Established 1946 1 Pages 16 Price : Rupees Five

Vol. 72 No. 50 Trumping up a New Warning January 7, 2018 Kuldip Nayar

THERE may be a grain of truth to agree to mutual cooperation and in the statement by US President protection. But, perhaps most All India Socialist Women’s Donald Trump that his country has interestingly, given the then political Conference (AISWC), Pune "foolishly" given $33 billion in aid to situation many of these countries December 2-3, 2017 Pakistan in the last 15 years. But he found themselves in, they also had to Manisha Gupte is wrong when he says that America agree not to interfere in each other's has not got anything in return. internal affairs. Understandably, Pakistan could not repay in dollars. Nor did Washington As the group's original name the expect that. But Pakistan offered Baghdad Pact suggests its first Bits of Coins bases in its country for the US to headquarters were in Baghdad. J. L. Jawahar operate militarily. However, an Iraqi military coup in 1958 resulted in Iraq's withdrawal President Trump is unnecessarily from the group, which in turn resulted harsh when he says that his country in a name change to CENTO and got nothing in return except lies and the headquarters shifted to Ankara, Gandhi and Roy: The deceit and also referred to leaders a less fundamentalist Turkey. The Interaction of Ideologies in as fools. During the cold war when organization stayed out of the Six- India the world was divided into two blocs, Day and the Yom Kippur wars, Dr. Dennis Dalton Pakistan was on the side of although Iraq was an active America. Rawalpindi was a part of belligerent in the former and provided Central Treaty Organisation combat support in the latter. (CENTO), a least successful However, it had pulled out of the Editor : alliance made up of unlikely allies like organization at that time. G. G. Parikh Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey and the United Kingdom in 1955. CENTO also did not intervene in Managing Editor : Guddi the India-Pakistan wars of 1965 or The purpose of CENTO was 1971, claiming that it was an anti- D-15, Ganesh Prasad, similar to that of the much better Soviet pact, not an anti-India one. Naushir Bharucha Marg, known-and far more successful- The organisation was finally Mumbai - 400 007. North Atlantic Treaty Organization disbanded in 1979 after it was unable (NATO), mainly to contain the Soviet to prevent the Turkish invasion of Email : [email protected] Union and prevent its expansion into Cyprus in 1974 or the Iranian Islamic Website:www.janataweekly.org the Middle East. Treaty members had revolution. 2 JANATA, January 7, 2018

Justifiably, Pakistan could not cooperation so as to bring benefits and fighting against terrorism in all accept Trump's tweet and it to the two sides," said Chinese forms and manifestations. immediately reacted when Foreign foreign ministry spokesman. It was Minister Khwaja M. Asif tweeted: expected because China is currently It was expected that India would "We will respond to President's investing heavily in Pakistan as part welcome US President's tough Trump's tweet shortly Inshalla…will of the $50 billion China Pakistan message to Pakistan on terrorism. let the world know the Economic Corridor (CPEC) over "The Trump administration decision truth…difference between facts and which India has raised objections as has abundantly vindicated India's fiction." Soon after, the Pakistan's it passes through Pakistan-occupied stand as far as terror is concerned, foreign ministry issued a statement, Kashmir. During the first ever as far as the role of Pakistan is saying, "Pakistan rejects such trilateral meeting of the foreign concerned in perpetrating terrorism unfounded accusations that belie ministers of China, Pakistan and because end of the day terrorist is a facts on ground and trivialize Afghanistan last week, Beijing had terrorist... terror is terror and it does Pakistan's efforts for fighting announced plans to extend the CPEC not spare any single nation, any single terrorism and our unmatched to Afghanistan which shares close country, any single region," Minister sacrifices to promote peace and ties with India. of State in the Prime Minister's stability in the region." Office Jitendra Singh said. However, former President of China, who had long been waiting Afghanistan Hamid Karzai, has It is apparent that President in the wings, made most of the welcomed Trump's outburst, while Trump is unfolding a new American situation and stepped in to defend calling for establishing a joint US- policy. This is far-right as compared Pakistan by saying that the world regional coalition to pressure the to President Clinton's left-of-the- community should acknowledge its Pakistani military establishment to center. The old values are no longer all-weather ally's "outstanding bring peace to not just Afghanistan relevant. And Donald Trump is taking contribution" to counter terrorism, a but the entire region. Afghanistan, Washington back to the conservative day after the US President lashed too, had accused Pakistan of era. India may have to oppose the out at Islamabad for providing safe sheltering Taliban militants, leading US President because its left-of-the- havens to militants. to a long running spat between the centre policy comes into conflict with two countries. China is seeking to what Trump is advocating. China, showering praises on mediate between the two neighbours Pakistan, said that Islamabad has through the trilateral mechanism. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen made enormous efforts and whether or not Pakistan can sustain sacrifices for the fight against Yet, the analysts point out that the itself without the US aid. Islamabad terrorism and has made very US was mounting pressure on has said that it is computing the total outstanding contribution to the global Pakistan as it has firmed up an aid received from the US so as to cause of counter terrorism. "The alliance with Beijing by allowing return the amount. But it is obvious international community should heavy Chinese investments in the that Pakistan cannot. acknowledge that," Chinese foreign strategic CPEC corridor providing ministry spokesman GengShuang China access to the Arabian Sea and Email :[email protected] said in Beijing when asked about the Indian Ocean. Trump's criticism of Pakistan. He also added that China was glad to But with common interests, it was JANATA WEEKLY see Pakistan engaging in natural for China and Pakistan and international cooperation, including lately Afghanistan, to enhance WISHES counter terrorism, on the basis of communication and exchanges. After mutual respect so as to contribute to all, China believes that Pakistan and Its readers A Happy regional peace and stability. Afghanistan are closely linked & Prosperous geographically. Understandably, the "China and Pakistan are all- three reached consensus on several New Year 2018 weather partners. We stand ready issues, including enhancing to promote and deepen our all-round cooperation on counter terrorism JANATA, January 7, 2018 3

A brief report of the All India Socialist Women’s Conference (AISWC), Pune December 2-3, 2017

