Greatness of Hinduism

Hinduism is perpetual — prevalent since the beginning of the human race in this world. The extended Hindu religion embraces in its fold Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Vaisnavite, Shhewa etc.  The religious rites/ways of worship may differ in each sect but then nobody can stop calling them Hindu, which broadly is a way of life. Broadly people are in agreement on the issue but either they are hesitant to express freely or under the influence of others they have started dancing on their tune, and as a result, politicians and so-called leaders of society have taken advantage of our ignorance and have been successful in grinding their axe for the destruction of the nation. These so-called leaders can thrive if we are divided and alienated from each other. But for the best interest of our great nation, let us arise, awake and be united, leaving aside our narrow mentality and sectarian interests to crush their foul play in the bud from now onward before it is too late.

I want to reiterate that to become a Hindu one is not required passing through any religious or other processes. If allowed, I firmly say, “Everybody is born Hindu.’’ One is Hindu right from the birth till grave.

Both Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha are regarded as one of the 24 incarnations of God Vishnu, and it is so believed across the world, both are worshipped by Hindus all over, and their teachings are held in high esteem. Asoka the Great sent his son Mahindra and daughter Sangamitra to China, Japan, Tibet, Java, Sumatra  etc to spread Buddhism, and as a result, the mantra Ahimsa parmo dharm is ringing more than one-fourth of the world over. In the same way, all the nine gurus, from Sri Guru Nanakdevji, utilized the versions of Hindu holy books in their teachings and sermons, and the holy Granth Sahib is full of references etc from the Vedas, Puranas etc.

Through your daily, I urge upon one and all to think over the entire matter in depth and change their perception in view of what is stated for the all-round development of our society and country.  

We should change our narrow mentality and with rededication strive for the all-round development of this great country — there are ample proofs in history that we Indians are wise, pious, and hard-working, with the capacity to turn impossibility into reality.

Hari Prasad Mahesree, Athgaon, Guwahati-1.

A Wrong Step

The new service tax policy based on negative list coming into effect from 1 July 2012 is based on a practical approach. However, its collection system needs practical approach to avoid tax evasion. It is the usual psychology of taxpayers to pay without taking some proper receipt to avoid levying of taxes on the bills. The same holds good for service tax where people availing of the service will prefer paying without proper bill, resulting in tax evasion and increased circulation of black money. To overcome such tax evasion, the system should be that service providers may issue bills with just the net payable amount. Service tax can then be assessed by calculating it on the basis of the net revenue earned by service tax providers.

Surprisingly, some services like betting, lottery, gambling etc, which rather need practical discouragement, are kept out of the purview of service tax by keeping them in the negative list. Not only service tax should be imposed on such services, even a higher rate of 30 per cent tax deducted at source (TDS) should be applicable on such services. It is against all economic principles that the Prime Minister has again succumbed to the pressure of the TMC by keeping higher classes of the Railways in the negative list of service tax.

SC Agrawal, Dariba, Delhi-6.