| The fact is
that there is no monolithic fundamentalism possible among Hindus who have no uniform
belief structure. A charge of social backwardness and discriminatory attitudes can be made
against a number of Hindus but this is not the same as the blanket charge of
fundamentalism, which misinterprets Hinduism as a religion of militancy which it nowhere
is. The charge of fundamentalism is usually
made against various Hindu groups like the VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad), who do not support
the caste system and other such backward customs anyway. What is called Hindu
fundamentalism is in fact generally a reaction to Islamic, Christian and Communist
fundamentalism, which are all organized according to an exclusive belief system and a
strategy to take over the world.
These three fundamentalisms are attacking India from
within, as well as threatening it from without. Islamic terrorist activity continues in
India, particularly in Kashmir. India is now surrounded by self-proclaimed Islamic states
where Hindus have become second class citizens. Under this circumstance why should it be
so wrong for Hindus in India to consider creating a state that rights or traditions of
Hindus? Christian and Islamic missionary activity continues strongly in many parts of
India. |
