Many Hindus feel it is not Secular to speak of their religion or identify themselves

By Sucheta Rustagi

New York, USA (CHAKRA) – This article will attempt to analyze why Hindus quite often do not feel comfortable speaking about their religion or identifying with aspects of it.  The average Muslim, Christian or Jew never has to even be asked about which faith they follow, rather they are upfront and open about their views and beliefs.  However, this is not the case for many Hindus that I have come across.  If the topic of religion even arises in a conversation, many Hindus do not want to discuss it.  The question is why? Is it because culturally and traditionally, Hindus are taught to exhibit respect for others that a Hindu chooses not to speak about religion, in fear of offending someone? Or is it that Hinduism is just a very complex religion which requires an immense amount of studying and research to get even a little grasp of? Or is it the essence of the religion itself which encompasses humility and self realization, causing a Hindu to choose not to speak about it and instead keep within oneself only? Whatever the reason is, it is causing a great deal of damage to Hinduism. Whether a person chooses not to study the complex religion or fears offending someone, the avoidance of speaking out about ones views, identity or interest in the religion is bringing down the percentage of people that are seen to follow Hinduism.  The less we speak and learn about our values of Hinduism, the less these values are known to others and thus the less they are recognized by society as a whole and in comparison to other religions.  We must unite and take action to learn more. Combined minds always work better than a single mind.

As Hindu’s we can take pride in the fact that Hinduism is the only religion which does not promote conversions of any form and equally respects all religions.  It is evident that many Christians and Muslims support the act of converting whether it is by standing outside a stranger’s doorstep or in a coffee shop preaching of their own faith and the “ultimate path to salvation”.   One might say that saying the previous statement in itself is contradictory to the reality of Hinduism being a humble and all accepting religion.   How can Hindus say they are all accepting yet find and share such flaws of other religions?  Is that not participating in the exact same thing as other faiths are taking part in?  Absolutely not.  It is one thing to manipulate disadvantaged people in society to follow one’s own religious path and it is another to stand back and observe the clear flaws in any act of manipulation.  As any research or field worker would observe and analyze to come to a conclusion without bias, a Hindu or a devout of any other religion may do the same.

The more us Hindu’s fail to be more proactive towards our religion, the less our religion and people are being recognized in society as followers of the Hindu faith.  The people we become, whether we are first, second or third generation in the Western world, is in most cases a result of our religion.  Sadly, we give no credit where it’s due.  We take pride in being educated, all rounded, and some of the kindest most accepting people on this planet, yet we fail to understand why we are the way we are and exactly what impacted our life decisions and outcomes.  This is not to say, that other religions do not have a positive impact on its followers but instead these people attribute their actions to their religion.  Instead the average Hindu tries whatever possible intentionally or unintentionally to disassociate themselves from their religion.  For example, if one were to login to Facebook or any other networking website, it is rare to see a Hindu identify himself/herself as a Hindu.  Instead they fill up their facebook newsfeed with status updates such as “Eid Mubarak”, “Merry Christmas!” “Many innocent lives are being lost in the Muslim World—Lets make change!” This is all fine in the name of celebration, best wishes and humanitarian cause, but why not updates for Hindu celebrations or special events?  Also, what about when the Mumbai attacks happened at the Taj Hotel and many other locations?  It was rare to see a Hindu comment about this catastrophe.

In the end, let’s accept and we do—that we are not here to compete and fight for who’s better than who or which religious path is best but instead give our roots and the reason for who we are a chance.  Care about others but in the act, do not forget our people who need our support first.  A Hindu needs to remember that any Muslim or Christian or Jew, although helping other communities of people in need will help their own communities first and then others.  We need to do the same.  Help our religion and people unite and grow first and then help others. If our own community does not help each other then who will?  In the end we will all be left with severe identity crises not knowing who we are and where we come from with no moral path to follow and identify with.  We are deteriorating and participating in cultural suicide and whether we want to accept the truth is up to each one of us.  Keep the world’s most ancient religion alive.

A Colorful Jain Temple in India

Auckland, New Zealand (CHAKRA) – With the visit of Jain leader, Munishri Jinchandraji to Auckland, the Jain community is one step closer to building a place of worship of their own there.  As the community, with the help of Jinchandraji are making progress towards their goal, they are looking forward to a new place where they can feel a sense of community and togetherness.

