Hinduism confronting, confusing remark upsets Hindus in Australia

Hindus are upset at Department of Education and Communities of New South Wales (NSW) Government in Australia describing Hinduism as “confronting”, “confusing” and “contradictory”.

“Teacher’s notes and background information” on Hinduism by NSW Department of Education and Training dated March 2003 and available on NSW Department of Education and Communities website, states: "Hinduism is a composite of diverse doctrines, cults and ways of life. At times these huge variations in religious practice appear contradictory to non-Hindus, this can be very confusing or even confronting."

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that terming Hinduism; oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought; as “confronting”, “confusing” and “contradictory” was highly disturbing for the community.

Moreover, Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, indicated that governments should not be in the business of belittling religions, larger or smaller. Government bodies should be more respectful to various faith traditions, he added.

Rajan Zed urged NSW Department of Education and Communities to immediately remove such inappropriate description of Hinduism from their website, offer public apology, and in future consult Hindu community leaders before posting information about Hinduism.

Headquartered in Sydney, NSW Department of Education and Communities claims to be “committed to providing world class education and training” and there are over 783,000 students in NSW public schools. Adrian Piccoli is Education Minister.