Selective Activism

#Selective #activism

The Chief Minister’s endorsement of Swami Sathchidananda’s suggestion to allow men to wear shirts in temples under the guise of reformist thought is a misplaced attempt at religious interference. 

While Sree Narayana Guru's message of equality and reform is indeed powerful, selectively targeting Hindu customs while ignoring equally contentious practices in other religions reveals a bias. Reform should stem from within communities, not be imposed by political figures trying to showcase progressive credentials. 

Hindus have the right to maintain their customs and traditions, just as Muslims and Christians continue to uphold theirs without outside interference. By selectively supporting reforms within Hindu practices, the Chief Minister is walking a fine line between cultural sensitivity and unnecessary disruption.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister's backing of these changes should be scrutinized for its inconsistency. If reformists truly aim to modernize religious customs, why not address practices in all religions, such as circumcision in Islam or certain baptism rituals in Christianity, which are equally open to critique? Singling out Hindu practices, while sidestepping similar discussions within other communities, displays a form of selective activism.

Hindus should not be coerced into altering their practices, especially when traditions are meaningful to devotees and are practiced voluntarily. Real reform must encourage a broader discussion across all religious communities, or it risks appearing politically motivated rather than genuinely progressive.

-K A Solaman