Who's the real Hindu? -Article by Karan Thapar/Hindustan Times Does the VHP have the right to speak for you or I? Do they reflect our views? Do we endorse their behaviour? They call themselves the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, but who says they represent all of us? This Sunday morning, I want to draw a clear line of distinction between them and everyone else. My hunch is many of you will agree. Let me start with the question of conversion — an issue that greatly exercises the VHP.

I imagine there are hundreds of millions of Hindus who are peaceful, tolerant, devoted to their faith, but above all, happy to live alongside Muslims,Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Jews. If any one of us were to change our faith how does it affect the next man or woman? And even if that happens with inducements, it can only prove that the forsaken faith had a tenuous and shallow hold. So why do the VHP and its unruly storm troopers, the Bajrang Dal, froth at the mouth if you, I or our neighbours convert? What is it to do with them?

Let me put it bluntly, even crudely. If I want to sell my soul — and trade in my present gods for a new lot — why shouldn't I? Even if the act diminishes me in your eyes, it's my right to do so. So if thousands or even millions of Dalits, who have been despised and ostracised for generations, choose to become Christian, Buddhist or Muslim, either to escape the discrimination of their Hindu faith or because some other has lured them with food and cash,it's their right. Arguably you may believe you should ask them to reconsider, although I would call that interference, but you certainly have no duty or right to stop them.

In fact, I doubt if you are morally correct in even seeking to place obstacles in their way. The so-called Freedom of Religion Acts, which aim to do just that, are, in fact, tantamount to obstruction of conversion laws and therefore, at the very least, questionable. However, what's even worse is how the VHP responds to this matter. Periodically they resort to violence including outright murder. What happened to Graham Staines in Orissa was not unique. Last week it happened again. Apart from the utter and contemptible criminality of such behaviour, is this how we Hindus wish to behave? Is this how we want our faith defended? Is this how we want to be seen? I have no doubt the answer is no.

An unequivocal, unchanging and ever-lasting NO! The only problem is it can't be heard. And it needs to be. I therefore believe the time has come for the silent majority of Hindus — both those who ardently practice their faith as well as those who were born into it but may not be overtly religious or devout — to speak out. We cannot accept the desecration of churches, the burning to death of innocent caretakers of orphanages, the storming of Christian and Muslim hamlets even if these acts are allegedly done in defence of our faith. Indeed, they do not defend but shame Hinduism. That's my central point.

Excellent work done by the miscreants who ransacked the hospital because a girl commiting suicide died there,For this they must damage the hospital,it is their birth right. But I would like to ask the same holigans and rowdies what have they done when a doctor has saved a life so many times even when the patient was serious.

I am sure this attack is nothing but an attack by the communally aligned ruling party in Karnataka. They want to rule by might, they are following hiltlers policy, first hitler attcked the jews than the christians, same way here in India, the BJP first attcked the Muslims, when they started to retailiate, the BJp starts to attack the Christians.

How shameful is this act of vandalism whete even the charitable hospitals are not spared even though they are doing so many good things. I would like to ask these holigans why did u take the Hindu girl to a Christian missionary hospital in the first place if you feel christians are not good but only need to be attacked at the first chancwe for their religion. I would kindly request the Hindu ourtfits to kindly stop their psuedo religious policy and just let the common man live in peace.

Can you do anything for the common man who is already burdened with the inflation today, if not please stay away from us with your dirty politics just for your vote bank interests and let us live in peace. I would like to ask you all who voiced for Ram janbhoomi and collected so many donations, where is the fund s now which was in billions.

I warn you the day the public sees through your games, you will niether have your chair nor any place to hide. So please once again as a common man I request you to kindly desist from you politics of communal disintegration as we already have lost enough lives paying for your whims.

Tell me or show me one leaaders family or relation has ever died or injured in communal fights. How come only common man dies. So all this is plans of teh leaders who are just looking at their bussiness of politics. General public should understand this and beat them at their own game back.

We all have high regards for Fr. Muller's Hospital because it is a charitable Institute and treats poor patients free or with minimum charges. They also have some of the best Doctors. What I don't understand is why they were waiting for the Patient's family members to give them permission to move her to the ICU. If the Doctors knew that this case was critical, the first and foremost task was to save the patient. Did they want to make sure that the family was willing to bear the extra expenses? May be the family could not afford the additional charges and so were hesitating.

I know that Patient's family member has to sign some papers before he or she undergoes surgery. But to shift the patient to ICU, why do you need anybody's permission? I feel that this reason given by the Doctors ( or by the media!)is quite silly. I have great respect for the Doctors there but this time, somebody has bungled this case.

If it is a charitable Institute, they should first try and save the patient without looking at the Patient's religion or caste and not ask the Patient's relatives to pay first. I hope somebody from Fr. Mullers Institute will respond and give us a clear picture of what exactly happened.

If this havoc was created by any Minority Community,Police department would have arrested 50% more suspects then they needed. Since it was other way around none will be arrested. Guess why? My question to Hospital Administration. There are Security Men on duty 24 hours. What were they doing when this happened. Are these men call themselves as Security or just gate keepers.

