Disappointing Religion-Politics Conflict

Muslim Murasu, July 2011

Governments are more religion-centric in India’s neighboring countries Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Iran and Saudi Arabia. No one can rule people after opposing, insulting and ignoring religious leadership or leader.
For the past 63 years, western culture has been thrust upon India in the garb of secularism. Graduates from universities in America and London reigned Indian population. Taking cue from revolutionary struggles in Muslim countries, guardians of culture of the land grew in India. Religion, vedas, tradition and ancient wisdom fed through television, media and internet gave new impulse to alternative ideas in the past 20 years. The converging point between religion and politics is being scrutinized.
The group that was desperate for used cigarettes, tea remains and stale food entered political stage and enjoyed luxurious life. Rise of spiritualists rile such people. The day when authority will slip from the hands of politicians and fall under the feet of spiritualist is not very far. Religious leaders can control and streamline politics; there is nothing wrong in it. Religion inspires discipline and softness. It is capable of purifying hearts.
People wait patiently praying for peaceful heart in the aura of religious leaders. Those who make beeline to swanky buildings of politicians are hankering after luxuries. This is the difference. People surrender themselves under graceful feet of religious leaders and willingly donate their properties, wealth and funds. Mind-boggling properties that politician has gathered has come from oppression. It has been accumulated by misuse of police, investigating agencies, income tax office and courts of law. Politician cannot gather wealth without trampling human rights and honesty of fellow citizens.
Spiritual elders who have been in a long and deep slumber, are for the first time passionate for standing against political transgressions. They should disentangle themselves from dance, music festivities, narrating stories and monastic refuge. Slumber of 63 years cannot be shaken off in a few months or few events. Continuous awareness preaching will be beneficial.
Majority of Indians love, respect and adore religion and religious leaders. Lofty qualities of religious stalwarts should guide India. Fraud politician does not have strength to suppress or threaten religious leader. Religious leaders have contact with Divine. They have their throne in the hearts and spirits of people.
The conflict between faith and politics is uncalled for. This will push nation backwards. Politician can administrate nation with honesty. Religious person can control politician with blissful, motherly attitude. It is not possible anymore to stop dominance of religion, religiosity, religious affinity and religion-centric environment.