Hinduism
forms the fundamental cultural and social core of India. It symbolizes diversity – of
beliefs, forms of worship, gods-goddesses and different aspects of life. India
is culturally rich because of Hinduism, and Hinduism reflects the true spirit
of Indian-ness. India and Hinduism are inextricably inter linked in a body-soul
relationship.
Hinduism – the religion of
the Vedas – followed by about 80% of Indian population is the underlying basis
of Indian culture and ethos. It is the cultural bedrock of Bhartiyata – the
indigenous version of Indian nationalism. Hinduism is naturally universal and essentially
inclusive. It’s chief hallmarks include – assimilation, synthesis, pluralism,
tolerance and a respect – reverence for the other.
Hinduism is a cultural
force that predominates the Indian nation. It is an all encompassing, all round
magnificent vision of the world and humanity. It is integrated humanism. Often
it is more cultural than religious. It is intertwined with the lives of people
and is flexible enough to incorporate a wide variety of thoughts, belief
systems, ideologies and modes of thinking. A famous Hindu thinker has rightly
said – “Hinduism is not a religion, it is a commonwealth of religions.”
Hinduism is the sum and
substance of Indian ness. The rich heritage of India is mostly Hindu. There is
no aspect of India which is untouched by either cultural or religious Hinduism.
Hinduism celebrates diversity – of life and views and allows total religious
freedom.
Genuine Hinduism cannot be
pro – communal or anti – liberal. Thus we see, even Hindu minded parties like
BJP and Shiv Sena talk about getting rid of pseudo secularism and not really
making India a Hindu nation. Hindus usually do not ill treat minorities. For Hinduism, different religions are but an
extension of the diversity that already exists with the Hindu fold.
Hinduism shares a very
healthy relationship with almost all the religions of the world. Sikhism was
born by bridging the differences between Hindus and Muslims. Similarly Sufism –
the softer side of Islam took deep roots in India and Sufi saints still have
many Hindu followers. Likewise – Parsis found a hospitable place to grow and
develop in India. Christians, Jews and others too have shared their social
space with Hinduism and adapted to Indian conditions.
Hinduism has been interpreted
differently by the various political parties of India – while Hindu nationalist
Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has championed the cause of Hindutva (a political version
of Hinduism) and focused on helping preserve, protect and propagate Hindu
culture and religion, on the other the ardently Secularist Indian National
Congress (INC) has taken up the more subtle objectives of Hinduism – which
include upliftment of the downtrodden (Samaj Sewa – social service), protection
of the weak (religious and cultural minorities) and nation building.
Hinduism has been however
historically handicapped by the caste system – and it’s grossly inhuman
manifestation- the practice of Untouchability - which is rightly called the
most serious blot on Indian society. Over the centuries several social
movements have waged wars against these evils and they have achieved partial
success. The future of caste system is dark. As the society grows, urbanization
increases and education proliferates – caste system is bound to dwindle.
The religions of Jainism,
Buddhism and Sikhism are included within the Hindu fold. These come within the
larger Hindu brotherhood. These have enriched Hinduism, reformed it and fought
it’s evils. These are added dimensions to Hindu thought. Buddhism has indeed
taken Indian thought to the entire Eastern and South Eastern Asia.
Hinduism enriches a Hindu
– culturally, socially and morally. It provides him with identity. It also gives
him a sense of heritage, philosophy, morality and thinking. His Hinduism is
beyond dogmas, away from sectarianism or fanaticism and is neither fully spiritualistic
nor totally materialistic. It is away from narrowness and weaknesses, and transcends
the extremes. Hinduism is indeed the true socio – cultural wealth of a Hindu.
It is unimaginable to think of India and Hinduism dichotomously.
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