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Tuesday, November 8, 2016

[mukto-mona] Confusions around term Hindutva



Confusions around term Hindutva

by Ram Puniyani

On October 25 (2016) the seven member Supreme Court Bench started hearing to revisit 'Hindutva' cases. These are group of cases where the use of term Hindutva-Hinduism to be used during elections is to be opined. One such case was that of Manohar Joshi who in his election speech said that if he is voted to power he will work for making Maharashtra as the first Hindu state in the country. In another incident Bal Thackeray, Shiv Sena founder and supremo of BJP associate Shiv Sena, said in November 1987, declared that his party is contesting elections "for the protection of Hinduism, we do not care for the votes of the Muslims. The country belongs to Hindus". And "[The Muslims] should bear in mind that this country is of Hindus, the same shall remain of Hindus... if Shiv Sena comes to power… everybody will have to take diksha (initiation) into Hindu religion."

The 1995 Judgment, where Justice Varma opined that the word 'Hindutva', "is used and understood as a synonym of 'Indianisation', i.e. development of uniform culture by obliterating the differences between all the cultures coexisting in the country." This came to be known as 'Hindutva as a way of life', judgment and became popular as 'Hindutva judgment', was used by RSS combine to reinforce their Hindu rashtra agenda. In Guruvayoor temple case again similar opinion was given. Also one recalls that way back in 1966 in a case involving Satsangis, who were asking for status of a separate religion, the court had given the similar opinion, that Hinduism is a way of life, so where is the question of Satsangis being given the status of a separate religion? This does not exhaust the list of such judgments in this category. 

Teesta Setalvad, eminent social activist, has intervened in the court in the matter with an application stating that religion and politics should not be mixed and a direction be passed to de-link religion from politics. The hearing of the case is on. This is a great opportunity for the court to clear the air about the terms Hinduism and Hindutva. So far many opinions have been given that since Hinduism has so much diversity, so it is not a religion and that it includes all the communities so 'it's a 'way of life' The words Hinduism and Hindutva have been used interchangeably many a times. 

The confusion and nature of the word Hinduism and Hindutva emerge as Hinduism is not a prophet based religion; with a clear cut single Holy book the teachings of the prophet or a single God. Its nature is different from prophet based religions like Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and Sikhism for that matter. It has been identified with Vedas, where the life and norms of Aryans is expressed. In matters of faith starting from animism to atheism may come under its umbrella. The term Hinduism itself came into usage from eighth Century onwards. The term was coined by those coming here from Central Asia and they coined the word Hindu as a derivative of the word Sindhu which they had to cross to this part of the sub continent. Essentially what were prevalent here were multiple religious traditions, Brahmanism, Nath, Tantra, Siddha, Shiava Siddhanta and later Bhakti also. The first construction of Hinduism takes place to refer to these diverse tendencies. Later Hinduism as religion starts being referred to for the people around these sects. Jainism and Buddhism were also present in good measure. With British coming the construction of Hinduism became well delineated. With seeds of communalism coming up Hinduism started being contrasted against Islam and Christianity in particular. 

In late early twentieth century ideologue of Hindu nationalism, Savarkar put forward the concept of Hindutva in a sharper way to present it as 'whole of Hinduness', i.e. it includes Hindu religion as conceived by them and also it includes the politics of Hindu nationalism. So inherent in the term was religion, Hinduism, which had the dominant part of Brahmanism, and it was blended with the Hindu nationalism. Hindu nationalism was being projected by the upper caste, landlord-kings sections of Hindus who were weary of the emerging "India as a nation in the making and accompanying ideas of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. The Hindu nationalists upheld the scriptures like Manu Smiriti, while the majority of Hindus led by Gandhi were aspiring for secular democratic ethos.

Hinduism is the most complex umbrella where interpretations are dominated by the caste factors. Ambedkar does point out that Hinduism is a Brahmanic theology. Other streams of Hinduism. Nath Tantra, Bhakti etc. have been marginalized and undermined and it's around Brahmanical hierarchy that Hindutva movement has emerged. It's clear that Hinduism is not the religion of all the Indians. Also that Hinduva has been built around Brahmanical stream of Hinduism. This complex understanding needs to be unraveled before opining on the Representation of People's Act. In S. R. Bommai case the court the Supreme Court recognized the value of this understanding of terms Hinduism-Hindutva. Justice B.P. Jeevan Reddy wrote, "To fight elections on a plank of religion, was tantamount to eroding the country's secular fabric." But, barely a year later, this was subverted when India's secular credentials came to be undermined with the rulings known as 'Hindutva cases'.

