HINDU CHAUVINISM
So, what (must) the Muslims do? To begin with they must come to terms with the fact that Hindus constitute the overwhelming majority in the country and that they can never again regain the political power they lost with the decline of the Mughal throne. Muslims have every right to share power, just like all other sections of Indian society. But they do not have - shall never have the exclusive right to power.
Second, Muslims will have to come to terms with the fact that fanaticism or religious obscurantism, not to mention theocracy, are incompatible to a modern state. Muslims as a community must demonstrate their faith in civil society by accepting a common civil code that will draw upon the best traditions of all personal laws and ensure gender equality.
Third, Muslims must reject the vote-bank politics of the Congress and the NF-LF combine and opt out of the client-patron relationship designed to suit the political purpose of the so-called secularists. They must not look towards social, political and economic patronage (for instance, job reservations as being suggested by the Congress and the JD) but find a place for themselves in the larger Indian family as equals. They can do this by opting for modern education and enterprise
Fourth, Muslims must demonstrate that they are as much Indians as Hindus. This can be best done by repudiating the concept of a 'minority community' vis-a- vis a 'majority community'. They can, if they want, become equal citizens of a modern, truly secular India.
Fifth, Muslims must realize that by retaining the veto which was put in their hands by the British they have alienated vast sections of the Hindus. By saying "no" to all that is suggested for their integration and insisting on maintaining their 'separate identity', they have only fueled suspicion and apprehension. The 'separate identity which they want to protect so zealously is widely perceived as a "separatist identity'. One way of removing Hindu misgivings would be to identify with the nation's cultural heritage and forsake extra-national loyalty of every form.
Sixth, Muslims will have to acknowledge the fact that while India is not (and shall never become) a Hindu state, it was and shall remain a Hindu country. Muslims can no longer afford to ignite, as they have been told to do by their religio-political leadership as well as the champions of pseudo-secularism, the predominant religious ethos of India.
And lastly, Muslims must have faith in the 'tolerance' and capacity for 'toleration' of Hindus. They have nothing to lose but everything to gain by reposing this faith in the numerically stronger section of Indian society. The first step towards this paradigm shift in Muslim attitude would be to vote for the BJP. Can Muslims summon the courage to break with an imperfect past for a better future?
(Source: The Seminar, November, 1995)
Government Statements on Devdasis in Jagannath Temple
The Government are aware that the Managing, Committee of the Jagannath Temple at Puri has decided to appoint Devdasis and the decision has been widely opposed in the country.
The Union Government have called for a report from the State Government in this regard. As per the report of the State Government the Managing Committee of the Shri Jagannath Temple at Puri has not decided to appoint Devdasis in the Temple.
The Devdasis in Puri Temple are not appointed or recruited by the Temple Administration. It is a voluntary service, like any other ritual service in the temple, out of one's free will and dedication.
Government views with utmost concern the exploitation of women through temple dedication. Central Government has been requesting the State Governments where this traditional practice of dedication of women as Devdasis, Basavis, Jogins etc. is found, to enact laws/frame rules relating to devdasi Prohibition and rehabilitation.
(Source: LSUQ No. 323 dated 28 November, 1995 by S.P. Fathak)
On Declaration of Cow as National Animal
The Government have received suggestions to declare cow, bullocks and bulls as the national animals from time to time.
However, the tiger has been declared as the national animal in 1973. No change in this is under consideration.
(Source: LSUQ No. 1435 dated 5 December, 1995 by V. Pawar)
On Discovery of Dwarka City
Underwater exploration of Dwarka and Bet Dwarka was undertaken by Dr. S.R. Rao of National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, under a project approved by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research for Underwater Exploration of Dwarka and the total expenditure incurred in this project up to March, 1995 is Rs. 77.31 lakhs. As a result of said work at Dwarka, structures such as fallen walls, bastions, big and small stone anchors, copper vessels, stone door-sockets, spheroid stone bases of masts of boats and remains of an ancient harbor with about 300 mtrs. long ridge have been revealed. Some antiquities like pottery, a seal, inscription were found from Bet-Dwarka. Besides, Department of Science and Technology had approved a project entitled "Marine Archaeological Studies in Indian Waters" at the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa. The amount released for a period October, 1984 to March, 1990 is Rs. 28.31 lakhs against a total cost of the project Rs. 31.99 lakhs.
(Source: LSUQ No. 287/28.11.1995 by N. Kumar & 2 others)