By Manisha Gupte, on behalf of the Organising Committee of the AISWC

‘Hum Samajwadi’ (We, the and National Alliance of People’s team as well as participants from Socialists), a national platform of Movements (represented by Suniti various states), poster exhibitions, socialist institutions with a S.R.). nutritious food, a rally through the membership of 40 organisations, was streets of Pune and active formed through the initiative of Dr. Around 470 participants from 10 participation by people of all ages G.G. Parikh, Bhai Vaidya, Dr. states (Odisha, Bihar, Delhi, generated immense hope and Sunilam and Medha Patkar among Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, camaraderie among participants. others in order to strengthen socialist Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Animated discussions continued over values and to resist fascism, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra) meals and in late evening after the casteism, communalism, neo-liberal participated in the two-day sessions ended, continuing well capitalism and patriarchy. As a part conference organised on December beyond midnight hours. Especially of the numerous activities being 2-3. The S. M. Joshi Socialist heartening was the visible and able organised by Hum Samajwadi to Foundation, offered its premises for leadership of younger women bring together the socialist groups all the conference; holding the AISWC activists who played a key role in over the country, the platform in a space that espouses socialist organising the conference, especially decided to organise an All India ideology, included in its name, Guddi, Shraddha, Sayali and Socialist Women’s Conference rendered a unique importance and Neelima. (Akhil Bharatiya Samajwadi Mahila meaning to this vibrant gathering. Sammelan) in Pune in December A central theme of the 2017. The responsibility of As a gesture of gratitude to conference, reiterated by most organising this was given to the women who espoused the socialist speakers, was the need to cherish convenors of Hum Samajwadi, cause, the auditorium was named and strengthen the Indian constitution namely Dr G.G. Parikh (on behalf of after Dr. Sulabha Brahme. Similarly, to fight against growing fascist Yusuf Meherally Centre), Guddi (on the first day was dedicated to the forces. During the inaugural session, behalf of Janata Trust) and Neeraj memory of Pramila Dandavate and Alka Joshi presented the broad Jain (on behalf of Lokayat). the second day, commemorated framework of the conference within Mrinal Gore. Their contribution was the current political context. Bhai The Hum Samajwadi convenors read out on both mornings by those Vaidya, the veteran socialist leader, delegated the responsibility of who had had the opportunity to work cautioned that the current organising the conference to a closely with them—Vijaya Chauhan government was not of the BJP but committee composed of women and Surekha Dalvi. of the RSS, which has its roots in representatives from six cultural and religious nationalism. organisations, Janata Trust The conference, open to people Prof. Pushpa Bhave and Medha (represented by Guddi), Yusuf of all genders who yearn for the Patkar also graced the inaugural Meherally Centre(represented by constitutional values of democracy, session. They stressed this issue Vijaya Chauhan), S.M. Joshi secularism, equality, social justice and further, highlighting the worsening Socialist Foundation (representated socialism, was a judicious mix of deplorable situation of working class by Manisha Gupte), Socialist Mahila intellect and passion. Group people, and the fact that women, in Sabha and Abhivyakti (represented discussions, display and sale of spite of leading struggles of people’s by Alka Joshi, Sayali, Neelima and books, aesthetic cultural expressions movements through democratic Shraddha), Janamukti Sangharsh (music, songs, dances and skits means were the worst sufferers in Vahini (represented by Razia Patel) presented by the talented Lokayat the era of neo-liberal globalisation 4 JANATA, January 7, 2018 and hate politics. They also of ‘enemies’ as an unifying strategy, including LGBT women, sex acknowledged the immense over-glorification of army and workers and women living with resilience of women in asserting a militarisation and divisive hate disabilities. Gender equality based on life of dignity at the individual and politics, among others. Each one of rights, freedoms, love and collective levels in spite of class, these early warning signs of fascism companionship among men and caste and patriarchal challenges in actually exist in the current context women was considered essential for the existing development model. At in India. The growing influence of women to enjoy constitutional and the end of the inaugural session, a intolerance and fascism is evident in human rights. The vision for gender book was released, written and the way in which the judiciary and just laws was presented by Swatija published by Lokayat,, The media have grossly violated 24-year- of Forum Against Oppression of Unemployment Crisis: Reasons and old Hadiya’s right to practice her Women; this presentation called for Solutions. desired faith and choice of partner. a secular framework that was not hindered by religion, culture or The first session of the During the next session, Razia majoritarian politics and one that Conference was taken by Dr. Patel and Manimala took this transcended marriage and Manisha Gupte. She spoke on discussion further, stressing the fact heteronormativity. MOVING TOWARDS GENDER that women from any minority or EQUALITY. In her one hour talk, subordinated group suffer in multiple The second day began she emphasised that the artificial ways because they are a minority spectacularly, with representatives divide between the public and private within minorities. Razia Patel spoke from various people’s movements domain had to be resisted and on PROBLEMS FACING working through a democratic violence in both spheres had to be MINORITY WOMEN, and the well- socialist and constitutional challenged and eliminated. She known journalist-activist from Delhi, framework sharing information affirmed that socialist feminism, Manimala, spoke on PEOPLE’S about their work and strategies. which believes in an intersectional MOVEMENTS AND DALIT Christina from Jai Kisan Andolan approach, uniting women from all WOMEN. They stressed upon the (Tamil Nadu) explained how the walks of life, and which calls for a need to understand the caste system problems faced by farmers not only redistribution of power and both within Hinduism as well as in results in severe malnutrition and resources inside and outside the minority religions in India, since the hunger for their families but also home, could offer alternatives while impact of multiple historical adversely affects the food security dealing with multiple patriarchies in discriminations renders women from of all citizens. In spite of continuous our country. The session concluded these communities vulnerable and agitation by farmers and filing of with a very interesting question and without access to basic needs and PILs, their efforts have not yielded answer session. rights. any meaningful results because of State apathy. Anupama from KSWF After lunch, Kalyani Menon-Sen The last session during the first (Karnataka) drew a parallel between from Delhi spoke on GROWING day was Group Discussion. The attacks on women in a pub and FASCISM AND WOMEN. Her participants broke up into groups for communal attacks in the state. The chilling reminder of India becoming group discussion. Apart from talking assassinations of Prof Kalburgi and a fascist state was a sombre about their work, and giving Gauri Lankesh have not weakened awakening for everyone. To prove suggestions on what can be done but strengthened joint campaigns in her point of how a spectre of fascims after the conference to further the which intellectuals, artists, was hanging over the country, she unity among the various groups and academicians, theatre groups, and used a template of indicators of individuals who attended the socialist /left organisations working fascism, ranging from symbolic conference, and what can of on rights of women and Dalits have pseudo-nationalism to suppression of common activities can be taken actively participated. Jaya from working class and protection of ahead, the participants also discussed Prachestha (Odisha) spoke of their corporate interests, patriarchal several theoretical issues facing the collaboration with national workers’ controls over women, anti- socialist women’s movement. These unions, their interventions related to intellectualism, disdain for human included the issues of legal vocational training and the threats rights, suppression of media and entitlements and the right to life with they receive while fighting for rights freedom of expression, identification dignity for marginalised women, of domestic workers. Vaishali Patil JANATA, January 7, 2018 5 of Konkan Vinashkari Prakalp collectivising local people to demand neoliberal policies being implemented Virodhi Samiti (Maharashtra) for an alternative and sustainable in the country as a part of the narrated the emotional experience of development model. When natural conditionalities imposed by the World their activists when they visited the resources are snatched away from Bank on India due to India’s huge museum of the gas disaster in local inhabitants in the guise of mega foreign debt. It was in consequence Bhopal. “If this can happen after a projects, their right and access to of these conditionalities that the gas leak, what will happen to us if a water, land, forests, minerals and government was running the nuclear plant leaks in our livestock are violated. Women are economy solely for the benefit of neighbourhood” was their shocked most adversely affected, and they giant foreign and Indian corporations. response. The valiant struggle in are also the ones who are relentlessly On the one hand, the government Raigad district has resulted in fighting and leading peaceful was desperately trying to invite rejecting the SEZ of Ambani. Women struggles against anti-people projects foreign investment into the country, have actively participated in the 14 in rural and urban settings, be they and for this was even implementing year long struggle against the SEZs, POSCO, Vedanta, Enron, the most absurd and destructive Jaitapur nuclear plant and have led Sardar Sarovar, Nandigram-Singur, projects. Simultaneously, it was a non-violent protest for the past six Lavasa or Vang-Marathwadi. doling out lakhs of crores of rupees years. The struggle in the Lavasa as subsidies to the rich. And on the region (Maharashtra) was a similar This was followed by a other hand, it was making sharp cuts one, but Leelatai from the Lavasa presentation by Surekha Dalvi on in its social sector expenditures, such Prakalp Grast Movement talked WOMEN’S STRUGGLES FOR as food, education and healthcare. about women’s adamant position that CONTROL OVER RESOURCES. This had led to a huge increase in land, forest and water belong to She reminded the gathering that we the wealth of the rich, while leading people who live there, and not to were currently living in an to a huge increase in poverty and outsiders who covet these resources. undeclared Emergency, where unemployment in the country. The Women would not be afraid to rights, people’s struggles and growth of fascist forces in the challenge and change a government freedom of expression—even country is a consequence of this that allowed projects to start without through peaceful and constitutional growing economic crisis. due legal process, she asserted. means—are being blatantly Jamila from Mumbai Ghar Bachao suppressed. Gandhi had said that The importance of the Indian Ghar Banao campaign shared her democracy lies in the minds of the constitution which extols values of anguish of seeing her home being people. He also believed that equality, social justice, democracy, demolished along with 9000 others, agricultural production should first socialism and secularism was because of which five lakh people, provide for the needs of the tiller and emphasised by Prof Nitish mostly Dalits, Adivasis and migrants local population, but land, which was Navsagare in his talk on from minority religions were a source of revenue for the State at CONSTITUTION AND WOMEN. rendered homeless, and 14 children one point has now become a source Juxtaposing this document which died in the process. “When we for corporate investment. India is an respects the human rights of all migrate to other states or big cities, agricultural country only on paper, people against the patriarchal and we come with small dreams. Even and increasing capitalist and casteist Manu Smriti, he cautioned those are trampled upon by the imperialist control over land has the audience about the possibility of government in their effort to convert resulted in women being the present egalitarian constitution Mumbai into Singapore”. Affirming marginalised from agriculture. being replaced by a theocratic and her commitment to fighting for a just hierarchal one. This presentation set cause and to collective action by local Thereafter, Neeraj Jain spoke on the tone for the future action plan of people, she went on to say that since ECONOMIC ROOTS OF the AISWC, presented by Manisha a woman’s pain has no borders, she FASCISM. He started with giving Gupte on behalf of the organising hopes for a world that has no dividing facts about the cuts made in committee in the final valedictory lines. Suniti S.R. summed up this allocation for women in the four session. empowering yet humbling session by budgets presented by Arun Jaitley so saying that democratic socialism in far, and explained that this was not Prof Subhash Ware and Comrade India affirms the struggles of because the government had no Shanta Ranade were the main people’s movements who have been money, but was a part of the speakers in this concluding session. 6 JANATA, January 7, 2018

