Fitna helps to know Islamic extremism best

Fitna was released in 2008 and even it received a wide acclamation among victims of Islamic persecutions and intellectuals (freed from decade-long obsession to speak for worldwide harmony only and not the ominous changes), there was condemnation too, especially among Islamist intellectuals and Marxist theoreticians. But their voices have also calm downed in these years, thanks to crueler (more roughshod) manifestation of global Islamic extremism and its finest depiction through Fitna, creating a spell on viewers.

But Fitna is neither any fiction nor any series of photographs or anything else. In reality, Fitna is a brief political film made under the auspices of Geert Wilders, well-known critic of Islam, and his views examining Islam. Here is a few more info on its aspects. While the motion picture is almost 17 minutes in length, it brings forth an assortment of (though selected) excerpts from Suras of the Qur'an, combined with media clips, newspaper cuttings portraying barbarous acts of violence, persecution by Islamic supremacists.

In short, Fitna makes a grievous and valorous endeavor to exhibit how Qur'an propels its adherents to detest all violators of Islamic teachings or persons daring to have faith in other religious beliefs. The film, from the day 1 of its formal release, led to a foul cry among Muslims and as per reports, Geert Wilders also received quite a few life threatening warnings. Fitna is an Arabic word indicating "disagreement and division among people" or a "test of faith in times of trial.” On the word of Geert Wilders, the movie is "a call to shake off the creeping tyranny of Islamization."

Fitna, to be precise, states with conviction that Islam invigorates dreadful acts of terrorism, anti-Semitism, violence against women, violence and suppression of "infidels" and against homosexuals and Islamic universalism. An extensive portion of the movie speaks of Islam’s role (intensifying with time) in Netherlands, known more as first bastion of Eurabia these days.

Nevertheless, Fitna’s experiences in the days following its formal publication on the internet in 2008 were not solacing. There were several interruptions in its showings emanating from abrupt closure of show and raging protests.

Continual backing of its followers has been the greatest force behind Fitna and its growing popularity. If one is interested to know of Islamic terrorism and related aspects, Fitna must be watched.

Sachar Committee Report – political gimmick of Congress

Salman Khursheed fails to rely on it even

Is the Rajinder Sachar Committee Report, meant to find out problems tormenting Indian Muslims and resolve those straight away, a mere political stance? Considering such is indeed shocking but there can’t be anything else if the fresh speech of Salman Khursheed, UPA Minister for Minorities Affairs, is taken into account. To be precise, the Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, speaking at a function in Chennai on June 25, brought to the fore some issues regarding the Rajinder Sachar Committee Report, enough to raise eyebrows. He was found to state categorically “the recommendations of Sachar Committee Report are not divine like Quran; they can be wrong also and that’s why one must approach them critically.”

All these indicate that Salman Khursheed oppugned the very basis Sachar Committee Report and also is the last person to hinge on its recommendations to better Muslims. He was delivering an oration on ‘Minorities of India: Issues and Challenges,' at the Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College for Women. Dismaying many on the podium and to the astonishment of the audience, the Minister went on saying that by critical approach he indicated that the overall impact and benefits of Report on Muslims must be analyzed prior to its acceptance wholeheartedly.

It is worthwhile to mention that the Rajinder Sachar Committee was appointed by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in March 2005 and there was the inclusion of several dignitaries in the team to prepare a comprehensive, authentic report on the social, economic and educational position of the Muslim community of India. The Report was submitted in Parliament on 30 November 2006 – 20 months after getting the terms from the PMO.

On the word of Salman Khursheed, Report might benefit the community in the short term but it could also lead to its further ghettoization, ruinous for the community in the long term as it will stop Muslims’ mainstreaming. He also emphasized the fact that Muslims’ never-ending expectations and advancements (every now and then) to Minorities Affairs Ministry (MMA) are not desirable. MMA, as per him, looks after other minorities too at the same instant.

Khursheed advised Muslims to approach the Ministry of Human Resources and Development (MHRD), affluent with a budget of over Rs 65,000 crore, instead of MMA.

