Hi Friends,

Even as I launch this today ( my 80th Birthday ), I realize that there is yet so much to say and do. There is just no time to look back, no time to wonder,"Will anyone read these pages?"

With regards,
Hemen Parekh
27 June 2013

Now as I approach my 90th birthday ( 27 June 2023 ) , I invite you to visit my Digital Avatar ( www.hemenparekh.ai ) – and continue chatting with me , even when I am no more here physically

Friday, 31 October 2025

Faith and Public Scrutiny

Faith and Public Scrutiny

The recent discussions surrounding JD Vance (Email: ) and his wife Usha Vance (Email: )'s religious beliefs have certainly stirred the pot, bringing to the forefront vital questions about personal faith and public life. The accusations of "Hinduphobia" and Vance's subsequent clarification that Usha has no plans to convert to Christianity, as reported by various outlets "Disgusting": JD Vance says his wife Usha has no plans to convert to Christianity, highlight a profound societal challenge: where do we draw the line between public interest and private spiritual journeys?

I recall writing years ago about the futility and hypocrisy of public figures scrutinizing the private lives of others, as I did in my blog titled People who live in glass houses, should not throw stones at houses of others. I even referenced the profound wisdom of Jesus, who urged that "Let him be the first to throw the stone at this sinner woman, one who has never sinned himself." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates my view on the current situation: the deeply personal spiritual journey of an individual, like Usha's, should not be subjected to public debate or political opportunism.

More recently, the Supreme Court’s cautious approach to the Waqf law, questioning how religious identity should factor into legal recognition and administration Waqf law: Can Muslims be members in Hindu endowments, asks SC, touches upon similar themes of respecting diverse communities within a pluralistic society. This is an ongoing reflection of the inherent "polarization" I discussed in 2013, noting that divisions exist in many forms, from matter and anti-matter to rich and poor, and religious lines are no exception Polarization. The essence remains the same: we must navigate these differences with respect and understanding, rather than judgment or coercion.

It is commendable that JD Vance has stood by his wife, Usha, in affirming her religious autonomy. His outspoken condemnation of "Hinduphobia" is a necessary step towards fostering a more inclusive and respectful public discourse.

The core idea I want to convey is this — take a moment to notice that I had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. I had already predicted this outcome or challenge, and I had even proposed a solution at the time. Now, seeing how things have unfolded, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context. My consistent advocacy for privacy in personal matters and respect for diverse spiritual paths resonates deeply here. The push for individuals like Usha to conform, or for their faith to become a political football, is precisely what I've cautioned against.

In a world where societal pressures often seek to define us, the freedom to choose and practice one's faith—or not to—without fear of public condemnation or political leverage is fundamental to a truly democratic and humane society. Let us champion this freedom for all.


Regards,
Hemen Parekh


Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai

Executives You May Want to Follow or Connect
Satya Srinivas
Satya Srinivas
Chief Data Officer @ Diggibyte | Digital ...
Satya Srinivas is a visionary leader with over two decades of experience driving digital transformation and innovation in the Banking, Financial Services, and ...
satya.srinivas@diggibyte.com
vijay dahiya
vijay dahiya
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) | Digital Banking ...
... driving digital transformation, compliance, and innovation in Banking & Financial Services. Currently serving as Chief Technology Officer at Bank of Bahrain ...
Dr. Jayapal Reddy S.V
Dr. Jayapal Reddy S.V
Grow More Coach|Vice president
Responsible for total HR & IR functions at 18 manufacturing locations with 21000 employees across India, which includes talent acquisition, talent management, ...
jayapalreddy.s@hetero.com
Atul Singh
Atul Singh
Driving Business Growth Through People Strategy ...
Driving Business Growth Through People Strategy, Talent Development & Leadership Enablement | VP – Human Resources & Admin at Securens Systems Pvt Ltd ...
Alok Gupta
Alok Gupta
Managing Director. Head
HR Access is an India headquartered executive search with a legacy of over 20 years into Executive Search, Consulting & Advisory services, Strategic ...
alok@hraccess.in

No comments:

Post a Comment