World Religions Conference November 1957

Author(s): Sushil Muni
Publisher: Achal Singh Seth

Page 55

Speech by Kakasaneb Kalelkar
I know 'a a story of two cobras. They were fighting against each other, dashed their heads against each other and both of them died. Only one died half an hour earlier and the other died half an hour later. Cobra that died half an hour later was declared victor. In the same way modern wars are going to destroy each other. There is no victor. All are vanquished. Those races who are able to stay a little longer and who could take a last breath when others are dead might claim themselves to be the victors. That being so the whole world is trembling nnd does not find out the way. At such a juncture we have gathered together in the hope of getting some Inspiration from religions. We know that politicians of the world -Statesmen and politicians of the world took charge of and control cf the affairs of the world and they have proved themselves to be bankrupt and now they have got no face to show to the world. All of them are bankrupt. That does not mean that religions are better. Religions have also fought against each other and if the nations have fought with weapons they have fought with words. Just you have heard that religions of Japan who call themselves religionists-religionist word is not bad but these religionists say that we do not want politicians in our midst and politicians say that no religion will be recognised in the field of political affairs. I correct myself. All the politicians are welcome on our platforms but not as politicians. They also say that men of religion may come to us but not as representatives of religions. Religionists and politicians have got suspicions against each other but men have got no suspicion against each other. They can come together but religions look with suspicion on politics and politics on religions. We have got to see how can we pilot our movement ahead. Just as hundred years ago or even fifty years ago people of Europe and America claimed to be superior and asserted themselves for a long time. They spread throughout the world and took possession of various lands. Today they repent and are modest enough to say that all races are equal. So the world is now going to assert equality of races and equality of nations.
We in India had four functions of society and four Varnas were there. We thought one Varna as supreme and so spirit of high and low was maintained. Even now it is being maintained. Now leaders of Hindu Society have come to say that all Varnas are equal. Men and women are equal. In the same way, time may soon come when all the ashrams may be accepted as equal as it is in Mahabharata. Grasath is also regarded as good ashram. Garashsth Ashram is also given same respect as Sanyasa. That is the ideal reached in Mahabharat. We shall have to accept all the religions as equal. Religions may have different outlook but we shall have to accept all the religions as equal. We must regard all the dharmas with equal respect. Now there is a change. Let them
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