The politicians should refrain from provoking the believers and poking fun at their beliefs
It is unfortunate and saddening to note that a particular religion in Kerala has come under attack from all political parties that swear by secularism, tolerance and pluralism. Onam, portrayed as the “national festival” of Kerala is an occasion when Mahabali is portrayed as a buffoon and comedian. Though this mythological character is described as the former ruler of the State, his image as a monarch evokes laughter and fun from the people. Add to this the flippant dialogues delivered by him in TV programs and plays!
Days before Onam, Speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly A N Shamseer, who had declared his aversion for anything associated with Sanatana Dharma, made fun of Lord Ganapathi which hurt the devotees of the God with an elephant’s head. Shamseer was propagating the virtues of scientific temper and he chose Lord Ganapathi as the mascot of reactionary forces. Addressing school students, the CPI-M leader with his open proclivity for Islamists, asked them not to worship such false icons because plastic surgery was unknown in the era of Ganapathi and Lord Shiva. It cannot be that Shamseer is unaware of Charaka and Susrutha, the founding fathers of Ayurveda and who wrote Charaka Samhitha and Susrutha Samhitha, the compendiums of Ayurveda which are widely referred to by medical scientists and physicians across the world. It was Dr M S Valiathan, the national professor of India who translated Charaka Samhitha to English.
Scientific temper has to be appreciated and made a compulsory course in schools and colleges alike. But justifying the scientific temper should not be done by ridiculing the age-old Indian traditions. Super Brain Yoga, (popularly known as Thoppukaranam in Tamil) has been found to boost brain power as well as strengthen memory by scientists and physical therapists like Annie Pilates. Moreover, Lord Ganesha does not belong to the Hindus alone. It was the Sarvajanik Ganesh Festivals in Maharashtra organized by LokManya Tilak that integrated the people to fight for freedom from the colonial masters.
The Sanatan Dharma pontificates that all religions are equal while the Semitic religions shun that teaching. While obscurantist and reactionary rituals should be banned by law, the same should be made applicable to miracle crusades and wonder healings which are practised across India with impunity. Religions and Gods should be left to the personal business of devotees. While Hindus are ridiculed for their beliefs and Gods, one should not forget what happened in the editorial office of Charlie Hebdo, a political satirical magazine in France that published cartoons of Prophet Mohammed. On 7 January 2015, two gunmen gatecrashed into the magazine's office and massacred 12 editorial staff as retaliation. The likes of Shamseer should understand that the Hindus do not hurt the religious sentiments of anybody and their response to the insults meted out to the God who removes all obstacles should not be seen as a weakness. The latest development coming from Kochi is a cause for worry. There is substance to the demand by Hindus that the temples be left at the hands of devotees and believers. Politics has no place in the Houses of Gods.
(The writer is a special correspondent with the Pioneer. The views expressed are personal)
