This refers to the article, “Minting fresh controversy” (July 19) by Anuradha Dutt.
The article strikes at the root of the secular controversy. It brings out most comprehensively the difference between true secularism and the one practised in India in the form of appeasement of a section of the society. The unfortunate part is that one cannot expect the majority community to raise a voice of protest to uphold the decision to inscribe the revered goddess on the five-rupee coins.
Hindus see religion as a personal ethos rather than a societal phenomenon. Hence they cannot appreciate the inclusiveness ingrained in their beliefs versus the exclusivity of Semitic religions. Coupled with this is the incorrect notion of secularism taught by the state, leading Hindus to believe that anyone raising a voice to protect the inclusive values of their dharma is a fundamentalist. The writer's research and the effort to bring out the facts of the controversy are commendable. One hopes that more people understand and appreciate the vastness and depth of Hindu ethos to strengthen true secularism.