Prof Subhash Ware’s shared his are presented below: with a religious and theocratic one, experience about his efforts to and simultaneously was spread awareness about the Indian a) Strengthening the alternative implementing economic policies constitution all over Maharashtra. narrative through the oriented solely towards the He stated that he had got excellent Constitution of India: profiteering of giant foreign and response and support everywhere, Indian corporations, has to be which was reassuring for all The values of the freedom actively countered. It is unfortunate participants. The need to resurrect struggle, namely democracy, that other political parties in India are the values of the freedom movement equality, secularism and gender soft on issues of democracy, and to hold the State accountable in concerns are enshrined in the secularism, equality, inclusion and fulfilling the promises made to the Constitutional duties section of the socialism; yet, the conference was citizens of our country was Indian Constitution. This section of hopeful that a minimum agenda of underscored by Comrade Shanta the Constitution helps us reiterate an promising to implement the Indian Ranade of the National Federation alternative definition of nationalism Constitution could become a of Indian Women, affiliated to the that goes beyond symbols and pressure point for parties as a political CPI. She reiterated the urgent need popular rhetoric that targets campaign in the forthcoming for all progressive organisations to minorities, Dalits, women and the elections. In reality the expose the hypocrisy of the RSS and poor. implementation of the Constitution in its affiliates, and to be wary of their letter and spirit is the duty of every tactics of appropriating Ambedkar The exhortation to rise above elected government. and Gandhi on the one hand and caste, religious, regional and other dismantling the social welfare dividing lines in the real spirit of During the past couple of years, policies of the Nehruvian era on the brotherhood / sisterhood can be an it has been observed that people, other. effective call to young people who especially youth are interested in can reclaim the Constitution to make learning about the Indian The two-day conference India inclusive. Constitution. This has been validated concluded with an energising rally through the efforts of Subhash Ware taken out through the streets of The Directive Principles of the on behalf of the the S.M. Joshi Pune, accompanied by drums and Indian Constitution give an economic Socialist Foundation. He has given songs and slogans. agenda (such as education, health more than 250 talks on the Indian care, employment, housing and so Constitution during the past 3-4 FUTURE ISSUES AND on) for the country, and emphasise years, and his book on the PROGRAMMES ARISING State obligations towards fulfilling Constitution has sold more than OUT OF THE ALL INDIA the basic needs of the people so that 18,000 copies. This was also the SOCIALIST WOMEN’S they can lead a life of quality and experience of the campaign initiated CONFERENCE dignity. In fact, the Directive in Pune this year by Lokayat and Principles talk of a decent living S.M. Joshi Socialist Foundation to Small group discussions of 20-25 wage that includes leisure and spread awareness about the people each, held on the evening of recreation. Since the Constitution is Constitution under the banner of 2nd December helped not only in binding on any government that Samvidhan Jaagar Abhiyan; this identifying the current social, comes to power, emphasising the campaign drew massive public economic, political and cultural Directive Principles could be built response in Pune, and also spread challenges, but also in thinking of into a campaign, with or without to many cities and towns of ways to move forward. using the term socialism. Maharashtra this November.

