Ram's Cafe

I was born a Hindu, but that is as far as I am willing to go in choosing my identity on the basis of religion. As someone who always sees the glass as 'half-empty', especially when it is my glass, I can't help noticing all the despicable practices that have gone on in the name of religion...So when the new Government of Tamilnadu decides to make changes in the law that would allow people from all castes to become priests (or, more correctly, disallow discrimination that allows only Brahmins to become priests), it seemed like a welcome change, though I'm sure many would argue it's a political stunt. What is extremely gratifying is to see an article in 'The Hindu' - an extremely well-respected newspaper that happens to be run mostly by upper-caste Brahmins - that supports this move. Though this is only an article written by A. Srivathsan, and not an editorial, this seems entirely in keeping with the progressive and socially responsible stance that has been the hallmark of this group. ************************************ Temples and traditions - A. Srivathsan Opening up of temples and the priesthood to all castes is part of the fight against discrimination based on birth. - The Hindu, June 1, 2006 *************************************