We are not here to discuss the plight of Kashmiri Hindus, who were forced out of their homeland by insurgents, nor the atrocities committed against Hindus during the Razakar rule in Hyderabad. In independent India, under a democratic setup, we are witnessing acts of beheading, the desecration of Hindu idols, and damage to Hindu culture and beliefs. In the land of temples, the majority Hindu population remains silent as these events go largely unreported and undiscussed. However, a ray of hope has emerged for Hindus as the Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh has chosen to highlight their plight.
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Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh, Mr Pawan Kalyan
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What Are These Crimes Called? No Blasphemy?
In Islam, when someone speaks against their God, blasphemy charges are applied, and often severe punishments follow. In Christianity, the Bible says that one who blasphemes the Lord's name shall be punished. However, Hinduism, followed by the majority in India, has no concept of blasphemy and prescribes no punishment for such offences.
Charlie Hebdo magazine knows all too well how even a cartoon in its satirical publication led to the killing of 12 members for depicting a cartoon of Prophet Muhammad. Whereas, images of Hindu gods are often printed on items like sandals and underwear by various companies, and it is only after public outrage that companies withdraw such products.
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Attack on Hindu Gods and Culture 1
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Image credit: India.com
A 400-year-old Hindu temple, the Sita Lakshmana Kodandarama Temple in Ramatheertham, Andhra Pradesh, was attacked, and the idol of Lord Rama was beheaded. In a Hindu-majority nation, all Hindus could do was silently weep in their homes. The temple priest cried inconsolably.
As if competing with the British and the Mughals, who destroyed hundreds of temples during their rule, thousands of temples are being attacked and destroyed in democratic India. Most of these attacks on Hindu temples, and Hindu Cultures are happening in the states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
No Fear of Punishment
The state must protect every citizen's rights. India is a nation that is home to people practicing various religions and cultures. It must apprehend those who attack religious sites and undermine the culture of its people. But when the state fails to act, becomes a silent spectator, or even demolishes religious structures, where should the common citizen turn?
The latest attack on Hindu culture and tradition occurred in Tirupati, where it was discovered that the sacred laddoo, offered to the Hindu God Sri Venkateswara Swamy and his devotees, had been adulterated with animal fat. The current government, led by Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan, has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) after FSSAI and central lab reports confirmed the adulteration. Pawan Kalyan has highlighted the attacks on Hindu temples and Hindu culture that have been occurring in Andhra Pradesh during the tenure of former Chief Minister YS Jagan Reddy.
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Tiruapti, Holy Place for Hindus
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An investigation was ordered, and the culprits may be found. But for these attacks to stop, Hindus must rise to the occasion and demand the implementation of strict laws protecting Hindu traditions.
Will Hindu Gurus come together to formulate procedures for protection and punishments for those who attack Hindu gods and their culture?
Is charging for blasphemy the only way forward? Think, Hindus.