The foundation of this understanding is already there in what Dr. Ambedkar writes, B.R. Ambedkar, who played a sterling role in the RPA's drafting; his aim was to ensure that the statute conformed to secular principles. "I think that elections ought to be conducted on issues which have nothing to do with… religion or culture,". Further that "A political party should not be permitted to appeal to any emotion which is aroused by reason of something which has nothing to do with the daily affairs of the people." This is the spirit of Indian Constitution which wants to separate religion from politics

It is a Historic opportunity for the Court to set the matters straight and put the norms back to the basic structure of Indian Constitution, the values of secularism. And finally Hindutva is revolving around Hinduism which is religion to be sure.

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Key Words: Hindu, Hinduism, Hindutva, Hindutva Judgment, electoral practices, S.R. Bommai, Secularism, Religion and Politics

www.pluralindia.com


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Posted by: ram puniyani <jhang45@yahoo.com>


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Re: [mukto-mona] Fw: Louis Farrakhan - "That wicked woman"



I am not an American citizen (and thank goodness for that). But for the sake of justice, I hope Hillary Clinton, after she becomes President, will clean up the FBI and fork out all political elements from it. 


On Tuesday, 8 November 2016, 19:35, Farida Majid <farida_majid@hotmail.com> wrote:


The election was rigged by James Comey, the director of the F.B.I. His job is to police crime — but instead he used his position to spread innuendo and influence the election.
The election was also rigged by people within the F.B.I. — people who clearly felt that under Mr. Comey they had a free hand to indulge their political preferences.




From: mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com <mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com> on behalf of Jiten Roy jnrsr53@yahoo.com [mukto-mona] <mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 8, 2016 6:13 AM
To: Yahoogroups
Subject: [mukto-mona] Fw: Louis Farrakhan - "That wicked woman"
 
 



----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Satya D <hitaya123@gmail.com>
To: jnrsr53@yahoo.com
Sent: Monday, November 7, 2016 6:19 PM
Subject: Louis Farrakhan - "That wicked woman"

know before you vote
"I do not blame you for wanting a woman President, but that is a wicked woman" - Louis Farrakhan,  

See his speech below on mass incarceration and calling young black men as 'super predators that need to be brought to heel'.
Satya D | Drive, Middletown, NJ 07748
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Posted by: ANISUR RAHMAN <anisur.rahman1@btinternet.com>


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"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it".
               -Beatrice Hall [pseudonym: S.G. Tallentyre], 190





__,_._,___

Re: [mukto-mona] Fw: Louis Farrakhan - "That wicked woman"



The election was rigged by James Comey, the director of the F.B.I. His job is to police crime — but instead he used his position to spread innuendo and influence the election.

The election was also rigged by people within the F.B.I. — people who clearly felt that under Mr. Comey they had a free hand to indulge their political preferences.





From: mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com <mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com> on behalf of Jiten Roy jnrsr53@yahoo.com [mukto-mona] <mukto-mona@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 8, 2016 6:13 AM
To: Yahoogroups
Subject: [mukto-mona] Fw: Louis Farrakhan - "That wicked woman"
 
 




----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Satya D <hitaya123@gmail.com>
To: jnrsr53@yahoo.com
Sent: Monday, November 7, 2016 6:19 PM
Subject: Louis Farrakhan - "That wicked woman"

know before you vote
"I do not blame you for wanting a woman President, but that is a wicked woman" - Louis Farrakhan,  

See his speech below on mass incarceration and calling young black men as 'super predators that need to be brought to heel'.
Satya D | Drive, Middletown, NJ 07748
Unsubscribe jnrsr53@yahoo.com
Update Profile | About our service provider
Sent by hitaya123@gmail.com in collaboration with
Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.
Try it free today




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Posted by: Farida Majid <farida_majid@hotmail.com>


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Mukto Mona plans for a Grand Darwin Day Celebration: 
Call For Articles:

http://mukto-mona.com/wordpress/?p=68

http://mukto-mona.com/banga_blog/?p=585

****************************************************

VISIT MUKTO-MONA WEB-SITE : http://www.mukto-mona.com/

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"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it".
               -Beatrice Hall [pseudonym: S.G. Tallentyre], 190





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[mukto-mona] Fw: November 7 , A "Black Day'' of History of Bangladesh !!!!





