I am pleased to post the following interview with a website
associated with Hindu Religion – Sadhana. This New York based organization is working since
2011 in building a progressive Hindu moment. Sadhana is a mechanism and a platform for progressive Hindus to speak up and act for progressive social
values and social justice.
Hindu Blog – Hinduism is a living religion. So what do
you mean when you say you are attempting to build a progressive Hindu religion?
Sadhana – We feel that many Hindus may be doing work for
social justice -- helping the poor, and those that are discriminated against, protecting
the environment, etc -- but do so quietly. Many Hindus stand opposed to
discrimination based on race, religion, caste, gender, sexual orientation, but
don't speak up as Hindus. Sadhana is building a platform of
progressive Hinduism so that others can join us. We think it is critical that
those of us for whom our Hindu faith is centered in pluralism must speak up.
Not doing so is tantamount to relinquishing Hinduism to those who are driven by
bigotry and Hindu defensiveness.
Hindu Blog – How do you plan to reach out to the common
Hindu – the believer. Especially on topics like social justice and social
action.
Sadhana – We are reaching out daily to the common Hindu --
the believer.
We reach out to Hindus through temples, community
organizations and on college campuses, and our message is always about the
message of oneness at the heart of Hinduism, and also the fact that karma yoga
-- the yoga of action -- is a very valid and hallowed way for Hindus to
practice their religion. Some of us are involved in teaching a Bala Vihar --
Hinduism classes for young kids -- and the kids are involved in seva projects
and have open discussions about social justice teachings in all the stories.
Was Rama fair to Sita? Was Draupadi a feminist? Is the story of Ekalavya one of
caste discrimination?
Hindu Blog – Socialists (communists) in India failed to
recognize Hinduism. Had they accepted Hinduism as the soul of India, they would
have been the ruling party in India. A first look at your website articles
gives the idea that you are attempting to mix socialism and Hinduism. Which the
Left in India did not do but are attempting now. How far this is true?
Sadhana – Sadhana is not a political organization. We are a
group of Hindus that are working on a two-pronged mission: firstly, we are
mobilizing Hindus to stand for and act for justice for all, including Mother
Earth; and secondly, we make sure that the Hindu voice and presence is a part of
the critical social justice movements of our time.
Hindu Blog – Islamophobia is there among a large
section of Hindus. How do you plan to overcome it?
Sadhana – We keep returning to the teaching of ekatva -- we
are one. If we are one, there is no room for prejudice towards another.
Hindu Blog – When you are publishing articles like
‘Sadhana Condemns Appointment of Adityanath as UP Chief Minister’ – you are
getting political. How do you plan to influence the political thought of
Hindus? The above article is sure to attract widespread criticism from Hindus
who support the ruling party. How do you plan to overcome it?
Sadhana – We must speak up against hatred being articulated
and perpetrated in the name of Hinduism.
When a Hindu yogi who is elected Chief Minister makes
incendiary statements calling for violence to Muslims, we can't be quiet. It is
our dharma to say loudly, "Not in Our Name."
Hindu Blog – What is your short term and long term
goal?
Sadhana – We want to build a powerful Hindu force for
justice in this world -- Hindus who stand for the rights of all.
We see ourselves as a Hindu reform movement.
Hindu Blog – If someone wishes to work with you or join
in your campaigns how can they do it?
Sadhana – We welcome people to contact us through our
website – sadhana.orgIn this section in hindu-blog.com - interview readers, people who write regularly to the blog, writers and editors associated with Hinduism, Hindu bloggers and editors, Saints, skeptics, Hindu websites and other religious people. If you have suggestions or want get published please do write to hindublog @ gmail.com
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