Vikram’s Talking Points

The temple at Idamani - a small Dalit hamlet situated spectacularly on an island near Chennai - is Navya Shastra’s first construction project. The 2004 tsunami decimated Idamani and much of its surroundings, so Navya Shastra decided to step in and help in a small way. We owe the project’s success to Navya Shastra supremo Jaishree. The picture is from the July Kumbabhishekham (inauguration) ceremony organized with the assistance of our friends from Aim for Seva.

As a Hindu reform organization, our ultimate goal is not to build temples, but to instill our principles of equality in the hearts of all Hindus. We intend to continue our relationship with the village by funding a scholarship for promising students and - just as importantly - visiting whenever we happen to be around Chennai.

Suraj Bhan - a prominent Indian politician and civil servant - died yesterday of natural causes.

Last year, Bhan gathered together a group of Hindu leaders - including the Sringeri Shankaracharya - in an effort to purge the Hindu scriptures of passages offensive to India’s former untouchables (Dalits). Depressingly, there are several festering in the Upanishads, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. 

Bhan would have been the new Manu had he succeeded - and one of the most influential Hindus in recent history. Unlike Manu, Bhan was not a Brahmin; he was born into a Punjabi Dalit family. 

Knowing the inertia that is India, I presume this project is now a dead fish floating on the Ganges, but nevertheless, we must thank Bhan for his audacity. His example gives courage to future reformers intent on carrying out his vision. 

Farewell, Mr. Bhan.

People pay last respects to Suraj Bhan