BRA raises issue of temple entry, and when Hindus agree to remove such restrictions, he cries about possibility of removal of reservations! Basically, he doesn't want Untouchables to blend in the Hindu society. He wanted continuous extraction of benefits while blackmailing Hindus
And all the problems plaguing "untouchables" had only one solution according to BRA: RESERVATIONS!
Shri. Arun Shourie makes some really insightful analysis of BRA's legacy on Indian society. Especially - "Mediocrity as the norm, repudiation of standards themselves as elitist, civility itself as a camouflage of the privileged, vulgarity as right, intimidation as argument"!
Another legacy is a widespread social dogma that whatever the bad situation of the "backward classes" is solely due to some kind of conspiracy by others. They are not to be made responsible for themselves. Bad habits like alcoholism are rampant, and it is not to be questioned!
This leads to a vicious cycle of escaping from responsibility of their vices, leading to creation of caste stereotypes. These stereotypes lead certain reaction from the rest of the society, which is again termed as caste atrocities. This venomous cycle is fracturing the society.
The ultimate defence offered by followers of BRA is, he did not convert to Xtianity or Islam. But the fact is, that would have made him useless to the British. They needed a supposed insider of "Hindu" to bash Hinduism and its fight for freedom!
The Navayana "Buddhism" created by BRA has got zero connection with the Buddhist religion. In fact, he created an imaginary Buddha in his own image!
In short, BRA adopted a path of deriding, abusing and ridiculing Hindu gods and goddesses, Hindu scriptures, and sowed a deep hatred among Hindus. Just what the missionaries had preached regarding Hinduism!
BRA wrote crass works such as "Riddles of Hinduism" abusing Hinduism. Contrast this with most revered Shri. Narayana Guru from Kerala, belonging the lower caste "untouchables", he taught to never talk harshly about our Hindu traditions, and emphasized the greatness of Hinduism.
While Hindu Gurus like Shri. Narayana Guru, even though belonging to the "lower castes", elevated the society by Sanskritization and teaching lower castes to live with dignity and self-worth, BRA created a society with a deepened sense of shame and hatred towards its entire past!
Share this Scrolly Tale with your friends.
A Scrolly Tale is a new way to read Twitter threads with a more visually immersive experience.
Discover more beautiful Scrolly Tales like this.