Is There Hindu Terror?

Hindu terror {or similar terms like Extremism} – the buzzword of the past week or so. This is, at best, a topic that ensures passion – but we need to confront this allegation head-on as a society, for our own well-being. In the past week or so, two or three articles have appeared that open this debate; the author’s courage and forthrightness needs to be appreciated, that much is certain. Opinion is strictly divided into two camps – one says, with a marked lack of eloquence at times, what terror? The other side says, look around. As in much else, here too, I have a middle opinion – and no, I am not sitting on the fence on this one, as a couple of my friends and seniors have alleged in some cases

IS THERE HINDU TERROR?

So, we first need to examine whether or not there is Hindu Terror at all, in the first place, and then look at its dimensions. Now in this, sorry to state, there can actually be no debate : there is no terror so far as we know from what information is present in the public discourse. Terrorism means, in the words of Collins Dictionary, “Terrorism is the use of violence, especially murder and bombing, in order to achieve political aims or to force a government to do something.” Oxford has this to say : “The unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.”

In the public understanding – using my own personal understanding of what terror / terrorism means, I can state that terrorism is organized large-scale violence meant to achieve some objective, religious or otherwise. I may be wrong, but the above might just be approximately correct. Now if the above three are generally correct for the large part, then I am very much afraid that there is no case for Hindu terror, of that there can be no doubt whatever

But does that mean all is hunky dory, as the Bhakt Brigade makes it out to be? Well, I am very much afraid, not so. All is not well in at least one way – and I don’t refer to criminal activities like hurting and beating up people due to Cow Vigiliantism. That is another matter entirely, one on which we had best remain silent, and not cause tension. Let that be. Having said that, those incidents are worthy of severe condemnation; and I hope the scourge is controlled and eradicated fast.

ARE THINGS PERFECT?

So what can we say of the point I allude to above – that things are not entirely right? Some people believe that there is no issue - I would like to think so; but, I regretfully admit that this is not the true reality, and I do not refer to any political aspect / censorship / defamation cases  and other cases filed as we have been reading. As I have repeatedly stated elsewhere, I am trying to be apolitical, a lover of democracy who keeps {or tries to} keep his political views a secret, not for public consumption.

I refer to my friends and family; to my associates, acquaintances, and other people – people like you and me. They are the reason I am slowly going silent on many issues; yes I do feel scared. I feel terrified, more than terrified. I feel scared of losing relationships, getting into arguments with those I care for, love; those I have to work with, socialize : arguments around politics & religion tend to sour relationships in the personal space, reduce efficiency & productivity in the workplace, and are manifest time-wasters, imho.  Given the harshly defined positions in the mindspace of the people, it is hard to convince either side; leading to hot talks, arguments, with neither side willing to concede.

CLEARLY DEFINED IDEOLOGICAL SPACES

The political space in India is rapidly evolving into two clear ideological spaces; far from this being a flashpoint of worry, this is actually great, as it promises the end of fragmented opinion, voter-groups, and will slowly over time evolve into a much stronger base for our already rock-solid democracy. So long as open free and fair discussion is encouraged, it will enable learning, evolution of national choices, with clear directives emerging over time. Let us all welcome this; that said – there are flashpoints for worry emanating from the extremely charged debates we tend to indulge in with those of us not on our side of the POV. I myself have been discussing, till the time I saw the light and disengaged in totality. On the aspect of religion, I have nothing to say. Perhaps, my silence will be more eloquent than all the words the English language can muster up on this matter. That says it all – Samajhne Waale Samajh Gaye Hain!

Each person is entitled to his or her opinion; let us all grant that space to everyone. So long as that opinion is not a physical, real harm to you, it shouldn’t matter. I readily admit that this rather grandiose statement is very difficult to actually achieve; given the ready availability of information, one or the other side is bound to be proven wrong at some point in time. I further admit that there is a manifest misunderstanding regarding some issues, perhaps on both sides – but our highlighting these will not work, as the beliefs are too deeply held, and will require deep seated change; which is never good when sudden. Change is best when gradual.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, there is no real Hindu terror. I must also regretfully re-iterate that as of now, for me at least, it is just not feasible to openly discuss anything regarding my political views, or views relating to some aspects of Religion. This is deeply regrettable  - but is not terror; I have a fear in my mind, a fear of losing relationships. Yes, I have lost one or two good friendships, as have other people in my knowledge. And frankly, in retrospect, I see nothing gained from our discussions; in fact, in the one or two cases where I backpeddled and went silent, and let matters lie, I now have a great relationship.

I cannot speak for society; I am not an opinion leader, neither am I a known personality. I am just one person in a Billion, quite literally. I can only speak for myself. And speaking for myself – and only myself, I must admit a creeping distaste and phobia of indulging in charged discussions around Politics and / or Religion nowadays. What does this mean for free speech? Fine – you {metaphorical you} don’t agree with my views – cant we agree to disagree? That is what I have started practicing. There is no need to get personal, or get vicious with words, when we are discussing, is there? So, my call – let it be. I will now try and keep my political views limited to the secret ballot. It is between the ballot and me now. And Religion– is between me and God now… Silence is the best option in this scenario! Now the only aspect on Religion I feel comfortable sharing is quotes of Swami Vivekanand, and some Geeta or other  Scriptural learnings. Nothing else.