Without doubt, the Minorities Affairs Minister’s assertion speaks of his distrust on UPA’s pet project to woo Muslims. Is his discourse fallout of an intra-party row also? Sachar Committee Report, at this moment in time, seems more a political gimmick of Congress-led UPA to keep its opposition and detractors at bay.

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Hindu Temples in United States – best messengers of Dharma

The Woodlands temple depicts essence of Hinduism to all

It is no longer a secret that the dream of founding fathers of modern Hindu movements, especially in the mid 20 th century, is getting true with time – Hinduism is getting prominent in other parts of the globe fast. West that became conscious of Hindu way of life, its fundamental beliefs and practices in early19 th century, has come a long way by now. It, at the moment, has got bored stiff of insensibility and authoritarian principles of other religions and hence, is extending its assistances to uphold Hinduism – religion that speaks of unity, diversity and also of harmony (essential to better humans on earth). The latest specimen of this endeavor is new temple dedicated to serve Hindus living in north Houston.

Houston is the largest city in Texas; positioned in southeastern Texas near the Gulf of Mexico; also site of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It has also been learnt that this temple happens to be the lone one on the north side of the city, on an 8-acre lot along tree-lined Woodlands Parkway. The 10,000-square-foot building consists of an austere stone exterior — to abide by building codes. Well, what makes it most beautiful and also sanctified is that temple is home to the vibrant, flowery worship and ancient deities.

Obviously the next question should be of Hindu population in the vicinity. Reports affirm that The Woodlands is nothing except a thickly populated white-skinned Christian burb. But influx of Indian-American professionals in recent years has added religious miscellany to the entire area. And the administration is certainly helpful. At the moment there is the presence of almost 350 families in the vicinity and documents confirm that 20 to 25 families add to here yearly.

The $3 million temple is serving, at this point in time, Hindus living across Spring, Tomball, Conroe and northern Harris County. Indeed the temple is a great relief for these families as they had to travel to temples in Pearland or Sugar Land. The distance is almost an hour-and-a-half drive each way.

What are the other purposes of the temple other than performing essential rituals? The temple remains a precious resource for community celebrations, religious festivals and other community gatherings. But above all it caters to the needs of all the Hindus in the area, unlike older temples in Houston that concentrate on certain regional traditions.

Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee’s virile influence on Indian politics can’t be erased

The new book of Prashanto Kumar Chatterjree “Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee & Indian Politics” has been an imperative addition to annals of history in the Indian sub continent and compels the readers to think in a new manner. However, had the struggling mindset of Dr. Mookerjee been expressed more, the better would have been.

Whatever it is, while sitting in the armchair and going through the pages of history like an ardent student, ascendancy in Dr. Mookerjee’s career seems to be no less than meteoric. To be precise, his short yet highly significant political life (we are not heeding his brilliant academic career at the moment) is divided into a few phases.

These include his stint as Bengal’s Finance Minister (1941-42), mounting esteem of Hindu Mahasabha in Indian politics (1945-47), as a Union Minister (1947-50) and formation of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (1950-53). Well, his gallant sacrifice in Kashmir agitation, especially against the capitulation of Nehru ministry to desires of global forces shielding Pakistan, rabid anti-Hindu since its birth, forms a different chapter altogether. But even in such paucity of time, Dr. Mookerjee had made whole-hearted efforts to save Hindu community, especially Bengali Hindus, with a prodigious ardor. All these indicate his untimely death in 1953 has bereaved India. His pragmatic policies, principally regarding Pakistan, could have saved the country from an assortment of flaws.

Let’s scrutinize his political career. Without a shred of doubt, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee was one of the very few Hindu leaders having experiences to work under a Muslim Premier, representing a Muslim-majority province of Bengal. Closely he had perceived stratagems of Fazlul Haq Ministry to lessen power of Hindus and turn them into second-class citizens or a hopeless minority – a minority group that can listen but can’t speak. He also noticed how mounting communalization of secondary education, discrimination in the matter of employment, abduction of Hindu women, forcible destruction of Hindu temples and hermitages were breaking moral fiber of Hindus. What led to all these? The answer is simple – Congress’ refusal to form a coalition with Haq. Fazlul Haq had to collide with Muslim League.

