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Spiritual Meditations
6 - COMMENTS
  • Very thought provoking article of Yogendra Sikand, who raised many practical problems and discussed them in his own way but, I will not subscribe to his conclusion of giving in to social activism. How can one stop dreaming about a better world of tomorrow? It’s a basic human instinct to improve the present to make a better tomorrow. Yes, its true, every activist passes thru such trauma where he feels useless and put a question mark before his entire life and action. I also had a similar experience during my recent India visit when I read out my own piece of article on religious fanaticism (read Islamic fanaticism) and narrated an instance of my real life experience; I was surprised when the same friend asked me to delete his name from that write up.
    I heart came in my mouth as I could only feel the pain while deleting his name. But, I moved on since this made me feel different. At least I am not like him. I spoke; I registered my protest and will continue to do it. Giving in would mean surrender to Islamist Mr Sikand, giving in would be termed a walk over to religious fundamentalist forces, giving in would be like those people whom we curse that they did not fight against British rather they collaborated with them for personal gains. 
    Good talk about NGOs, I suppose his whole analysis and conclusion is based upon the experience of NGO related personalities which is also a problematic area of this article. Simultaneous use of word, revolution makes one think that NGOs are playing a springboard for REVOLUTION. I don’t agree with this approach. Mr Sikand, you have to tell me that how many revolutionaries who are fighting against the might of Indian govt in Bastar, Orissa, AP etc has sent their wards to abroad? Or they have received AID to visit European country and do some symposium? NONE, there is none and they are being killed like a dog, but you don’t make any case history on such characters like Azad, Kishan ji, Charu Da, Konda palli SitaRamaiyya, Nag Bhushan Patnayak and the list goes on. Why these characters are missing from your field of study? Why are you focused to those characters who are interested to make bread and butter out of so-called revolution? Concentrating the fake heroes will always bring cynicism the way you grouped in. Revolutionary forces might have not any perfect blue print of any model, but does this amount to approve the loot of the present system whose each and every pillar is plagued by rampant corruption? They don’t have any perfect model, so are they suppose to stand with War mongers? The So-called revolutionaries (NGOs) are self seekers so what is the message for common masses, shall they accept Brahmanical order in their lives? 
    Sikand Sb, sitting home and chanting mantra, “Appa Deep Bhavo” is good for oneself but circle has to be completed when you interact with the masses. Even Buddha has to go to masses after enlightenment. If he would have given in, World would have been ignorant about him. I hope, you will come back again, but this time, pls do not count on “Paid Revolutionaries”.
    By Shamshad Elahee "Shams" - 4/27/2012 5:18:25 PM
  • A heart-touching and greatly moving article which expresses how experience and wisdom descended upon a great man through his own long association with numerous uniform problems and issues and finally, the introspection brought about the divine truth before him. In the conclusion, he has asserted, "I couldn't even change my family and close friends to bring them to think and behave as I wanted them to" - that is the true gist of the whole article as "Charity begins at home" rightly, he realised and got the correct dose of universal phenomenon, you can not change even a miniature particle in a person's nature or in a soceity unless and until Allah wills. There comes certain examples in the world regarding the divine system and practice inevitable to be changed that exposes man's limitation and helplessnes simply to make our belief stronger and stronger. Anyway, Mr Sikand's feelings must be honoured as he has been a great crusader of social reforms. By Raihan Nezami - 4/27/2012 1:47:38 AM
  • The comments of Ms. Sadaf seem to be negative and show the natural arrogance that religious/ideological persons have. In fact, Mr. Yoginder Sikand has raised very valid issues. He could continue his so-called revolutionary fervour till the age of 45 is a testimony that he wants to see a better world.

    However, a rational and thinking person feels sad to find that most revolutionaries become dictatorial, arbitrary and intolerant, once they come to power. There is no reason as to why countries like Venezuela, Cuba, North Korea etc should be so poor as compared to their neighbours. Most revolutionaries mess up with the economy of their countries as they have a perceived enemy against whom they can vent their anger. Venezuela is one of the richest countries in South America but has poor people and shortages of almost all necessities of life. All this is in the name of anti-imperialism and revolution.

     Most revotionaries have no better alternative to offer. They are good in opposing the existing system and do have good intentions at times. See for example, Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal. Once in power, she lost her real perspective and started doing the opposite of what she was preaching. The idea is not to be a demagogue but to analyse rationally and improve the system. It is a continuous process. People like Mr. Yoginder Sikand contribute a lot even if they do not see immediate results. Negativism of the kind shown by pro-Maoist intellectuals in India does not offer any alternative but there are many others whose actions and thoughts are continuously contributing towards making a better society.

    For me, Mr. Sultan Shahin is also a revolutionary as is Mr. Yoginder Sikand. So my dear friend Mr.Sikand, do not lose patience. We will have a better tomorrow for ourselves and our future generations.

    By Ashok Sharma - 4/27/2012 12:25:08 AM
  • Expectation is the other name of trust. Human suffer not because of somebody action but because of his expectation with regard to others. He will be more happy if he leave the attachment or expectation. By satwa gunam - 4/26/2012 11:33:37 PM
  • Mr. Yoginder Sikand is pathetic and his negativity can be a bad influence on vulnerable minds. It is better he stop coming out in public with his sickness. It would be in public interest that he takes rest at his place and stay alone. I really fear this man is going to do suicide. But then who can stop anyone who wants to leave.

    I wish him to recover from his illness which like any illness is temporary and he needs to stop believing in himself but trust others that they want him to be here in this world. He may be meaning a lot to many. Those who personally know him, please see to it that he be kept away from seeing hardships of life as he is quite weak psychologically.

    Mr. Yoginder, please cheer up as you can get well. And there must be some friends and acquaintances if not relatives who like seeing you, for whom you can be a source of joy. You have to live for them if not for yourself. All the best, you will get well soon. All you have to do is stop trusting yourself but trust them who like seeing you.

    By sadaf - 4/26/2012 1:09:36 PM
  • The world would be a lot worse place without social activists. There is no "negativism" in trying to remove injustice, inequality or oppression. The impact of an individual effort may be negligible, but the sustained efforts of a group or a generation of reformers may advance a society tangibly. One does one's bit without trying to measure success.

    Yogi saheb has made very valuable contributions to promote moderate or liberal Islam with his translations, interviews, book reviews and original articles and has, in my opinion, left a lasting impact. If he has now decided to move on to another phase of his productive life, let us wish him well.
    By Ghulam Mohiyuddin - 4/26/2012 12:32:13 PM