Four intellectuals, each of them speaking about how to forge religious, social, political and economic unity, came together for an event on ‘New Ideas for New India’ here recently.
An initiative of The Hindu , sponsored by Sastra University, it turned out to be a stimulating evening as B.K. Chandrashekar, Congress leader from Karnataka, set the ball rolling by turning the spotlight on recent campaigns of ‘Ghar Vapsi’ and attacks on churches in New Delhi.
He said such incidents threatened the ideals of the Constitution. “In particular, it threatens Article 14, which guarantees equality, Article 19, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression, and Article 25 that guarantees the right to practise and profess any faith,” he said.
Speaking on economic unity, R. Vaidyanathan, professor of finance and control, Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore, said the Indian aspect of saving money and entrepreneurial spirit would guarantee the growth of the country.
“There is disproportionate emphasis on FDI while savings from households have majorly contributed to the country’s economic growth. In reality, it is the housewives who have driven economic growth. The government must leave the entrepreneurs alone,” he jokingly remarked.
Gopalkrishna Gandhi, former Governor of West Bengal, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi must speak up against the ‘virus’ of ‘Ghar Vapsi’ and express his disagreement with it clearly. “The deafening silence of religious majorities, who have nothing but the goodwill of minorities at heart, increases uncertainty and insecurity,” he said.
Economist S. Gurumurthy was the last speaker of the evening. He said a topic like religious unity cannot be broached without talking about ‘doctrinal tolerance’ of religions born in India and ‘doctrinal intolerance’ of other religions.
“Hinduism is a religion that accepts all other religions. Religious tolerance would mean acceptance of religious leaders, ideas and figures of other religions as well,” he said.
When asked what he thought about some Sangh Parivar leaders raking up the issue of making India a ‘Hindu Rashtra’, he called for a debate. “The doctrines call for acceptance of all religions. Can the same be said of other religions?” he said.
A thoughtful question and answer session followed the speakers’ lectures. V. Jayanth, senior managing editor, The Hindu , moderated the session.
S. Vaidhyasubramaniam, dean–planning and development, Sastra University, also spoke.
Rajiv C. Lochan, CEO, Kasturi & Sons Ltd., proposed a vote of thanks.