He resigned from Haq ministry on March 31, 1943, citing his inability to save Hindus. In his words , the greatest crime committed by anyone is that he/she is a Hindu (legacy is in full swing till date). In this context, the author quotes Prof Balraj Madhok: “The way he (Mookerjee) let go of the ministership, when he found that he could do no good to his people by continuing in the ministry, made it clear to all that here was a man whom no temptation could deflect from the path of duty. He had joined the coalition cabinet as a representative of the Hindu Mahasabha, but he came out of it as the undisputed leader of entire nationalist Bengal.”

Taking lessons from these, Mookerjee devoted himself entirely to the spiraling of the Hindu Mahasabha. He was convinced that the Congress was no more devoted to the welfare of the nation, mainly Hindus, on account of its policy of appeasement and soft attitudes while dealing with Muslim League.

1945-46 election results had proved yet again that the League was the one and only representative of Indian Muslims while Jinnah was their undisputed leader. To reinforce their claim for a separate homeland for Muslims on a religious basis, Jinnah gave a call for Direct Action in 1946 leading to Great Calcutta Killings of August 16, 1946. there were setbacks for Muslims indeed but the call solidified the image of Jinnah once and for all. Muslim League, following 1945-46 election, had laid claims to the addition of the whole of Bengal and Punjab provinces in Pakistan. But these vigorous attempts were foiled by the leonine presence of Dr. Mookerjee and had he not fought valiantly for division of said provinces (on religious lines) there were no hopes. Congress was too feeble compared with Muslim League.

Following independence, Dr. Mookerjee, owing to innate (but rare) qualities like perseverance and merit, was appointed a Minister in the first Cabinet under Jawaharlal Nehru. Before long thereafter, Pakistan resorted to the policy of ethnic cleansing of Hindus in East Pakistan (Bangladesh). Mass migration of Hindus occurred and getting anxious he told the Prime Minister that it was India’s duty to make protection of Hindus in Pakistan certain. Reluctance of Nehru to adopt strong measures against Pakistan made Dr. Mookerjee resign from the Central Cabinet.

Dr. Mookerjee, on November 15, 1952, with conviction stated in Parliament: “The question of the minorities in Pakistan has been settled during the last five years in different ways. So far as West Pakistan is concerned, today it stands virtually denuded of its minority population. The creation of a homogenous Islamic state was the principal aim of the founder of Pakistan and those who have come into his shoes have carried that deal into execution in every possible way. Hindus have been deprived of their rights in every sphere — social, cultural, economic, religious and political. They are treated as zimmis or protected citizens on regular payment of jizya.”

The same saga continues and Hindu persecution in Bangladesh (former East Pakistan) and Pakistan (despite having virtually no substantial Hindu-Sikh population) is rising by leaps and bounds.

Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee’s divine self-sacrifice inspires Hindus

How ungrateful can a nation be to disregard significance of June 23! This is not any common day but denotes divine self-sacrifice of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, noted educationist, political leader and above all a great patriot – defiant against anti-national forces constantly, for the cause of nation in 1953. Well, even if people continue to pay homage to him by offering garlands at his altar and through deeds, it is much less than expectation still.

What led to the mysterious death of Dr. Mookerjee? The lone tiger was fighting against the despicable decision of then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to grant state of Kashmir a special status and to have own flag at the same instant. There were other implications of this special status as well. Special status indicated that even President of India couldn’t enter land of Kashmir devoid of permission of its prime minister.

