good article, Raman. I wonder what would be the reply of Manishankar Aiyar. The problem with Hindus is that they are so low on self esteem that they cannot feel proud to call himself a Hindu. A large part of this could be explained by the bad things that have crept in Hinduism like casteism, and untouchability. Unless these are removed from Hindu society, Hindus would remain scared of Muslims and Christians. And another large part of the debate of secularism in India is the Muslim vote bank. Since Hindus are not a bank, no secular would care for them. So, the solution to this mess called secularism is that first Hindus need to get their own house in order and then stand firm. Why does US never reject visa of any Isreali politician? because they have made themselves strong. US does not dare touch them. Indians should learn from Isrealis.
RE:modi visa
by Indian on Mar 31, 2005 10:42 PM Permalink
Hi! I dont want to contend the worth of Mr. Ramans article, but I see that you have taken up the issue of another countrys visa denial one of national pride above and over any genocide that occurred within India. The low self esteem of the any class of people is a common feeder for extremist organizational recruitment. Agree, the house of the Hindu or any Indian, be it Buddhist/Sikh/Muslim/Christian, should be in order before aspiring to earn American respect as does Israel. But the end should never justify the means. Israel has the blood of millions in its hands with the status of being the most extensive violator of UN Security Council resolutions, and by far the largest recipient of U.S. military and economic aid.
To set our houses in order, if oppression and violating international resolutions are key steps, then the likes of Modi are to be key manipulators. And if Modi gets a headache from watching television, we should brand television as a traitor. An alternative to such Israeli aspirations would be to set our house in order with building blocks of justice, peace, and security.
