Monday, April 9, 2018, Summary of India

The below is taken from an Enrichment Lecture a few days ago.  These lectures are presented by visiting retired educators, government representatives or civil servants, military, etc. on all Viking cruise ships; we have had 4 or 5 groups of 6-10 for weeks at a time on board.  One of the lecturers was a Viet Nam Air Force pilot held prisoner in Hanoi for 7 1/2 years.

India gained its independence in 1947 from Great Britain.  Its population is 1.2-1.3 billion and growing by 15 million a year.  By 2025 its population will exceed that of China, making it the largest population in the world.

At the time of India's independence there were hundreds of principality states.  The new government forced many of the principalities to join the national movement, often times with the use of force by Army invasions accompanied by casualties.

The lady is from northern India and the man from southern India.

 Contrast:  Northern vs. southern India.

India has the sixth most billionaires of all countries.

60% of Mumbai's population lives in slums.

After success in uniting northern India, Sanyasin, who became rich with success, turned over his empire and joined Jains monks.  Jains lived naked and auster and participated in ritual suicide.  They fasted one day per week initially then added another day per week.  They gradually reduced their food and liquid intake until they died.

After success in uniting northern India, Sanyasin, who became rich with success, turned over his empire and joined Jains monks.  Jains lived naked and auster and participated in ritual suicide.  They fasted one day per week initially then added another day per week.  They gradually reduced their food and liquid intake until they died.

India graduates from colleges over a million per year but there are not enough jobs.  Many end up being office runners for a few dollars per day.

Contrast:  Highly productive engineers vs. farming in very old ways, only a small distance apart.

Mahatma Gandhi and Indira Gandhi were NOT related; Gandhi is to India as Smith is to USA.  But the two of them were assassinated.

RSS:  5-6 million members who practice fascism.  "If you are not Hindu, you are not an Indian."  "Minorities have no rights."  Very similar to Hitler!

 Women are exploited and second class citizens (if that).

The aboriginal population is 50-100 million (exact figures are hard to obtain) in 700+ tribes.

Motorcycle placed where a family member was killed in an accident.  Now the motorcycle is a shrine to be adorned to prevent others in accidents.

Brahma:  Creater
Shiva:      Destroyer (in a positive way)
Vishnu:   Preserver
40% of Hindus are vegetarian (extremists don't kill, not even flies or plants)

 The Hindu god can be in two places at the same time:  In idol(s) and "heaven."

Hindu goal of life for low casts and undesirables:  Disappear!