These Men do not allow anyone without Pass,and they did allow so many Rowdies inside after 8pm. Second question is why these gatekeepers did not close the gates and lock the people in until Police reached the site of crime. Third question is why Medical staff did not call for help from other hospital employees,such as ward boys,male staff and Patient care people.

Finally where is Doctor's Association with their opinion on this incident. I request the Hospital Authority to fight tooth and nail to arrest the culprits. It is time for Christian Community act fast with force. Forget about the Proverb"Show the other cheek when attacked" That kind of attitude worked those days when Jesus was young boy.

Some of the comments expressed here that ' girl  died in 'that hospital so her relatives attacked the hospital', that means if somebody is being hit by a vehicle then the relatives and friends of the victim must damage the vehicle and the driver? Some of the comments say that 'poiliticising the issue is not right'. Then what we must do when this government joins hands with these miscreants???

We are taught by these miscreants to think communally and politically. So-far no arrests of Bajarangdal goondas not taken place in pachenady issue. And another attack??? If relatives of the girl attacked the hospital then why they have run away ???

Cowards.Let the relatives and friends whoever they are - disclose their identity and claim responsibility for thier frustrated act. Will they??? No chance because - blood which has no cultural heritage, no family history and no family bondage, will involve in such frustrated act. This is purely the act of people who have not born through theire family grail( bllod line). And peopel who support these miscreants and justify their act belong to the same category.

I feel christians in Mangalore and other part of this country must start the ancient law - The Code of Hmmurabi. - EYE FOR AN EYE AND TOOTH FOR A TOOTH' Otherwise be happy with Jesus' teachings - ''When your enemy slaps your one cheek show the other.'' Why not State Government take initiative to ban BAJARANGADAL AND SIMILAR GROUPS WHICH ARE TERRORISING civil society???? These people act against the citizens of our country and if its against the citizens then its against the nation too. These groups do all illegal operations and then shout - 'BOLO BHARAT MATHA KI JAI!!!!!!!'

Her family did not allow the doctors to treat her in the ICU that means it may be a case of poisoning by the family members. And the later part of heinous attack may be a show drama or a cover up act. Any loving relative would have definitely allowed them to treat her in the ICU.

Police are puppets in front of goons however these very same police are goons for all those who are innocent. Do we need such police force to control law and order?

Tragic incidents do happen every day and this one is no exception. Let us stop this blame game, as it will reach us no where. We must distinctly bear in mind that, Hospital is a life saving institution and we must respect all those who extend their unselfish service to the humanity. We must not take law into hands.

Leave to the judiciary, police and Govt. authorities. Miroring the fact that, the girl could have been saved, and there was ample time to do so. Parents and friends and relative should have approached the approporiate community organizations seeking monetary help. Similary, the Hospital in question, may have also credibly saved the patients life, taking into account the grave situaton. A tactful and wise behaviour could have definately saved this victim patient. However, destiny never sleeps, it has its own poison arrows to swallow.

The girl victim, the events surrouding her, her parents, relatives and friends, hospital authorities, all had a glimpse of death and would have saved her life. My sincere condolences to the parents of this victim girl. May her soul rest in peace. Let me ask a question to Vittal Acharya, Udupi - It will be praiseworthy, if you could explain the definition of living safe life and enjoying better ???? Mere words are just gimmicks.

Tragic incidents do happen every day and this one is no exception. Let us stop this blame game, as it will reach us no where. We must distinctly bear in mind that, Hospital is a life saving institution and we must repect all those who extend their unselfish service to the humanity. We must not take law into hands.

Leave to the judiciary, police and Govt. authorities. Miroring the fact that, the girl could have been saved, and there was ample time to do so. Parents and friends and relative should have approached the approporiate community organizations seeking monetary help. Similary, the Hospital in question, may have also credibly saved the patients life, taking into account the grave situaton. A tactful and wise behaviour could have definately saved this victim patient.

However, destiny never sleeps, it has its own poison arrows to swallow. The girl victim, the events surrouding her, her parents, relatives and friends, hospital authorities, all had a glimpse of death and would have saved her life. My sincere condolences to the parents of this victim girl. May her soul rest in peace. Let me ask a question to Vittal Acharya, Udupi - It will be praiseworthy, if you could explain the definition of living safe life and enjoying better ???? Mere words are just gimmicks.

After Reading the Comments of Dr. Sujay who was on the spot at the time of the incident, I retract my statement as I had presumed that it was an impulsive act by the frustrated relatives of the patient. Let us hope and pray that these Political / Communal anti social forces come to thier senses and let the peace loving citizens of Mangalore go about their daily business without any fear.

Don't expect much from the Guardians of the Law as they are slaves to their Polictical Masters. The Home Minister is more bothered about the Bar's in Bangalore - what a pack of jokers !

After this government has come we expected people oriented govermnment. but the little which was there among the people is been distroyed by attacking the minority institutions. Pleas open your eyes and help the poor people to live peacefully in their own land.

The medical Institution and the personnel are working day and night for the welfare of all people without discremination between caste, creed and colour. I really symphathise with Fr. Muller Institution with doctors and nurses who were manhandled. When the real truth comes out people relize where lies the mistake.