Based on the suggestions received The AISWC made it clear that the The organising committee of the from the various participants during present government, which has its AISWC proposed that workshops these group discussions, the roots in cultural and religious and campaigns be organised by the organising committee of the AISWC nationalism, which thrives on divisive various participants all over the drafted a proposal for future and hateful politics, whose agenda country to spread consciousness activities. The highlights of the same is to replace the Indian Constitution about the Indian constitution. JANATA, January 7, 2018 7 The fact that the idea of socialism Bits of Coins was becoming more easily acceptable through the constitution renewed hope and optimism towards J. L. Jawahar strengthening an anti-fascist strategy XY Ltd issued fifteen lakh shares price of the share would add to their among activists and citizens of the of one rupee each at an issue price profit. So they offered to sell their country. of ten paise. They wanted the wares against shares of the company company to be broad based and instead of legal money. Shares It was heartening to note that encourage more investors to acquired the character of money. participants from Karnataka, purchase their shares. Out of the 15 The demand for the shares Rajasthan and Odisha immediately lakh shares, the promoter, MrX increased. So also the price. None agreed to explore the possibility of retained five lakh shares for himself of them asked what the company is organising such workshops / and offered the remaining ten lakh doing. There was no need. After all, seminars in their respective states. shares to the public. Naturally many how many companies are there, people applied for them and were where the share price depended on b) Helping Various Groups with allotted the same. About three lakh performance of the company? It is Resources: shareholders entered the company. the reputation that matters. Talk of As the initial offer was made at a the town is the measure of reputation. All participants of the AISWC heavy discount, some people would be added to the mailing list of hesitated and did not apply. But some In fact there is no company. Only the Yuva Samajwadi group. The people thought differently. Even if the promoter MrX is there. He has Abhiyakti / Lokayat activists would the company was not a sound one, substantial number of shares in his add all names to the Hum Samajwadi the risk is too small to be afraid of, name. He was watching the market Sansthayein social media group as they thought and took more number situation. The price was now Rs10 well. Issue based resource material of shares. After all, no investor puts per share. It was a 100 fold increase. in the form of films, pamphlets, all his eggs in the same basket. They It is tempting, but Mr.X has his own exhibitions and power point put only a small amount in each plans. If he wants to encash his presentations (PPTs) would be company. Those who do not worry holdings, he should unload his shares. uploaded on regular basis, so that about the risk only enter the share If such heavy number of shares are everyone has access to relevant market. But once the issue was put into the market, the share price information. A recent example was closed, many people regretted not would necessarily come down. He the preparation of a half hour film applying and wanted to get it in the won’t do it. There would be only ten culled out from three feature films open market. Those who had the lakh shares in the market. As on Ambedkar (for democracy), shares offered it at double the price demand increases, the price also Gandhi (for secularism) and Bhagat they paid. That is, at 20 paise per increases to the benefit of all those Singh (for socialism). share. Those who now decided they who were good enough to take the wanted it, felt even that is small shares when offered initially. So At this point in time, there was no amount to risk and took the shares. nobody complains. As each of the plan of setting up another Forum. Thus the price started to increase shares gets more money now, even The younger activists have already gradually over time and finally, after the purchasers did not complain. formed a Yuva Samajwadi forum, this six months the price reached the forum would continue to take the nominal value of one rupee. It means But why should there be any initiative in organising activities at the it became ten times the issue price. demand at all? It is because the price national level to build unity amongst Ten times increase in six months! It is expected to increase. Why is the the various socialist groups active all is fantastic. People started to price bound to increase? Because over the country and build a clamour for it. thedemand is there to increase. It is movement against the growth of like the dog trying to bite its own tail. fascist forces in the country. Small traders were also watching That is what the investors want. In the developments. If they took fact they are not the investors. They Email : [email protected] shares instead of money for the are traders in shares. They do not goods they sold, the increase in the intend to stick to the company 8 JANATA, January 7, 2018 forever. When the price reaches the form, the names of all purchasers are reached Rs10,000. Even then the expected level they just dispose of recorded on the back of the management refused to split it to the shares, pocket the profit and go certificates. Now the purchasers are facilitate transactions. But there away. What is the risk in it? The given a code name which is entered were difficulties in using the token demand is entirely dependent on the on each share in the ledger as cash for purchases. Investments market and not on any intrinsic value whenever any change of ownership also were made difficult as it needs of the share. There is nobody to is effected. MrX entrusted the work more amount to purchase the shares, manipulate the price. There are no of maintaining the ledgers to another which are now virtual coins. If the assets supporting the share. Strictly organization calling it the exchange. coin is like a share it is indivisible like speaking, what is the asset that is Each share is now designated as a a share in the company. It cannot be supporting the legal currency? If all token or coin. But it is not physical. divided. Two or three people may be those who hold money go to the bank It is in the form of encrypted allowed to hold a share jointly. But and demand payment, can they pay? software programme kept under they cannot ask for division of the It is the same with the shares too. safety key. share among themselves. Currency has value as it is accepted by all. But all are bound to accept it As it has become popular, it has An atom may be divisible, but not as there is law behind it. Legal become the topic of discussion in the a share in a company. But the coin currency shall not be rejected. But town. Somebody pointed out that the issued by MrX is not a share. It can in this case it is just the individuals issue itself is not approved by the be divided, he said. A fraction of the playing in the market that create the SEBI and so it is all a fraud. That is coin is allowed to be transacted. demand. What happens if they stop the allegation against the Sahara Those who want to invest less asking for it? If somebody desists, group of companies. But they issued amount or those who want to use it some other person will come to fill with consent of the government. as a currency with lower value, they the gap. All the people do not think SEBI said the government is not the can take