From Voice of Asia, Chicago
Book Review
A Matter of Equity –Freedom of Faith In Secular India
Freedom of Faith in Secular India
Once someone successfully screens through the multifaceted personality of the social-religious-political activist Dr. John Dayal, he/ she would find his latest publication “A Matter of Equity: Freedom of Faith in Secular India” - a 500 page collection of critical essays, to be a masterpiece of an exegetical analysis of freedom, faith, and human rights issues in India. The book by Dr. Dayal is a landmark study which helps the reader tune into one of Universe’s most powerful tools of thought and introspection.
It is a fascinating reading divided in two sections of forty chapters, revealing the fabric of the Church since the Third Millennium to the present day political atmosphere in India. It is a brilliant and original outlook that challenges century old assumptions of race and religious superiority. The contents present a tour de force of pseudo secularism and false nationalism. The book should help not only to stop the powerful Saffron vigilantes, but also the political obscenity of the Rashtriya Syawamsevak Sangh and its goons.
A Matter of Equity presents a provocative and deeply absorbing statement of cultural history and racial bigotry. It is also a gentle reminder of the forgotten role of the Christian minority and the Church in India’s progress in the fields of education, social work and upliftment of the downtrodden classes.
John Dayal emphasizes on the unity of religion and one’s civic/ social duty. One need not detract from the other. People cannot fully develop if they have not taken into account their social, economic, political and spiritual aspects. The book also warns us of the dangers of stereotyping, which in a sinister way tries to give legitimacy to personal agendas or motives. There are plenty of fringe political groups and individuals trying to turn the tide of secularism to fundamentalism in India.
A Matter of Equity exposes the Sangh Parivar’s vile agenda to spread bigotry and intolerance for different groups of people in India following other religions, with their never changing mantra that India should follow the Hindutva philosophy and that all other religions have no place in it. The book reveals how Hindutva’s supporters in the west finance the Parivar’s killers in India. Dr. Dayal reminds us of our faith and freedoms, which not only make us who we are, but what India as a country is. With its history, India is indeed a very special place to be in. It is up to us as its citizens to rid ourselves of the taints of prejudice and mindless bigotry.
A Matter of Equity has plenty of warnings about the slow destruction of secular India. Nevertheless, Dr. John Dayal offers hope in the strength of the Indian polity and its people, while at the same time being clear of the trials and tribulations of the Christian community. Dr. John Dayal has spoken loud and clear for his faith and for the community. The book will leave an imprint on the mind, heart and soul. The essence of Dr. Dayal’s book can be expressed through Tagore’s poem:
Where the mind is without fear,
Where the spirit is free,
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way in the dreary desert sands of dead habits,
Into that haven of freedom, Father,
Let my country awake.
The 500 page book is priced at Rs.800.00 or $75.00, and can be ordered on Catholicunion@gmail.com or aicu@vsnl.com
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