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Re: Bride burning and dowry deaths in India (an original article)
Partha Banerjee (pb019@csc.albany.edu) wrote:
: Bride Burning and dowry deaths in India:
: Gruesome and Escalating Violence on Women
: symbolized by Kali -- the most significant Goddess in the Hindu pantheon.
: Kali in the non-Sanskritic personification -- ethically dynamic and
: control-free. Kali -- autonomous and active and not defined by male
: control as she is depicted in later mythological texts by her
: "spousification" with her consort Shiva. Kali who challenges the
: civilized order of Dharma and the status quo."
Dear Parthababu:
I appreciate your feeling for the women in India. From reading the above
quote I have no doubt in my mind that Sri Ram Jethmalani is either
misleading people deliberately, or, is himself not familiar
with what Scriptures say about Mother KAli. I respect your right to
make a speech, but please read about Her and then make judgements. If
you decide to read for yourself, I would be happy to give you some
specific references.
As I read your article, it seems to me that I can make a connection here,
it might even be the source of his inspiration. I will share my hypothesis
on this issue, the politics of it. You must be aware that there is currently,
in north America, a simmering Goddess movement. This Goddess is the one who
is touted by some people as the champion of Feminism. She fits the cause
more appropriately, not Mother KAli. I do not have the Bible right now with
me, but Her name is Ashera (sp ?). She is in the Bible, described as a
pagan Goddess in whose name the Old Testament people would erect poles in
their neighborhoods. My guess is, Sri Jethmalani is borrowing this western
idea, and superimposing it on Mother KAli.
This I condemn, and also would urge you to distance yourself from such
propaganda.
With best regards,
Dhruba.
