Worldwide Locations
Worldwide Locations
Gautam Adhikari Vs. 'The Intolerant Indian'
In New York on June 2, Gautam Adhikari argues that modern India survives by remaining a secular, pluralist democracy. (4 min., 17 sec.)
NEW YORK, June 2, 2011 – In a discussion here of his newly-released book, The Intolerant Indian: Why We Must Rediscover a Liberal Space, veteran journalist Gautam Adhikari began by examining the foundations of modern India and its relationship with democracy.
India itself, he argued, is classically liberal, and could not function without a democratic framework binding together so many diverse cultures and 18 different official languages. Therefore, it was only natural that India's founding fathers envisioned a liberal democratic nation and wrote the Indian constitution accordingly.
Moving to the present day, Adhikari distinguished this traditionally tolerant India from what he called "intolerant Indians." These latter, in his view, are exemplified by fundamentalist Hindus who envisage India as a "pure land" for themselves alone — thereby mirroring, intentionally or not, the founding concept of Pakistan, whose name means "land of the pure for Muslims."
In the ensuing conversation with Frank G. Wisner, former US Ambassador to India, Adhikari discussed India's shift from being a largely secluar, pluralist nation with democratic ideals to one whose politics he sees as increasingly directed by religion.
Nonetheless, the veteran journalist cast his country's future in a positive light, observing that India is demographically one of the youngest nations in the world and that the more globalized younger generation shows signs of respecting traditionally tolerant ideals.
Wisner concluded by asking what Adhikari's views were on tolerance in the United States. Adhikari answered drily, "Better than Europe," drawing laughter from the audience, and noted the ways in which various cultures, although initially shunned and rejected, are eventually absorbed in new forms in America.
Reported by Inhae Song
The Intolerant Indian is available at AsiaStore.org
Very true prabhuji, however it must be recognised that Vedic culture is the only "global" culture! The remnants are visible throughout this planet-Bharat varsa.The proponents of secularism and pluralism are morally and spiritually bankrupt! Can't recognise any Rajarishis these days of Kali-yug!
There is a class of people with some vested interest who are out to defame India and its citizens that they want to make it a theological state. I would like to state that Hindus are the most tolerant people on the earth. We never claim to kill or harm those who are not Hindus. We welcome people from all religions of the world and the fact that it is only the Hindus who proclaim "Vasudev Kutumbkum" (the whole world is a family. It is only Hindus who chant "Sarve Bhavantu Sukhin, Sarve Santu Niramay" (let the whole world be happy and healthy. It is only the Hindus who teach to respect the womenfolk" Yatra Naryaste Pujyante, Ramante Tatr Tevta" (Angels live there where womenfolk are worshipped/respected. India is the only country in the world that gives a hajj subsidy of more than Rs.6000 million to its Muslim pilgrims. India, the only Hindu majority country in the world, which gives reservation to its minorities in edu institutes, govt. jobs, scholarships, and concessional loans. How many Muslims have occupied the post of Head of State or the Head of the Govt. in Pakistan, how many Hindus have been CJI in Pakistan or some other important positions. Not a Single. Just look at the records in India.Hindus have never had forcible conversions.
Post new comment