The Gruesome Killing of Shri Dabholkar A Worry - A Warning

Yesterday, Shri Narendra Dabholkar was shot dead in Pune. His unrelenting efforts for social upliftment and especially awakening people against religious superstitions can never be forgotten. I salute him for his efforts. The murder of someone like Shri Dabholkar, who lived a life dedicated to the welfare of others is indeed a matter of great deploration. The entire nation needs to rise against this killing, as it is a clear indication of the fanaticism incubating in the country. And we should not forget that fundamentalism of any kind, eventually leads to circumstances similar to that of Pakistan - Afghanistan. We should also not forget that in the Hindu religion and culture, fanaticism holds no place. Many great legends like Buddha were born in India, who have openly condemned the Hindu rites and rituals, yet the nation revered them as God. There have been great people like Swami Dayananad Saraswati who strongly opposed every kind of idol worship. Not many could digest his ideologies, yet Arya Samaj, founded by him is spread across the country. Here, there have also been people like Kabir who sitting in the by-lanes of Benaras attacked the hypocrisies of the Hindus as well as Muslims and see for yourself, today his popularity is matchless. There have still been many more who have ardently refuted the prevalent social and religious malpractices. But Hindus never killed anyone; on the contrary, they have always respected and embraced new thoughts and ideologies. Indian culture always teaches us to welcome criticisms and learn from the same. Here, no Socrates has ever been killed. No Christ has ever been crucified nor any Mansoor cut to pieces. Because this is not Indian culture… But for the past 25-30 years, fundamentalism is trying to raise its hood in the name of religion, which calls for a cautious awakening of all Indians. If this fanaticism propagated under the banner of Hindu religion and culture is not curtailed in time, then there is a possibility that “Tolerance,” the biggest jewel of the Hindu culture will fall in danger. If you take this brutal killing lightly, mark my words, the entire country will have to bear the grave consequences for the same.