The Role of Religion and Reform in Maharashtra Elections: A Historical and Modern View.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I’ve been emotionally overstimulated due to a series of events, and I chose not to add any further stimulation by staying away from writing and social media. I owe my readers an apology for this gap in communication, and I hope you understand the situation I was going through. If you're a regular reader, you already know my stance on the overuse of digital spaces. They can be draining and shape our worldview in ways that often serve particular agendas. Instead of relying on Facebook or WhatsApp for information, I encourage people to read books, conduct proper research, or watch documentaries—ways of increasing knowledge that are far more valuable and accurate.

Beyond my personal emotional roller coaster, the passing of Ratan Tata Sir also deeply overwhelmed me. His demise was not just a loss to those who knew him but to every Indian. Writing about him on my blog is my way of paying tribute to a man whose life and values offer so much to learn from. Ratan Tata was more than a businessman; he was an icon, a visionary who believed in the importance of nation-building over individual wealth accumulation.

The Legacy of Ratan Tata: Nation-Building Over Wealth Accumulation

The story of the Tata family is an enigma in itself. Their journey began when they, followers of the Zoroastrian religion, arrived on the coast of Gujarat seeking refuge. The only condition they had for the king of Gujarat was that they could stay in India without having to abandon their religious faith. From that humble beginning, the Tata group grew into one of the world’s largest conglomerates, with its steel even used in the Burj Khalifa. The story seems almost fictional, yet it is true.

Many modern-day businessmen fail to create a lasting impact, either during their lives or after their death. Ratan Tata’s passing, however, has been a reminder of what true leadership looks like. His death has cast a spotlight on the way business should be conducted—not as a means of enriching a single family but as a way to build a community and contribute to the nation. In interviews, when asked why he did not flaunt wealth like some of his peers, such as Ambani or Adani, Tata would respond, “I am not a businessman, I am an industrialist. I don’t believe in building wealth for one family; I believe in nation-building.”

Disconnect Between India’s Corporate Leaders and Their Employees

Looking at the businessmen of this time in India, it's clear that many of them are only concerned with savings for their families and do not have much care for the welfare of the nation or the people who work to make them successful. They let people go but hoard huge amounts of money, and then justifying when called upon, they say that those they let go were unskilled. However, the responsibility of skill building cannot extend to governmental or corporate heads. In a country where people pay high taxes, it feels that this system is designed to lavish the political and corporate elite, leaving commoners to the low quality of education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

The political and social landscape of the situation in India is definitely moving towards creating a religious state, rather than a progressive inclusive nation. This is reflective of the fact that politicians of the sort like Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman suggest that people feeling pressure at work should just "believe in God", or the CEO of Ola Bhavish Aggarwal and Founder of Infosys Narayan Murthy among corporate figures goes on to explain that employees should work 70-hour weeks and never take leaves. Such statements reveal a mentality rooted in exploitation rather than compassion or vision. Perhaps the reason why no Indian likes to work with any Lala company.

Why India Needs Leaders Who Prioritize Nation-Building Over Profit

As for the likes of Adani and Ambani, they’re not creating wealth—they’re looting India. They perpetuate a master-slave system, where the worker is nothing more than a cog in a machine. These corporate leaders do not care about the well-being of their employees or customers. Their only concern is maximizing profit, no matter the cost.

In sharp contrast, Ratan Tata's legacy was one of empathy and fair practice. As far as employee engagement and welfare policies went, the Tata Group was a trendsetter. Provident Fund schemes, for example, were initiated much before they had become the fad; such was the ambience of the Tata Group. As far as business goes, Tata was revolutionary: he rid himself of the exploitative "master-slave" mentality prevalent in industries around the world.

India’s Shift Towards Religious Politics: What It Means for Secularism and Democracy

Now, I probably made you all wonder why everything is all put around religion. Let me try to explore the essential aspects of the Varna system in Hinduism which stratifies society into levels: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, and the Untouchables.

According to this system, the Brahmins are the lawgivers, the Kshatriyas are warriors, the Vaishyas are merchants (businessmen), the Shudras are workers, and the Untouchables and Women are excluded entirely. Even if you feel like you are living in a democratic country, what we are experiencing is modernization of Varna system. In today's world according to religious scriptures Kaliyuga, everyone is in Shudra category—essentially, workers or slaves. This explains why exploitative corporate leaders, like those I mentioned earlier, have no regard for their employees' well-being. After all, in the eyes of such systems, workers are slaves. Exploitation is permitted by religious scriptures itself. Hence the supporters call it natural because in any system businessman, lawgivers and workers are always going to be there. However, the only problem in this system is that who will be given power is decided by birth even today. That is why nepotism is so evident in every sector in India.

The Need for Genuine Political Reform in India

Many will read this and assume that I’m criticizing Hinduism itself. I’m not because if I refer to Savarkar's definition of Hinduism then it's actually racism not a religion. I am against exploitation in any form, and if that exploitation is rooted in religious or cultural beliefs, then I am against that too. So, am I against a Hindu nation? Yes, but also no. Yes, because I fear it would be a disaster for the country, but no, because I believe the only way to truly understand the implications of such an ideology is to let it happen. Till then, its ardent followers would not feel how deeply it is flawed.

Do political leaders care about religion? Absolutely not. They care for power, for money, and for fame. Religion becomes a tool only to win votes from a section of the community. If you think your political leaders care about your faith, you are merely a pawn in their big game.

Religious politics has always been a part of Indian democracy, but Maharashtra has a unique legacy—one shaped by reformers like Shivaji Maharaj and Dr. Ambedkar both personalities stood against laws of Manu and so many more with them. The reforms undertaken in Maharashtra have been revolutionary like no other state in India. Thats why people are well aware and cautious. We know who was involved in Shivaji Maharaj death, we know who helped Aurangzeb to kill Sambhaji Maharaj, and we know who was involved in Malegaon Bomb Blast. Maharashtra is so crucial, and Marathi people will not go down without tough fight. Maharashtra will not go down like Bihar, Punjab and West Bengal no matter what politicians plan to do.

Reality of Mission Swaraj Challenge 

When I saw Aditya Thakare accepting Dhruv Rathees Swaraj challenge, I wonder how he is going to achieve that when the entire investment of Maharashtra is been diverted towards Gujarat and none of the political leader stood up against it. First, Thakare Family have to understand what they are fighting against as they themselves were so involved in Hindutva politics they are finding it difficult to gain clarity what is the fight all about. Only person had the clarity was Prabodhankar Thakare great grandfather of Aditya Thakare. I hope Aditya Thakare wake to reality because only then he will be able to put a right fight.

We need democratic and secular system, and we need political solution not hatred against particular community even if they are the threat. Small country like Sweden counter threat of Islam with political solution then why can't India? I refrained from writing politically for some time, but I believe it’s important to address the core issues we face. Writing merely for entertainment or views serves no purpose. True patriotism lies in questioning the authorities, in seeking answers to the tough questions, and in challenging the status quo.