First of all, I don’t read Goanet anymore and only come here for the very occasional post. For years it has become an echo chamber for anti-Hindu rants (disguised, of course), all of them low-IQ. I reached a point where I couldn’t motivate myself to stay on, even in my usual post-only mode.
I haven’t followed the Fr. Bolmax brouhaha in detail but have familiarized myself with the general theme. My take: - Fr. Bolmax has every right to express his views on Shivaji or black hole thermodynamics. It is a right that must be affirmed and supported by all sensible citizens. - Whether it is appropriate for Fr. Bolmax to utter these views and opinions from the pulpit is for his flock and/or church authorities to decide. As a non-Catholic, it is none of my business so long as the speech concerned is lawful (that is, does not call for violence, unrest, and speech that Indian law explicitly prohibits). Nothing in Fr. Bolmax’s utterances was outside the ambit of lawful speech, so far as I can tell. - “Hurt feelings” is a bs criterion. In a free society we must be prepared for speech that may not be pleasant to our ears, speech that may tear down our icons and idols, even religious ones. “Hurt feelings” is not grounds for arresting anyone. Stop being such delicate weenies. You have the freedom, too, to respond with your own speech. - As a rightwing Hindu fundamentalist, Hindutva-vadi, patriarchy-loving, and bamon, I hold Shivaji in the highest regard. He valiantly fought for and defended Hindu civilization against barbarians that wanted to destroy it. He was also among the first to enunciate the idea of Swaraj, later clarified and amplified effectively by Lokmanya Tilak. - If you do not share my own estimation of Shivaji Maharaj, fine. You are entitled to your views. In summary: Leave Fr. Bolmax alone. He shouldn't have to even apologise. Best, r