In my opinion, the author takes a very simplistic view of the current situation in India and seems to take the side of sensationalism rather than intellectual journalism. I do not keep myself reminded of the fact that India is being led by a Sikh Prime Minister and a Muslim President, rather I look at the worthiness of the individuals who occupy these pivotal positions.
Does the author have proof that the so called "holy man" is not guilty? The title of the Shankaracharya is what is sacred and revered. A person occupying this seat cannot misuse the powers vested in him. Similar to how being the Pope does not put him above the law. Misinterpreting this as the downfall of Hinduism and terming this an insult to the Hindus is equivalent to the anti social elements referred to in the Godhra incident inducing religion based riots and the British dividing India on the basis of religion.
Thankfully the spiritual leaders of Hinduism have other important things to do than heed to the author's advise to form a "Supreme Spiritual Conclave".India has always been secular and will remain so, overcoming such irrational and fanatic journalism from educated but narrow minded beings.
This article is just ridiculous. I've been out of India for about 3 years now and I must admit I cannot speak on everyday life in the country as of today. However, this article just begs for some intervention.
This frenchman seems to be politically driven. There is no other explanation for his words here.
India is a true democracy. You learn to appreciate that about India the moment step onto a foreign land. Its a land of Hindus, whose highest virtue is patience. We have stayed patient through our independence struggle, the years of recession, the riots and terrorist attacks and I hope we continue to stay patient through all that comes our way in the future. The very fact that our greatest religious leaders don't interfere with justice shows how democratic a state we are.
There are things about India, no "westerner" can understand and therefore their views on India are of no more significance than our views on Europe.
Your columnist Francois Gautier claims and is proud to be a westener and a christian.
Dear Francois Gautier, please note the fact that in a democracy you need to have a leader based on the religion. Being a westener you must be able to understand this clearly.
We being Hindus are proud to be the members of this majority to vote a leader irrespective of our religious background. We have moved a step ahead which be electing a leader or foreign origin. Look back... have you done something like that?
We have arrested our religious leader.. the top one, because the law of the land comes first than religious affiliations.
Why must one feel proud to be a hindu, muslim or christian? I am NOT telling that one must be ashamed of it, which is just its opposite. Just because the US president swears in on the bible or because people in some other country do something ("even in France we are not ashamed of christianity") it doesnt mean the indian people must also behave barbaric. Sonia being capable or not is a completely different issue. Why do you mix religion with that? The indian president inspires millions because of his ability and compassion, not by crying loud about his religion. The article is highly childish and i'm surprised rediff has commited the folly of publishing it!
This is absolute stupidity.India is a great country.Whoever does wrong will be punished whether he/she is a religious leader /hindu/x'tian or muslim.India is a secular country.so hinduism alone can't be promoted....
The comments of Mr. Francois Gautier are skewed in approach. His predeliction for supporting whatever Hindu majority does is myopic in approach. Innumerabale attrocities such as rapes and murders, social boycotts are performed by the Hindus as a punitive measures against the lower caste people has been overlooked in his newfound passion for Hinduism.
If India, has a sikh Primeminister and and a Muslim President indicates the maturity and understanding of true democratic principle. His idea of not having a Hindu primeminister or president indicates that he either do not understand the principles of democracy or he is intellectually messed up. Somebody has rightly said, if the majority says the stupid thing, then it will still remain a stupid thing. So no matter, quantity wise there may be more Hindus that doesnt mean that everybody is a potential primeminister or a president. His accusation against Sonia Gandhi smacks of his gender bias and his half baked ideas about tolerance.India is now in the hands of one of the most educated ministry where the primeminister himself is highly qualified and a noted economist. He should look into the profile of the people who are holding the jo
Anyone can be arrested including the god damn sankaracharya.Stop the hindu crap and try to accept people for who they are.Anyone has the right to convert to any religion.Why are the hindu leaders
going crazy and in-secured about someone preaching god? What kind of sorry ass article is this crap
Haven't u yet understood that "religion" is just a way to offer ur prayers to HIM ... DO NOT USE IT TO categorize people and divive them into different communities. PEOPLE LIKE U are the root cause for religious conflicts... Look at humans and their duties towards mankind, and judge them based on that..not based on HOW THEY PRAY TO GOD...
