Encyclopedia of Hinduism and Mahakumbh
Last week a special preview of 11-volume Encyclopedia of Hinduism being published by Rupa & Co. in association with the India Heritage Research Foundation, was held in Delhi. Three volumes of the set were put up on display at the Vivekananda Foundation Auditorium at Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The Programme was a panel discussion on “Hinduism in the Contemporary World’’.
I was one among the 400 strong audience who listened with rapt attention to the enlightening and elevating discussion that lasted for over two hours. The distinguished panelists included Swami Atma Priyananda, Vice-chancellor Sri Ramakrishna Vivekananda Vishwavidyalaya, Dr. Kapil Kapoor, Editor in Chief, Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Dr. Kavita Sharma, Director, India International Centre, Dr. Lokesh Chandra, renowned scholar and author, and Sadhvi Bhagwati, Secretary India Heritage Research Foundation.
In a way, the tenor and content of that evening’s discussion reminded me of several such debates I had heard as a boy in my teens, still a student in Karachi.
Born in 1927, I spent the first twenty years of my life under British rule. My fondness for books started even while I was in school. A book much talked about those days was Mother India by Katherine Mayo. If an Indian read the book, he would either start feeling ashamed of his own country, culture and religion, or he would start hating the British colonialists who had created a climate in the country where slanderous books such as this one had been proliferating, Gandhiji had condemned this book as a “Drain Inspector’s Report.” Several books were written in reply to Mayo’s book. One of them was Lala Lajpatrai’s Unhappy India.
At the Vivekananda Foundation function, Dr. Kapoor, the Chief Editor of this Encyclopedia, forcefully argued that western culture internalized by the elite of our country because of the educational system thrust on us during British rule has made us ashamed and apologetic about our tradition, ceremonies, and customs, and specially about our languages, particularly Sanskrit.
Recounting an incident from Thomas Macaulay’s life, he said Macaulay wrote to his father in 1836 very proudly, “The effect of this (English) education on the Hindoos is prodigious. No Hindoo, who has received this education, ever remains sincerely attached to his religion. It is my firm belief that if our plans of education are followed up, there will not be a single idolater among the respectable classes in Bengal thirty years hence.”
A function similar to the one arranged in the capital is scheduled to take place at Rishikesh early in April while the Kumbh festival is on. Reverend Swami Chidanandji, President of the India Heritage Research Foundation, who conceived this idea of an Encyclopedia of Hinduism two decades back has invited His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the function.
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The Haridwar Mahakumbh has been on since January 14 - Makar Sankranti Day. It is to last till Baisakhi, that is, mid April.
In a book he wrote in 1999, titled No full Stops in India , Mark Tully, BBC Correspondent in South Asia for twenty five years, and a newsman who was expelled from India (he was Chief of BBC Bureau in Delhi at that time) by the Congress Government during the Emergency, has showered lavish encomiums on the Kumbh festival, and wrote :
“The Kumbha Mela is billed as the biggest religious festival in the world, but no one knows exactly how big it is. Perhaps the Gods keep records of the devotees who wash away their sins in the rivers Ganges and Jamuna at Allahabad during the festival. As far as mortals are concerned, satellite photographs, computers and the other paraphernalia of modern technology might give a reasonably accurate estimate, but they have not so far been used for this purpose. So all one can say is that the official guesstimate was that about 10 million people bathed on the most sacred day of the 1977 Kumbh Mela.”
“No other country in the world could provide a spectacle like the Kumbh Mela. It was a triumph for the much maligned Indian administrators, but it was a greater triumph for the people of India. And how did the English-language press react to this triumph ? Inevitably, with scorn. The Times of India, the country’s most influential paper, published a long article replete with phrases like ‘Obscurantism ruled the roost in Kumbh’, ‘Religious dogma overwhelmed reason at the Kumbh’, and ‘The Kumbh after all remained a mere spectacle with its million hues but little substance.’ The Times of India criticized the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s politics, but made no attempt to analyze or even to describe the piety of the millions who bathed at the Sangam.
