Religiosity Is Paramount

Muslim Murasu, May 2011

Indian tradition is to have faith in religious life. Tamilnadu government is no exception to this. Perarinar Anna pledged ‘there is only one God’ and compromised with faith. We are against Brahminism but not against Brahmins. We don’t oppose religion, but condemn irrational activities happening in the name of religion. Thousand shallow arguments and fickle compromises.
Populist leaders do not have the necessity to brazenly oppose faithful, religious person. In 1968, temples were removed from regional group management and were rendered under Collector’s administration. Today government’s share in growth of religion and religious centers is ascertained through philanthropist award, arranging poojas, temple meals scheme, religious and spiritual holidays, welfare board for rural temple priests, pension scheme for rural priests, temple library and yoga training class and assistance fund for spiritual Tamil books. From 1927, secretaries and Collectors of IAS rank are keenly upholding and nurturing spiritual and religious sensitivities. Temple management, control, administration and maintenance constitute one of the very important responsibilities of the government. Hindu Aranilayathurai is protecting 38,465 temples with abundant care.
Members of assembly and parliament take oath in the name of God. Government grants holidays for regional festivals and religious ceremonies. Government employees are entitled to four days of extra leaves. (R.H) During special religious occasions, they are granted relief for one and a half hour. Government has enlisted pilgrimage sites also under the list of tourist spots. Godly pictures are decorating desks and monitors of higher officers. Mobile ring tones sing Kirtans, Bhajans and Vedic texts. Religious rituals get high priority in the savings of the employees. Temple is the symbol of the state government. State and central governments respect religious feelings of the people.
What is the need for concealment after all these? Government should grant fund for religious preachings. Today it is absolutely necessary to have a separate minister and ministry for the religious preachings. Hindu, Muslim, Christian preachings will help in upholding discipline, honesty and good qualities. Government should allocate ten percent of its revenues for religious preachings.
Hindi TV channel Astha telecasts spiritual preachings round the clock. A similar Tamil TV channel is needed for religious preachings. Religious classes and Vedic explanations will better human beings.