By the way how much Michael Pretzel was paid to talk or write anti-hindu. Need to trace the link and he is well connected to these hate terrorist orgs. I hear, he visited pakistan recently. And CIA/FBI are tracking him
I do have to say I commend Ms. Shukla on her efforts to improve the representation of Hindus in American textbooks. I'm all for more sensitive treatment of Indian culture in American texts.
With that said, does promoting beliefs expounded by organizations such as the Vedic Foundation really help the cause of the Hindus? In America or anywhere? Even a casual reading of the texts published by the Vedic Foundation, particularly their book "The True History and Religion of India" clearly shows that this organization is concerned with spreading a knowledge of Hinduism that is anything but truthful. The book is filled with ludicrous claims, such as the idea that the world is some trillions of years old, despite physicists commonly claiming the world is about 15 billion years old. The Indian civilization is apparently 19 million years old--a claim that can't be substantiated. And many, many pages of utterly un-scholarly work that is simply an emotionally reactive response to any western portrayal of India.
Ms. Shukla, thank you for bringing a valid Hindu cause to the forefront, and then utterly shaming it by associating it to the Vedic Foundation.
Firstly I congratulate and give my thanks to Ms. Shukla in taking up the cause and replying all the questions put by rediff in an impassioned way. Hindu religion is a very old religion and should not be compared with the religions which have been evolved comparatively lately, when the society was developed. Inspite of ancient origin of Hindu religion it is based on human Psychology, human behavior and its effect The rituals have been evolved to have much deeper effects and the involvement of the entire community. Hinduism is a way of life. I wish the Westerners understand it. But a common westerner will not go deeper in other religion. He will only understsand whatever is written in their school books and other material provided by their own people. Hence it becomes very important for the people like Witzel to understand the religion properly after interacting with those who matter. It is praiseworthy for the institutions like Hindu American Foundartion and Vedic Foundation to have taken up the corrective measures. Inspite of Partho Biswas's comments regarding sorting out our own house, we all the Hindus rather all the Indians are behind Ms. Suhag's efforts. Satish Saxen
I applaud this article with great enthusiasm. The author speaks very politely about the anti-Hindu beliefs held by academic intellectuals who profess to be the only authorities on Hindu religion and culture while, in reality, holding negative feelings in their hearts about Indian religion and culture
Professor Witzel and those like him describe Hinduism in inferior and derogatory terms. He has been quoted, in one example, on many occasions referring to Hindus in america as 'the lost'. (It is important, also, to note that he is merely a linguist and not an historian.)
Please, all Hindus should now speak up on this important issue if not for themselves then for their children. Hindu kids should feel proud of their culture and religion. Respectfully, Vrinda
I read excerpts of the interview over and over again, and some of the responces from other intellectuals. What Ms.Shukla has done,or the guy called Witzel has said or whatever the HAF or Vedic foundation is doing,portrays nothing at all to me as a layman.All I can say,as a Hindu living in India,interpretations in India must be corrected itself.In the name of Hinduism,exponents of the religion in India has made many a killing.So why dont you come to India and set the house right at its source.Maybe Hindus have NOT conquered other Nations and spilled their blood(I am NOT TOO sure about it)but in the name of Hinduism we have done many unmentionable things in the birth place of the religion.Dear second generation American Indian (or is it Indian American)let us see your second coming,and help correct matters in India itself.Till then I cant offer any congratulatory applauses.
It is heartening to see this commendable work. America has proved to be more secular than India, still held by the pseudo-commies Arjun Singh & Romila Thapar.
Enjoy the interview. She did a great job! It is about time to define ourself rather then be defined by others - The British and other historian have created this Aryan theory of coming from central asia is itself a myth. Keep up the good work. How Vedic culture is influencing the world is not a secrete anymore - More then 65% of the world's polpulation is practicing some form of Vedic teachings!!
