Any Solution for Caste System in India!!
Today in India, the so called Caste System is completely mis-interpreted and mis-understood. In the name of Caste, we find in India treachery that has almost spread like a Cancer. In politics, leave about how corrupt the politician is, but, people vote to nominate a person who represents his Caste. So, can this Caste Cancer be left alone without appropriate treatment? Let us examine the original purpose of Caste System as explained by Sri Aurobindo - "Caste was originally an arrangement for the distribution of functions in society, just as much as class in Europe, but the principle on which this distribution was based was peculiar to India. A Brahmin was a Brahmin not by mere birth, but because he discharged the duty of preserving the spiritual and intellectual elevation of the race, and he had to cultivate the spiritual temperament and acquire the spiritual training which alone would qualify him for the task. The Kshatriya was Kshatriya not merely because he was the son of warriors and princes, but because he discharged the duty of protecting the country and preserving the high courage and manhood of action, and he had to cultivate the princely temperament and acquire the strong and lofty Samurai training which alone fitted him for his duties." We can explore the role of Kshatriya further. King Ashoka, lost interest in the material world after he got introduced himself to Buddhism. He left his kingdom and compromised the internal safety from external threats. If he has understood our Hinduism very well, he would have continued to lead external life as KING and protected the Kingdom with very good ideals. Let us take an example of Bhagavad Gita. Arjuna, chose to withdraw from the battle field with an attitude of "I WILL NOT FIGHT" after looking at his relatives on the battle field. He was emotional and carried away with the perception of sentiments and false beliefs. Lord Krishna has to explain him about Kshatriya Dharma and remove the cloud of ignorance that settled in his mind. For Westerners and those who do not believe in God, Bhagavad Gita can be a religious text book. But, if they understood the essence, probably King Ashoka would not have compromised with his Manliness. Arjuna in Mahabharata is a reflection of us. We all have our egos, sentiments, belief systems that hinder our personal growth and achieve the real purpose of life. The real war is not outside with people and policies but with our MIND which is polluted with EGOS and WEAKNESSES which has to be conquered. Bhagavad Gita gives us an essential message of transforming one's own nature while reaching towards the Absolute. As Sri Aurobindo says - "we can never make a real step forward without a struggle between what exists and lives and what seeks to exist". To come back to our point, Kshatra Dharma is not about avoiding our duty but look into our work in the vision of Dharma. Like wise, it was for the Vaishya whose funtion was to amass Wealth for the race and the Shudra who discharged the humbler duties of service without which the other castes could not perform their share of labour for the common good". (India's Rebirth, p 26). If we have followed Caste System as practiced by our ancestors, we would have lived life in harmony. Each one would have mutually appreciated each others efforts and practiced his dharma according to his capabilities. Now-a-days, the so called Castes are polluted. People are converting from one caste to another and find no reason other than caste to quarrel. Let us examine the world at large. Every country like Russia, US, Pakistan, China have a majority religion practiced and a minority religions which are given space to operate but under conditions. India is the only country which in the name of Secular allows all the religions to operate and different castes to co-exist. It is time, India prioritizes its stand on Sanatana Dharma and make it very clear to the insiders (trouble makers) to abide with the Sanatana Dharma or to operate peacefully without any complaints against the age-old Sanatana Dharma practiced by Indians. An Indian will never declare his caste or religion when he is in an outside country. He feels not to disclose because it is not relevant to him in the context. He focuses on the merit of job and his capabilities will be tested and rewarded and not his caste and religion. Finally, we cannot wait for things to happen unless we intend to do the right thing. The political party at the Center should be one who displays the character of Indianess and Indianism. The power at the Center should be prepared for resistance from the minority groups and if in case needed, a strong political policy surgical strike is needed inside India to make Constitution in Consensus with Sanatana Dharma. By the way, India is not like any other country which is eager to occupy other territories. Time and again it is proved that we are happy with what we have and always believe in Vasudeva Kutumbam. Hence, other religions operating in India can rest assured that it is in India and no other place in the world Muslims or Christians or any other religions can sleep happily in the Cradle of this Great Indian Civilization.
Dr. B. Ravikanth
Dr. B. Ravikanth
