Social media is abuzz with the latest trend called Hindurashtra. Consider yourself fortunate in case you have happened to miss out on the barrage of tweets and retweets related to the same.
For, not only the piece by a presumed Pakistan origin barrister from the UK is not only seriously misleading but also intends to be provoking and divisive.
The very first line of the same article that `Narendra Modi and the BJP allegedly want to make India a Hindu state' is utterly baseless.
Not a single instance from his nearly 2 -decade- long political life in the center of policymaking and governance underlines any agenda to transform India into a Hindu State as emphasised by the fictional writer.
The argument that labels the UK, Greece, Denmark and some other European countries as Christian also do not hold any water. There is no doubt that multiculturalism is at the heart of the UK's doctrine. The country has nurtured flourishing of various ethno-religious groups and provided unhindered opportunity for following one’s own faith or none .
The description of Hindu worship places being banned in Muscut is also misleading. Credentials of the writer, who is supposed to be a barrister in the UK, have also come under suspicion. All the records obtained by us reject claimed qualifications or authenticity.
There are enough pointers to come to a conclusion that the said article is a work of fabrication.
From the very beginning, even much before 1947 partition. Indian ethos is secular , not only in name but in all aspects. The decision of Pakistan, carved out of India, becoming an Islamic country also did not deter India from holding on to its mutli-cultural/ multi faith spirt.
On November 15, 1948, when the newly independent dominion of India was in the midst of a heated debate in the Constituent Assembly, on the nature of the Constitution, Prof K T Shah made an intervention demanding the inclusion of the word 'secular' in the preamble. As the members agreed on the nature of the Indian state adhering to secular principles, the word 'secular' was dropped from the preamble. It made an appearance, though, about three decades later, when the Indira Gandhi led government , for its own political reasons, included it in the document, as part of the 42nd Amendment of the constitution.
In February 1949, Sardar Patel had said to industrialist R M Birla, "Hindu Raj is a mad idea, it will kill the soul of India."
Father of the constitution, Dr B R Ambedkar said, "If Hindu Raj does become a fact, it will, no doubt, be the greatest calamity for this country No matter what some Hindus say. Hindu State is a menace to liberty, equality and fraternity. On that account it is incompatible with democracy. Hindu Raj must be prevented at any cost.", a publication by the Gujarat Government `Partition of Hind or Pakistan, page number 420, quoted Dr B R Ambedkar. The book published in 1998 has forwards by then Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel, union minister Menka Gandhi and state minister Mahendra Trivedi.
View of Hindutva leader too very little different. "Hindu Mahasabha, in its essence, was communal because its fundamental belief was weaved around Hindu Rashtra," said Dr Syama Prasad Mookherjee at a press conference.
India has set an exemplary standard to the world for what Rigveda profess, ``Ishwar ek naam anek''.
Hindusim stands for sanatan dharma. People of all faiths and religions have found respect in this land. Similarly, maybe 85 per of the UK comprises of the Christians, but it remains a synergy of various faiths.
There should be no attempt for provocation.
With over 110 million members, the BJP is the largest political party in the world.
Dangerous and misleading propaganda of India becoming a Hindurashtra would hardly find any takers.
Never suffer in silence
London, on Sunday, woke up to the moving image of an Indian origin pregnant doctor Meenal Viz holding a placard that screamed in red fonts on a white sheet, `Protect healthcare workers.' Six-month pregnant corona warrior intended to underline the sheer short supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for doctors and para-medical staff, who are in the frontline in the fight against covid-19.
She wanted the government to act. And, act quickly to save National Health Service (NHS) members' lives. Unable to remain silent any more, she alone staged a protest outside 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister.
It was a rare sight. The doctors, especially Indian origin, have never taken to the street. But her actions looked justified.
Under the able leadership of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the UK has acted, rather belatedly in containing the virus spread.
Multiple reports suggested PM Johnson gave five crucial coronavirus Cobra meetings a miss. These meetings were held in as early as January and February. The Health Secretary reportedly filled in for the PM not remaining present. The UK is known for deploying its resources timely and adequately. Little wonder it was difficult to buy the administration's earlier theory of herd immunity, instead of preparing adequately for the crisis.
