Anti Brahmanism

 

In recent times, a deeply unsettling and distressing trend has taken root in India—a rising tide of animosity directed towards Brahmins. This trend is particularly alarming in a nation that prides itself on its secular ethos and cultural diversity. A recent incident involving Sudha Murthy, an esteemed figure renowned for her leadership as the former chairperson of Infosys Foundation, a prolific wordsmith, and an unwavering philanthropist, stands as a glaring illustration of this disconcerting phenomenon. Murthy's candidness and openness led her to share a personal practice that now serves as a flashpoint for the disturbing undercurrents of bias.

During an episode of the television program 'Khane Mein Kya Hai?', Sudha Murthy unflinchingly revealed her preference for vegetarian fare and her meticulous culinary habits. In this unguarded conversation, she articulated legitimate concerns about potential cross-contamination between vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods, thereby explaining her deliberate choice to eschew dining out. However, instead of appreciating her unwavering commitment to her dietary convictions and her dedication to maintaining food hygiene, Murthy's disclosure sparked a virtual firestorm of misguided and ill-informed criticisms.

Self-proclaimed champions of equality and feminism, tragically lacking a comprehensive understanding of the larger context, swiftly pounced on her declaration of being a "pure vegetarian," erroneously weaving it into the fabric of her caste identity. This backlash, characterized by its irrational resentment towards Brahmins, serves as a damning indictment of the disturbing wave of hostility that is gaining ground.

Rituparna Chatterjee, a purportedly credible Asia Editor at The Independent, took it upon herself to subtly insinuate that Sudha Murthy's vegetarian predilections—particularly her assertion of being a "pure" vegetarian—cast her and her husband, Narayan Murthy, in the rather perplexing roles of "eccentrics" tainted with casteist undertones. This audacious interpretation conveniently overlooks a fundamental truth: the decision to embrace vegetarianism, like any other dietary inclination, is inherently a personal prerogative that transcends the confines of caste. A telling contradiction arises when Neelesh Misra, an esteemed storyteller and journalist, rightly questions the logic that attempts to equate vegetarianism or the mere usage of distinct utensils with the complex issue of casteism.

Unfortunately, in a disturbing twist, certain critics descended into the abyss of using vitriolic and abusive language in their misguided attempts to discredit Murthy's choices. Such reprehensible reactions not only diminish the gravity of respecting individual dietary preferences and conscientious food practices but also betray a tragic failure to comprehend the significance of such choices without resorting to the crutch of caste-based insinuations.

A thought-provoking irony arises when examining the larger landscape. While purported liberals disdain vegetarianism with an air of unwarranted superiority, they astonishingly rally behind the banner of Halal certification. This certification, intrinsically rooted in Islamic principles, has, understandably, drawn valid concerns for potentially imposing religious paradigms on individuals of varying beliefs. The paradox lies in the fact that these very critics vehemently criticize a vegetarian woman who fervently upholds the choices of others, while simultaneously assuming a defensive stance or worse, maintaining a deafening silence on the issue of Halal certification.

The undeniable reality is that vegetarianism is often an intricate tapestry woven from a myriad of personal choices, encompassing ethical considerations, health concerns, and deeply ingrained religious practices. Its adoption is by no means a pretext for discriminating against those who subscribe to non-vegetarian diets. Reports and discerning studies affirm that vegetarianism is steadily transcending the barriers of caste, debunking the absurd notion that it remains shackled within the confines of the Brahmin community.

This pervasive undercurrent of vilifying Brahmins and erroneously interpreting personal choices such as vegetarianism as emblematic of caste-based biases is a deeply unsettling reflection of a society teetering on the precipice of ideological intolerance. A radical shift in perspective is imperative. Society must shed its blinkered biases and strive to embrace a more enlightened and empathetic comprehension of the kaleidoscope of dietary preferences that exist within its folds. The richness of India's cultural fabric demands an unwavering commitment to fostering an environment of respect and harmony.

In summation, the recent episode involving Sudha Murthy serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need to cultivate tolerance and understanding within the multifaceted tapestry of Indian society. Upholding a spectrum of dietary preferences must be non-negotiable in any progressive society. The glaring double standards that underscore the discourse around issues such as vegetarianism and Halal certification deserve introspection.