MYSTERY: Do you know population of Brahmins in India in crores, extrapolate on Census data

Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

Do you know what's the exact percentage of Brahmins in the country?

Among the Upper Castes, Brahmins are the biggest group, numerous. In crores. But how many?

Last census that recorded it was in 1931. Extrapolation? 

Some say even Bhumihars got themselves recorded in 1931 census as Brahmins in Bihar. 

India is huge. Now almost 140 crore.

Over last 90 years some communities have grown faster, others grew slower.

We've statistics but only question is that is the Brahmin population of India more than population of Spain or just less than Germany's population.

Any guess--5 or 8 crore? Actually, it is not at all tough to come to a figure. Just statisticians can find out and take us. Extrapolating the Census figures and the population data that is available in public domain, it is easy to find that it is nearly 6.5 crore.

The Caste Census never took place though exercise on similar lines took place in Karnataka but findings and files are biting dust. Also, Madhya Pradesh had a sort of enumeration recently. Bihar has also decided to go ahead with Caste Census.

The count of Bhumihars has to be taken apart. The population and percentage of increase has to be studied. The other communities in Savarna or Forward Caste or Upper Caste groups include Vaishya i.e. Bania [Baniya or Banias] and Thakur or Rajput. 

Kayastha community is less than one percent now. Kayasthas origin and their place in varna system has many theories. However, as far as Pundits or Brahmins are concerned, the safe figure is just a bit less than six crores, and Uttar Pradesh [UP] having highest population of Brahmins compared to other states.

Some feel that Brahmins are not doing as good. However, the reality is that of early movers'  advantage. Brahmins were ahead and hence it is very difficult for a community to keep growing always when they are already advanced, because other groups too move ahead and there is upward mobility.

Ours is a complex society. But it is not that Brahmins are doing badly either. The population of Brahmins, their numbers are also significant in India. Besides, they are still many times more in higher positions, than other social groups. So it’s not that easy to term it as doing too great or bad. It's, just, in between. 

The rise of Buddhism in India: Growth of Buddhist population after Dr Ambedkar's conversion

For centuries, Buddhism was a major religion in India. However, a period in Indian history, saw its downfall.

In twentieth century, once again Buddhism emerged as an important faith in India.

This was solely due to Dr BR Ambedkar's decision to embrace the religion.

This is reflected in figures. For example, at district level, the old Census report tells how there were just 149 Buddhists in the 1951 Census in this district. However, the figure had gone up to 2,34,112. 

Such a huge increase, an unprecedented rise, that changed demography of the place, was possible only due to an extraordinary event--Dr BR Ambedkar's decision to embrace Buddhism. The year when he converted to Buddhism at Deeksha Bhumi was 1956. 

Hence, the difference in figures between 1951 and 1961 is so stark for the place. The Mahar community followed him. Not just one district, in the entire Vidarbha region and other parts of Maharashtra it happened. The affect was visible all over Central India, up to parts of Madhya Pradesh, also.

Not just major cities and districts but up to towns and villages. Buddhism spread fast in this region. Though, the conversion to Buddhism later slowed down, but it's impact was huge in Maharashtra. Some conversions took place in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and other states in North India. But Maharashtra was the epicentre of this movement.

How mass media was used to 'otherize' Muslims and change Indian society: Culture, propaganda and Hindutva

Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

It was in 1991, a family I knew well. 

The lady said--'Saddam Hussein is right'.

'Muslims should live like 'achche kirayedar' (sic) in India'. What? Saddam!

I was not sure where & whether Saddam even said it but the comment publicly. I was getting sense about the psyche, then. Tenants, what? 

But the feeling that it's our land, you live here but not as 'equal citizens', don't speak or make demands. They thought on these lines: "Why do we even have to fight to take over 'our site' from you, you just give it up, be silent, live at our mercy & feel happy that we let you be here". 

Post Ramanand Sagar effect. The mandir agitation was going on for some years but it was after TV became a medium for propagation of one religion, first Ramayana and Mahabharat, this new change was witnessed. Our neighbours suddenly had a totally different take on things. 

BJP was below 120 seats then. It was the easy, casual expression of such feelings in public--that struck me. Another point was that this family was not from a privileged background, they said that they had suffered earlier.

This family wasn't privileged and had suffered caste prejudices in the society. Also, faced casteist barbs as the Mandal agitation had taken place just few yrs ago. It takes effort, huge effort to change an entire society.

