Thread by @Profdilipmandal

“A true priesthood (पुजारी) should be based on qualification, not heredity.”

A thread. 🧵🛕🕉️🪷

- Based on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s text “Annihilation of Caste” (1935)

"Abolishing priesthood among Hindus would be better but if not possible, it must at least cease to be hereditary. Every Hindu should be eligible to be a priest #Priesthood #Hinduism"

"Ceremonies performed by priests without a sanad (charter) should be deemed invalid and it should be punishable for a person without a sanad to officiate as a priest #Priesthood #Hinduism"

"Priests should be servants of the State, subject to disciplinary action in the matter of morals, beliefs, and worship, just like any other citizen #Priesthood #Hinduism"

"The number of priests should be limited by law according to the State's requirements, just like in the case of the I.C.S. #Priesthood #Hinduism"

"The regulation of priests is not a radical idea, every profession in India is regulated. Why should priesthood be any different? #Priesthood #Hinduism"

"The current system of priestly class among Hindus is abominable and due to the fact that they are subject to neither law nor morality. #Brahminism #Hinduism"

"Bringing the priestly class under control through legislation will prevent them from misguiding people and democratize the profession. #Priesthood #Hinduism"

"Hinduism needs a new doctrinal basis that will be in consonance with Liberty, Equality and Fraternity; in short, with Democracy #Hinduism #Democracy"

"Discarding the authority of the Shastras and destroying the religion of the Shastras is necessary for a new life to enter #Hinduism #Change"

"The current priestly class among Hindus is a pest, responsible for the mental and moral degradation of the masses. #Priesthood #Hinduism"

"Priesthood among Hindus must be regulated, just like every other profession in India, in order to prevent mischief and misguidance #Priesthood #Hinduism"

Source: ccnmtl.columbia.edu/projects/mmt/a…