the past of subjugating the majority Hindus in their own homeland, be termed as a ‘minority’? Fifthly, if the leaders of the Sangh Parivar really believe in the equality of religions, why do they oppose movements of conversions and introduce movements like ‘Shuddhi, Ghar Vapasi, Paravartan’?

The first step towards seeking or evolving a solution of these problems is to use the same yardstick as the Missionaries did with respect to Hinduism - A Critique of these two religions i.e. Islam and Christianity. It is only then that we could arrive at an answer to the behavioural pattern and mindset of the followers of these religions. The second step would be to understand the history of these religions (both past and present) so as to understand their compatibility with pluralistic religions like Hinduism and Buddhism of India. Thirdly, the majority of Muslims and Christians who are otherwise past Hindus, should be made aware of the anti-national ideology of these religions. Fourthly, even from a spiritual perspective, the arbitrary, whimsical and thoughtless attitude of Allah of the Koran and Jehovah of the Bible will not appeal to any rational man, let alone the Hindus. Allah and Jehovah appear to be of Tamasika Vritti while Hindus know their God to be above even Sattvika Vritti, i.e. SaguNa-NirguNa Brahman.

The post-Independence history of Muslims and Christians should also act as a reminder to Hindu leaders that in the jingoistic jargon of Indian Secularism, they have been successful in labelling self-respecting Hindus as ‘Fascists’ and ‘Communalists’. Muslims have always voted strategically, and are known always to pressurise government to accede to their unreasonable demands. The very fact that Hindus have to fight for their right to Ram Janmabhoomi, Mathura, and Kashi, proves that Muslims continue to exhibit their old hostility. The likes of Syed Shahabuddin, Banatwala, C.M. Ibrahim, Imam Bukhari, Gulam Nabi Azad, are in politics to see that Muslim interests at all times are acceded to on top priority basis. They are found nowhere when the question of Kashmiri Hindu refugees comes up.

The concept of ‘secularism’ has a special connotation in Indian context. In Indian Secularism, Hinduism can be scrutinised by everyone and can be railed against in the name of freedom of expression but the same cannot be done to other religions. That seems to be a taboo. Anyone trying to question the tenets of Christianity or Islam is a ‘Communalist’, and ‘Fascist’ which perhaps is synonymous with olden time Heretic. The response of Muslims towards Uniform Civil Code, Article 370, Ban on Cow Slaughter etc., illustrates comprehensively their hostile attitude. The same is true of Christians also. Their secessionist activities in North-East India, their politics in the Dalit Christian Reservation Movement, their contributions in distorting the Hindus Shastras, and their international connections prove beyond doubt that both Muslim Leadership and the Missionary Network are working to a plan. The Hindu leadership who wish to guide the destiny of Hindus should display enough intelligence in understanding the modus operandi of these two proselytising religions.

The exercise of floating ‘Sarva Panth Samadar Manch’ is a futile exercise. It is practising deception on Hindu society in the long run. Hindu leaders should act brave and call spade a spade - that is the only way of awakening the Hindu society. The Mantra of ‘Sarvadharmasamabhava’ is no mantra at all; it is a curse for which Hindus have suffered a lot, and it is high time we gave it a ceremonial burial.

Footnotes:

The writer is Assistant Professor of Economics at Indian Law Society’s Law College at Pune. He is not a member of the Sangh Parivar but participates in discussions on Hindutva which are held regularly at Pune.