TTD: removing non-Hindus wrong

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam's recent decision to shift 44 non-Hindu employees working in various departments of the temple establishment is wrong and unfair. The employees have challenged the decision in the Hyderabad high court, which has issued notices to the Andhra Pradesh government and the TTD and will consider the matter in due course. The government has offered to absorb them in other departments in equivalent grades and cadres. But that is not the right solution for a problem which should actually not have existed at all. The victims of the TTD's action have alleged that the action was taken at the behest of some Hindu organisations. Organisations like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad had called for identification of non-Hindus and their dismissal from the TTD. But the policy that sets apart jobs in temples or other religious institutions only for members of that religion arises from a narrow view of religion and its place in society.  

The employees were sought to be shifted in accordance with the guidelines existing in the temple on the appointment of staff. These guidelines are based on two government orders issued in 1988 and 2007. The first banned the recruitment of non-Hindus in the temple administration, except in the educational institutions run by it. The second one removed this exemption also. The staff have challenged the action, claiming that these two orders are unconstitutional as they are discriminatory and deny equal opportunity to all citizens. While the court is to decide on the legal validity of the orders, there is no doubt that they are not in line with the composite culture of the country and do harm to the essential and real nature of Hindu religion, both in precept and practice.  

There is a tradition of important roles for Christians and Muslims in Hindu pilgrimages and in the facilitation of worship. There have also been instances of participation. Jains and Sikhs, who are also technically non-Hindus, have active participation in Hindu practices. The Amarnath Yatra sees support and co-operation on the part of Muslims and Sikhs. Muslims make and decorate Durga idols in Bengal during the puja. The employment of non-Hindus in the TTD or in any other institution should be seen as part of this inclusive tradition. They only have a supporting and facilitating role and are doing a job to earn their livelihood. Hindus should be large-hearted enough to allow them to work in the TTD or other institutions where such rules might exist. Hinduism will only grow stronger by such an inclusive spirit.