a fraction of the coin. If alike. It is only great people that think authority to permit the issue. So the you want just one hundred rupees, alike. All are not great people! MrX company is now asked to pay back you can take 20 per cent of the coin. is just watching the market. His the amount to all the subscribers. If you want just fifty rupees, you can worth is increasing day-by-day. Naturally, the money will not be in take 10 per cent of the coin. The What is Ponzi scheme? What is the same form for a long time. It is problem is solved. The traders and money circulation scheme? It runs becoming difficult for the coin holders were all happy. The as long as there are people willing to management to realise the money. demand increased and the circulation join. Then why are they banned? That is a different problem. But MrX as well. Because there would be a stage did not have the problem. He said when there would be no one to join. that what he issued was not real The price of the coin could be The last entrants would suffer. How money share. It is virtual token that brought down by releasing more of can you say that? Why should you he issued and has nothing to do with the coins into the market. But that is presume that? On the same logic legal currency. So it is not subject to not the intention. The value of the cryptocurrency also should have SEBI laws. As long as it is not a coin has to be maintained. The price been banned long time back. company and as long as it is not a of a share in the HiawathaCompany security in the market, SEBI has of Warren Buffett is around 4000 As transactions were increasing, nothing to do with it.There is no other dollars (not rupees). He refuses to MrX could not cope up with the law that dictates what it is. It is not issue more shares to bring down the work. He told the shareholders to get real. It is virtual. It is a virtual price or to split the share. He expects all the shares dematerialised and commodity created by him. Those to maintain the status of the share digitalised. He would keep them in who want can take it. If somebody and also of the shareholders of his virtual state and maintain the account is using it as currency, it is just a company. So let the price of the coin ledgers for each of the shareholders. barter deal. It does not make the increase as long as it can. It is It would avoid brokerage charges token money. It is not illegal. allowed to be traded in bits. It is the which they are obliged to pay on Bitcoin. Its value exceeded $10,000. each transaction. They were happy Meanwhile the price rose to Rs and complied. The shares took virtual 500 per share. Everybody was Dealers in forbidden goods like birth. When the shares are in paper happy. The share of Maruticompany drugs found it convenient and JANATA, January 7, 2018 9 profitable. They can carry on their once the currency is in virtual form, talk of some country making it legal. business without the knowledge of that is, digitlised, it is exposed to the As Gita Gopinath, the Harvard authorities. As and when they want many risks of hacking. There is no Professor has stated, “I don’t believe real legal money they can convert guarantee against it. Hackers are that it will be a medium of exchange the coins into money. As long as that intelligent enough to cross the or become a currency.” Its life possibility is there, there is nothing firewalls of software programmes. depends on the possibility of to stop the validity of the virtual coin. exchanging it into legitimate currency Then how is it different from black We find a tendency to compare of some country. It brings the bitcoin money? The money that is hidden this bitcoin to Tulip bubble. But when into legitimate flow. The moment from circulation is called black the Tulip bubble burst there was at that possibility is closed, its utility money. It could be used for any illegal least a tulip flower to look at and get even for clandestine transactions transactions. So it is made an satisfied. But when this would be lost. It would be like the offense. But this coin is allowed to cryptocurrency bubble bursts there share certificate of a liquidated or stay. Why? Finally it has to be would be nothing to look at. The coin non-existent company. converted into legal money to enjoy is virtual and not real. The failure of the benefits. Then it can be taxed. all countries to forbid it has given a The more basic question is Whatever might be the transactions spurious legitimacy to it in spite of it whether we accept the parallel and profits earned, it has to come being used for illegal transactions. crypto currency underground. out as legal at some stage. Then it is On the other hand there is always a Email: [email protected] subjected to tax. So it is found to be acceptable. But what about the Press Release illegal trades? Is it legal to allow a parallel currency running in the economy? Black money is also legal Do Not Make Triple Talaq a Criminal Offense money but runs underground. It is The BJP is feeling triumphant that that the second marriage is a nullity. made illegal. But this virtual currency it has got the Instant Triple Talaq Bill This is specially provided by Sec 8(1) is allowed to stay. Because it is not passed in LokSabha making the of the Act. This has not been made legal money. It is not competing with practice a criminal offence. In the the fiat currency.To avoid any criminal and will only have civil view of the Socialist Party, it is complications they called it a consequences. So also will be the motivated by BJP’s communal commodity. If it is used by some position in law of Triple Talaq at one approach, especially prejudice people as money, it amounts to a go after the Supreme Court against the Muslims of India. It barter deal which need not be judgment. seems that theModi Government is forbidden.The fact that it is not real, doing this under mindset of RSS. not legal and that it can be converted The Pakistan law on this subject Mr. Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS chief, into legal money whenever required is more progressive. It provides that has atrociously said that all persons gave the coin its life. That is Bitcoin. any man seeking to give Talaq to his born in India are Hindu. This Many other virtual cryptocurrencies wife will have to inform the started to come into existence. mischievous statement by him is anti prescribed authority every month for Muslim and anti Christian and in 3 successive months. It is only then It tempts even authorities to violation of the Preamble to the that Talaq is recognized as legal. The digitalise, or virtualize their legal Constitution which unambiguously authority is also directed to fix currencies. Even RBI is reported directs that India is a secular country maintenance for the wife, and other thinking of digitalising the currency. and thus all citizens have the same facilities. That is, issuing fiat cryptocurrency rights for their religious identity. in place of the real official rupee. Is Therefore the Socialist Party it an alternative to rupee or a The Supreme Court having demands removal of the criminality different form of it? Digitalising declared Triple Talaq at one sitting clause from the law on Triple Talaq. legal currency is one thing. as unconstitutional there is no need Legalising digital (virtual) currency to make it criminal. Under Hindu –Rajindar Sachar is an entirely different thing. What Marriage Act, a Hindu cannot have Senior Member, National Executive is it that the RBI wants to do? But more than one wife, with the result Socialist Party (India) 10 JANATA, January 7, 2018 Protect Young Minds from Wrong Values and Superstition

