Indian Culture: Deep Roots in Nature & Pluralism

Vedic India And Later

India encompasses history of a civilization that goes back five thousand years. The best thing that happened to India of old..is  subsistence in extremely rich natural surrounds. Dependence and hence productive relationship with nature was instrumental behind creation of the existential framework that we call the Indus Valley Civilization. And in spite of exotic ideologies and modernity that prevails besides...the ethos still persists amongst us.     

Vedic culture albeit has a murky existence in the convoluted labyrinth of our minds in the contemporary era, nevertheless it is very much apparent in our belief systems across the subcontinent. The widespread practice of rites and rituals which express affinity with agrarian practices and sugar coated  principles that some historians and  those opposing refer to as myths is suggestive of an old system that has aged through years attributing extensive tolerance and faith in non violence besides acceptance of  ethnic and ideological diversity. 

All these attributes are colors of the living in a harmonious environment that has accorded impressive growth and development post independence. Not that the subcontinent was underdeveloped in the historic era before the foreign invaders charged upon us and the squabbles of indigenous rulers began. The latter did not erode our systems albeit they lead us to penury and made us susceptible to overseas invaders.   

The servile existence through the  period of internecine wars and intermittent rules and subsequent emergence is a sign of resilience that we have inculcated during the earlier  ancient Vedic period... the  traits are very much among us till date. Take for example aggressive postures in our neighbourhood and our positive approach.      

Although the country went through wars and ravage which occurred  frequently... peace prevailed subsequently with emergence of intrinsic ethos that were formed during the Vedic period. Even till this date they prevail and shape our reasoning and logic. 

The exact civilisation status (Indus Valley) is made out of clay tablets and some archaeological sites. Nevertheless the Vedic scriptures are a robust pointers to the belief systems and practices that developed and subsequently prevailed in India and is prominent even in the contemporary. 

Emergence of Thought 

A thought so powerful that it reigned over many neighboring and Far East  civilizations for a considerable period till the start of Islamic invasions. Nevertheless the ethos never died  and still persists in one form or other among us. 

From nature we have learned to respect and accept diversity in all forms including in the society. The proclivity towards nature, and a value system that accords respect to its various elements labeling them sacred and worthy of belief is an inclusive trait which teaches us to accept our environment holistically. 

Hinduism

It is these comprehensive set of beliefs that have led to evolution of Hinduism. It is an ecosystems in which many related beliefs have successfully flourished and still do. Hinduism is an inclusive ideology  that accepts the exotic with ease or with minor turbulence in case of assertive dominance or  proselytization.       

Nevertheless a value system with proclivity towards nature besides the prevailing modern religious ecosystem could have emerged only in non volatile circumstances. The existence of diverse spectrum of practices  and micro-beliefs within one ecosystem stands testimony.  India can never accept one overriding belief that is a characteristic of  theocracy. 

Pluralistic Ethos

Pluralism will prevail like it does today and it is strongly solidified with the system that is seeing light in many developed countries as the need of the hour. The World will eventually be a pluralistic society even Nations that are solidly entrenched in theocracy or totalitarian ideologies accept in some manner or another the secular principle of India's democracy.   

Modern Religion 

What emerged was not animistic or a primitive source  of beliefs but a modern religion that accorded right values to immediate surroundings that carried over a profound impact on the lives of the people. Diversity and Pluralism should prevail and be accepted as an existential phenomenon that is proactive and harmonious until unless extremism steps in.       

India has benefited from its diverse profile and inclusiveness.  Indian democracy today encompasses the secular and inclusive principle of Nationhood. Jai Hind! 

None Above The Law

With the conviction of another guru as announced in the recent news, the law of the land has prevailed. Nobody is above the law, even the so called God men with mystical powers and prophetic ascendancy as many claim. The mass following is overpowering and the blessed (sic) assume autocratic powers and eventually commit heinous crime under the garb of the holy.

The religious/ideological zeal created by cults and some sects is able to sway masses into becoming overzealous and fanatical followers. Though many God men have been controversial - it is the followers of some that resort to violence creating a tremendous stress on law and order machinery, disrupting public life and even causing death of innocent.  