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Mark Tully was born in Kolkata. But even after his retirement from the BBC he has stayed on in New Delhi and chosen to adopt India as his home. Tully is foremost among intellectuals in understanding India’s concept of secularism very correctly. He has emphasized again and again that ‘Secular State’ does not mean an ‘Irreligious State’. In India, he holds, secularism stems from Hindu tolerance. At another place he has recalled :
“One morning in Delhi I woke up to hear a debate on BBC World Radio service suggesting that no one should send Christmas cards because they were not secular. The secularist wanted to deny Britons all the fun, all the color of Christmas, the lights in London’s Oxford Street, the Christmas trees towering over passengers at railway station, the carol singers going from house to house, because they were demonstrations of Christianity. It was proposed that cards should carry the drab uninspiring message: “Happy mid-winter festival”. After hearing that view, I picked up my copy of the Hindu, a national daily, to see a front page picture of the Governor of West Bengal holding a Christmas party for children on the lawns of his house in the middle of Kolkata. The Governor was Gopal Gandhi, and he was following in the footsteps of his grand father who once said: “My Hinduism teaches me to respect all religions”.
L.K. Advani
New Delhi
28th March, 2010
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March 28th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Thanking you for the Panoramic comments, on a great topic. But unfortunately the article mentions nowhere, the environmental importance of Mahakumph, in an age where human existence itself is under the threat of global warming, ie. nothing but Prakruti Devi under ventilator.
I wonder why a great national leader, who is absolutely aware of the poisonous levels of pollution in the sacred arterial rivers of our motherland, keeps himself away from articulating this concern. If every pilgrim in Mahakumbh picked a bucket full of filth away from mother Ganga, that would have been a greater way to attain liberation. Further, that would have perhaps led to a nation wide movement by the people against the dumping of industrial pollutants into the sacred rivers. Culture and heritage cannot live for itself, rather it lives for humanity and its the noble duty of humanity to keep the culture and its vital carriers healthy. With an ailing Ganga, culture is in under threat. Kindly take the lead.
March 29th, 2010 at 9:58 am
आदरणीय श्री आडवानी जी, कैसे हो आप ?
दरअसल, मैं आपको और अटल जी को और बीजेपी को बहुत मानता हूँ. मैं अपने आस-पास के लोगो से भी हमेशा ही यह कहता रहता हूँ कि बीजेपी ही एक ऎसी पार्टी है जो देश का भला कर सकती है और कोई भी नहीं. जब तक वो सत्ता में नहीं आएगी, देश का कुछ नहीं हो सकता. जो इस बात का प्रतिवाद करता है मेरा उनसे विवाद भी हो जाता है और मैं उनको यह बात मानने को बाध्य भी कर पाता हूँ. अक्सर लोग खुद ही यह कहते हैं कि लोग पता नहीं (कौंग्रेस को) वोट क्या सोच के देते हैं ?
March 29th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
There are good and bad aspects in every religion. My personal opinion is that Hinduism has many good aspects. One of these good aspects is tolerance. I am happy to say that I can call myself a Hindu even if I seldom go to temples. I do not have any feeling of a spiritual breakdown because I do not remember my Gods 5 times a day. So as long as I persevere to keep my body fit, and my mind open, my work good, my God will be happy with me.
This tolerance allows me to criticize some of the traditions of the religion itself. I do not understand how the already polluted Ganga can wash away the sin. Even if there is a Ganga bath, it should be compensated with a forestation program or a Ganga cleaning program in which the bathers agree to take part. My religion allows me to think rationally and this is the way it should be.
Government and political parties should be concerned mainly with good governance. Religion caters to the spiritual well-being of a citizen. But what about the physical, emotional and mental well-being?
March 29th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Respected Sir,
Thanks for giving us this informative post. I really admire the quote “My Hinduism teaches me to respect all religions”.