It is a matter of great regret that an incidence like this has taken place at Father Muller's Hospital. I know that the concept HEAL AND COMFORT is strongly rooted in the hearts and minds of people who work for the Hospital. I know many members of the Medical Profession attached to FMCI and particularly Father Stany Tauro who has taken up this case for redress.

He is among the most honest, dedicated and humane persons always wanting to reach out. While the doctors and nursing staff do their best, sometimes it is just impossible to save lives and whatever that has happened has been beyond the control of the medical profession. Father Stany... It is good to see you taking this cooly in your stride. You are doing a great job Joe onsalves

Fr Mullers hospital is well known for its charitable service for over 100 years. I went through a successful surgery years back and I have yet to find such caring service for a fraction of cost you pay Vs. other hospitals.

Attacking a charitable institutes, hospitals or religious places is shameful and deplorable. We Mangaloreans should be unanimous in condemning such acts. Should we have faith in Government machinery and our so called Police Force who are extremely corrupt and puppets in the hands of Politicians? Let us hope the Police department for once rises above from the dumps and uphold the true flag of justice by bringing the culprits to justice without looking at religion, cast or creed.

As educated Mangaloreans, let us stop pointing fingers at any communal groups but work towards peace and betterment of less fortunate as done by Fr Muller's hospital

It is a very bad act of miscreants. Based on few ignorant deeds let us not mix up it to a communal feeling. Forgiving is divine. Let us also not divide our country based on religion-minority or majority. Whatever religion we practice, actually tells us brotherhood, love, peace and harmony-then why the feeling of "we christians, hindus, muslims"?

It was not our choice, we are all born in a family where our parents blindly followed the faith, then why this divide? Let us be Indians, let us be good citizens of a great country which is leaping forward towards developed country. Our shameless politicians reaping the benefits of all these incidences and make a vote bank for themselves by dividing and ruining our brotherhood feeling. Have you ever found any politician of any party working for the citizens?-NO!, they are busy in their own way to abuse their opposite partymen aiming only power.

Why we simple citizens should divide? It is sad that Orissa also is under threat where innoscent people are loosing their life. Dead body, does it belong to any religion? Any time during these enemity and fights -politicians or their family members lost their life? No, only the common citizens, irrespective of cast/creed - in total Indians died? Then why this divide? Let us BE INDIANS FIRST

Dear Mr. Vittal Acharya, before you envy on the life the Christians live, please find out the reasons as to why & how Christians have tried to improve their lives without any support from the Government / Reservations and job quotas. It is only because we are always there for peace and work hard with honesty where ever we go.

I think you need to clean up your house before looking at your nighbour's back yard. In fact do not forget that christian organisations and institutions have always helped other communities, while we receive back only in attacking our community and institutions. God only knows where this will lead to.

It is indeed sad and disparaging to see how people blame the government for such acts caused by some miscreants. First and foremost it is the basic duty of a doctor to attend to a patients needs when in such a serious condition. I completely agree that Fr. Muller's is an excellent institution by far and has reached excellence beyond the strings of mere words.

What is not good is the fact that the doctors left a patient to die. It is not a good deed to do and it is but obvious that due to the oblivious attitude of the doctor the parents/relatives of the deceased would turn to take action. And it is even worst to see people here bad-mouthing the BJP government. If such a death occured even during the congress/ JDS governance, people would have resorted to such a reaction. This is a pure case of medical negligence blown out of proportion who hold the government to blame!

I am shocked to know about the bad incident occured in Father Muller Hospital.By doing this shameful act the miscreants will achieve nothing.No good can come out of it.The aggrieved have ample chances to meet the authority for redressal.

The services in the hospital acclaimed by one and all.Let us not be discouraged by these acts instead let us rededicate our commitment to our ailing brethren.

I am sad to hear about the attack on Fr.Muller's which for nearly a century was a Charitable Institute but now of course a multi million dollar Commercial Institute. In its initial years even my late grandfather Dr.P.C.Menezes served in this hospital, My father breathed his last 50 years ago, and my best friend is currently doing her MD. A few months back many portals reported about the formation of a new forum aimed at promoting Friendship and Understanding among various religious communities in South Kanara with and under the good offices of Shree Veerendra Hegde the highly respected Pontiff of Dharmastala. I reckomend leaders of the communities as well as journalists approach Shree Veerendra Hegde (with facts and figures) and seek his intervention and even comments on the present developments, both in South Kanara as well as the state Education Ministry’s saber rattling as well as developments in Orissa.

I have confidence that D.V. Sadananda Gowda BJP supremo of Dakshina Kannada, as well as the Chief Minister and other ministers especially Education Minister do hold the Pontiff of Dharmasthala in high respects and will not go against his wishes and advise. Besides I also appeal to the Forum to include eminent men of all communities like Retd.Justice Michael Saldanha, Retd.Police Commissioners Maxwell Pereira and IG Francis Colaco, Fr.Freddy Pereira…..and also expand it at the state level with men like Sangliana