One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind

Today, the human race seems to be caught in a cobweb of religious antagonisms and caste rivalries. The recent upsurge of militant Hinduism that lndia has witnessed is unprecedented in, its long history of religious tolerance. The cry around the world has been - which religion is superior to which and in some cases what are the several levels of castes considered to be co-equals. The reason for this fallacy is that man has now made religion-a criteria for deciding his social status rather than as a form of spiritual upliftment. There is in mankind today a marked trend to deviate to the sterility and danger of a society built on-bricks of religion and caste.

Why have we degraded to such a low level of-human existence? Can mankind not be diverted to a spiritual sense of convergence toward human and world unity on the basis of the sacredness of each human person and respect for the plurality of religions and cultures? If we are to progress we must realise the truth that beyond the divisiveness among men there exists a primordial unitive power since we are all bound together by  a common humanity more fundamental than any unity of dogma. But alas, such a grandiose achievement seems too distant in the misty horizon.
In no country are religious diversities and animosities more prevalent than India. Hindu-Muslim rivalry lies in the forefront of religious antagonisms. The difference between the
two groups are many and complex and frequently irreconcilable. Their diversities can best be summed up in a crude generalisation. The Hindus worship the cow, the Muslims eat it. To add to this the Sikhs have launched their own campaign of religious fanaticism with militant overtones. As if this, were not enough Hinduism itself is divided into a complex network of castes and sub-castes. These have further augmented ideological and egoistical differences among the masses. Islam has its own problem of Shia-Sunni rivalry to comprehend with.

Is it now possible to revert back to the principals of secularism or has mankind travelled too far down. the path of sectarianism and casteism? The solution lies in the altruistic use of knowledge and its immense capabilities. Knowledge should not consist in a manipulation of distinct religions or castes as opposite forces. It should act as a means of liberating mankind from the destructive power of casteism and religious fanaticism, pointing the way toward the goal of the rehabilitation of the human will and the rebirth- of faith and confidence in the human person. Perhaps the world would be a better place to live in if all Muslims and Hindus had the cognisance to respect each other’s religious ideals or if the caste barrier was broken.
If knowledge is a part of life itself and not merely preparation for life then should we not accept religious liberalism there to serve as an example? Can liberalism be taught as arithmetic or biology? Yes, the human mind inspired by knowledge always has an affinity for liberalism. If it is taught as early in life as possible, it will still be too late for those already crippled. Many have not yet been so maimed, however and all-the young are susceptible. We have a long way to go. Although the ideal may never be attained, we must, nevertheless establish a goal based on realistic appraisal of the nature of the problem. This is a process which will  require the passage of many more generations before we know whether or not the ideal can be attained.
Another factor that constantly plagues mankind is politics. It has always been the major abettor for kindling religious sentiments and promoting casteism, notably in India. Politics mixed with religion makes the most baleful poison aimed at annihilating human morals and alienating the masses Mandal Commission misadventure is a burning example of politicians trying to achieve their venal electoral aims by drumming up casteist sentiments. The Kashmir problem and upheaval in Punjab might never have erupted had politics been kept aloof from religion People must be made aware that politicians are only using caste and religion as stepping-stones to obtain their devious political aims and should be boycotted.
Society cannot be and should not be expected o assume exclusive responsibility for eliminating casteism, racism and sectarianism The ultimate responsibility rests with the individual He should clear the way for the foundation of a genuine world history not in terms of religion, race or caste but in terms of man in relation to God, to himself, his fellow man and the universe that reach beyond immediate self- interest.