National 4 (Spotlight Weekly)

‘It Is Time For Hindus To Be Assertive’

— BHARAT KESHAR SIMHA

Bharat Keshar Simha, retired major general of the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) and honorary ADC to His Majesty the King, was recently elected unanimously as the president of the World Hindu Federation (WHF) at the federation's conclave in Gorakhpur, India. Simha, 69, is a dynamic person with versatile interests, having equally dexterously handled the responsibilities that comes with being a soldier as well as a pious person. He keeps his body fit by exercising and playing squash regularly, while his mind is robust due to his avid spiritual inclination and his steadfast link with Dharma. A former Royal Nepalese Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Simha has been decorated with many awards in his lifetime, as is evident by the rows of trophies that adorn his living room. A frank and eloquent speaker, Simha spoke to KESHAB POUDEL and SANJAYA DHAKAL about his future strategies to promote Hindu Dharma and culture. Excerpts:

How do you view your election to the high office of the president of the World Hindu Federation (WHF)?

Well, it's a prestigious and honorable post indeed. There were all the provisions for election but because of the code of conduct and the sanctity, which the organization holds, there is seldom an election. This time also, there was no election. I am glad that everybody thought I should be its president.

The WHF is essentially a religious organization. Do you think it can, in any way, influence political events in Hindu-dominated societies?

Definitely it can. I firmly believe that religion and politics are different. But having said that, I would like to draw attention to the sort of behavior our leaders are conducting and the fact that they are dragging religion into politics, instead of being the other way round. All their actions should be dominated by Dharma. Though we translate dharma as religion, it is totally different. I think dharma is more inclusive and more meaningful.Whereas religion merely divides people - like there are Christians, Muslims, Hindus and so on - Dharma, especially the Sanatan dharma, actually is for all humankind. Irrespective of any religion, dharma is the way of life for every human being.

At a time when religion has been relegated to the back bench, how can the WHF inspire Hindus of the world to contribute to the resurgence of its lofty ideals?

This is one of the greatest challenges the federation is facing. I would like to point out that this is an umbrella body that looks after all the Hindus of the world. All countries have their own chapters. For instance, there is the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in India. The vision to create this umbrella body was given by His late Majesty King Birendra. It was established in 1981. His late Majesty was of the opinion that if something happens to Muslims or Christians, there is a lot of hue and cry. But if something happens to a Hindu, nobody says anything. When I was ambassador to the United Kingdom, the first time I entered my office, there was a big pile of papers. These papers were letters written by various churches and religious organizations demanding the release of one Charles Mendies, who was imprisoned in Nepal at that time. But when Hindus suffer, wherever it might be, all Hindus should get together. That was the reason why this federation was formed. Not only Hindus but we want to bring onto one platform the whole of Omkar Parivar, embracing Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists and Sanatan Dharmis. Unfortunately, although being the only Hindu Kingdom in the world, the lukewarm attitude of the government is very disappointing and disturbing. This is contrary to what other Hindus of the world say. They say this Hindu kingdom - the only one - must remain as it is. Recently, in Gorakhpur Yogi Adityanath displayed the attitude and atmosphere that make every Nepalese proud to belong to the Hindu kingdom under a Hindu monarch.

Since Nepal holds the unique position of being the world's only Hindu kingdom, why has not the country been able to assert its prominence among the Hindus of the world?

You know, according to Hindu Shastras we attain human form only after going through a cycle of 8.4 million births and deaths in different forms of living creatures. Our Vedanta teaches us that human form is obtained only by the grace of God Almighty. You see, even He takes to human form to protect the Sants (good), destroy the Rakshas (evil) and defend the religion. The end of every Yuga (apocalypse) is the culmination of all creation. Even Brahma, Bishnu and Mahesh cease existence, since they are different personifications of the Supreme Being, the Niranjan Nirakar. A new Yuga starts with new creations. You know, Hindu religion is the most tolerant and peaceful religion. Give me one example where a Hindu has tried to convert other people into their religion. The belief is that you have to be a born Hindu, not a converted one. Having said that, one of the drawbacks of Hindu religion is that it has become individualistic. Our Santas (saints) tell us that the whole world is just a mirage, you have to be introvert because God is inside you. Because they are so tolerant and individualistic, they couldn't care less what others are doing so long as they are left alone. Unfortunately, what is happening now is that they are being attacked. But when a thief comes to your house and tries to rob you, at least you have to protest and defend yourself. This is what is happening presently. The fact they are individualistic is the reason why they have weak organizational capacity. The WHF was therefore created to promote solidarity among Hindus. The Hindus are never aggressive. But I think it is time to be assertive and say enough is enough.

