Letter: The truth about Hindu history
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Your support makes all the difference.Sir: The article by Tim McGirk 'Extremist Hindus rewrite history' (12 June) paints a misleading picture of our national heritage and efforts being made for its revival.
The Himachal government has embarked upon a policy of encouraging private participation in all fields of development. In light of this the opening of a school by any organisation, irrespective of religion or faith, which adheres to the educational policy of the government, is welcomed. The charge that extremist Hindu groups have set up primary and high schools that 'veer away from the standard state curriculum' is baseless and misleading.
So far as the teaching of Sanskrit is concerned, the writer should know that students are taught three languages - their mother tongue, English and any one Indian or classical language. In Himachal, a student is free to opt for Sanskrit or Urdu. Moreover Sanskrit is the mother of all Indian languages and has a rich literature.
Whatever is best in Indian thought, philosophy, culture and literature is contained in Sanskrit only. Even foreign scholars have to read Sanskrit to peep through the rich Indian philosophy of life, traditions and spiritual heritage. If the Indian students wish to read Sanskrit, is it a sin?
Although we have assimilated Muslim culture into the Indian way of life, what these invaders did to wipe out our ancient Indian culture and heritage is a historical fact.
Gone are the days when historians were ordered to write history which our students are still being taught. It is time that honest and dedicated historians should come forward to rewrite history to undo the wrong it has done to our culture, civilisation and even religion.
Most Indians, about 80 per cent, worship Ram and Krishna, both as God and men. They are our national heroes. They are part of our psyche, our identity, our national pride and heritage. If Rahim can be taught in schools, why can't Ram?
Yours sincerely,
D. P. JOSHI
Director Public Relations
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
India
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