It is nothing new for the present political parties to dig up the past and bring forth dead personalities for their convenience. It has been the pattern for quite some time now. But what about when these little white lies have the potential to do more harm than good.
Why Is Swami Vivekananda On The News These Days?
The name of Swami Vivekananda has never been in the news as much as it is now. Many Indians find striking similarities between the personalities of Narendra Modi and Swami Vivekananda. From their name to their behaviour and their way of life — the comparison is all over the place.
The situation has gotten so worse that BJP and TMC are literally fighting over Swami Vivekananda’s legacy. The right-wing supporters have always tried to take refuge under Vivekananda’s name for their lopsided ideas of Hinduism.
Misappropriation Of Vivekananda’s Philosophy
Swami Vivekananda would indeed have disapproved of the way the political parties had been interpreting or appropriating his views on religion to impute some credit and legitimacy to their Hindu Rashtra or the Hindutva.
RSS member Chaman Lal, during the convention held in Washington D.C. to mark the centenary of Vivekananda’s 1893 Chicago conference, said, “We do not intend to call any non-Hindus as it is a great event for Hindus more than anyone else.”
Around 100 years ago, this land had heard the sermons on religious tolerance and acceptance from Swami Vivekananda. And here we are in the 21st century, where someone is spewing nonsense and spreading hatred in his name. And, more importantly, setting a wrong precedent for other Indians.
Therefore, let us get back to the basics and see what Swami Vivekananda had to say about religion and Hinduism before somebody else tries to infiltrate our minds!
Also Read: Besides Calling Rahul Gandhi “Nervous, Unformed” What All Has Obama Said About Indians?
Although it is just a drop in the ocean, this can give you a perspective and help you see things clearly and impartially.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: India Today, Firstpost, Youth Ki Awaaz
Find The Blogger: @soumyaseema
The post is tagged under: Swami Vivekananda, Narendra Modi, BJP, TMC, RSS, Chicago, Washington, religion, Hinduism, Hindutva, tolerance, God, truth, peace, National Youth Day, India, elections, propaganda, hatred, communalism, intolerance, spiritual, faith, Muslims, Christians, Mamata Banerjee
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