India has a huge Hindu population. How do the Hindus of India look at the Hindu kingdom of Nepal?

Well, the feelings of the common Indian Hindus have never really been expressed to the Nepalese. They are committed to the fact that come what may, they will never allow this Hindu kingdom to be anything else and want the Hindu King to continue forever. This was very much spelt out by all the Hindu leaders in the recent Gorakhpur Mahasangh. There were nearly 100,000 people who gathered in Gorakhpur and they were all disturbed to see the growth of Christianity and Islam in Nepal. They were disturbed by the increase in the number of churches and mosques. If you compare the figures till the restoration of democracy, there was only a handful of churches and mosques or madrassas. Since multiparty system arrived, there has been nearly a hundred fold increase in their number. There are reports that over 600,000 people have been converted to Christianity. This conversion takes place with lots of enticements. Jobs and houses are offered if they convert to Christianity. We have not said anything against Christians. For one, I can go to church and pray. I can even go to the mosque and pray because they are the places where God is worshipped. But unfortunately, to say that one's own religion is the best and if you are not in our religion you will go to hell -- this is something a Hindu will never say. We are very tolerant and co-exist but to come to this place and break the law of the land is not proper. Recently, we received a document, which we have sent to all† --from King to ministers -- which states the strategies, tactics and plans on how to spread Christianity in Nepal.

Do you think the Hinduism factor could play any prominent role in the bilateral relations between Nepal and India?

Every Dharma spells out only good things. Hindu dharma has been blamed for caste discrimination. But it is not spelt out anywhere in our teachings. It is only the Barga (class) that is divided into four types. And I must add there is Barga difference in each and every society in the world. There must be warriors, there must be intellectual people, there must be merchants and those who do menial jobs. When the Sanatan dharma states that this is the dharma for human being, how can it accept the facts like untouchability. Things like untouchability just cropped up from nowhere. All dharmas say you should be honest, truthful and not take anything that belongs to others. The WHF believes that a time will come when our politicians, businessmen and all others will be guided by dharma. To do that you must include the teachings of dharma in our curriculum from the lowest level. I studied at an English Public School where we had to pray regularly. Why not here. In the past, in Durbar High School during the Rana regime, our lessons started after chanting prayers of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati and so on. These days schools and colleges are mushrooming in our country, which is a good thing for education. But we must promote qualitative education with all-round emphasis. In absence of such education, we now see the rise of Maoists. It is not their fault. Can you imagine that people of the Hindu kingdom are chopping off the heads of cows, desecrating temples and protesting against Sanskrit education? I firmly believe something is lacking somewhere. If our people are made fully aware of the values of our religion, I am sure nobody will turn to any other religion. We took a delegation to the prime minister, culture minister and have requested that they must include dharma in our education system.

Did you discuss at the Gorakhpur conclave the events of past seven years when there were actions against Sanskrit education, Sanskrit university, and there were incidents like cow slaughter and desecration of temples?

Yes, we did. The main topic of the discussion was how to check the aggressive attitude against Hindus. The Maoists were discussed. Everybody was surprised that in a Hindu Kingdom, Hindu people could do such things. It was amazing to see how up to date they were about the events in our country. They are worried about the infiltration, motivation and brain-washing in Nepal. That is why I have been saying that we have to be assertive, if not aggressive. Recently, after two years of struggle, we have got the ruling from the Supreme Court, which has told the government that to proselytize is illegal and to put a stop to it. What I cannot understand is if you do not do anything against those who break the law, how can a society exist. The government must take appropriate actions against the offenders who break the law.