Wearing simple a clean white cloth, symbolizing purity, wrapped around his body, Jinchandraji has been leading a life apart from all material things since the early age of just eight.  He has been leading such a virtuous life for the last 57 years.  When listening to his discourses or having a personal conversation with him one will immediately notice that he is a believer in clarity of thought and expression, has a sincere concern for today’s youth and is a purely charitable individual with thoughts of compassion for his fellow beings.

When asked for his views on the youth of current society, Jinchandraji answered, “Young minds are vulnerable to temptations in life and easily fall a prey to such evil habits as smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and consuming narcotic drugs. Children born in Western countries are even more exposed to these dangers than their counterparts in India. It is therefore our duty to guide today’s youth to good things in life. Perhaps there is a need to reinstate the faith of Jainism.”

The Jain leader believes that the Hindu philosophy of “Ahimsa” meaning non-violence or the concept of Satya (truth) should be at the core of each individual’s principles and way of life.  Furthermore, honesty, sincerity and helping others in a form of social service are what should be on every person’s mind he states.

He believes the proposed Jain temple is a good starting point for the Jain community in New Zealand and said that considering the Jain community is only 200 families strong in New Zealand they are off to a very good start towards engaging themselves and the youth into the rich culture Jainism has to offer.

Dimple Shah, Jain Sangh president in New Zealand said that they are looking for a plot to accommodate a temple that can be a place of worship as well as facilitate a meeting place such as a community center for Jains or non-Jains.  In addition, they have planned to build a learning center for the youth especially and adults. 

Jinchandraji said, “We hope to construct a community hall which will be useful for religious, social and community events of our Sangh and perhaps all other groups subject to our norms. “

He further stated, “The construction project will also incorporate classrooms for learning,”

Overall, the community center should function as a place to bring together Jains and non-Jains.

“Jainism can be practiced by anyone who believes in our simple, easy-to-follow principles. We believe in universal brotherhood and achieving high levels of education,” Jinchandraji said.

Jains participate in all religious and cultural observances but follow a strict vegetarian diet keeping away from any root-vegetables as well.  Not all Jains follow the non-consumption of root-vegetables.  Some festivals in which Jains are seen to participate in New Zealand are, Ram Navami, Diwali, Baisakhi, and Saraswathi Pooja.  They are also known to take part in other cultural and ethnic festivals because their philosophies encourage multiculturalism.  

“Jainism is an ancient religion of India, also now found in other countries around the world. Its philosophy and practice rely mainly on self-effort in progressing the soul on the spiritual ladder to divine consciousness,” Jinchandraji said.

The Jain community is a small but strong community in New Zealand, with over 10 million followers in India.  In addition it is growing in North America, the Far East, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Jains account for the highest literacy rate out of any religious group in India because of their focus on education as an importance.  In India, Jains are found in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and are known respectively as “Tamil Jains” and “Tulu Jains”.

The National Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) in Washington

Washington, USA (CHAKRA) – Advocacy groups for Sikhs announced today that a Sikh Summit is being organized to be held in Washington in May for members across the community to communicate with lawmakers and educate them about different issues that are being faced by the Sikh community across the US.  United Sikh, an organization is one of few advocacy groups that is helping to organize the upcoming summit.

United Sikh said in a statement, “Participating members of the Sikh Delegation will meet with US Congressmen and Senators from different regions and share the concerns of the community with our lawmakers.”

The Sikh Summit is scheduled to be held from May 3 to May 7 where members of the community will also get an opportunity to meet with federal agency officials, to have their views heard about various issues being dealt with the Sikh community.

Sikhs in the United States total over 650,000, with a large portion of these living in California. Sikhs are the second largest religion in the Yuba City area. 15,000 Sikhs live in the Sacramento area, and there are seven Sikh temples or gurdwaras.

Trinidad has a Vibrant Hindu Community

Mississauga, Canada (CHAKRA) – An important leader and pioneer of the Hindu religion, Pundit Jankie Persad Sharma has died.  He was a prominent leader for Hindus in both Trinidad an Tabago and Canada.  He was the one to start celebrating Diwali in Trinidad in addition to building temples, performing wedding ceremonies as well as taking trips to India.

He was 80 years old and settled in Canada in 1989 after many Trinidadians requested for him to live there.  He lived in Mississauga and passed away on Thursday, March 1.  A funeral with many attendees was held for him a few days later.

