GREETINGS

Swamiji:

As you probably know all Indians are Hindus by culture though they have been converted to other religions. There is no doubt Hindu traditions are widely accepted and practiced by Christians and Muslims in India. That is why Indian Muslims or Indian Christians are not like their brothers in other countries. A lot of Christian priests practice Carnatic music and we have Muslim girls performing Bharatanatyam. These are not their traditions in any other parts of the world. Nowadays, thalapoli, panchavadyam etc. are accepted in Church festivals. Other religions accept Hindu tradition because it uplifts their minds and adds vibrance to their existence. It is the duty of every Indian to protect and promote this culture and pass it down to our kids, so they go beyond the mundane and the monotonous.
In fact, I would urge you to tell your friends to watch the program. They will understand that it is nothing against their belief system, but putting things in perspective for them to look at it with openness. It is when we can appreciate the diverse ways to attain the same truth that we truly become enlightened. Hinduism shows you the several ways and gives you the freedom to choose your path. It is very wrong to believe that there is only one way to go.
Many people have told me their panic when their children got converted to other religions blaming Hinduism for various reasons.
It shows the depth of ignorance about our Scriptures and customs. The word ‘secularism’ has confused Hindus and misguided them.
It is the need of the hour to impart the most important lesson that Hinduism is the mother of all religions and we have a responsibility to study what our Rishis taught us.
So, to wake up a sleeping mass from slumber and to show what a precious wealth they have inherited through generations, I have to use striking words. Then only they will develop self esteem and move ahead in the right direction.

Hari Om.