An Appeal to My Hindu Brothers and Sisters

N Venugopal

For the past few days, some politically motivated forces have been circulating videos about me, drawing superficial conclusions, and launching a vicious campaign of abuse. They are urging people to beat me, kill me, douse me in petrol burn me alive, and put an end to me. Hundreds of social media posts, comments, and videos are inciting violence and crime against me.

I humbly request you to pause for a moment and reflect on whether your anger is truly justified in connection to what has transpired. Forgive me for stating that your anger is misplaced. Please find it in your hearts to read this explanation patiently for just five minutes. Also, consider for a moment whether the language some of you have used–filled with harsh and abusive words–is appropriate for the grand tradition you claim to uphold.

You may be devout followers of Hinduism. I, however, do not adhere to any religion and critique all religions. My criticism is directed solely at the inhuman aspects of religions, not at those who practise them. You have every right to believe in and practice your faith. But if someone points out flaws, errors, weaknesses, or injustices within a belief system, silencing them does not erase those issues. Instead, you should introspect to see if their words hold truth and attempt to rectify them if they do. If the criticism is false, you can counter it through writing, speeches, or other civil means of expression.

It is easy to threaten those with differing opinions with violence or death. Throughout history, in every country and even in India, dissenters have faced persecution. Famous examples like Socrates, Bruno, and Galileo aside, in our own land, Charvakas, Lokayatas, Buddhists, and many others who expressed dissent were subjected to violence, their writings erased, and their lives taken. Even in recent times, voices like Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare, Prof. M.M. Kalburgi, and Gauri Lankesh have been silenced through murder. But violence and death may claim individuals, not their ideas. Questions suppressed today will sprout again, confronting society once more.

If you kill me, so be it. But can you eliminate a bookstore owner’s right to sell a diverse range of books in this country? Can you erase questions raised against Manusmriti, which propagates untouchability, caste hierarchy, and unjust ideas about women and Shudras?

A bookstore contains a variety of books. Demanding that only those you like be sold, and banning others, is sheer ignorance. I believe you understand this basic principle. The video that incited your anger begins with such an incident. Someone entered my store and questioned why a particular book was being sold there. Reflect on whether such a question is reasonable. There were 350 stalls in the book fair, each selling different publications and books. Isn’t it rude and unlawful to enter any stall and question why a book you dislike is being sold? Isn’t it against the Rigveda’s adage, “Let noble thoughts come to us from every side”? Isn’t it contrary to the ideals of tolerance and harmony that you claim to uphold?

The book in question does not demean Hinduism. It is a historical work where a historian, based on research, proposes that the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple was once a Buddhist site. Many books presenting such alternative views have been published, supported by evidence. Furthermore, considering that Buddha is included among the Dashavatara (ten avatars of Vishnu), how does suggesting this connection insult Hinduism? This book was first published in English 33 years ago and has been translated into many languages. The English edition is still available online for purchase and reading. It has now been translated into Telugu for the first time. Declaring it offensive and objecting to its sale only after its Telugu release, while it has been available for decades in other languages, exposes ulterior motives.

The person who questioned the book in my store recorded the incident from the outset, indicating a premeditated intent to use the conversation later. Recording someone without their consent and using it to incite hatred is a criminal act under Indian law.

During the exchange, this individual demanded to know my views on Hinduism. While I could have refused to answer, I chose to respond respectfully. As a history student, I expressed the opinion, shared by many reformers and thinkers over centuries, that Hinduism is flawed. I elaborated by pointing to untouchability, caste discrimination, and the doctrine that some people are born inferior and destined only to serve. When I tried to explain further, the individual insulted me by saying, “Your face is your writing.”

The statement “Hinduism is flawed” is being weaponised to incite you against me. But pause for a moment and think. Isn’t it wrong to regard some humans as inferior, untouchable, and born to serve others? Isn’t it cruel to deny people education, social status, and dignity based on birth? Manusmriti contains appalling declarations about women, Shudras, and Dalits. If someone points out these truths, should they be killed for doing so?

These issues are not trivial; they are grave societal evils that have oppressed millions for centuries. From the Charvakas and Lokayatas to Buddha, Babasaheb Ambedkar, and Periyar Ramasamy, countless reformers have fought against these injustices. Writers and artists have highlighted these flaws in their work. Many saints and reformers have strived to reform Hinduism itself. My opinion is a continuation of this great tradition of dissent.

India has thrived as a pluralistic society that respects and accommodates diverse views. Those inciting you to suppress questions and dissent today are the true enemies of this pluralistic heritage. They are using religion for their selfish political and economic agendas. Please recognise this and reflect on their real motives.

Once again, I urge you to reconsider your actions. You may succeed in killing me, but my ideas and questions about caste discrimination will not die. At most, you will end up in prison as a murderer, bringing suffering to yourself and your family. Meanwhile, those who provoked you will continue to exploit others for their gain.

For over forty years, my writings and speeches will remain. What will remain of you?

[January 3, 2025, on the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule]

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Vol 57, No. 31, Jan 26 - Feb 1, 2025