Rep. Steve King (R – Iowa), recently questioned “other sub groups” and “their contribution to civilization.” I think it was a deplorable thing to do, and it needs to be condemned by one and all. This is an Open Letter to him, sharing a few things with the hope that he will change his views for the better, and be more responsible:

Representative Steve King,

People come to this great land, with hopes and dreams that their ideas will be respected, their hard work rewarded, they will have a better standard of living, and that the law of the land will work for everyone, regardless of their gender, race, religion, wealth, and ethnicity.

For you to so callously look down upon “other sub groups” and question “their contribution to civilization” not only reveals your condescension, but also your own ignorance, which is all the more appalling, given your position as a Representative in the US Congress!!

I wish to take this opportunity to highlight what has made America great so far, and what it risks losing now, if folks like you continue your dark and divisive rhetoric. I hope that you will change your views.

Aside from the undeniable fact that America has pioneered so many discoveries and inventions that have totally changed the world, America is great because of its commitment to capitalism and free markets, its ability to absorb great ideas, wherever and whomever they come from, and enable an environment that offers much better chances for success, than most other places on earth. There is absolutely no question about that, even if we take other developed nations into comparison.

Instead of taking justifiable pride in the many great virtues of America, you chose to be very insensitive and irresponsible by looking down upon “other sub groups”.

It is an established fact indeed, that every nation has contributed so much to human civilization, if we only care to notice and learn from each other. Personally, I am an American Citizen now, who migrated from India, and therefore, let me highlight India’s contributions, to name just a few.

And please note that India achieved some of these, long before Christ, Europe, USA, or the Western Civilization (as we know it now), even existed!!

Starting with Agriculture, India had the most advanced Irrigation systems and canals in the Indus Valley Civilization in 3000 BCE. Cotton, Wool, Jute, Sugar, and a great variety of spices, have fostered trade, 1000s of years back. India is a nation where people, not just place a great emphasis on Education but also worship ‘learning’ of all forms, and she is a rich treasure trove of timeless wisdom that has fascinated westerners for several millennia. With 28 officially recognized Languages, and 100s of dialects, India’s  mind-boggling diversity offers a massive body of Literature that the world has always referred to for centuries. In Math, Science and Technology, India gave the world, the concept of Zero, and the numerals that are in use, and several fundamental theories that have formed the basis for subsequent discoveries and inventions. In Medicine, Sushruta was one of the first to advocate the dissection of a human corpse to understand the organs and the functioning of the human body back around 600 BCE, and is considered to be the father of surgery.  India’s Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine are in practice for over 3,000 years. In Space Research, India recently succeeded in their first ever Mission to Mars, with a budget less than that of the Hollywood movie ‘Gravity’. With 1000s of magnificent temples, forts and palaces, India’s contribution to Architecture and Engineering, makes her a preferred destination for students of the subject worldwide. India has such a rich repertoire of Arts and Music that it is impossible to summarize here.

As for Religion: Hinduism is being practiced by over 1 Billion people. In its 5, 000 years of known history, it has never made organized attempts to convert others to Hinduism; Never invaded other lands, looted their people, and declared it as ‘common wealth’;  A very healthy tradition of Atheism has always existed within its fold; No fear of blasphemy laws, or religious edicts there. India is also home to Buddhism (which started from there and spread to the East), Sikhism, Jainisim and several other religions, and there is a very rich tradition of religious tolerance and acceptance.

And last but not the least, India gave the world, Yoga and the Kama Sutra around 3rd and 4th Century BCE. 

The above is only indicative, and not exhaustive, but I think I have made my point. Please Google for more information and educate yourself with the several articles, research reports, and documentaries that are abundantly available online.

We live in an interconnected and increasingly interdependent world today, thanks to the power, speed, and reach of technology. At no point in time in human history, have we had the tremendous opportunity as we do now, to get to know each other better and work together for mankind’s progress, and actually earn the right to being called a peaceful, united, human civilization.

Please do not drag us back into the dark ages with your woefully inadequate worldview. America is a land of immigrants who come here with their own cultures and customs, and yet embrace a set of cherished values to ‘become American’ over time. It is at the very heart of what America’s greatness is all about, and she cannot afford to lose that, because of some ill-informed and conceited attitudes.

I know that millions of Americans do not subscribe to your parochial views. I request you not to sow seeds of discord and hatred amongst the people of this great nation, who love to work together in peace, towards progress and prosperity.

And as long as the citizens of this great nation, whose hearts I find, are almost always in the right place, reject such snobbishness, I am confident that America will continue to be a force for good, and a responsible leader that inspires the whole world.

Regards,

Sayee Challapally