BENGALURU: Author, researcher and Hindu activist Rajiv Malhotra gave an interesting insight on the topic ‘India: Reclaiming Our Civilization’s Heritage’ in a conversation with T V Mohandas Pai of Manipal Group. Malhotra believes the Indian narrative could be changed only by rediscovering Indian history and philosophy and not by outsourcing it to western countries to study our issues.
However, it does not mean one should believe everything and anything without proof, he said. He explains,
“One woman asked me if I believe in Pushpak Vimaan and I said if you can show me some evidence, l would love to have a ride. I am a scientist and everything has to be backed by scientific experiment. The fact is, there is a discourse in our society and we have to solve it in an Indian way. We need to allow debate and criticisms in religion as well.”
On lack of intellectual discussions, he said, “The issue is that everything is being controlled in our country. Be it the mainstream media or others. We must make use of the social media tools and I am sure the old mediums will slowly fade away. Again, another issue is that people are not well informed or read. They conclude from hearing other people.”
He also pointed out how interpretation of religious books too have gone wrong. “For instance, the phrase ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam’ has been interpreted in a different way. Every member of a family is different. We have to treat them good when they are fine and if somebody does something wrong, he needs to be treated in a different manner.
Even Lord Krishna took 80 chapters to explain that to Arjuna in Mahabharata.” He further added, “I have come up with my organisation called Infinity Foundation that does studies by interpreting different Indian humanities. Talks are going with the government. People who want to be associated with this foundation can do so and get in touch with me.”