Hindutva for me is not a ceremonious religion but a philosophy - a great one about humanism that I discovered with time studying the Vedas and the Upanishads. These scriptures tell me to be a good citizen, love my own lot, be proud of my heritage as an Indian - from the land of the Vedas. It also tells me to stand up and express to point out what is wrong and unacceptable, because the Vedas contain no discrimination, no inequality, no intolerance except to that what is Wrong. And India is suffering for its politicians playing the communal card - the very fabric of an all inclusive society is getting destroyed.
I cannot accept my neighbour getting special treatment, persistently exploiting the system and getting away with it. He has to learn to coexist peacefully, and put man and country above religion. He has to follow the same law that I follow - it is the law of the land, and there is no excuse hiding behind religious identity (which has always been an overtly sensitive issue where it shouldn't have been so). If he finds the law unacceptable, he might as well leave the land.
Nobody and no religion enjoy special status in a secular country. Every religion should be tolerant to one another, and abide by a law which makes every social process equal for everybody. If that doesn't happen, I shall go on reacting to that what is wrong and protesting - if it is against any particular religion, so be it. If I have Vedic credentials, I shall fight for myself, for the rights of secular Hindutva and my equal stake in society.
I have never imposed my philosophy on a friend or a neighbour, but I am not willing to be imposed upon either. I'm grown up enough to care a hoot if my perspective hurts religious sentiments. I don't reside inside a temple or a mosque or a church. I live in my home and I have got the right to protect it from any sort of bias. And I am always willing to be corrected by Reason, not Rhetoric.
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