Our hinduism is great in teaching us respect and manners. But this govrnment thinks that neglecting hindus and giving chances to others is secularism. This is wrong and we wont accept this.
March 29th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
I think its high time, we have to drop the so call idealism of Gandhi, “My Hinduism teaches me to respect all religions” is nothing but to make him popular among minorities. Same words are currently used by most of political parties to run their show. To gain the political mileage in sinc with ambiguities in constitution is resulting in the neglect of Hinduism.This so called secularism drafted so tactfully with a backing of copied constitution from US and British, is openly accepted. Now strongly propagated by Congress and Communists (Even communists are endorsing Macaulay’s thought which has been implemented in West Bengal during CPI-M’s 3 decades rules).
If in real sense we have to safeguard our generations and make Hindusthan united, strengthened, developed, we have to restore our ancient system of ruling by adopting Hinduism as “The Way of Life”.
March 29th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Respected Sir,
India is a land of rich cultural heritage - the origin of one of the major religion of the world “Hiduism” which teaches the lesson of tolerance and repect for all. It suggests the way of life by emphasiging the importance of Karma, abdication of greed and love for all.
It is ironical that if someone attempts to propagate the message of Hinduism for the good of all is interpreted differently especially by saying that it does not suit aptly to the secular tenets of the constitution. Mark Tully’s assertion that ‘Secular State’ does not mean an ‘Irreligious State’ is a fitting reply and eye opener for them. In addition to materialistic satisfaction a man also needs the spiritualistic satisfaction and religion fulfils that desire.The launch of the Encyclopedia of Hinduism is an important step forward as it will inculcate in the citizens the moral values and character by reviving the great religious and cultural past.
March 29th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
When ever I find a mail intimating some new Blog write up from Sh. L.K. Advani ji I go to see it most enthusiastically and every time I see a new write up I get more frustrated. I have no issues with Advani ji writing on social issues like Khumbh but I feel those who follow Blogs of eminent political leaders like Advani ji expect comments on current political events taking place in the country and more so within BJP.
More over, Advani ji is not at all interactive. A Blog is posted and there it ends on Advani ji’s part, while the blogging is a continuous and interactive process.
March 30th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Well said, sir (Shri Advani Ji).
@ Amit Kumar
It’s true that there are good and bad aspects in every religion, but at the same time it is true that Hinduism has only good aspects. Those who only try to embelish their language (by listening common phrase by anti national media) by saying - “there are good and bad aspects in every religion” do not know Hinduism.
One must understand Hinduism before one generalizes the idea of ‘under one umbrella’ for the sake of satisfying many. Even ADI SHANKARACHARYA - a greate thinker, philosopher, sage - was not able to find fault with Hinduism. Understanding Hinduism requires a sincere effort, thinking, vision, and intelligence.One can’t understand it by reading ‘Times of India’ and similar news papers and hearing from all and sundry and then start commenting that “there are good and bad aspects in every religion” !
March 31st, 2010 at 10:19 am
आदरणीय श्री आडवानी जी,
You bring out a very important point when you refer to your discussion with Dr. Kapoor about the influence of the English educational system on Indians. I am also glad you quoted Macaulay’s letter to his father, celebrating that Indians were no longer remaining “sincerely attached” to their religion because of the education.
I make the same observation in the background to the War of 1857 in my recently published book, titled : “Tatya Tope’s Operation Red Lotus.” The book is published by Rupa and Co.
In fact - after 1835, once India was politically, economically under English control, England declared a war on India’s soul. The War of 1857 was a result of India’s obsession to be free. In fact, as Operation Red Lotus demonstrates that Tatya Tope’s resurgent campaign in late 1858 allowed India to remain a nation.
If you do get time in your busy schedule, I would urge you to read the book. I think you might find it enjoyable.
Parag Tope
April 2nd, 2010 at 11:01 am
Advani ji !