Sharma’s father, originally from the state of Madhya Pradesh, came to Trinidad in 1910 with his 12 year old son.  Once in Trinidad, Sharma’s father became a certified priest and conducted many religious ceremonies.  He had eight children of whom Sharma was the eldest.  Sharma along with two of his younger brothers followed his dad’s footsteps and also pursued becoming priests.

Sharma was conducting his own public prayers and rituals by 1944.  He married a woman named Badewattee Persad in 1962 and they had six children altogether.

He had begun to create temples by 1971 in Matilda, Princes Town, Barrackpore and Rio Claro of which one is the well known Moruga temple in Matilda.

Boodram Ramoutar, a close friend of Sharma said, “His family fully understood and supported his role as a pundit and community leader with little time for all else. One special aspect was that he was not driven by material rewards, and treated rich, poor, man, woman, child, young and old with empathy and respect. In Trinidad alone, he had officiated at 4,000 weddings and become the guru of over 5,000 godchildren after baptising them as Hindus. It is fair to say that Trinidad has become richer in Hindu traditions, culture, and spirituality by the presence and teachings of Pundit Jankie Persad Sharma.”

For the diaspora, Sharma organized the first tour to India in 1983 because many Trinidadians were more interested in their roots and where they came from due to listening to radio programmes as well as from watching movies associated with their cultural past.

His initiatives such as his visits to India increased the demand of people wanting to learn more about their ancestors, their religious leaders and temples. The Sathya Sai Baba following was one such example.  He became so respected by crowds as well as a charismatic leader that Sathya Sai Baba himself requested to meet him and talk privately as well as give blessings to all Trinidadians that he represented.

Sharma was asked to address the opening at the first Diwali Nagar celebration in 1986 in Chaguanas.  Hindu awareness was growing and thus this event since then became an annual function which not only drew Hindus but also people of other faiths who just wished to experience the auspicious occasion of Diwali.

Thereafter, on the island, every Hindu celebration began to be celebrated with high respect and grandeur.

Most Trinidadians who moved to Canada, Britain and the United States starting in the 1970’s and onwards all called Sharma to perform their religious ceremonies such as weddings, house warming’s and other related religious events that required blessings from a respected elder.  Due to this increase and demand for him, Sharma and his family moved to Canada thereafter to settle in the province of Ontario.

In Canada, he started the Satya Jyoti Cultural Sabha while becoming more prevalent to Canadian Hindus at the same time, marking a presence of Hinduism in the Canadian society.

All levels of government in Canada praised and honoured him with certificates and recommendations for his service to the Mississauga and Canadian community as a whole.  Pundit Jankie Persad Sharma had become Canada’s first swami and was also known as Swami Atmananda Maharaj Ji.

Mumbai, India (CHAKRA) – A tight-knit Sindhi community in Ulhasnagar on the north-east side of Mumbai is facing social problems due to many recent refugees converting from Hinduism to Christianity.  The township was made for Sindhi refugees who came from Pakistan after partition.  The conversions have increased drastically within the last two years.

Indian Sindhi’s who dealt with the traumatic experience of living in Pakistan after partition, are known to be some of the staunchest Hindus in India, so it is no surprise that many of the elders are not in high spirits after revelations of conversions.

About 1.75% of the Sindhi population has changed their religious faith within the last two years.  That is about 7000 people out of 400,000 Sindhi speaking Hindus in Ulhasnagar.  The Sindhi Hindu community is upset with the sudden drastic changes and are more so because many of the Sindhi’s who have converted do not consider it to be a conversion but rather state that they have just chosen a different faith.  Most have not even changed their Hindu names.

Some Hindus have been upset with this and claim that they have no hatred towards any religion but they believe that if someone is going to follow another religion, then technically their names should be changed as well.  They believe that global recession is to blame for these conversions in the last two years in which missionaries have come in, offered “big gifts” to increase a following towards Christianity.

“When people have lost their businesses and have a hard time making ends meet, the victims of the results of a recession should not be taken advantage of by another community to convert,” said a senior citizen from the community.

The Sindhi speaking Hindu’s in Ulhasnagar take pride in their strength to leave Pakistan during the partition rather than being forced into converting to Islam.  Millions of Hindus were forced to convert to Islam while stuck on the Pakistan side of the border after partition so the Sindhi speaking Hindus who escaped and defeated that pressure are left confused with this new trend of conversions over just a recession.