This problem is not peculiar to India since many such instances have happened overseas as well. The rise in radicalisation or extremism in many countries may not be attributed to mystical God men but nevertheless some local clerics are able to sway their followers using an equally or perhaps more vicious indoctrination. These rabid clerics are no less than God men, perhaps deadlier as they are legalised as head of a place of worship which has large number of followers. 

Due to fearful sanctimony that is created around religion or radical beliefs especially that which prevails around places of worship these harbingers of violence escape undetected in the initial stage.

The zeal is impressive and captivating and even the right thinking people are taken in initially. The truth emanates whence lot of damage has been done. Even at this stage political wranglings, fear of the masses, and the uncertainty of outcomes makes law agencies hesitate. Eventually whence the die has been cast action is taken. But by this time extreme damage has been done by radical indoctrination and eventual violence that is emitted by vile sermons and conversations of the wrong kind. 

When the matter escalates beyond control it becomes a threat to the Nation itself and sometimes even the integrity of the constitution is challenged. In case of dissent external elements are able to take full advantage of the situation creating further chaos and threat to stability.         

This is a warning for India, religious apparatus should never be allowed to enter the system of governance. Zealots should be kept at bay. Policies favouring religious or cultural systems eventually lead to vigilantism or religious autocracy which most often is violent and leads to death of innocent. Such ideological prevalence also threaten the fragile fabric of a diverse nature with many religions and sects flourishing in the country.

Legitimate religious practise, diverse as they may be should be protected as is the duty of the State.      

Cultural & Social Regression

India is a democracy and the largest one at that. The secular and liberal ideals are stipulated in our beloved constitution. Nevertheless there are cries of regression that emanate because of the polity leaning on Hindutva. Being a State with large Hindu majority influence of the Vedas and Hindu religious values are bound to surface. Moreso after brutal repression by Arab and British imperialism. We were suppressed for centuries. But these influences do not diminish secular ideals. Hinduism is a religion of largesse with plenty of space for others - as our past confirms. Different religions, cults and ideologies survive and flourish with aplomb.       

Earlier the ruling parties did stick to secular ideals but at the same time could not accord breathing space to the majority. The debacle at the ballot box was obvious, it was worsened by the opinions and rantings of so called spokespersons of the opposition that appeared to be as appeasing the minorities. This did not go down well with the minorities as they were already nurturing an impression of being used as scapegoats/vote banks in State politics. Voters irrespective of their religious credentials do not vote in unison because of the diversity and differences that prevails among the followers. This however is not applicable in parochial and caste based politics and exploitation is the norm.   

There was an impression of neglect from earlier Governments among the Hindus - liberal and secular down to core. They felt their religious exigencies were being sidelined, and their identity threatened by the over the board leanings. In a democracy there is nothing better than the results themselves. They expose the right and wrong practices, propaganda and perceptions. These are invoked among the intelligent voters by the noise - illogical and extreme.   

In the present context everything which has Hindu color (of majority) is labeled as non secular and oppressing the minority interest.  This is not true. Hindu majority understands the significance of secularism and hence the preservation of a multipolar & multicultural society in the contemporary era. There is no demand for a theocratic state since the citizens belief lies in the salient principles of the constitution of India. Demand does arise for a Hindu State from a handful but that goes down the drain as being totally impractical.  The homogenised entity is not possible in India with the mind boggling diversity that prevails - religious, ethnic and linguistic.    

Another factor that does not encourage theocratic notions is the impression such States carry as example. Social and cultural regression in such societies are the norm which result in chaos and hinder progress. This is due to constricted thinking that results from abject ideological fascination that is impractical in contemporary times. The use of force through draconian laws label such Government as those professing fascism apart from being puritanical and sticking to regressive religious ideologues. In such States the status of women and minorities is in dire straits with scarce or no recourse to judicial protection.   

There is a thin line that demarcates good governance from bad. The rule should be kept shorn of meaningless noise that emanates from chauvinism, bans, vigilantism, lynching, social and cultural regression. Going overboard with religious zeal may result in rejection by the masses. Puritanical and extreme ideological approach will not be favoured by the citizens. Whoever comes to power in this country has to trudge with extreme caution. India will stay as a liberal, secular and multicultural society with a modern approach.