What do you consider to be the function of your movement as regards India?
Vivekananda: To find the common bases of Hinduism and awaken the national consciousness to them. At present there are three parties in India included under the term "Hindu"--the orthodox, the reforming sects of the Muslim period, and the reforming sects of the present time. Hindus from North to South are only agreed on one point, viz. on not eating beef.
With which of these three parties do you identify yourself, Swamiji?
Vivekananda: With all of them. We are orthodox Hindus, but we refuse entirely to identify ourselves with "Don't-touchism." That is not Hinduism: it is in none of our books; it is an unorthodox superstition which has interfered with national efficiency all along the line.
Interview in the Prabuddha Bharata. September 1898. Complete Works, 5: 226
Memoirs of fifties Akividu or Akiveedu (ఆకివీడు), and neighbouring villages. Educational, geographical, historical, literary, philosophical, religious and social postings included. Copyright Raju (PD). (bondadaa@gmail.com)
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