On Tuesday, November 8, 2016 11:30 AM, Muhammad Ali <manik195709@yahoo.com> wrote:




On Tuesday, November 8, 2016 11:29 AM, Muhammad Ali <manik195709@yahoo.com> wrote:




On Tuesday, November 8, 2016 11:29 AM, Muhammad Ali <manik195709@yahoo.com> wrote:




On Tuesday, November 8, 2016 11:28 AM, Muhammad Ali <manik195709@yahoo.com> wrote:


৭ নভেম্বর একটি ''কালো দিবস'' !
৭ নভেম্বর ,
বাঙালি জাতির ইতিহাসের একটি কলঙ্কময় দিবস ,
ইতিহাসের চাকা ঘুরিয়ে দেওয়ার অধ্যায় ,
মুক্তিযুদ্ধের চেতনা ভুলন্ঠিত করার চাবিকাঠি ,
মুক্তিযোদ্ধা সৈনিকদের হত্যা করে ,
স্বাধীনতা বিরোধীদের পুনর্বাসনের দলিল।
তাই এবারের ৭ নভেম্বরের অঙ্গীকার ,
তথাকথিত ''বিপ্লব এবং সংহতি দিবস'' অবৈধ ঘোষণা করা ,
যারা এই দিবস পালন করবে ,
তাদের দেশদ্রোহী আখ্যায়িত করে বিচারের সম্মুখীন করা।
কেননা বঙ্গবন্ধুর দেশে স্বাধীনতা বিরোধীদের কোনো স্থান নেই।
Image may contain: 1 person , outdoor











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Posted by: Muhammad Ali <man1k195709@yahoo.com>


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Mukto Mona plans for a Grand Darwin Day Celebration: 
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"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it".
               -Beatrice Hall [pseudonym: S.G. Tallentyre], 190





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[mukto-mona] Supporter, Every Vote & Every Call Matters Today



November 7, 2016

Every Vote & Every Call Matters Today

Salam.

Dear Supporter,
 
Every vote counts.

If you have already voted, spare a few hours today to make calls or text in the swing states. Click here to learn how.

If you have not voted yet, please vote first.

See below a last pitch by Imam Zia Sheikh of Texas for Hillary Clinton.

From: Imam Zia Sheikh of Texas

Ten Reasons to VOTE for Hillary Rodham Clinton:
  1. It's either her or Trump. She's not perfect and even if you may argue Stein or Johnson are better, they are irrelevant and, given Trump has a real shot, it's a dangerous waste of your vote to cast a protest vote (unless you live in an uncontested state).
  2. She's a Democrat, a party which embraces us minorities and disadvantaged communities. Unless GOP unshackles itself from extremist nativists, it will cease to exist as a viable party at the national level.
  3. Help break the highest, hardest glass ceiling. We've done it in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Turkey and Pakistan. We can do it here, too.
  4. You don't want to carry the unbearable guilt of helping elect Trump for the next 4 or 8 years like #RalphNader2000 voters did when they helped elect the now innocent-looking George W. Bush.
  5. We have an obligation to protect whatever progress Barack Obama was able to make on domestic issues despite the often racist obstructionism of right wing extremists (not all GOP).
  6. If you're old enough, compare Bill Clinton's 8 years + Obama's 8 years to George W's 8 years. Those 16 years are without doubt far better by most objective measures. And remember: Trump is far worse than most regular Republicans. Cheney, Rumsfeld, Ashcroft, Rove etc have nothing on Trump, Giuliani, Christie, Flynn etc.
  7. Bill Clinton put an end the genocide of Muslims in the Balkans. Reward him by making him First Laddie :)
  8. You're not electing a saint, a spiritual leader or the Messiah, just an imperfect person to continue incremental progress. Whether you vote or not, either Hillary or Trump will be president-elect tonight. Voting for Hillary is the only way to stop Trump.
  9. America is your physical home. It's also your spiritual home with arguably more religious liberty than any other nation on earth. Elect someone who will protect your civil rights and religious freedoms.
  10. Last but not least, Bernie Sanders is with her.
iA #ImWithHer

Allah knows best.

(Disclaimer: Views expressed in this post are my own and do not represent the views of any individuals or organizations I am / may have been associated with)

Dear Supporter,

Struggle to break the cycle of war-terror-hate has just begun. Voting today for the best candidate is the first step.

We must, however, continue to organize to make sure that promises made are kept.

We will be organizing post-election thinking retreats, trainings, and webinars. Please continue to support this effort.

Donate Today!


Peace
Abdul Malik Mujahid

Please Donate Now!


Join & Support Muslim Democrats

Muslim Democrats
We are a national network of Muslim activists, organizers and community leaders working to enhance the meaningful participation of all American Muslims in the electoral process for political empowerment.

We plan to:
  • Articulate demands and policy priorities on behalf of the Muslim community to the Democratic party, with the administration, to public officials and to candidates for public office.
  • Organize the Muslim electorate through development & maintenance of a database of all Muslim voters, Muslim-led political organizations, Muslim public officials and key political allies.
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Posted by: Imam Malik Mujahid <info@muslimdemocrats.net>


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Mukto Mona plans for a Grand Darwin Day Celebration: 
Call For Articles:

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"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it".
               -Beatrice Hall [pseudonym: S.G. Tallentyre], 190





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