Sabarimala can be a case study

Sabarimala can be a case study

M G Warrier

Born in a remote village in Kerala during early 1940s as son of a Namboodiri (Brahmin) father and a Warrier (Shudra) mother I have lived through different cultures in several parts of India and had occasion to interact with people with varying views on God, religion, rituals, and rites. I myself got my caste from my mother because of my birth in a Kerala family. I would have been a Brahmin, if I was born in some other state in India, say Maharashtra as the child gets the caste and surname of the father in Maharashtra.
The present controversy over Sabarimala can be a case study to understand the multiplicity of bondages among communities in Kerala and to research how superficial and selfish motives guide mob behavior.
The present temple in Sabarimala was built by a Christian landlord, devotees of Lord Ayyappa (irrespective of their religion, caste or community) are “Ayyappaas”(The Tathwamasi concept is factored in, once a person decides to visit Ayyappa) during the 41 days ending with climbing Sabarimala and worshipping Ayyappa. Before Ayyappaas proceed to the Ayyappa Temple, devotees worship a Muslim God “Vaavar”. All these points to the harmonious relationship fostered by Ayyappa worship.
My personal observation is that during the current decade, Indian courts have been devoting a substantial portion of the precious time of the bench and the bar for dealing sensational or celebrity cases when millions of cases are remaining unattended across the country and many citizens are in jails even without getting any opportunity for being heard. Priorities of the governments (Centre and states) and courts need a relook.
Coming back to Sabarimala issue, even before going into the rights and wrongs of the present controversy, let us have a look at one aspect of the issue which is being discussed in media widely. That is the responsibility of the state government (i) to protect the interests of the devotees and (ii) to implement the verdict of the Apex Court.
As the present government in Kerala is dominated by Communist Party (Marxist) with CP(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan as Chief Minister, let us find out what is the Marxist view on government and religion.
Lenin on Religion*
The Marxist-Leninist teachings concerning religion and the attitude of the workers’ party towards religion as enunciated by Lenin in his articles Socialism and Religion, the Attitude of the Workers’ Party towards Religion and The Attitude of Classes and Parties toward Religion are:
 1. That all religion is a form of “spiritual oppression”—the “opium of the people.”
2. That the programme of the Marxist Party is based on materialist philosophy.
3. That the party resolutely demands the separation of church from state and fights against both militant clerical reaction and “liberal” attempts to fog the minds of the people with religious illusions.
4. That the party does not include the propagation of atheism in its programme, nor does it demand atheism from all its members, but regards the abstract preaching of atheism and the artificial fostering of religious divisions amongst the workers as harmful and as playing into the hands of reaction.
It appears the Kerala Government and the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan could not convincingly explain the correct approach they have taken so far on the issue to the people who are carried away by the misinformation being spread by vested interests.  The Leninist approach at 4 is consistent with the secular spirit of the Indian Constitution.
Simply put, government and religion should remain separate and non-interfering in each other’s affairs. The government should definitely play a proactive role in persuading religious and social groups to change with the times.
Inside the state, Kerala has places of worship with multiple rituals and practices. From a temple in Kannur District where toddy is not taboo (Parassinikkadavu Temple) to a Goddess who accepts abusive words being included in songs sung by devotees in her praise (Kodungalloor Bhagavathy). As society progresses, changes are inevitable. The problem starts when religious or social groups get a feeling that some outside force imposes changes in isolation and political interests encash the emotions of devotees of any denomination.
Kerala Model
Viewing from a different angle, I can visualize another "Kerala Model" emerging. Let's believe, there is no dead end in diplomacy. If one door closes, eight others will open. Politicizing issues suits while in opposition. The present CM of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan knows that more than anyone else. He has lived through dismissal of EMS ministry of 1957 in 1959, was active during emergency days and has literally survived several attacks, personal and political. The maturity in approach now evident in his thoughts, talks and actions have evolved over a long period of political Tapasya. Sabarimala episode is going to be another tough test for him, perhaps tougher than the August 2018 floods. He knows, for him and Kerala, it is significant to prove that every problem comes packaged with multiple solutions. The right one will emerge at the right time. Hurry doesn't pay. Nor does procrastination. A new Kerala Model will emerge this Sabarimala season



*******************
*Source: Reader’s Guide to Marxist Classics
(mgwarrier@gmail.com)


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

NAVAGRAHA STOTRAM

NAVAGRAHA STOTRAM* According to astrology, the positions of the nine planets in the twelve constellations of the zodiac and their movements are considered to be quite significant. The nine planets ‘Navagraha’ affect every aspect of human life. They play an important role in the activities, physical and mental health and life of any individual. The unfavorable positioning of any of these planets can be the cause of problems, bad health, and stagnation for many people. However, there is a solution to avoid the ill effects of the position and movement of the ‘Navagraha’ in our lives. Navagraha mantras (or stotram) are simple mantras which work as powerful healing tools to reduce the negative effects of any of the nine planets. These mantras are Hindu holy hymn addressing the nine planets. Benefits Of Navagraha Stotram And The Way to Practice The Navagraha Stotram is written b y Rishi Vyasa and is considered to be the peace mantra for the nine planets. They are powerful m
Read more

The King of Ragas: Sankarabharanam

                       The King of Ragas                      --------------------------     Long ago  serpents were put to lot of hardships.They  were afraid of other animals. They had to seek refuge in the hermitage of sage Saraba.The sage was a true devotee of Lord Shiva.He used to pray Shiva with melodious songs. As he sang a particular raga the snakes were much inspired and they began to dance,. Slowly the serpents became friendly with the sage. They brought water in their mouths for the pooja.They secreted  a special fluid in which the flowers got stuck to their bodies.The sage was much astonished by the service of the snakes.As the sarpas became very close to the sage ,they requested him to help having Darsan of Lord Siva. As requested by the sage Shiva appeared in the form of  a  Kapalika and stayed in the ashram.The music and dance of the snakes continued. The snakes rendered service to the kapalika as they considered him  a Shiva bhakta.Shiva was much pleased with t
Read more

THE SUNSET OF THE CENTURY

*SUNSET OF THE CENTURY: Rabindranath Tagore THE LAST SUN OF THE CENTURY SETS AMIDST THE BLOOD-RED COLOURS OF THE WEST AND THE WHIRLWIND OF HATRED. THE NAKED PASSION OF SELF-LOVE OF NATIONS IN ITS DRUNKEN DELIRIUM OF GREED IS DANCING TO THE CLASH OF STEEL AND THE HOWLING VERSES OF VENGEANCE. THE HUNGRY SELF OF THE NATION SHALL BURST IN A VIOLENCE OF FURY FROM ITS OWNSHAMELESS FEEDING FOR IT HAS MADE THE WORLDITS FOOD, AND LICKING IT, CRUNCHING IT AND SWALLOWING IT IN BIG MORSELS, IT SWELLS AND SWELLS TILL IN THE MIDST OF ITS UNHOLY FEAST DESCENDS THE SUDDEN HEAVEN PIERCING ITS HEART OF GROSSNESS…   *Note: “The Sunset of the Century”, translated by the poet, from Naivedya; The English Writings of   Rabindranathtagore, Volume II,Delhi 1996, page 466. Quoted in his article ‘Critiquing nationalism’ by K Satchidanandan (Frontline, November 14, 2014). The article takes you to a much broader spectrum. HAPPY READING(READ MORE STAN
Read more