Communalism took root, dozens of organisations worked [working] nonstop for decades, media and mass media was given task, from politicians to goons, all power had to be used to create the perception and inject the poison, deep. The subtle manner in which the idea was spread--this land 'belongs' to majority, not them. [Image shows Arvind Rajagopal's book on politics after television]

Magic formula behind BJP's popularity despite price rise, hike in cost of Petrol, LPG, unemployment or issues on the border

Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

Time and again, people wonder and discuss that why price rise, fuel hike, unemployment, mishandling of major issues, just nothing seems to work for the opposition and other parties.

There was an era, when even a slight increase in LPG price would anger the entire middle-class and this was felt by the ruling party when UPA was at the helm. Ruling parties had to give 'explanation' for everything, back then. 

However, it's no longer the case. The reason is not difficult to find. There is a strong feeling among a large section that its 'our govt', even if it fails or takes steps that hurt, this is 'our own' & ultimately it will take care of 'our interests'.

Other parties still worry how to tackle it. But by following same strategy--by appeasing Hindu populace or going for 'soft Hindutva', you can't beat your opponents in this game, as they have perfected it. 

The moneyed, vocal citizens, middle class, aspiring upwardly mobile people who own resources and have ability to push narrative, are part of this section. The BJP must get credit that they worked very hard to indoctrinate, pushed their narrative for years.

This was going when opposition parties were careless, thinking that 'propaganda', 'wild conspiracy theories' won't work. It's a fact that the BJP succeeded in defaming Congress' leaders so much that even if they speak, they are not taken seriously. 

TV and newspapers that earlier used to give strength to the opposition's voice and served as vent for public anger, are no longer in attacking mode. And anyone who questions is now seen as 'anti-national'. That's the eco-system. 

But that's not the end of the road. Opposition has to do things, differently, smartly. And needs to speak up, ensure that it's message reaches people. There is price rise, there are definitely issues. So what, next! 

At least, now, do the hard work. Either on petrol price or sensitive things like border issues, the strength on the street is still not visible. The aggression, the voice, the consistency. Energize the cadre, catch sentiment, channel it, fighting spirit is needed to survive in politics.

BJP definitely has a strong organisation, pool of dedicated workers is big, they worked for years & years even when there was little hope for them. I know some of them haven't even got benefits after party being  power, remain 'karyakarta', but listen & keep doing 'their work'.

Agreed, the religious, ideological nature has a greater pull. But for a party like Congress that has its roots in freedom struggle, it's leaders asking journalists-writers to 'give points to them to tackle the narrative', I mean, what are you doing, even now, nothing!

Photo--Amul's official account, Twitter. LINK

Why fewer government jobs, lack of recruitment doesn't anger youth in India: Electoral success of Hindutva politics in India

Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

If thousands of job openings in a department are closed for ever, shouldn't youths express concern and oppose the move?

The general belief is that they should protest and get angry. But there is no such anger visible on the ground. It is this reason that Ravish Kumar wrote an article that sarcastically says that there is joy among youngsters.

This led to debate on social media. However, one must try to understand why there is no feeling of loss if  vacancies are not filled and job opportunities decrease. It is a complex process but one must understand Indian society.

Firstly, majority of Indian voters have repeatedly and decisively voted the BJP. The BJP's plank was Hindutva i.e. Ram Temple, Article 370 removal, 'infiltration', cow protection and so on. The party has been honest and has done it's best on this front.

It not only got Article 370 abrogated, it also remained serious towards its commitment made to the electorate. Ram Temple will also be constructed in Ayodhya soon, as Supreme Court verdict has paved the way.

Muslims faced lynchings and hence the message went to the ground that they are at the receiving end. The dominance of Hindutva in Indian politics has given a sense of power to a section of Hindu majority that felt it was 'cornered' and Muslims were 'appeased' during previous regimes.

The 2014 victory was not a fluke. 2019 results clearly show that BJP under Narendra Modi enjoys immense popularity among majority. The party delivered on those counts. More thrill in the feeling that finally you rule in your own country, sense of being powerful.

From Persecution complex to Hindutva pride

The strength that comes when they wear Saffron scarf and feel Muslims reined in. Can anything beat it! As far as government jobs, privatization and end of vacancies, it must be seen in the context of Indian society.

Those who have heard stories of 'persecution' for years and felt that they were 'victimised', say that they never felt this freedom and happiness while celebrating festivals. 'Was such Kanwar Yatra possible during the days of earlier governments? (even though earlier too such yatras were taken out).

