Thread by @RajivMessage

@SrijanFn - two separate principles we must uphold in dealing with Westerners:
A) Prevent abusive discourse against Hinduism & encourage more authentic narratives.
B) Invite everyone to join, but DO NOT GIVE UP THE ADHIKARA casually.
B is a serious vulnerability for our folks.

Prior to my writings starting in the 1990s, Wendy Doniger was annually being felicitated in Chicago's largest Hindu temple with gifts, honors, etc.
Because she made very positive speeches in front of Hindus.
Was it wise to build her as Hindu adhikari?
What did history teach us?

Sheldon Pollock & cabal know how to speak from both sides of their mouths - including coming in dhoti with tilak to meet Shankaracharya, etc.
Indian Govt gave him Padma Shree because "he was praising us".
Was it wise to boost his credibility with more adhikara?

In our tradition, does a newcomer with no long-term track record suddenly get hoisted as some great icon? Simply by posting well-known one-liners?
Is it wise to surrender the adhikara so easily?
Nothing wrong with encouraging all newcomers. But lets not get carried away.

I have almost 50 yrs of experience dealing with Americans - as the boss of 1000s of employees reporting to me. I appreciate their many great qualities which Indians can learn from.
But handing over the keys of authority is a recipe for disaster.

Under my provocation, what kind of persona has surfaced? Did you expect this childish side?