Author:
Publication: The Indian Expose
Date: February 3, 2019
URL:      https://indianexpose.com/what-is-real-hinduism-kianna-questions-congress-mp-shashi-tharoor-back/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

Dear Mr Tharoor,

Appreciate you tweeting back on my father’s twitter handle the following message:

“I agree w/her entirely about Hinduism. As my tweet makes clear, I was objecting to the ideology of “Hindi-Hindu-Hindutva”which has little to do w/real Hinduism but is an ideology of bigotry &exclusion, reflected in the article I was reacting to. She writes well&shd read well too!”

Let me share my views on your reply with utmost respect and humility for the position you hold as a Member of Parliament and also as former secretary of the United Nations.

I cannot understand how can say ‘Hindi, Hindu and Hindutva’ has little to do with real Hinduism.

What is real Hinduism according to you?

Who is a real Hindu?

And is being a real Hindu defined by acts of an individual, political party or community; or is it an act of faith of those that believe in the teachings of Hinduism.

You also mention bigotry and exclusion in your tweet;

According to the Cambridge Dictionary – the word Bigot – means a person who has strong, unreasonable beliefs and who thinks that anyone who does not have the same beliefs is wrong.

I may have not read a lot of books or experienced life to counter your point of view on bigotry in India (pardon my shortcomings at this point of time) but from whatever little I have read or watched on television, every religion has a bigot it is not exclusive to Hinduism alone.

If you sit with my father and discuss at length, he will be able to show you the nature of bigotry in the Christian faith which his team at IndianExpose and GoaChronicle has been exposing.

I am too disappointed with the bad things done to children by men of faith – all faiths.

It is my firm belief Hindutva and Hinduism as a way of life is inclusive in nature.

Our Hindu culture teaches us to respect all faiths but most of all life. If there is no respect to ours and another’s faith and life, then there is no Hinduism.

So I would like repeat parts of my open letter for better understanding in this reply:

I do not think Hindus are dividing the nation.

At my age I do not see my friends by their caste or creed. I see them as humans, I see them as school mates and I see them as Indians.

I don’t know what is your definition of Hindutva. But I believe that if Hindutva means to be proud of my Hindu roots and my Hindu culture then every Indian irrespective of religion should be proud of it.

My Hindu culture fascinates me.

I humbly request you once again if you could correct your statement.

People in power must unite and not divide.

Yours Sincerely