That's how a upper middle class man reacts when there is a sea of youth with Saffron bands on the street, DJ, loud music, bhajans et al. For him, this is finally the country where he can live like a proud Hindu. Now, ask him, that when he was persecuted or how, there will be a long conversation.

He has made up his mind, he is cent percent sure that in the past Hindus were not safe. The Kashmiri Pandits were forced to leave the Valley. But now, of course, this can't happen. [So what if BJP was in the power at the Centre along with Janata Dal, when the KPs left Jammu and Kashmir.]

Jobs, Economy, Society

Now coming back to economy and jobs. Do we need to talk about it after demonetization and the failure to create 'crores of jobs'. The point is how much you have been able to convince and how much the voter is convinced--either due to propaganda or politics.

BJP has successfully used religious and Hindu victimisation card in India. Once people feel that they are more secure and have self-respect, than during the previous regimes, all other facts are meaningless. Over the years, the number of government jobs has come down, drastically.

There's high competition, most youngsters know its tough to chase the dream, one guy gets it with hard work and luck in a mohalla but around 90-95% probably know they don't stand a chance, it's not on their radar either. They know they ain't getting, rather anger towards those who get it..

This figure of a few thousand govt jobs ending, actually affects very few. 'Hamein kaun si sarkari naukri mil rahi thi' [We weren't getting the job anyway], the 'good riddance' factor that, 'doosre bhi aish nahi karenge' (others won't get either).

Remember, envy and jealousy are important factors. In a country where people can't afford higher education or high cost of medication, but still don't speak up for improvement in basic facilities in primary health centres and government hospitals, or even unable to raise voice for infrastructure at schools or reconstruction of a road, it is too much to expect.

READ: How identity interest overrides, make us vote for those who risk our future

This society is more complex than it is generally believed. The idea of taking position for 'overall public good' or what is good for society, either doesn't appeal to people in the same way it does in other countries.

Things are more seen through the prism of local factors--caste, local leader, party, with whom people align themselves for 'certain benefits' or due to 'loyalty factor. Politicians too get votes not for the hope that they would bring quality services or improve infrastructure but due to altogether different reasons.

READ: Why people elect rogue politicians, musclemen and goons in India

From Hinduism to Hindutva: How fundamentalism changed religion and society in India

Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

In early 90s, right-wing leaders were addressing a public rally near my house. I was passing by and stopped.

There were fiery speeches, speakers were using terms like 'Babar ki aulaad' [Babar's descendants] for Muslims.

I met a 'friend' who was clapping, he saw and gave me smile but there was no awkwardness or shame in him.

I wondered how he is not uncomfortable. This was a 'friend'. I couldn't dare to imagine myself in a similar situation where my friend's religion is targeted or abused and I'm even listening, let alone clapping or feeling happy.

This was not the first such instance. It happened later too, a boy whom I'd taught when he was in sixth and I was many years senior. He respected me a lot. I'd never charged him a penny for the tuition but then the transformation was really surprising.

For me, it was not the normal human reaction. It bothered me for years. I tried hard to figure out what gets into these people. In my college life too, it happened. Remember, it was all much before Gujarat riots or the Islamophobia across the world.

This is all pre-2000. It was painful. It still happens and now people are even more audacious, don't at all care about basic manners or civility. Those who hate an entire religion or community, generalize, make sweeping remarks. It is too irrational but it is around us.

Trolls have made it worse. But over a period, we develop our own mechanism to deal with it. I've learnt to sever any such relation. Someone who can't take a stand, who knows your for years but still doesn't stand with you, rather, use racist terms, can't be a friend.

I understood more in years to come, the entire process--how it happens, not just this reaction, but the entire psychology. Apart from the cocktail that consists of victimhood, the competition and the grudges, there is a a lot more.

So much is drilled in them about invaders, kings and wrongs committed for centuries, that it changes the personality. Every generation grows up with own experiences. It happened in the 1980s and 1990s. It happened in 2010s and 2020.

Photo. Arti Agarwal

Scared of Minorities: Rise of majoritarianism and Hindutva in India, need for introspection among Muslims as well

Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

Often it happens, that some Muslims in India rue, 'we are not snatching their jobs, we don't have adequate representation, we are being demonized, we are being lynched, still why the majority doesn't understand us or feels sympathy'. Why there is hate or anger?

