ABOUT
SWAMI AGNIVESH contd...
Unfortunately,
laments Swamiji, it is the worst elements of religion that
are imported into politics. The result is the free-play
of communalism. Instead, people of religious principles and
idealism should enter the field of political action, rather
than abandon it to unscrupulous elements.
He is outspoken
about the ironies of religion. India has the largest number
of temples and shrines in the world. The goddess
of wealth (Laxmi) is in India; yet our country is beset with
abject poverty. Saraswati, the goddess of learning, is worshipped
in India, but our country continues to be plagued with illiteracy.
Well-informed and
up-to-date with social issues, the swami has clear perspectives
on a wide range of issues – ranging from the ruinous debts of
the Third World nations (which he wants to be abrogated), to
cultural imperialism, to an appropriate developmental pattern,
unsustainable over-consumption by the rich, and of course, the
need to make religion more people-friendly.
He was born Shyam
Vepa Rao, and his grandfather was a Diwan (finance minister)
of the princely state of Shakti in Madhya Pradesh. He chose
his new name ‘Agnivesh’ most appropriately, for no other
name could have encapsulated his spirit so well.
Agnivesh points
out that India has an estimated five million swamis and sadhus
spread over its 50000 villages. Only a very small majority of
them are genuine, he feels. The vast majority are parasites,
burdens on society and their families, indulging in sheer escapism.
Most of the people
of the world believe in some god, whether called Allah, Iswar
or God ‘Make the Supreme Being a rallying point. Stress on the
minimum commonality of diverse religions (to bring united action
among different people),’ Agnivesh suggests.
‘Yes, I am a
fake swami. Because the moment one starts thinking of oneself
as a swami, all Godhood disappears. And I claim no miracles
– in fact I am fighting miracles all the time,’ he once
told an interviewer.
– Third World
Network Features.