Chandra Bhal Tripathi

In a thought-provoking article the Oraon tribe of Chhota Nagpur misrepresentation of Hinduism it is captioned ‘The Dark Side of the which migrated from Karnataka to blasphemous even to hint about such Comics that Redefined Hinduism’ this area in Jharkhand in historical facts if you want to save your head published elsewhere in this issue of times treats monkey as its original in one piece from the lumpen the Janata Shaan Amin, whose father ancestor and follows totemistic elements who have NEVER seen a migrated to the US and who was fed practices. Around 1970 during my page of our scriptures. It is on the stories and cartoons of Amar tour in the interior tribal region of incumbent upon our writers and Chitra Katha, has described how this Visakhapatnam District I discovered artists to present our ancient tales in series of Amar Chitra Katha, whose that Jambawant (portrayed as a the light of modern thinking and 100 million copies have been sold, bear) is the original ancestor and archaeological evidence - instead of wrongly indoctrinates the young totem of the Bhagata tribe. Why writing about palaces, aeroplanes, minds about the history of India and should our comic books not educate TV, etc., existing at a time when the Hinduism. So the vast network of our young children about these facts? archaeological evidence indicates the Saraswati Bal Mandirs of the The Aryan idea of racial superiority, only presence of mud houses that RSS throughout India are not the only a forerunner of Nazism, is too well existed in several old civilisations agency engaged in distorting Indian known to need elaboration here. Our across the globe in contemporaneous history, spreading an anti-scientific villagers in the Hindi belt fed on the times. But can we really expect such temper and superstition and, beyond enactment of the Ramleela even in a scientific approach from people like the role of ACK, injecting communal the 21st century believe that Lanka Narendra Modi who misguides the virus into the young minds. was not inhabited by human beings people by saying that in ancient India but by a sub-human species known there was a high degree of cosmetic I entirely agree with the views as Rakshasas. In 1956 I went to surgery and as proof he quotes the expressed in Shaan Amin’s article Peradeniya University near Kandy example of Ganesha. Should he not with admirable restraint. These in Sri Lanka to represent India at the explain the symbolism of the comics based on the stories passed Sixth International Student Ganesha story to the gullible Hindus on from generation to generation by Conference being held in Asia for and not perpetuate superstition? For oral tradition and even written texts the first time. On my return from Sri that matter we must stop projecting are full of many dark sides. Here I Lanka I happened to visit my Ravana as a ten-headed monster and would like to mention only the naked ancestral village in Basti District of tell the young children and students truth that these scriptures are rabidly eastern UP. I was surrounded by the that Ravana was a Dravidian anti-Dalit and anti-tribals. Both the villagers whose curiosity made them devotee of Siva who composed the Epics are full of instances to prove ask me such questions: Do human immortal Sivamahimnastotra. this. The Brahmanical society was beings like us live in Lanka these Similarly Praveen Togadia should be so racially biased that even the days or only Rakshasas live there? asked to desist from spreading the important tribal commanders and Are they all black, very tall myth that Ram was born 7,75,000 collaborators of Bhagawan Ram (10 haath or 15 feet high), with big years ago. This seemingly were relegated to sub-human status teeth and ferocious looks? I only hope uneducated man should know that as monkeys, bears, etc. It is and pray that the utter ignorance and at that point of time the homo impossible to make not only the racial prejudice among these people sapiens as we see them today did villagers but even city-dwellers have significantly reduced in the last not even exist anywhere in the world. addicted to watching the Ramleela six decades. There are instances Thus, the battle against false history, understand that Hanuman and galore in both the Epics testifying to mythology, superstition, racial and Sugreeva were not monkeys with the eating habits of the people and caste prejudice is very difficult and regular features of monkeys and the lecherous character of several likely to last long in the conservative tails but were tribals whose totem sages (rishis). But in the present Hindu society. was monkey. Even today a clan of atmosphere surcharged with a total Email :[email protected] JANATA, January 7, 2018 11 The Dark Side of the Comics that Redefined Hinduism*

Shaan Amin

Beloved by generations of Indian remained beloved and novel for both The heroes of ACK became my children like myself, the illustrated- its edutainment value and its role as superheroes long before I discovered book series Amar Chitra Katha also the grandfather of an industry. Spider-Man or the Flash. They also reinforced many forms of became my first window into a intolerance. And yet, since its debut in 1967, culture I barely knew. I didn’t care ACK has also helped supply that the protagonists I was reading Fifty years ago, a junior executive impressionable generations of about were drawn with white skin. I at the Times of India named Anant middle-class children a vision of was unaware of the broader, ongoing Pai watched Indian children on a TV “immortal” Indian identity wedded to effort by Hindu nationalists to define quiz show fail to answer a basic prejudiced norms. ACK’s writing a doctrine devaluing lower castes, question about the Hindu epic and illustrative team (led by Pai as women, tribal populations, and Ramayana. Concerned that young the primary “storyteller”) religious minorities. I didn’t people in his country had lost touch constructed a legendary past for understand how ideals of obedience with their cultural heritage, Pai acted. India by tying masculinity, Hinduism, to authority - something the comics He eventually teamed up with the fair skin, and high caste to authority, taught - can feed systemic inequality. publisher India Book House to excellence, and virtue. On top of that, I was just reading about heroes who launch an educational comic series his comics often erased non-Hindu made me feel stronger than I was, that presented kid-friendly Indian subjects from India’s historic and and who would teach me, I believed, religious and historical stories. The religious fabric. Consequently, ACK how to be Indian. comics, titled Amar Chitra Katha reinforced many of the most (also known as ACK, or Immortal problematic tenets of Hindu ACK defines Indian identity via Illustrated Stories), slowly became nationalism - tenets that partially stories - which naturally appealed to a massive hit. While schools and drive the platform of India’s ruling a bookish child like me who shopkeepers initially hesitated to Bharatiya Janata Party, currently constantly escaped into the worlds stock the issues, ACK was a under fire domestically and of Philip Pullman, Garth Nix, and household name in India by the late internationally for policies and C.S. Lewis. Most histories in the 1970s. Today, the series has sold 100 rhetoric targeting religious minorities comics feature virtuous Hindus who million-plus copies of more than 400 and lower castes. fight against evil rulers, an comics in upwards of 20 languages, encroaching Muslim horde, or primarily English and Hindi. Yet millions of children - myself arrogant British imperialists. The included - revered “Uncle Pai” for religious stories are drawn from Pai revolutionised children’s creating a popular avenue to an Indian (usually Hindu) epics, sacred texts, entertainment as much as he did heritage, however limited. Like many and folktales, and they frequently religious education. ACK was the other Indian diaspora kids, my mother weave the same gods and heroes first major indigenous comic-book brought her own collection when she among minor vignettes and massive series to sell within India, and its immigrated to the United States as a story arcs. Though many ACK issues success also heralded the 9-year-old in 1973. My family had could stand alone, roughly 30 pages development of a broader domestic built a library of some 90 issues by at a time the series constructed a comics industry. ACK’s first the time I began to read them, tattered limited and tonally consistent India successors were primarily Western- from decades of swapping between sanitised through a distinctively inspired action and adventure series, cousins. When I was a boy growing Hindu lens. but by the 1990s Indian institutions up in upstate New York, my parents like Diamond Comics and Raj had no Indian friends or nearby While many scholars reject the Comics were publishing mysteries, relatives. We only spoke in English notion of a single Hindu doctrine, they funnies, and science-fiction works. and ate burritos more often than dal have some opponents. In 2008, Even within this crowded field, ACK bhat. Hindu nationalist students at Delhi 12 JANATA, January 7, 2018

