Chennai: Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, has sparked a major controversy during the 'Sanatana Unmoolan Sammelan' by making inflammatory remarks comparing Sanatana Dharma, often referred to as Hinduism, to diseases like "dengue" and "malaria," and advocating for its complete eradication. Udhayanidhi Stalin, who also holds the position of Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development in the DMK government, went on to assert that Sanatana Dharma is fundamentally at odds with the principles of social justice and equality.
Udhayanidhi Stalin’s hate speech with Hindi subtitles.
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Rahul Gandhi speaks of ‘मोहब्बत की दुकान’ but Congress ally DMK’s scion talks about eradicating Sanatana Dharma. Congress’s silence is support for this genocidal call…
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It's important to note that the DMK is part of the anti-BJP alliance of opposition parties in India, and it also has an alliance with the Congress party. Sanatana Dharma, or Hinduism, is followed by approximately 80 percent of India's population. A video containing Udhayanidhi's controversial statements has gone viral, in which he can be heard saying, 'I thank the organizers for affording me the opportunity to speak at this conference aimed at dismantling Sanatan Dharma. I applaud the organizers for naming the conference 'eradicate Sanatan Dharma' rather than 'oppose Sanatan Dharma.' Udhayanidhi further emphasized in his controversial statement, 'Some things cannot be merely opposed; they must be entirely abolished. Just as we cannot combat diseases like dengue, mosquitoes, malaria, or corona by opposing them, we must similarly put an end to Sanatan Dharma.' While the BJP has been the primary voice opposing Udhayanidhi's statement and criticizing his remarks, Congress leaders such as Karti Chidambaram and Lakshmi Ramachandran have expressed their support for his stance. In fact, Congress leader Lakshmi Ramachandran went so far as to label Sanatana Dharma as a source of spreading hatred. Remarkably, none of the 26 parties in the opposition alliance I.N.D.I.A. have publicly opposed Udhayanidhi's statement. Furthermore, the BJP alleges that the Congress party, in its pursuit of Muslim and Christian votes, disparages Hindus and denigrates Sanatana Dharma. It has been observed that Congress leaders tend to refrain from making comments about religions other than Hinduism. Even Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tends to avoid discussing contentious issues such as terrorism and "love jihad," presumably due to concerns about offending particular communities. Given this context, one must question why the Congress, which is sensitive to the sentiments of certain religions, does not exhibit the same level of "sensitivity" towards Sanatana Dharma. Does the Congress not seek the support of the Hindu community? It is worth noting that the oldest political party in India has previously caused offense to Hindu sentiments by asserting that the deity worshipped by Hindus, Lord Ram, is imaginary, as was declared in the Supreme Court. Does the Congress party possess the audacity to similarly label the adherents of any other religion as believers in the imaginary? In light of these circumstances, the statement made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Sarma appears to carry some validity. It remains to be seen whether Rahul Gandhi will respond to these developments.
Udhayanidhi's statement and the silence of prominent opposition leaders have given rise to an exceedingly complex situation. In this context, it is of paramount importance to underscore the fact that Sanatana Dharma is one of the world's oldest religions, with a rich history and deep philosophical foundations. Sanatana Dharma emphasizes the principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the belief that the entire world is one family and that we are all interconnected) and Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah (may all beings be happy), while promoting the well-being of all living beings. Throughout history, Sanatana Dharma has contributed to the spiritual and philosophical tapestry of humanity.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Sanatana Dharma, often referred to as Hinduism, is one of the world's oldest religions, with roots dating back thousands of years. It has played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural, spiritual, and philosophical landscape of India. Its rich history is intertwined with India's diverse tapestry of traditions, art, architecture, and literature.
Philosophical Foundations: Sanatana Dharma is not merely a religion but a way of life encompassing a wide range of philosophical beliefs and practices. It emphasizes the pursuit of truth, self-realization, and the quest for knowledge. Its diverse schools of thought, including Vedanta, Yoga, and Samkhya, have had a profound influence on the development of Indian philosophy.
Universal Values: Sanatana Dharma espouses universal values that extend beyond religious boundaries. The principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means "the whole world is one family," embodies the idea that all beings are interconnected and should be treated with compassion and respect. This concept promotes harmony and unity among diverse communities.
Spiritual Freedom: One of the core tenets of Sanatana Dharma is the freedom to choose one's spiritual path. It recognizes that individuals have different paths to spiritual awakening, whether through devotion (Bhakti), knowledge (Jnana), or selfless action (Karma). This inclusivity encourages tolerance and acceptance of diverse spiritual practices.
Respect for Nature: Sanatana Dharma holds a deep reverence for nature and the environment. The belief in the sacredness of rivers, mountains, animals, and plants has led to various rituals and traditions that promote ecological conservation and sustainability.
Promotion of Peace and Non-violence: Sanatana Dharma advocates the principles of non-violence (Ahimsa) and peace (Shanti). Mahatma Gandhi, a prominent follower of these principles, employed them in India's struggle for independence. Ahimsa has inspired movements for civil rights and social justice worldwide.
Cultural Diversity: Sanatana Dharma accommodates a wide spectrum of beliefs, practices, and deities. Its flexibility allows for regional and cultural variations, resulting in a diverse tapestry of rituals, festivals, and customs across India. This diversity reflects the pluralistic nature of Indian society.
Eternal Quest: The term "Sanatana" itself means eternal or everlasting, emphasizing the timeless nature of its teachings. Its focus on inner transformation and the eternal quest for self-realization transcends the limitations of time and place.
It is crucial to recognize that Sanatana Dharma is not a monolithic belief system but a tapestry of beliefs, practices, and traditions that have evolved over millennia. Its principles have had a profound impact not only on India but also on global thought and spirituality. The derogatory remarks made by political figures that target this ancient and diverse tradition are deeply concerning, as they not only hurt the sentiments of millions but also undermine the values of tolerance, respect, and unity that India has long upheld. In a world marked by diversity and pluralism, it is essential for leaders to promote understanding, harmony, and coexistence among all communities, respecting the cultural and spiritual heritage that enriches the fabric of society.
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