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The artiste in the politician

BEYOND POLITICS Dr Karan Singh, the multi-faceted scholar, intellectual and aesthete PHOTO: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

Intellectual-politician Dr Karan Singh in "I Believe" (published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan) released recently, reveals his worldview tailored by both head and heart. The main thrust of his philosophy influenced by Vedanta and the Gita, rests on the belief that man has "that unquenchable spark of divinity", which through conscious effort "can be fanned into the smokeless flame of spirituality" by whatever path chosen - intellectual, action-based or devotional. The focused mental and physical energies should form a Yoga growing and refining one's conscience.

Recognising religion as a most resilient force, the multi-faceted scholar strongly advocates inter-faith dialogue as the only panacea for a troubled globe where - he quotes Yeats - "The best lack all conviction, While the worst are full of passionate intensity."

All religions preach human love and divine communion, despite theological differences and the book constantly quotes examples from many religions. India the home of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, embracing within its fold Judaism, Christianity and Islam has to play a major role in fostering global harmony.

Primary goals

But man cannot live by the spirit alone and self-realisation cannot be preached to a needy man. For the country the primary goals must be economic growth, social transformation and secular democracy. Preserving ecology is a must, for this earth is given to us on trust.

Chained to the bedside for long months at a young age due to ill health and an accident, the art lover converted this period into an opportunity for understanding the inner man. Politics, says Singh, by its very nature is turbulent. Losing the 1989 election in his own homeland Jammu, after so many victories from Udhampur constituency, made him realise the need to nurture a persona beyond political affiliations. Pain and pleasure are the natural polarities of life that one has to transcend. Condemning corruption, hyper-consumerism and ultra-promiscuity, he however sees no fault in a sexual relationship between two consenting adults.

For his troubled homeland where Abhinavagupta's Saivism and Lalleswari's Sufi faith have mingled, Singh advocates settlement "on a broader regional context".

Man must shed his fear of Death, a natural process. The law should allow, and medical scientists should discover a `Nirvana Pill' for those who wish to make a graceful exit from life (not euthanasia)!

This known lover of Dogri Geet and Hindustani classical music is also a Rock/Pop addict, with favourites ranging from Cliff Richards to Whitney Houston and the Pet Shop Boys!

LEELA VENKATARAMAN

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