Dr. Mookerjee lodged strongest protest against this incongruous decision and stated with all might Ek desh mein do Vidhan, do Prdhan and Do Nishan nahi chalenge (A single country can’t have two constitutions, two prime ministers, and two national emblems). This slogan, in fact, questioned the basis of Indian Nationalism, guiding principle of gallant independence struggle against the British Empire, and invigorated the whole nation to burst into protest against the hideous decision. It is alleged that Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee through his vigorous struggle created a fright in the Indian governance and hence, it had no other way except to get rid of him before long.

Though his confidants cautioned him earlier, Dr. Mookerjee, a person of rare attributes, to carry on the desperate struggle, went to Kashmir in 1953. He, there, started a hunger strike to protest the edict nixing Indian citizens from taking root in a state in their own country, necessity to carry ID cards. To bring all these agitations to a close Dr. Mookerjee was arrested on 11th May while crossing border.

What happened to him is shrouded in mystery still. Even if no stone is left unturned to ascertain that he was kept as a prisoner of State and used to get all privileges thus, many pundits consider such governmental assertions as deception. Though the ID card rule was annulled on account of his sole efforts, Dr. Mookerjee, in reality, died as detenu on June 23, 1953 under strange state of affairs. The aftermath of his death is more painful.

Even if his sudden death made the whole of India suspicious of governments (both Central and State) and there were earnest requests from his mother, Jogmaya Devi to the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, to probe Dr. Mookerjee’s death , no enquiry commission was set up.

Here are excerpts from letter (dated 4 July, 1953) of Jogmaya Devi Mookerjee to Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru - 'His death is shrouded in mystery. Is it not most astounding and shocking that ever since his detention there, the first information that I, his mother, received from the government of Kashmir was that my son was 'no more', and that also at least two hours after the end? And in what a cruel, cryptic way the message was conveyed! '. A fearless son of free India has met his death while 'in detention without trial' under most tragic and mysterious circumstances. I, THE MOTHER OF THE GREAT DEPARTED SOUL, DEMAND THAT AN ABSOLUTELY IMPARTIAL AND OPEN ENQUIRY BY INDEPENDENT AND COMPETENT PERSONS BE HELD WITHOUT ANY DELAY. I know nothing can bring back to us the life that is no more. But I do want is that the people of India must judge for themselves, the real causes of this great tragedy enacted in a free country and the part that was played by your government'.

Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee remains is our heart for his eruditeness, astute leadership and above all divine self-sacrifice for nation.

Swami Nigamananda’s valorous struggle manifests warrior-saint spirit

There has always been an allegation that Hindu sannyasins (monks) remain apathetic to society on the whole but how abominable that is it has been proved by the valorous struggle of Swami Nigamananda Saraswati, succumbed to death recently owing to his long fast against illegal mining notorious for polluting the river Ganges.

Venerable Swami Nigamananda Saraswati, it has come to the knowledge, had been fasting for four months at a stretch to save river Ganga and finally died at around 2 pm on June 13, 2011 at Jolly Grant Himalayan Institute Hospital in Dehradun. The 34-year-old Swami had been fasting for 115 days in Haridwar.

The name of Swami Nigamananda Saraswati was not known to many people beyond his acquaintance till the other day but his single-handed protestation has awakened lots of people by now. He was a member of Matri Sadan and had initiated his lone struggle, to make the reluctant governance acknowledge the grievous reality and act fast accordingly, from February 19. However, his health started deteriorating from April 27, 2011 and all these compelled the authority to admit him at the district hospital. Thereafter, he went into coma (comatoseness) and had to be admitted to Jolly Grant Hospital in Dehradun on April 27, 2011 in a very critical condition.

What did inspire Swamiji to act such? Matri Sadan, known as his mentor too, and its views must be explained at this hour. Struggle of Matri Sadan, in a nutshell, to save Ganga from illegal mining is not new and has been going on for last 12 years. And this way of struggle was not anything new to Swami Nigmanand. Anecdotes confirm that he had also fasted from Jan 20, 2008 till April 1, 2008. There was a great success at that time. His vigorous campaign and protest made then government outlaw stone mining. But this unlawful saga started once again and with more vigor than the past.

