Hindu religionists disservice to Obama – US Presidential candidate

According to newspaper reports, among Obama’s ‘Good-luck’ charms are ‘ a bracelet belonging to a soldier deployed in Iraq, a gambler’s lucky chit, a tiny Madonna and child and a tiny monkey.’ Obama had not identified the charm he has of monkey as that of Hanuman, the Hindu God. But some of the Hindu religionists in India have themselves determined that the lucky charm is that of Hnuman. They further made a two-foot high gold plated statue of Hanuman and presented the same to Obama through the Chair person o Democrats Abroad India, at a special prayer performed by 12 priests. The organizer said that Obama’s devotion to Hanuman has strengthened his backing. Please note that Obama had not even stated that the lucky charm of the monkey is that of Hanuman.

This development would give Obama’s opponent ammunition to fire against Obama ( that though a Christian , Obama worships a Hindu God ). The Christian Church in USA would also look askance at this incident. And if Obama is questioned on the matter, he would be at his wits end ( there is large Indian population in USA and their vote / donation is sought by both candidates ). What about Jews and Muslims in America. If the above issue crops up in the lection campaign, Obama would have to do the rope balancing trick of being equi-distance with all religions, except Christianity.

Is it a publicity gimmick. It would appear so. But then does an old religion with crores of believers require publicity or certificate from a celebrity.

Foot-note: I hope that some Hindu fundamentalist would not quote from Hindu scriptures to claim that Obama’s distant ancestors had migrated from India to Kenya and then to USA and hence essentially Obama is a person of Indian oigin.