A lot of it is valid and as a person belong to minority community, it would seem so that they we are wronged. We want justice but are we doing justice? Just after the Ayodhya verdict, I saw posts in FB groups about pictures of RSS leaders with Muslim Ulema. On pix of Shia leader with Sangh-BJP leaders, there were comments that would disgust you.

After all, when we don't trust own minority, always suspect-accuse them, and forget how many of mainstream Sunni leaders go-meet, involved all sorts of parleys but still target 'own minority'. Many of us publicly act suave but we too are like a 'mob'. We want our minorities too to 'behave'. It is so easy to term any sect 'Kharijite' in normal conversation.

I don't generally talk about Pakistan. But see, when you don't consider Ahmadiyyas as 'Muslim', leave them alone or give them the rights for a non-Muslim minority but you are angry, as they are not on your path, so the less than 0.5% minority is always an eyesore.

So much energy is spent on conferences, morchas on the issue, as if Ahmadiyyas are a huge sect. No, they are not but the moment you have a leader or politician behaving against norm, you start whisper campaigns that he is 'Qadiani'. Why do you feel so insecure, so threatened?

Clearly, a minority has to abide by certain rules. So when you have a huge minority, not 0.2-.4% but 15% around in India, here too majority will feels 'threatened', that they were 'own people' who got converted and now creating trouble, similar feelings.

The majority may get upset if you retort or even if you talk like equals. So that's how mindset of majority works. The reality is that not everyone will get a good job or earn well. Rather than looking for reasons behind our failure, it's very easy to blame the 'other', the minority, believing that things would have been better without them.

And also 'hate' as a passion, drives people, gives them the 'jeene ka maqsad', the kick many need.
Just sometime ago, I got message (from Muslims) calling for boycott of Mulla (Bohra) businesses. Now imagine, in a country where we face it--calls for boycott of Muslims, and we feel so hurt, many of us do it so casually and no one is bothered.

We don't even 'see' or talk about this blatant badmashi. That's majoritarian privilege within the community. When leaders of Barelvi or Deobandi school go to meet right-wing leaders, whose boycott are you going to call for?

Anyway, the levels of majoritarianism also depends on how 1-2 leaders may succeed in a society or by misuse of mass media. All this needs to be analyzed and tackled. But we must also keep introspecting, when we expect justice, we should also do justice.

Sometimes we have to get out of the 'complaining mode' or tackle the media-created image of minority. It needs an effort but it is not impossible. There are several successful examples. But we must be ready to accept our own failures, our drawbacks and must not lose our cool the moment we hear a contradictory opinion or hear our criticism.

Right now, we are facing injustice, a lot has happened that depresses us, that takes us to negativity. But we are facing a group that worked hard for eighty years, the right-wingers who have democratically got power, worked extremely hard to achieve the objective. We need to improve ourselves, learn, introspect and work.

Chunri Yatras: New traditions, new religious practices taking root in Hinduism

The 'Chunri Yatras' have become too common in Madhya Pradesh over the last few years.

The devotees bring huge chunris, walking all the way to the temples, taking them to faraway shrines and offering them to the deity.

This particular 'chunri' is 1,111 metres or 1.11 km long. People walk barefoot, even though road is hot.

On way, flowers are sprinkled. At the shrine, first puja and then the ceremony. They walk barefoot for several kilometers.

Tens of thousands of people participate in such events. These are increasingly becoming popular. Within a span of 5-6 years, these Yatras have become grand and are now common in Central India.

Of course, politicians too love all religious events. It helps them build their base in the region and help in improving their image if they organise or fund or help in such events.

We have seen images changing--those seen as useless fellows into a religious (good) leader. Traffic on the Jabalpur-Jaipur was affected for five hours as the Yatra was on.

Woman beheaded with sword for going to work, hurting 'Rajput pride' in Rajasthan: Regressive practices, atrocities on women in India

In a shocking incident, a man beheaded his daughter-in-law for defying 'Rajput traditions'.

The woman--Uma Rajput, was hacked to death by her father-in-law, as she 'dared to go out for work'.

In a patriarchal society, this had brought 'dishonour to his family', felt the accused. He publicly killed his daughter-in-law, by attacking her with a sword.

The incident took place in Alwar in Rajasthan. India Today reports, "The woman was on her way to work at a factory in Shahjahanpur village in Alwar district when her father-in-law brandished a sword and allegedly chopped her head off."

"As the woman was attacked, none of the passersby came forward to help her. She died on the spot. Subsequently, police took her body to the mortuary of the local hospital. The victim, identified as Uma, is survived by her husband Mukesh Rajput and two children", India Today further reports.