Were you able to convey the message that Hindus of this Himalayan kingdom are suffering, as Sanskrit schools are destroyed and Sanskrit teachers killed?

They know more than we do. If someone burns Sanskrit college in Dang, we might know it four days later but they know it immediately. They are more worried than we are. They say that there is only one Hindu kingdom in the world. Why don't people leave it alone? There are a lot of Christian countries and lot of Muslim countries, but there is only one Hindu kingdom in existence. The Pope came to Delhi and said that in the 20th century what they did to Africa, now in the 21st century they want to do it to South Asia. They are so aggressive and blatant. They come to your country as NGOs with lots of money and spend only to spread Christianity.

How do you see the role of the Hindu monarch in this context?

Because of the fact that he is the Hindu King, all the Hindus respect him. He has been declared as Hindu Samrat (emperor). Even in Gorakhpur, they said he was not only the King of Nepal but that of Hindus all over the world. During the international Hindu conference in Kathmandu in 1986/87, Shankaracharyas and other Hindu leaders declared him the Hindu Samrat by blowing conches. Many people do not know what respect our King receives from all the Hindus of the world. That is why the headquarters of the Federation is in Nepal. So, if something happens in Nepal, it will be the Hindu people from abroad who will save it, rather than our own people. Our people have been divided into many segments. It is also the challenge of the WHF to convince our people that all that glitters is not gold.

As the newly elected president of the WHF, what plans and programs do you have for the Hindus?

We have our plans. My predecessor, Krishna Gopal Tandon, did a wonderful job. The federation has experienced many ups and downs. He steered the federation through uncharted waters. What we are lacking is solidarity. About six or seven years ago I was shocked to find that the land in which our office stood in Veda Vidyashram did not belong to us. I was appalled that despite the convenience with which we might have obtained the land from the government, nobody had made any move in that regard. So, when I went there I convinced the president that unless we had our own office, we could not plan anything else. Happily, now we have been given 24-ropani land in Bansbari. Though the land is uneven, we plan to build our office there within one or two months. The greatest challenge is the finance. The government gives us two lakh rupees, which is very paltry and not even sufficient to pay our office staffs. Hopefully, the government will be providing us regular budget. If we establish our credibility, we can hope to receive donations from Hindus all over the world.

How do you observe the rise of radical politics in India amid the rise in conversions?

Because we did not even have our own office, our organization was in disorder. But we hope to become assertive and vibrant so that we can also be able to do what the VHP is doing in India. The atmosphere and the people behind the religious leaders in India are impressive. They will build the Ram temple there. I also believe that India will become a Hindu Rastra one day. If this tempo continues, I have no doubts that it will happen.

What is the WHF's stand on the building of Ram temple in Ayodhya?

The WHF passed a resolution stating that Ram temple must be built as per the order of the Supreme Court of India. The VHP, which knows more about this issue, has also been pursuing the agenda to build the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

While there are so many plans on Ram Janmabhoomi, there seems to be ignorance about Sita Janmabhoomi in Janakpur. What do you say?

There are lots of people who want to contribute to the development of Sita Janmabhoomi. In fact, one person had approached me with master plan for developing the site. Anyway, there is an upsurge of Hindus. Because they were treated as doormats for long, they are now asserting themselves. In fact, I was posed questions (in Gorakhpur) why we in the Hindu Kingdom were keeping quiet even as they in secular India were asserting themselves. I guess this was because we, in Nepal, had no strong organization or leadership of Sadhus and saints. The government's apathy is also to be blamed.

Nepal was also known as Tapobhoomi for Hindus. How can that glory be restored?

Sanatan dharma is very resilient. If not, India should have been a Christian or Muslim state long time ago. India was ruled by Muslims and Christians for 1,500 years and yet we see that Hindu dharma is standing firm. As far as Nepal is concerned, we were never colonized and I am sure its glory as Tapobhoomi is still intact. So, there is no reason for us to worry, come what may. But having said that, we cannot remain complacent to all the aggressions against the Hindu religion in Nepal and elsewhere.