Hindu religious leaders are not unique in their discriminatory practices. Anybody who has lived in the gulf might have experienced how non-muslims are treated. In fact, some job ads brazenly claim preference for Muslims applicants. So are Christians, by the way I am a practicing Christian. Gandhi was cold shouldered when he wanted to enter a church in South Africa. In Kerala itself there have been reports that in some churches the untouchables have a separate place of worship. Coming back to Hinduism, it is not a religion in itself, its a name christened by Alexander the great for people living beyond the Hind-Kush mountains. The true value and culture of India is reflected in its Vedic texts. The Vedas do not preach discrimination. Brahmin is defined as the one who gains the knowledge of Brahma. I am not a Vedic scholar, but I know what Vedic texts dont teach. The point here is Hindus might feel hurt or intimitated when there is bad press about its practices, like in Vayalar's case or the recent conversions to Buddhism at Race Course. It is easy to get emotional on religious issues. However, an informed mind would always want to understand the problem, identify the root cause and solve it. The fact is Ravi is insulted and hurt. Anybody in Ravi's place will feel so. There should be reconciliation between the priest and Vyalar's family. The world will always have differnces. We need to learn to live with differences. We need to treat others as we would like others treat us.
