Letters
Letters To Editor – May 2006
I do not consider myself a practicing Hindu, but the recent California textbook controversy (March 2006) aroused my interest, because of my own experiences in this country.
A few years ago, while speaking to high school seniors about Hinduism, I realized that their impression of the religion was limited to Sati, bride burning, rigid caste structure, idol worship, femicide, and the like.
Since the 1980s, this country has experienced an increase in the influence of Christian evangelicals in academics and policymaking. Many evangelists, even well-meaning ones, are convinced that only the Children of Abraham can lay claim to moral authority. In this mindset, where does Hinduism fit it in?
I admit that many challenges the Hindus face today are a consequence of how Hinduism as a religion and society has evolved. I was born and brought up in an area of India where casteism was prevalent. Those who abuse and short-change Dalits and lower caste Hindus are certainly not Muslims or Christians. I can relate to both Rajiv Malhotra and Vijay Prashad.
Growing up in India, I was taught that Khudiram Bose and Bhagat Singh were terrorists while George Washington and Menachim Begin were great statesmen. I also learnt about the United States and slavery, but no one told me about the critical role of African kings in perpetuating it. The world celebrates Christmas on Dec. 25, but there are historical questions on whether Jesus was born on this date. I don’t hear of any historians, least of all Indians, having heartaches over these historical biases or fabrications.
Our experiences and understanding continually shapes our behavior and daily interactions, but we are most vulnerable at younger ages. The children in elementary through high school are in their formative years and what they learn and understand often leaves a long-lasting impression on them. Should they be taught to belittle cultures and religions, including their own? Doing so only fosters a sense of intolerance and hatred in our children.
I am neither a Dalit nor a Brahmin, nor belong to any Hindutva group, but to instill positive values in our children, Hinduism should be presented in California textbook in the same vein as Islam, Judaism and Christianity. This is the ethical and moral way to conduct our affairs.
Jawaharlal Prasad
Webster, Texas
I just wanted to say that I found Adam Alexander’s article “Courting Trouble” on having an Indian girlfriend really inspiring and one that I felt I could relate to. Keep the faith!
David Lovell
Via eMail
I first saw your magazine at an Indian store on Long Island where I was looking for Indian films. While the clerk was helping another customer, I began reading Little India and by the time he got to me, I had almost forgotten why I had come into the shop. The store didn’t have the films I wanted, but I found myself fascinated with the Indian culture and plan to visit India very soon.
I am a Black American who loves to travel and learn about other cultures, There is so much to learn, but with Little India I already have a terrific start
Gig Marshall
Long Island, NY
Congratulations on a great magazine. It is well-edited, printed and laid out with good articles. I suggest you add a horoscope column.
Ramesh Chaellani
Fremont, Calif.
I thoroughly enjoy your magazine and in the three decades that I have lived in the United States, I can rate it the best. Congratulations and keep up the good work
Rani Devi
Adelphi, MD