"Both Uma and Mukesh worked to run the family and provide for the education of their two children. When questioned, family members and neighbours of the woman said that her father-in-law Maamraj was upset with her for working in a factory", the report adds.

In fact, such incidents are so common that they don't make it to the state capitals, let alone getting discussed in news rooms. Also, they don't affect TV anchors who feel that TRP comes only if there is a issue that pits majority against minority, not inward looking or talking about reforms.

Woman beheaded with sword for going to work, hurting 'Rajput pride' in Rajasthan: Regressive practices in India

In a shocking incident, a man beheaded his daughter-in-law for defying 'Rajput traditions'.

The woman--Uma Rajput, was hacked to death by her father-in-law, as she 'dared to go out for work'.

In a patriarchal society, this had brought 'dishonour to his family', felt the accused. He publicly killed his daughter-in-law, by attacking her with a sword.

The incident took place in Alwar in Rajasthan. India Today reports, "The woman was on her way to work at a factory in Shahjahanpur village in Alwar district when her father-in-law brandished a sword and allegedly chopped her head off."

"As the woman was attacked, none of the passersby came forward to help her. She died on the spot. Subsequently, police took her body to the mortuary of the local hospital. The victim, identified as Uma, is survived by her husband Mukesh Rajput and two children", India Today further reports.

"Both Uma and Mukesh worked to run the family and provide for the education of their two children. When questioned, family members and neighbours of the woman said that her father-in-law Maamraj was upset with her for working in a factory", the report adds.

Child marriages in India: 27% girls are married before they turn 18

Child marriages are widely prevalent in India.

One of the biggest social evils, the practice of child marriage is yet to be checked in the country.

Millions of minors tie the knot every year because of social acceptance in several regions.

The latest figures suggest that 27 percent of girls, or nearly 1.5 million girls, get married before they turn 18 in India.

Though there has been a decline in number of child marriages in India, compared to last decade, the figure is still mind-boggling. In rural parts of the India, child marriages are more common.

In Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and other North Indian states, tens of thousands of children are made to tie the nuptial knot on the day of 'Akshay Tritiya'.

UNICEF claims that the steps to check child marriages have brought the numbers down, yet, the practice is so widespread that it is difficult to stop it.

India leads the world in child marriages. It recorded six times more child marriages that Bangladesh. It is far ahead of Nigeria, Brazil and Ethiopia that are other countries on the list.

While India is on the top, the other countries in the list include Bangladesh, Nigeria, Brazil, Ethiopia
Pakistan, Indonesia, Mexico, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania. Clearly, in seventy years, India hasn't done enough to eradicate social evils. 

Stop generalizing, calling Indian Muslims 'backward': Talk on facts, social indicators

Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

'You don't look like Muslim'.

Many people have heard this line time and again from their non-Muslim friends.

This is because it is deeply embedded in their mind that Muslims are backward.

It's a bias, they have grown up with. Either at home or through media, the society--it's conditioning.
 
Backward, on what social indicators? How the entire Muslim community can be termed backward?

And aren't Hindus backward? But many Muslims also keep repeating the line 'Muslims are backward'.

Either its sex ratio or discrimination with women and girl child, infant mortality rate or acute malnutrition, dowry deaths, even other social backwardness parameters like child marriages or other indicators, Muslims don't perform bad.

Yes, as far as education is concerned, Muslims are a bit behind. But there are Hindus too, large sections who are far behind. Visit rural parts of the country or tribal hamlets, you'll see the poorest of poor--sans proper clothes, malnourished and without bare minimum facilities.

More people who die of hunger or the poor and homeless who die because of natural factors--heat or cold in extreme seasons, while sleeping in the open, are Hindu. Ya, but in that case, it becomes another category--caste or tribe, not 'Hindus'.

Muslims are more urbanized and have a different social system, there are a lot of factors that need not be explained here, but they helps them survive despite all odds. But by parroting the sentence that Muslims are backward, many educated Muslims too fall in this trap.

WATCH VIDEO: How media created image of Muslim women as backward

It is defaming Muslims for no reason. There are tremendously educated people among Muslims, there are actors and sports persons, there are Muslim achievers in all fields just like in Hindus or Sikhs, Christians or Jains.

Yes, benefits of schemes don't reach large section of Muslim masses just like certain other sections. Often, state policies and lack of due representation are among the reasons. But that doesn't make Muslims 'backward'.

