In India, public policy is officially guided by Secularism. Secularism advocates separation of religion from the state affairs. In the context of about 80%Hindus, 15%Muslims and 5% Christians, Secularism implies consciously insulating public affairs from the Hindu influences.
Dominance of Christians and their institutions in education and health sector has made them a major player in the Indian public affairs. 15% of Muslims have consistently exhibited their ability to vote for a single party or candidate in a constituency and thus are able to wield greater influence on the politicians and issues of governance. By definition, Secularism is helping minorities to increase their influence in the public affairs.
Hinduism, by nature, is tolerant and supports diversity in the true sense. In constrast, semitic religions are known for striving towards uniformity. Multiculturalism has failed in Europe and USA and Christianity and Islam are in a bitter tussle from a very long time. Even in India, Islam and Christianity project uniformity as an evidence of unity. It is increasingly becoming evident that Hindu values - tolerance, pluralism and progressive flexible approach towards life - are very essential for the modern India. But, unfortunately, Indian public affairs has gone far in eliminating Indian influence in politics. What can be done, by politicians, to reverse the trend?
First, there should be awareness that Hindu values are inherently superior to alien western concepts. Politicians, should personally should have conviction in this reality. This reality should bring some kind of unity among politicians across political parties. Hindu politicians will continue to be loyal to their respective political parties - but they must have some common perceptions about the value systems in the public domain. They should be sympathetic to the issues of cow protection, Sanskrit promotion, study of Vedas, inclusion of Jyothisha, Ayurveda, darshanas in the curriculum. Their understanding about Varnaashrama should be based on spiritual interpretations of Hindu scholars and they should be capable of seeing through the negative portrayal of Hindu institutions based on materialistic interpreations. Hindu politicians would be cautious about Jihadi mindset, proselytization attempts and violence of Leftists as a means of bringing transformation.
With the above elevated understanding, Hindu politicians should take active role in legislative activities. More number of politicians should participate in formulating, revising, amending bills that are passed in the parliament and state legislature. Constantly they should focus on removing those aspects in our laws which are detrimental to our true progress - material and spiritual included.
Hindu politicians should focus on enhancing the legal compliance levels in all spheres of life. This will systematically curb corruption and bring back trust and hope in the social systems among general public.
Hindu politicians should adopt a long term strategy - above and beyond tactics adopted to achieve their personal ambitions. They should exhibit superior leadership skills and collaborative constructive approach to streamline public affairs and sustain superior quality of life for masses of the country.
If politics is the art of possible, it should be possible to turnaround Indian public affairs and provide a Hindu foundation for our social life.