It was then the turn of Swami Dayanand to do something; he fasted for 30 days in March 2009 to call illegal mining going in full swing then a halt. All these indicate sannyasins in Matri Sadan remain alert of the changing reality and are ready to struggle at any time.

Swamiji is no more but we have got carry on the movement. River Ganga is the cradle of Hindu civilisaiton and hence, her sanctity can’t be compromised.

Hindus must challenge Islamic brutality

An assortment of chronicles have been written on the national independence struggle in India, from 1875 (year of inception of Indian National Congress) to 1947 (marking national independence and also partition of undivided India), against the iniquitous British Empire. What do we get from here? History is confident that India was under the brutal British Raj and had there been no resistance or active struggles, anguishes would have continued.

However, the same notion remains silent of Islamic supremacists’ subjugation and insensate atrocities in India, especially on Hindus, and endeavors lots in making people believe that Hindu-Muslim bonhomie dominated pre-British era. Is this acceptable ever? The answer is simple; if this is considered true, we have to find out a new definition of the word “travesty” then.

Another grave issue, in this regard, must be introspected. Why did Hindus fail altogether to thwart this violent Jihad in India? Were not there competent generals and soldiers among Hindus? Indeed, there were and a great number of them, through exuberance, excellence and valor, have left a perennial impression on history. What has been troubling Hindus then? There is only one difference – theory and execution of violence for expansion is a legitimate or sole policy in Islam while it is an exception, or even aberration, among Hindus. War field is not a bed of roses but a stern field of actions. How can you fight a blood thirsty animal with lack or no conviction? And the same tradition has been going on for more than a millennium.

Has there not been any effort to get rid of this pessimism? Sadly, unlike the field of Dharma, known for innovation or evolution of newer policies frequently, Hindu polity has been remaining stagnant. It has failed to cope with the fast changing reality like Islamic order and has, therefore, suffered defeat outrageously.

Now let’s take note of saga of violence and ruthlessness in the Islamic environment. Mohammed Bin Kashem invaded India in 712 AD but even with small contingents he defeated Hindu ruler Dahir Sen of Sindh decisively. The civil society was also plundered and all these were done for the establishment of an Islamic hegemony in Indian subcontinent. Surja Devi & Parimal Devi, teenaged daughters of Dahir, were sent to Baghdad as bounty to Khalif (civil and religious leader of a Muslim state considered to be a representative of Allah on earth).

During invasion Arab warriors were not accompanied by their women and to avenge this irreparable loss, rape and other forms of tortures were used at random. This also proved to be a good way to teach infidels a lesson once and for all. And from this period India became acquainted with the saga of Islamic brutality. It is worthwhile to mention that Muslims consider non-Muslim properties are BAITUL MAL while women are MALE GANIMAT, indicating dutifully HALAL (legal) for consumption.

But Hindus did not learn anything from this. Hindu defenses, above all their standpoints, in the following ages do reflect the same. Among these Hindu philosophy of tolerance and compassionate behavior plays a substantial role. How can influences of Buddhism be ruled out? Saga of non-violence, emanating from both Hinduism and Buddhism, has inflicted the heaviest blow on Hindu psyche and thousands of such examples can be found these days too.

Nevertheless, Islamic terrorism has changed a lot and sword-wielding Muslim warriors have turned into gun-wielding ones, highly proficient in latest technological applications and munition. Hindus, on the contrary, are in the same position as they were centuries before. Islamic terrorism worldwide is not anything new but finest interpretation of the words expressed by Muhammad, Arab Prophet or written in al-Qur'an.

How can Hindus defeat this demonic force then? After all this is not any video game. They have to imbibe excellence (ruthlessness) of Muslims and overwhelm them in the coming years. There is the necessity of another upheaval among Hindus. Scriptures have got to be interpreted in a new manner; Dharma himsaa tathaiva cha or that righteous violence is also authorized by Hindu Dharma must also be accepted.

Escapism or admission of defeat without struggle leads to destruction only. Hindus, to save own lives and also Dharma, must challenge Islamic terrorism.