Muslims are working hard, also making progress despite the fact that they are under-represented in government jobs, in MNC's management, politics, and don't get reservation. Still, the community members are doing their bit, trying to move ahead despite all odds.

But it is need of the hour to expose this 'backward community' narrative. It is not at all true that Muslims are backward. There is poverty, there are issues, but terming 'Indian Muslims' as a whole is backward, is wrong.

Nasty but cleverly crafted. This propaganda, this vilification campaign has serious affects. It hurt self-belief, confidence of youth, many of whom genuinely believed that, 'there was something wrong with the community', 'we are most backward'. It's a bad joke, terming a huge population--200 million as 'backward'.

We must be realistic, we must be aware, we must know where we lag. But we definitely don't allow ourselves to be branded. We understand how some do get a sadistic pleasure in spreading such lies. You can't generalise and target a community, using falsehoods.

It has no basis. It is just an attempt to sully the image of Muslims.

READ: Myths about Indian Muslims and backwardness among community

WATCH VIDEO: How media created image of Muslim women as backward

Lohri Festival: Remembering the Robinhood of Punjab, Dulla Bhatti alias Abdullah Khan Bhatti

Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

Everyone knows that Lohri is celebrated in winter. The festival is associated with Dulla Bhatti. There are songs praising the 'son of Punjab', which are sung on this occasion.

But who was Dulla Bhatti? How many remember him? Abdullah Khan Bhatti, a Muslim Rajput, had become a hero in Punjab during the reign of Akbar.

A historical and real life character, Bhatti's name is part of Punjabi folklore. Bhatti grew up along with Prince Salim. Bhatti had later rebelled against the Emperor.

He was known for saving young girls and protecting their honour apart from his generosity. Though he also belonged to feudal class, he rebelled and fought against the powerful and sided with the poor.

Bhatti arranged girls' weddings and also gave dowry to them. The famous song 'Sunder mundriye ho!' [See song and its translation: LINK] recalls his heroic acts, especially, the story of how he saved a girl and got her married to a Hindu boy.

Though there was no priest around and he didn't know the Hindu rituals, he lit the sacred fire. As he took on the might of the Empire and helped the poor, his acts of valour and his vow to save the 'Punjabi honour' made him a legendary character.

Hence, modern writers often equate him with Robinhood. Punjabis say that terming him Robinhood is belittling him, as he rebelled on one of the biggest and most powerful empires, stood for women's honour and fought for a long period.

Bhatti was finally arrested and executed. Sufi Shah Husain's famous words about Bhatti are part of folklore. The Sufi saint said, "No son of Punjab would ever sell the honour of the land". Dulla Bhatti's grave is located in Lahore, Pakistan.

In 1956, a Punjabi movie based on Dullah Bhati was made in Punjabi. Recently, another movie was made in Punjab, India though there were certain objections to the changes made to the character and distortion of history. [Mazar photo courtesy: Wikipedia]

[Also read, an article in Scroll on Abdullah Khan Bhatti. LINK]

Marianne becomes Poornananda, Manithea is now Sadashivananda: Foreigners in Simhastha Kumbh, devotees embrace Hinduism

Foreigners come to Ujjain Kumbh--Simhsatha, in large numbers.

Many come as tourists and are drawn to the practices and the saints.

Some others are already devoted to Gurus and come along with them.

In fact, many foreigners convert to Hinduism and adopt Hindu names too.

They stay in the Ashrams, enjoy the atmosphere and go back with experiences about the Indian culture.

Take for example, Manithia, who hails from Netherlands. She starts her day at 5 am, after prayers, she listens to discourses.

Marianne is from Australia. She comes whenever the Kumbh is held in India. She had gone to Allahabad and Nasik too.

She enjoys the atmosphere. As she doesn't know Hindi, she talks to her Guru in English.

Once back, she will deliver lectures on spirituality and Hinduism in Australia.

First, see photos of some foreigners who have come from different parts of the world.

From Russia, from Europe, from Australia, from East Asia, et al.

On the left are photos of some other foreigners in Simhastha.

Sheena has come from Ukraine, claims that she learnt black magic too from her guru. She doesn't tell her age. Also, knows 'Shiv Tandav'. Feels serving people and humanity is foremost.

Maa VishvaGodavari has come from France. She has been preaching Hinduism and tells people about Hindu culture.

She knows Yoga and has instructed many people in Romania.  Amrita loves the bhajan, 'Tu pyar ka sagar hai'.