Please read this story in rediff..(http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/apr/01/illegal-madrassas-a-breeding-ground-of-terror.htm). This a very serious matter relating to internal security of the country. Please ask your party leaders/ shiv sena to atleast raise this issue in Maharashtra assembly.. also, if possible, through RTI, government should be asked to give the official records on this..
April 3rd, 2010 at 11:28 pm
Advaniji !
Please read this story..http://khabar.ndtv.com/2010/04/03201830/imam-PM-batla.html
If this is true, its a serious matter and needs to be questioned from Manmohan singh..its all being fuelled by congress party leaders especially digvijay singh etc…. Now congress party has stooped so low in their pursuit of vote bank politics that they are now questioning their own Goverment in Delhi for the alleged fake incounter… PM should be questioned in parliament and virtually grilled to let his stand known to the country.. Also, he shoukd be askd why some leaders of his party have now started questioning their own government ?
April 4th, 2010 at 9:27 am
Hinduism was always a great religion. The first thing it teaches is that nobody is supreme and everybody has short commings. Hinduism was the first one to believe in Team work where the Trimurti of Brahma Vishnu Mahesh collectively used to solve problems.
All the doubts people have of Hinduism could be very easily explained. The only problem with Hinduism was that it lacked Political and Millitary framework. Whenever this was there Hinduism and country prospered and whenever it was absent the country suffered. ChandraGupta Maurya and Chankya are the greatest examples of what Hindutva should be. But under influence of Buddhism ,Hinduism suffered. Ashoka converted to Buddhism and forgot his Rajdharma. Hindus forgot that almost all of their Gods have weapons in their hands to fight with it when needed.
I think Narendra Modi ji and Advani ji have revived what modern day Hindutva should be. I pray to God to give success to them.
April 4th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
It is really very good step taken. Our current government works towards the minority appeasement and trys to project pro-Hinduism as fundamentalism. Secularism doesnt mean the suppression of hindu thoughts only. Our coming generation should get a good learning of Hinduism. This is not just for belief in god but to understand the principles of humanity.
Great work.
April 4th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Adarniya Advaniji,
It was a heartwarming moment to see you there at the preview function of the encyclopedia of Hinduism at VIF Chanakyapuri. It is of more joy for the younger generation to see that senior people like you are still putting your toil for strengthening the civilization. This gives us strength and confidence to see that all the misapplications the Western and other civilizations have done on our great civilization, will be undone.
April 5th, 2010 at 12:35 am
Hi.. nice post sir…
When will the indian media wakeup…when will the Indian foregin policy will be framed to safeguard our country and not to impress some other country..
Can’t there be any law to ban foreign media.. which shows India in poor light ?
April 5th, 2010 at 5:14 pm
Sri L.K. Advani Ji
New Delhi
Sub: A plan to clean and stop pollution in Yamuna within 7 months
Sir, I Gopi Dutt want to draw your attention to problem that Delhi has been facing since as long as 10 yrs now. I am talking about the pollution in Yamuna caused by devotional material, Polybags, Flowers etc. We all have been trying to clean it up for the past 10 yrs but it hasn’t stopped yet. Does anyone have a plan to stop this that here is no further need to clean n re-clean the river? The problem is that we only create awareness that people should not pollute the river but there are no measures taken to stop this pollution.
They have found my solution to be the best possible way as there is no other option that stops pollution in as soon as 7 months after being implemented. We hope that you will make your contribution for this noble cause. We would be highly obliged if you could kindly help us in organizing this.
Gopi Dutt Akash
9818592979
http://www.yffindia.blogspot.com
October 18th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
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good guidance and sharing,I will get this wonderful for me .thank you!…
November 22nd, 2010 at 4:03 pm
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Sweet post….
November 26th, 2010 at 11:38 pm
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Very first point , A big thanks to you to open my eyes….
December 7th, 2010 at 9:57 am
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