Padamshree Suresh Gundu Amonkar in response to the controversy over Dr. Jose Pereira’s paintings wrote a lead article for The Navhind Times, Sunday Panorama, Aug. 8, 2010. Despite his ill health Sureshbab has devoted himself to build a multicultural society full of love, peace and mutual respect… I had reviewed Dr. Amonkar’s historic, pioneer Konkani translation of Dnyaneshwari and Japji-the Sikh holy text. There is so much common ground in devotional music-gregorian chants, sufi music, choir music, shabad kirtan or Hindu bhajans and aartis....Dr. Amonkar sees one single sacred thread weaving the omnipotent and omniscient force!! Dr. Amonkar was warmly received and felicitated at Golden temple, Amritsar. He has cemented the bonds of understanding between different communities which distinguish our country. Every Konkani speaker need to read all his translated books-Dhammapada, Tirukurul, Bhagvadgeeta, Saint John’s Gospel and the rosal Konkani Dnyaneshwari. I wish the almighty may give him strength to render Al Ku-ra-aan , Zend Avesta and Talmud in Konkani. Multicultural unity had been strength of Goa. We must read the original texts ( and if possible good expert commentaries) of all the religions. Despite having studied Sanskrit at School for four years it took me 20 more years of deep reading to have an enlightened vision of Hinduism.Until then I was just a worshipper a follower of rituals. It changed the day when I began explaining the meaning of the prayers and mantras which my late father Mukund V. Kamat used to chant for hours. He was one of the most orthodox Hindu I had ever seen. I wish I could have explained him works of Karen Armstrong and Wendy Doniger. No doubt Actress Julia Roberts has also realized what is true about Hinduism, (and earlier Richard Gere about Buddhism) and this trend would continue in the west, so it is hightime that all Hindus rediscover themselves and Hinduism, there is so much to absorb!
Dr. Amonkar says in his article…. “I recommend to all the champions and defenders of Hindu faith to launch a project of self-education - “Discovery of India” a la Nehru which should include reading of great scriptures – Dhammapada, Geeta, Guru Granth Sahib, Kural, the Four Gospels, works of all Indian Saint Poets as also the reading of Kalidasa’s ‘Kumarsambhava’ (after which they will never be scandalised) and a visit to the Khajuraho temples, viewing of Rajasthani miniature paintings after which no “defender of Hindu faith” will ever think of threatening a Hussain or a Pereira. A religion, to satisfy the largest proportion of mankind, must be able to supply food for all types of minds; and where this capability is lacking, the existing sects all become one sided.” Visit the following weblink to read the full article http://www.navhindtimes.in/panorama/defence-jose-pereira-and-hindu-faith Let us wish ailing Sureshbab good health and a long life! -- Dr. Nandkumar Kamat, GOA