Q. You are considered a Congress Shankaracharya.
A. It is a label which the VHP loves to stick but has no basis. Anyone who does not agree with its point of view is similarly labelled.

Q. What is Hinduism and who is a Hindu then?
A. Hindu was a name given by invaders from the west of Hindukush, and Sanatan Dharmis are now known by that name but the word has wider interpretation. Whoever believes in the cow as mother and any religion which has Omkar in its mantras is a Sanatan Dharmi. This includes Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. The VHP interpretation excludes huge sections of our population deliberately.

Q. Are you launching a parallel movement for Ram Janmabhoomi?
A. No. The issue was originally taken up by me and even today the petitioner in Supreme Court is from the Nirmohi Akhara which owes allegiance to me.

Q. What will be the plan of action now?
A. I have always advocated dialogue. The Muslims can be persuaded to give up the Babri Masjid issue. We too must respond similarly where their religious rights are concerned. If the Shankaracharyas, Ramanujacharyas and others are taken into confidence by the Supreme Court and Central Government, I don't see how the temple cannot be built. Our people will believe in any solution that has the stamp of Shankaracharyas.

-Neeraj Mishra

TREMORS Firebrand Women in Indian Politics
	J. Jayalalithaa: The ball is in the Puratchi Thalaivi's court with her poll win and anointment as chief minister.
	Mayawati: She may not be chief minister yet but she is the rising star in Uttar Pradesh.
	Sushma Swaraj: The garrulous BJP leader and key campaigner drew crowds but it didn't help the party.
	Mamata Banerjee: Lost for a role, she has now taken to ineffectual sniping at the NDA Government.