An Odissi danseuse, her real name is Ellena Morozova but she gets into trance when she hears, 'Om Namo Narayana'. On the left above is a foreign devotee with Pilot Baba.

See photos below:

1. Foreigners taking a dip in holy river, Kshipra, in Ujjain
2. Foreigners who are part of the 'peshwai' ceremony in Ujjain Simhastha

Politicians' iftaar angers right-wingers: Is there a world beyond the word 'appeasement' in India?

Some people are unhappy with Indian politicians attending 'iftaars', especially, about the politicians who wear the skullcap (topi).

It is disturbing to see so much anger on social media and abusive messages about these politicians.

The anger is because they feel hosting 'iftaar' is appeasement of Muslims. A guy reacted, "Look, why don't they attend Hindu functions?"

He didn't realise that the politicians attend so many religious functions of the majority community--at least in North India, that it is no longer news.

From Bhagwat Katha to the Dussehra celebration, 'praan-pratishtha' to 'yagnas', they attend every religious function. This is natural because Hindus form the majority.

The 'iftaar' is hosted once a year, and hence it becomes news, the photos are splashed in media. The other guy said, 'Why should Muslims' be entertained separately'.

They are not entertained, buddy, there is something called multi-culturalism and goodwill gestures. Incidentally, he is the same guy who was delighted when US president hosted Diwali party and had posted the video on his Facebook wall. 

Why Barack Obama does it? Hindus are a minority in US, is it appeasement? No. There are certain basics, a few courtesies, decencies. I may not like it but I won't oppose it either. Another guy was upset that these politicians wear 'topis'.

He tweeted that why Muslims don't sport 'tilak'. If you haven't seen a Muslim politician sporting 'tilak', then that's your issue! When confronted with photographs of Muslim leaders sporting 'tilak', there was no answer, rather, a query comes quickly about other forms of appeasement.

To set the record straight, Hindus are six times the number of Muslims in India. And when it comes to politicians, the ratio is even more skewed. So you will see more Hindus politicians than Muslim politicians.

But if you start observing carefully the next time, a Muslim MLA or MP goes for campaign in your area, you may surely see some of them breaking coconuts, going to temples, seeking blessings of the priests. 

Upset with politicians for wearing topi, say no Muslim would ever sport 'tilak' but when confronted with photographs of Muslim politicians with 'tilak', there is a another accusation of appeasement of other kind..

Others zealously shared a report on a Hindi website that dealt entire with 'iftaar' and 'appeasement'. It expressed concern that politicians were not going to Christian and Sikh events. This is plain stupid. In areas where Christian and Sikh minorities are significant, the politicians go to there events too.

The politician is a human being too, he lives in the society, he is expected to interact with all sections of the society. I don't go to any politician's iftaar. It's my choice. Some 'right-wing' leaders host 'iftaar' because of their relations with Muslims, while many leaders popular among Muslims don't do it.....

APPEASEMENT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BORDER!

....it's totally up to them. But, at least, show some basic intelligence, before talking about 'appeasement'. So what's appeasement? Whatever happens as per your ideology, vision, experience and intellect, is fine but whatever is beyond that, is appeasement! Isn't it!

Sorry, things don't work that way. The country and the world can't run like your household or my household.

Ending this post with a photograph from our neighbouring country, where Muslim politicians seek blessings from Hindu gods, yes, in Pakistan.

SEE THESE LINKS TOO [IN CONTEXT WITH PHOTOS ABOVE]

1. Of 'tilaks' and 'topis'...

2. Diwali in Pakistan....

Diwali celebrations in Sindh and other regions of Pakistan: Communal Harmony Project-23

On the left is the official message by Government of Sindh, Pakistan in the leading newspaper 'Dawn'.

It wishes 'Happy Diwali' to all, along with the Nazm [poetry] titled, 'Diwali ki raat, Khushiyo.n ki barsaat'.

The advertisement carries photographs of PPP leaders, which most of us identify.

It also has names of Mahesh Kumar Chawla, who is Minister for Information Technology (IT) in Sindh government, and Giyan Chand Israni, Minister for Minorities.

