Tamil Nadu Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, Udhayanidhi Stalin, who created a nationwide stir by making derogatory comments against Sanatan Dharam, has again courted controversy by stating that “eliminating Sanatan Dharam would destroy untouchability.”
Udhayanidhi made this statement while speaking to media persons on Wednesday.
The young DMK leader, who is also the son of Chief Minister MK Stalin said, “We say that Sanatan Dharam should be abolished only to abolish untouchability. I believe that if Sanatan Dharam is destroyed, untouchability will also be destroyed.”
He was responding to Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi’s statement on social discrimination in the state.
Udhayanidhi had earlier said that Sanatan Dharam was like dengue, and malaria and had to be eradicated. This led to a major controversy across the nation, with the BJP quickly terming it as a call for genocide.
The BJP’s IT cell head, Amit Malviya had in a tweet said that the DMK leader had called for a genocide of the Hindu population which is 80 percent of the total population of the country.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had also publicly said that Udhayanidhi was promoting genocide against the Hindu community.
However, after the INDIA Opposition bloc constituents came out against the statement, the DMK went on the back foot and Stalin publicly said that the BJP and NDA were trying to provoke the Opposition using Sanatan Dharam and that the discussion should be on corruption by the Narendra Modi government.
He also cited CAG reports and called for a fight against the BJP, and NDA combined on the corruption issue. –IANS
“Embracing the Enduring Essence of Sanatana Dharma: A Tapestry of Unity, Equality, and Harmony”
Introduction:
Sanatana Dharma, commonly known as Hinduism, represents a profound spiritual and cultural heritage that transcends time. The essence of Sanatana Dharma lies in its multifaceted teachings that embrace unity, equality, and harmony among all beings. Despite recent contentions regarding its alleged role in dividing people and perpetuating inequality, it’s imperative to delve deeper into the true essence of this ancient tradition.
Core Principles of Sanatana Dharma:
At the heart of Sanatana Dharma lies a robust framework of universal principles. The Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita stand as timeless repositories of wisdom, advocating for inclusivity, tolerance, and spiritual evolution. These sacred texts propagate the idea of oneness, stressing that all beings are interconnected and deserve respect and dignity. Sanatana Dharma, far from being divisive, celebrates diversity as a manifestation of the divine.
Historical Roots and Contributions:
The historical evolution of Sanatana Dharma reveals a rich tapestry of contributions in diverse spheres. Ancient Indian civilization witnessed remarkable advancements in science, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy. The teachings of Hinduism fostered a society that revered knowledge, embraced pluralism, and championed cultural diversity. Instances from history abound, showcasing Hinduism’s role in fostering social harmony and inclusivity.
Countering Misconceptions:
Addressing misconceptions surrounding Sanatana Dharma is crucial. Claims of inherent divisiveness and inequality attributed to Hinduism are misinterpretations divorced from its foundational principles. The misrepresentation of certain historical incidents and selective interpretations have led to a skewed understanding of its essence. Authentic references from revered texts, alongside historical examples, refute allegations of promoting division or inequality.
Social Reformers and Advocates within Hinduism:
Sanatana Dharma boasts a lineage of reformers who echoed its foundational principles of unity and equality. Figures like Swami Vivekananda and Raja Ram Mohan Roy epitomize this legacy. Their efforts toward social equality, education, and human rights were deeply rooted in the ethos of Sanatana Dharma, striving to align societal practices with its universal teachings.
**Conclusion:**
Sanatana Dharma stands as a beacon of profound wisdom, advocating for unity, equality, and harmony. Its essence, deeply rooted in the ancient texts and historical instances, transcends superficial contentions. Embracing the true essence of Sanatana Dharma entails acknowledging its vast contributions, embracing diversity, and fostering a spirit of universal compassion.
– a proud HINDU