From the desk of  Raj Gadasalli. Publisher 

Kanchi Mutt under attack Seer Sri Jayendra Saraswati is being held in prison by the Jayalalitha Government of Tamilnadu, for his alleged involvement in the murder of a temple accountant. The Government propaganda machine is working over time by adopting dirty tricks tactics and going on a fishing expedition to smear the Shankacharya, making his fair trial in Tamilnadu impossible. Psychological terror and infusion of mind-altering drugs cannot be ruled out in this highly vitiated atmosphere where Jayalalitha’s political future is at stake. For now we urge that Shankaracharya’s blood and urine samples be tested daily by reputed forensic labs. The case should be transferred to the CBI immediately. Then the law can takes it’s own course. No body should be above law; that privilege having been usurped by Indian political leaders with criminal backgrounds. The larger issue at stake is separation of State and Religion. There is a cacophony of voices that Mutts must be nationalized, especially “ Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham’ one of the bastions of Shankara Philosophy. This could be the thin edge of the wedge that would enable all religious institutions irrespective of caste and religion to be controlled by criminals and the corrupt who are gaining strength day- by- day in Indian legislatures and  beauracracy.  This should not be allowed to happen.  We should sincerely thank Mr S.S. Mani, probably a Dalit activist, for hitting the nail on the head by his opinion published in a prominent Indian News Paper, Deccan Herald ( Sunday December 5, 2004, page 8). Mani writes:

" The Kanchi Mutt belongs to only Brahmins; no non- Brahmin is allowed near the mutt.  The Veda pada sala at the mutt is meant only for Brahmins. Dalits have no rights here. Doesn’t it go against one’s fundamental human rights? It is imperative that Brahmins realise the real problem and decide to revamp the Kanchi Mutt administration by allowing all people in for more transparency.”   

This is the kind of falsehood and demagogy some Dalit activists are propagating. Such propaganda  should be challenged.

 Certainly, Kanchi Peetham was established by one of the greatest thinkers India has ever produced. Yes, he was a Brahmin who is globally respected for his “mental right” not for any ‘fundamental right”. The Shankaracharya order propagates Advaita philosophy. There are other Brahmin Mutts propagating Dwaita and Vishistadwaita philosophy. Thousands of non-Brahmin devotees throng the Kanchi Mutt and other “Brahmin mutts”. There are numerous non-Brahmin Mutts too. Other religions too have their own religious institutions. Does everybody know that Sri Sathya Sai Baba is not a Brahmin but has a large following among Brahmins? So is Mata Amritandamayi?      
           
     Finally, what is Dalit Philosophy? Who is preventing Dalits from propagating it? Why have Dalits not produced a religious leader whom vast number of Indians can follow, respect and be proud off.  Surely there are a few great social thinkers like Dr Ambedkar, President Narayanan and Baba Amte, who we all respect. But their sane voices are drowned by the drumbeat of Dalit demagogues. Manis’ article is headed “Change the Idea”. Mr Mani you are right the Dalits should change their negative mind set. Search your heart and focus on worthy goals like education and healthcare, rather than on Brahmin bashing, fighting for Quota and job reservations thereby misleading poor Dalits.   

Sarve Janah Sukhino Bhavantu.

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