We had the opportunity and honor to host Dr. Subramanian Swamy for a few days in Vancouver Canada. We listened to his talks and interacted with him on various topics regarding India like Corruption, Economics, Governance, Naxalism, Indian Unity, India's Cultural identity, Cow protection etc. Out of all his talks, some vested interests seemed to be riled by his ideas about India's Hindu-Muslim amity. Below is my take:
- He suggests that India's Muslims accept that their ancestors are Hindus as has been proven by modern large scale DNA studies of the Indian population. This leads to the following logical inference that Muslims are not outsiders, not descendants of Ghori-Gazni but are in fact brothers of Hindus. Since both are children of same mother, they can resolve all conflicts by mutual respect and consensus rather than violence.
- He proposes a solution to the solve the simmering Ram mandir issue. He educated the audience about the theological difference between a Hindu Temple and a Islamic Masjid. A mandir is established after "Prana-Prathistha" ritual wherein God enters, occupies and owns the temple. Whereas a Masjid is really just a prayer hall. If any sentiments are associated with the masjid structure, it infact goes against Islamic scripture since it fosters "Idol worship". He gave examples of Masjids being removed or moved for roads and malls in Saudi, Turkey even Pakistan, even Prophet Mohd's (PBUH) historic mosque was demolished in Mecca to be replaced by a commercial complex. He emphasised that on the Babri Masjid, the law should take its course and punish the people who illegally destroyed the Babri masjid structure. Post the Supreme court's decision on this case he suggests that the Hindus build for the Muslims a grand mosque beyond the river Sarayu as a good-will gesture. In return Muslims can help Hindus restore the ancient Ram temple that existed there. This mutual good-will gesture can lead to a healing of relations between the communities that is essential for the long run.
- He suggested that India's Muslims reject the dangerous ideology of ISIS and accept the Cultural Heritage of India that is Hindutva (Hinduness). This way of life not just tolerates but respects and reveres every path and method of worship and prayer. Accepting that they are part of the vast Hindustani family allows Muslims to cherish and benefit from the rich heritage of this land, its Family values, Yoga, Vedic Science, Linguistics and Heroic mythologies.
- He illustrated how the minorities are safest in India because secularism is the very DNA of Hindustan. It is in India that the Parsis, Shias, Jews, Tibetians has found refuge and safety. For e.g. the Shias are being targeted in several countries, but they are living in peace and thriving in India.
It is not for nothing that Dr Swamy is well respected among the progressive Muslim community. It is he that they look for solutions to and the way forward out of the quagmire the pseudo-secularists have dragged them into .
Those who rant against him are ignorant and have not done their homework. Or maybe they benefit from the divide and keeping the India's Muslims in fear of the majority so they can be easily herded for votes?
Those who rant against him are ignorant and have not done their homework. Or maybe they benefit from the divide and keeping the India's Muslims in fear of the majority so they can be easily herded for votes?
