05 July 2008

Historian William Dalrymple wrote an article in the Guardian Saturday magazine about how Hindus and Christians of Kerala pray at each others places of worship. They believe Goddess Bhagvati and Mother Mary are sisters. Though Christian priests frown upon their congregation members worshiping Goddess Bhagvati most of them do so. My letter on the subject was published as follows:

William Dalrymple’s Sisters And Goddesses (June 28) brought joy to my heart. The people of Kerala have shown by example that different faiths can live in harmony. Religions born in India namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism believe that all paths to god are valid. The Zoroastrians, Baha’is  and many other persecuted religious groups have found a safe heaven in India. If the Abrahminical  religions come to acknowledge and respect other faiths, peace would prevail. Unfortunately, Christian missionaries are aggressively seeking to convert Hindus in India. Surely the way forward is to celebrate the diversity of faiths and cultures rather then impose one’s creed on others.

Nitin Mehta

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