University protested the inclusion of regressive beauty standards by Some readers and critics might A.K. Ramanujan’s landmark essay representing nearly all the stories’ blame Hinduism as a whole for these “Three Hundred Ramayanas” in the “good” characters as fair-skinned, inequalities. But Hinduism lacks a history syllabus. The protestors lithe women or fair-skinned, central authoritative text like the alleged that it demeaned Hinduism muscular men. (Canonically dark- Bible or Qur’an, and the sprawling to imply nonclassical versions of the skinned gods are shaded blue.) By canon of Hindu stories means there epic were equally legitimate. Under contrast, demons, “ruffians,” and are many divergent messages on the a renewed wave of dissent in 2011, “ruthless killers” are given dark subject of inequality. Rather than the university dropped the essay brown or black skin. In Issue #67 offering a more neutral take on from the syllabus. The Lord of Lanka (1974), Pai even Hinduism, ACK excluded subversive distinguishes a demonic family’s viewpoints from many stories. For But outside the Ivory Tower, virtuous members from its evil instance, ACK’s Valmiki’s ACK’s panels bring the power members by shading them white. In Ramayana does not challenge the struggles, great feats, and sacrifices Indian culture, where dark skin is caste system. By contrast, some folk of Hindu lore and Indian history to frequently associated with lower traditions identify the divine Lord life. With simple brushstrokes, castes, colourism fuels casteism. Rama, who spent 14 years cast out illustrators evoke spare landscape of society in the forest, as a symbol backgrounds or classical Low-caste and tribal individuals of low-caste peasants or tribal architecture. Though light-hearted are sometimes valorised in ACK for groups. In southern states like Tamil folktales like Panchatantra or Jataka self-sacrifice with disturbing Nadu, some narratives lionize Lord Tales often tend toward caricature, overtones. In one scene of the epic Rama’s dark-skinned foes as ACK illustrators typically draw both Mahabharata, a boy named Ekalavya representatives of the Dravidian mythological and historical who’s from a disparaged hill tribe is population. protagonists in the image of Hindu denied instruction by a teacher of deities of Indian classical sculpture. arms. After building a statue to As an adult returning to the series With characters’ dramatic facial practice in front of, Ekalavya after many years, I struggle to expressions and body postures, the becomes a fearsome archer. When reconcile ACK’s recurrent bigoted lessons, political scheming, and the teacher discovers this, he portrayals with my enduring battles become captivating. demands the boy sever his thumbs affection for the characters whose in payment. Ekalavya’s obedience is selflessness and courage left me in For his part, Pai said “his comics framed as a model of deference awe as a child. I idolised Ekalavya. had helped foster the ‘integration’ of toward elders. I wanted to be determined like India, which is made up of hundreds Dhruva, the child who worshipped of ethnic groups, by teaching ACK similarly establishes women so intensely the heavens could not children about its history and as collaborators in their own breathe. Most of all, I loved Karna— legends,” according to a 2011 New oppression. As Issue #71 Indra and the adoptive son of a charioteer in York Times story about the creator’s Shachi (1974) proclaims from the the Mahabharata. Facing death. Still, these dialogues, plot arcs, inside cover, even goddesses abandonment, insults, emotional and illustrations often erase or cheerfully demonstrate “unselfish blackmail, and two different curses, negatively portray many groups. subordination of their own selves and Karna gave to the world with a ACK largely omits religious service to their husbands.” Men generosity it rarely returned. On the minorities, including Christians and receive virginal wives as gifts from eve of the battle that claimed his life, Sikhs, from its extensive “Makers of other men—or heroically kidnap Karna relinquished the armor and Modern India” collection. Muslims them. At their most shocking, some earrings that provided him the fare the worst among these groups. ACK comics venerate women’s protection of his divine father, the sun In the series’ medieval histories, suicide as a means to inspire or defy god Surya. Handing the jewelry over, adherents of Islam often play the men. Many heroines choose sati, a Karna said, “Never let it be said that boogeymen, a menacing, green-clad long-banned practice in which Karna refused anyone anything.” horde threatening brave Hindus. widows like Padmini and Ranak Devi burn alive on funeral pyres. To ACK’s credit, many of its ACK also upholds popular, but comic issues occasionally JANATA, January 7, 2018 13 complicated the norms it establishes. comics away to my younger dangerous assumptions about colour, For example, Ghatotkacha is a relatives. When I visited one cousin caste, gender, and religion. And then, virtuous character with dark skin. In earlier this year, she had just read they read the next one. the Issue #89 Ganesha (1975), the an issue her father brought from goddess Parvati proves to be more India. Her parents made sure to *The article originally appeared in powerful than the collective might of discuss with her the story’s The Atlantic, December 30, 2017 all male gods. Though the (Muslim) Mughal emperor Akbar the Great typically plays second fiddle to his Petition : The Bill Criminalising Instant Hindu minister Birbal, he is still Triple Talaq is Against Gender Justice portrayed favourably. Furthermore, he and several other Mughal rulers Gender Justice and Minority Rights Citizens Concerned, Mumbai, India are the protagonists of their own comics. Originally christened “the We, citizens concerned with three times has been invalidated by great Mughal” in Issue #200, ACK’s gender justice and minority rights, are the Hon’ble Supreme Court in newer Issue #603 praises Akbar as deeply disturbed with the manner in August, 2017, which means that her “a visionary monarch.” The series which a Bill criminalising instant marriage remains intact. Since the positively profiles the Dalit (or Triple Talaq, was introduced and marriage is intact, Muslim women, untouchable) leader Bhimrao passed in the Lok Sabha on 28th like all other women, have a recourse Ambedkar, as well, although that December 2017 (The Muslim in law both criminal (S. 498A of IPC issue sanitises his anti-Hindu politics Women (Protection of Rights on – cruelty to wives) and civil (the to better align with the comics’ Marriage) Bill, 2017). Protection of Women Domestic platform. Violence Act (PWDVA), 2005 The Bill aims to protect the rights which secures the rights of all ACK’s form and rhetoric have of Muslim women, but we believe it women facing domestic violence to also evolved since its heyday in the will cause more harm to them if it is maintenance, residence, protection 1970s and 1980s. (Pai died in 2011.) passed in its present form. We urge from violence and to custody of their Some classically inspired panels you to call for consultations from a children). We believe that Muslim have given way to a dynamic style wide section of people working with women must take recourse to these of illustration resembling Western Muslim women so that the aim of two laws to protect their rights. graphic novels, and the comic series securing gender justice is truly even has its own app. More achieved. We, the undersigned, urge that the substantively, the ACK executive Bill should be sent to a select Our concerns with the current Bill: editor Reena Puri acknowledged in committee to discuss its pros and 2016, “It is so easy to fall into the a. It has many contradictions and cons in the true spirit of democracy. trap of stereotyping. … We are anomalies. changing some of that.” Though b. It pushes Muslim women into a Adv. Flavia Agnes, Women’s several issues have been pulled from new statute which will Rights Lawyer, Founder of Majlis circulation entirely, many regressive incarcerate their husbands. Prof. (Dr) Faizan Mustafa, Vice- comics from the old canon (like c. It gives power to a third person Chancellor, NALSAR University of Padmini and Indra and Shachi) are to file a criminal charge, which Law, Hyderabad still published. can be extremely dangerous. Prof. Abusaleh Shariff, Chair, d. It does not specify the time Maulana Azad Urdu University, Academics, writers, and social- period for the case to be Hyderabad justice advocates have criticised concluded. Prof. S Parasuraman, Director, ACK’s myriad prejudices for years. e. It does not specify who will Tata Institute of Social Sciences Yet, it remains a hallowed institution provide sustenance to the Ms. Uzma Naheed, Director, Iqra in India for providing millions of woman when her husband is in Foundation, Vice President, All India children a path to their heritage, jail. Muslim Majlis-e Mushawrat, Former however fraught. As for my family, member, Muslim Personal Law my parents have given many of our Utterance of the words “talaq” Board 14 JANATA, January 7, 2018

