The Hindu : Redefining secularism

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Mar 20, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Redefining secularism

Sir, — In the article, "Redefining secularism" (March 18), Subramanian Swamy has confused secularism with Sanskritisation. Secularism involves the development of rational thinking, objectivity and critical approach to society. Whereas Sanskritisation is the imitation of the ways of life of the `upper' castes. Secularism also means the overall transformation of the existing hierarchical social order; Sanskritisation is merely the positional change. It reinforces the hegemony of the `upper' castes.

Shakil Ahmad,
New Delhi

* * *

Sir, — Dr. Swamy's argument in favour of Sanskritisation is unacceptable. Sanskritisation is essentially a gift of Brahminic values. It implies an acceptance of Brahmin hegemony in social life. How will it serve the purpose of secularism?

M. Rajkumar,
New Delhi

* * *

Sir, — Nehru's secularism bordered on atheism as it forbade all manifestations of religion and hindered assimilation. Hindutva, on the other hand, while fostering the assimilation of the deprived castes, as enumerated by Dr. Swamy, comes clothed with fervour and fanaticism. Dr. Swamy offers Sanskritisation as an alternative. In what way is Sanskritisation substantially different from Hindutva? Hindutva sans zealotry is equal to Sanskritisation. It is all product differentiation and the difference is a matter of degree and not of substance.

Ganesh S. Krishnan,
Minnesota, U.S.

* * *

Sir, — In the era of globalisation and liberalisation, Indian society can no longer nurture a caste-based system. Let us develop a culture-based society instead.

A. Selvaraj,
Madurai, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — The article is brilliant. It is, however, doubtful if Dr. Swamy's call to declare the caste system as anti-Hindu will have many takers.

R. Narasimhan,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — The pseudo-secularist, the educated elite and the English press have distorted the sanctity of secularism and created divisions among Indians. Hinduism emphasises the need for self-transformation and the various divisions, and evils afflicting the Hindu society are the creation of leaders with vested interests.

K.T. Krishnaswami,
Sengundram, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — Dr. Swamy's suggested remedy of Sanskritisation is only an add-on to the theory propounded earlier by L.K. Advani of `cultural nationalism', which has been much maligned by the Opposition and the media.

A.V. Ramana Rao,
Chennai

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