The message also has a Nazm [poem or verse] on Diwali, which reads:

Diwali ki Raat, Khushiyo.n ki Barsaat

aai divali khushiyaa.n le kar
sang apne ummeede.n le kar

khushi ka samaa baandhe aai diwaali
is tehvaar ki har adaa hai niraali

diwaali ki raat hai behad hasee.n
khush hote hain voh jo hote hain ghamgee.n

divaali le kar aai hai aman ka paigam
ye tehvaar hai dil walo.n ka inaam


diye jalaao divali manaao
mohabbat ki shab ko pyaar se manao

Thanks to social media, we get to know more about what happens in our neighbouring country.

First, YLH [Yasser Latif Hamdani], mentioned the advertisement on his facebook post.

Subsequently, I logged on to Dawn's website and saw the epaper.

Shiraz Hassan clicked the photograph along with the report which was published in Dawn.

The nice photograph shows children at a temple in Rawalpindi, one of the big cities of Pakistan.

It is the Krishna temple. You can see photograph it on the Dawn's website AT THIS LINK.

Earlier too, this blog has carried posts about Hindu festivities in Pakistan.

You can see the picture below--Muslim League leaders in Pakistan seeing 'aashirwad' from couple posing as Bhagwans. This post was published on the blog a few years ago. CLICK TO SEE

But, it is due to the advent of social media, that we get to know better about our neighbouring country. Not just Sind, but from other regions too, you get to see reports.

Else, one mostly gets to find bad or negative news and through loud anchors on TV channels.

It may be true in Pakistan too when it comes to reporting stories regarding India.

TRPs can be obtained not just by creating hysteria but also through the positive stories.

My problem with the mainstream media is that good news is not covered.


Why mainstream media doesn't show such stories? When 300 fishermen are released, it doesn't make big news on TV. CLICK TO READ.

An example is that when a person is killed in a country and the reporter writes it, 'Hindu killed in X country' or 'Muslim killed in Y country', it is pure bigotry. Unless and until, the person is killed just because of his religion.

Or when in border firing media tells only one side of the story i.e. the number of persons killed in your own country, not by the firing of your country's troops and the others' casualties.

For knowing the complete picture, you have to see international newspapers or websites.

Just like bad news, good news also should be given coverage.

Now watch Pakistan's prime minister Nawaz Sharif joining Hindu community in Diwali celebrations.

Apart from the photograph, do watch his message. The link to the video is HERE.

RAM KATHA IN PAKISTAN: Celebrating Diwali in Peshawar

Watch the video HERE

EARLIER POSTS ON DIWALI ON THIS BLOG

1. Greetings on Diwali: Jashn-e-Chiraagha.n mubarak

2. An Indian Muslim celebrates Diwali in an alien land, remembers childhood

3. Pakistan ministers celebrate Diwali

4. Diwali celebrations: Crackers, fireworks and nostalgia

5. Meri taraf se happy Diwali: Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan PM

For more photos of Diwali celebrations in Pakistan, CHECK THIS LINK

Greetings on Diwali: Jashn-e-Chiraghan Mubarak

Diwali is no longer a festival confined to India and South Asia. Now with Indians living across the world, the celebrations are reported from across the globe.

This year I'm in my City among friends. Last year I had written the post about my feelings 'Celeberating Diwali in an alien land' when I was away.

As most of us know, the homecoming of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years and his victory over Ravana is celebrated as Diwali. The crackers are much more costlier this year, even 30-50% costlier compared to last year.

In my childhood, the rockets, anaars, charkhis (chakri) and the exploding crackers used to be the biggest draw. There used to a sense of awe about families that bought most crackers and their kids would continue bursting them even for days after Dipawali.

Now many of my friends say that they don't buy any crackers at all. I find it strange a bit. Just like those who say that they don't splash colours on Holi. At least, a few phuljhadis and anaars that don't make much noise or pollution, can be bought even if you belong to the ultra-green group and too concerned about decibel levels.

Diwali Greeting Card. The message in Urdu.

After all, the manufacturers and sellers wait for the entire year for this time to sell these fireworks. Meanwhile, the kids in my apartment are busy making rangoli. Utensils were bought on dhanteras yesterday and preparation are in full swing for the festival of lights (termed as Jashn-e-Chiraagan in Urdu).

Let's forget all our differences and eat the sweets together. Barack O'bama has already extended his greetings on the occasion. Mine are a bit late than him but more timely. Happy Diwali & Shubh Diwali to all of you. May this year brings you all, more prosperity, joy and happiness.

Deepawali Mubarak.

More Diwali posts on this blog earlier:
1. Muslim boys celebrating Diwali
2. Diwali in Pakistan: Muslim league ministers celebrate the festival
3. No gujhias & diyas: Diwali in an alien land