Secularism is a powerful word used in common parlance, specifically in the political and administrative circles. When a word like Pseudo secularism is coined with a razor focus on one specific topic, it is bound to evoke interest of the readers. Couple this interest with the author of the calibre of Sita Ram Goel (SRG) and one would have a masterpiece in their hands. This book enables the reader to understand the historical, geo-political and local conditions around Christian missions and subsequent response of the society to the same. 83 pages of sheer genius !!
Secularism is supported by various apparatus of the society including those intellectuals who are willing to offer their services for payments while totally ignoring the underlying foundations of the society. This shouldn’t surprise the modern readers with ample examples available in daily life. Is this only about a religion or is it much more deeper geo-political play by certain vested entities? SRG tries to address this question and much more through a well researched, extensively cross referenced writing on various topics around the topic of religion and conversions. The author explains the overall ascendance of the challenge over the course of 5 stages, the last of which is relevant even in the modern day.
Some of the references that are quoted and analysed through the book include K. M. Panikkar’s book Asia and Western Dominance, Arun Shourie’s Missionaries in India as well as the Niyogi Commission report and Om Prakash Tyagi’s Bill on Freedom of Religion. Historical events are analysed for their influence on the growth of the missionary activity and how certain slogans or terms were taken advantage of to further the objectives of the organisation. It shouldn’t surprise that the tallest leaders of the country landed up becoming a white man’s burden and repeated emphasis on dating certain events, which though factually are inaccurate.
Sita Ram Goel analyses the overall strategy employed in the cause: Education, Medicine and Social services and how these became just a front or a catalyst to an ulterior motive. The manner in which certain Bills were suppressed or thrown out shows the clout and power of the lobby that could influence the highest echelons of the administrative setup. The saddest part is that Home Minister himself was shunted out for sharing a perspective in the temple of democracy. The phenomenal growth of the aforementioned institutions should have given out strong signals, but were ignored. Why and Who… the question hangs heavily on the reader? The influence though can’t be mistaken. When a person accused of sodomy could be released by a Govt., imagine the influence and power wielded.
The author’s helplessness is quite apparent in quite a few places where he is unable to secure a credible answer from the highest levels of Morarji Desai’s Govt. The phrase, “State within a state” is coined and very well explained by the author. The idea of regional movements leading to the creation or rather carving out of new states is quite surprising to the reviewer. There is a lot more to the events in the country than what meets the eye. Organisations creating surrogates or proxies to further their agenda is part of the common playbook.
The second section i.e. Rift in the Lute starts off with a very well documented historical anecdote relevant to the topic of interest. Of course, T. B. Macaulay couldn’t be far behind in the overall scheme of things and the educational system of 1835 plays a significant role in the turn of events. As one reads through the pages, one can’t help but reflect: Aren’t there lessons to be learnt today? Have we really learnt these lessons or are we in a state of denial? The section on Opium trade leading to spread of the religious evangelism is quite fascinating and informative. The portion of religion becoming a cloak of safety for unwanted elements of the society is yet another shocking revelation from the author.
The 2 books and multiple acts are discussed in detail. One shouldn’t be surprised or shocked to learn about the fate of these acts. However, in the last few pages of the book, the actual strategy of painting Hinduism as the reason for ignorance, inequality and falsehood is shown in gory detail. Coupled with this is painting the Brahmanism as the root-cause for all evil as a clever ploy, clearly exposes the mindset employed by the various powers. One can’t write enough about the book for the details and revelations are quite shocking.
Simply a gem.. MUST READ book for all history enthusiasts !!!
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