Spirituality in India escalating to Jingoism; must stem this moral decay

Posted on April 5, 2009
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For many reasons I am really in love with India. One of them that always has been fascinating and has attracted me very much is the spirituality of people in this country. Religion is an integral part of their daily life. Let it be Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Muslims, Christians or any other singular groups. Most of the religions of this world in fact took birth in India and not to mention ‘Hinduism’ the oldest, ancient religion of this world.

It must be patently noted that people in this country care for each other and live without any differences – let it be based on caste, creed, color, faith…etc. This has been the life they led till date. I really would not dream to be born in any other country than India. Totally no to US, Europe and none of these physically luring countries have actually attracted me. I rather have hate towards them.

My love towards this country has brought in a great paradigm shift in my life by transforming me to a patriotic and this has further transformed me to a contributor who is concerned about my surrounding and the gradual development of my society. Patriotism or nationalism although is not a part of all Indians, it has been the part of majority Hindus. I profess a Christian faith and that does not make me love America more than my country – India. I would challenge anyone challenging India, its growth, economy or any of its progress. This is the extent of how ‘nationalism’ is entrenched in me.

While the spirituality of Hindus is really deep, it looks like history is going through some rough road these days as the country that lived in unity witnesses extreme division and violence. Problem? Chauvinistic beliefs have crept into the minds of nationalists or traditionalists.

Chauvinistic beliefs or jingoistic faith is dangerous. Jingoism is the next form after nationalism. This happens when you believe you can achieve what you want to achieve through violence, militancy etc. And the mayhem caused in Orissa’s Kandhamal where Christians were butchered is the product of this dangerous belief. This is noxious not only for the integrity of the country, but even it hampers the development by changing the attention of the government to religious communities and its protection that the real culprit which is – Poverty, unemployment, illiteracy…etc.

Christians have contributed largely to the nations development. It has been done in a holistic approach and not the biased type, which concerns only for the church people. The attack on Christians in fact has not led me to hate Hindus. The international media and the Christian media in India did portray Hindus in bad light..however, I am of an opinion that Hindus are the best religious community in the entire world. Hindus are more peaceful, hospitable and kind. However, the power-mongers who aim at the majority vote bank – need a reason to fight for. A reason to come to power. A reason to suit their vested interests. Their anti-minority and anti-human rhetoric have infact brought the upsurge of violence, even as more men, women, children are butchered in the name of religion. It has caused chaos and has given birth to the feeling of insecurity among Indians in worlds largest democracy.

These religious extremists are brainwashing fellow Hindus by instilling in them anger and hatred by claiming the decrease of Hindu population. They claim Christians are growing, and this on what basis? With no substantial proof. Christianity arrived India 2000 years back and by this time, the whole India should have been Christianized…which apparently has not occurred.
Religious extremism aims at dividing people to comfort their personal agendas. This must be opposed and the spirituality among people must grow in a positive manner by helping, loving and caring. The same goes to Hindus, Christians or others. The spirituality among Hindus must not be diluted by such ‘dividing’ views. This might not work with the modern youths of India – who apparently know the culprit behind such idiotic inculcation.

If really this country can live in harmony and peace, we can combat the evils of our society including the need to eradicate poverty, unemployment. With a united force we can even challenge countries of this world. If not now, then never. One India – United India.

God Bless this country!

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