I was born in a Hindu Kayastha family in Rajasthan. But the first thing I learnt was that I had been born in privilege! My houses were huge. The police used to guard them and my father was a powerful influential person. What was he - an IAS officer in the poor state of Rajasthan. As the son of a Collector- I assumed this is how life is meant to be. Later I also learnt that I belonged to a UP Kayastha family. Kayastha - are the sons of Chitragupta in Hinduism. They are the ones who read out your karma when the time of judgement comes.
Hence we were not part of any of the Brahman, Kshatriya, Baniya grouping. We were a small elite group who were accountants of god and our true wealth was our “kalam” or pen! And as the pen grew mightier than the sword, Kayasthas gained tremendous importance in an Independent India. Mostly human gods in Hinduism were Kshatriyas (Rama) or Yadav (Krishna) or Buddha (Kshatriya). We were worshippers of Shiva/Rama/Krishna. Later, in my 20s I found my guru or mentor in a Mahayana Buddhist who was also a “poet” and a “warrior” for peace.
With all these deep influences in my life, where do I find myself in today’s India. Ram mandir inauguration is a great thing which should never have taken so long. But the politics that went along with it is something I have seen from the 90s and which I cannot support. We Hindus believe in karma. So why was so much blood shed over the years for this temple to be constructed? Why did the collective prayers of us Hindus not work? And why did we need a strong PM to ultimately make the inauguration happen? And with the inauguration done - are we going to usher in a true “Ram Rajya”?
Both Hinduism and Buddhism have a lot to offer to humanity today. But who will take the lead? Can political leaders with their agenda of having to win elections be trusted with this sacred mission. Rama, Krishna and Buddha need to be presented in a version that the world of today understands! And make no mistake! It will happen. The way Hindustan gave rise to so many gods and beliefs, a unification is needed in the world today. We don’t need a new religion or philosophy. We need “ Humanism” where we accept and respect each other. And allow each other to grow. This world once again must become border less. Ofcourse nation states are needed. But they must not prevent people from legally migrating to where they feel “at home”.
Today as an ordinary individual I propose the formation of a “people’s” United Nations or UNPW - United Nations of People of the World. In today’s age it can exist as a virtual association of people. And whenever there is conflict it can play a role in bringing people together! Members of UNWP will be free to practice their chosen religion. They will be modern emissaries of Buddha, Rama or other faiths - having only one over arching belief that “Humanism” is the crux of all beliefs.
To me this is what makes sense as a modern Hindu, Buddhist and Human! Rest we shall overcome!
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