If gurudom in India has to be checked, educational level must be raised and the deras, the dhams should be taken under the monitoring of the Government
It's an undisputed fact that humans crave for dignity and wealth. The rise of godmen like Sathya Sai Baba, Asaram Bapu, Sant Rampal, Bhagawan Nityananda etc, has been possible only due to the blind support of a large number of people. Ironically, the same baba figures, who are revered by millions, are easily defamed and tainted by the media and the civil society when a scandal is exposed. This is not only applicable for spiritual leaders but also for bureaucrats, politicians and businessmen. Television channels since morning to night are aggressively engaged in showcasing philanthropic acts and miracles through versions of lal Kitab, god Shani among other things. There is no dearth of blind supporters and they are willing to give up their life to fight for the likes of Gurmeet Ram Rahim. One might verify this on encountering supporters of Asaram who will still claim that he has been falsely implicated.
Pupil worry more about their godmen than about themselves and are even ready to cut the loaf for sake of these godmen. No matter how harsh it is on their own lives, but caring and sacrificing for the guru is above all considerations. In the case of Dera Sacha Sauda, followers are not only glued to Gurmeet Ram Rahim for spiritual reasons but also for material gains. When matter and spirit both are available then why to toil hard for livelihoodIJ A few even hope to have material needs fulfilled through superstition. Incidentally, if prediction made by godmen turns out to be true, few others keenly wait with great expectations.
No matter that law and science disapprove the deeds of these godmen, yet followers will not believe reason. The same blind faith and blatant disregard is also exhibited by staunch followers of politicians. However, followers of politicians show more resilience and understanding and don't overtly indulge in burning and violence. Politicians are looked down upon more in such circumstances compared to others like members of the judiciary, bureaucracy and business lobby. Of late, the judiciary has assumed the caricature of godmen and any rational comment on their conduct has attracted contempt. One of the reasons for restrained behaviour of politicians is greater scrutiny of their conduct from various quarters. In other words, supporters of politicians are less superstitious and dogmatic. Rival political parties always check the conduct of others. In the world of godmen, there are least checks and balances and everyone has unfettered powers.
The conduct of Gurmeet Ram Rahim is not uncommon and has been in vogue for centuries. This writer was born in Allahabad where Kumbh Mela is organised annually in a very big way at the confluence of the Ganga and the Yamuna, also known as Prayag. Those women who couldn't bear a child come to the Kumbh and stay there for about a month. On returning, many become pregnant and the belief is that their sins have been washed away. Who is not aware of the existence of Devdasi system in religious places till todayIJ These things are now noticed due to increased education and omni-presence of the media.
People have also become aware of their rights. When conduct of these godmen manifests in sexual exploitation, it becomes sensitive and is unpardonable for the media and people. Other unethical conducts like accumulating wealth and crime do not become as sensational as is the case with sex. The sale of miracle and superstition have far more deeper consequences but that is more welcomed than reaction. In the case of Dera Sacha Sauda, the media already pronounced its judgement that the constitutional judiciary has little scope to budge the already pronounced judgement.
looking at the scenario in the society, the scope of being born will continue. This can be minimised in the incidence if spirituality takes the front seat in place of superstition and scientific temperament is cultivated. Why the followers can't see unlimited wealth, power and lust enjoyed by their gurus, is surprising. As thegurus grow larger, they not only embody spiritual power but also possess political influence. Many gurus these days send feelers through their followers to mobilise politicians to come to them and it is becoming rampant. Followers rejoice seeing politicians flocking to their gurus and they tirelessly boast about their guru's supremacy. Followers even abet their gurus to frown if politicians do not bow down. In almost all shrines, arrangements are made for VIP darshan and this itself proves that gurus hanker for power. If such gurudom is to be checked, then educational level has to be raised and deras, dhams and shrines should be taken under the monitoring of the Government.
(The writer is Member of Parliament (lok Sabha)