Adv. Irfan Engineer, Director, Prof. Farrukh Waris, Retd. Vice Indian Christian Women’s Centre for Study of Society and Principal, Burhani College, Mumbai Movement Secularism Prof. Farida Lambay, Retired, Maulana Shoaib Koti, Iqra Darul Ms. Audrey D’mello, Director, Nirmala Niketan, Mumbai Qaza Majlis Legal Centre Prof. Shahida Murtaza, Women Mufti Inamullah Mazahiri, Chief Ms. Sujata Lawhande and Ms. Education, Maulana Azad Urdu Qazi, Al Hira Darul Qaza Mumtaz Shaikh, CORO for Literacy, University, Hyderabad Prof. Tanika Sarkar, Historian, Mumbai Dr. Vibhuti Patel, Chairperson & Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi Prof. Apooranand, Delhi Professor, Advanced Centre for Prof. Sumit Sarkar, Professor of University Women’s Studies, School of History, University of Delhi Dr. Nasreen Fazalbhoy, Retd Development Studies, Mumbai Nasiruddin H aider Khan , Reader, Mumbai University Sr. Noella de Souza, President, Journalist, Lucknow

Gandhi and Roy: The Interaction of Ideologies in India

Dr. Dennis Dalton

Dr. Dennis Dalton has taught at the school of Oriental and African Studies, London, and in the United States, and written on ideology in modern India. The interpretation of Roy’s intellectual development vis-à-vis Gandhi offered here may seem controversial, especially to those associates and students of Roy who find the differences between Gandhi and Roy even in the last phase much more fundamental than the similarities, but there is no doubt that the position very ably presented here deserves serious consideration. The essay was originally published in Sibnarayan Ray (ed.), ‘Gandhi, India and the World: An International Symposium’ (Melbourne, Hawthorn Press; Bombay, Nachiketa Publications; Philadelphia, Temple University Press, 1970), and has been slightly shortened by Sibnarayan Ray himself.

Manabendra Nath Roy (1887– Hindusim. His religious frame of adequate ideology began during his 1954) was born into a Bengali mind, like the brahmanical spirit, youth in Bengal. It continued brahman family in a village outside never left him, but prodded him on throughout his next phase as an of Calcutta. Twenty-eight years in his quest for ‘those abiding, orthodox communist and later as a later, as a terrorist revolutionary, he permanent values of humanity.’ Marxist revisionist. Then, still later, left India for an adventurous career Third, in this first generation of his having abandoned Marxism for what in the Communist international life, the ideology of Indian nationalism he called ‘Radical Humanism’, his movement. These initial twenty-eight exerted an immense influence on search intensified for ‘a cognitive years in Bengal were decisive for Roy as it did on many of his and moral map of the universe’. It the shaping of his personality and contemporary Bengali intellectuals ended not in satisfaction, but only thought. Three components of this and students. with his death in 1954. Yet, in this early experience deserve mention. last phase of his thought, Roy had First, there was the influence of ‘An ideology’, writes Edward come closer to the fulfilment of his Roy’s brahmanical family Shils, ‘is the product of man’s need needs, to realisation of his identity background and outlook. This for imposing intellectual order on the though the construction of an inspired and reinforced his penchant world. The need for ideology is an ideology, than he had ever for theory, his elitism, and his strong intensification of the need for a approached in his earlier phases. moral temper. Second, there was cognitive and moral map of the The outlines of Roy’s cognitive and Roy’s early, intense belief in universe . . .’ Roy’s quest for an moral map had been determined in JANATA, January 7, 2018 15 his youth by the combined influences pahphlets on Marxist theory, and Lenin that communist policy in the of a brahmanical outlook, a Hindu edited a communist newspaper. colonial areas must be to support creed, and the nationalist experience Therefore, the achievements of both proletarian rather than bourgeois in Bengal. Yet, unlike Gandhi, Roy Gandhi and Roy during this period movements. Lenin contended that never came to terms with the were spectacular. Yet, for all their bourgeois nationalist organisations demands of his early formative respective achievements, there was like the Indian Congress could be period; unlike Gandhi, he remained never anything like a balance of considered revolutionary, and since alienated until the end from large power between these two figures. no viable Communist parties existed, segments of his own tradition. It is It was Gandhi and never Roy who these organisations deserved the for this reason that the evolution of dominated the Indian nationalist support of the International. Roy Roy’s thought, which represents a movement with his unparalleled replied that the Congress and similar continuing response to the demands genius for mass leadership. Whereas agencies could only betray the of the Indian nationalist tradition, Roy would struggle long and hard to revolution: an Indian proletariat forms an important part of the gain a standing in India, Gandhi existed, and must be mobilised analysis. acquired authority with ease and kept behind a communist leadership. The it. While Roy necessarily remained, Roy–Lenin controversy was clearly The year 1915 is a key one in the throughout this fifteen year period, over fundamental issues, and had Gandhi–Roy story. In that year, Roy, preoccupied with Gandhi’s power, innumerable implications for a terrorist schooled under Jatin the latter never mentions Roy in his communist strategy in the future. Mukherjee and Aurobindo Ghose, left writes or speeches. Even after Calcutta on a revolutionary mission Roy’s return to the political scene in Roy later reflected upon his to obtain German arms for the the late 1930s, he remained both a differences with Lenin and struggle against the Raj. In that same cultural and political outsider; Gandhi concluded that ‘the role of Gandhi year, Mohandas Gandhi returned to took scant notice of him. Gandhi, was the crucial point of difference. India after twenty-one years in South after his return to India in 1915, Lenin believed that as the inspirer Africa. He soon began his became rooted in the nationalist and leader of a mass movement, extraordinary rise to power in the tradition and developed a style of Gandhi was a revolutionary. I Congress. By 1920 he had come to political behaviour which gained for maintained that, a religious and dominate the Indian nationalist him personal confidence as well as cultural revivalist, he was bound to movement with a sure sense of political power. On the other hand, be a reactionary socially, however leadership that reached a dramatic Roy, even though he never ceased revolutionary he might appear peak with the Dandi Salt March of in his effort to become secure in his politically.’ In Roy’s view, ‘the 1930. During these fifteen years of surroundings, remained out of touch religious ideology preached by him Gandhi’s eminence, Roy acquired his with his tradition and thus remained [Gandhi] also appealed to the reputation of being ‘undoubtedly the aloof. In this sense, a consideration medieval mentality of the masses. most colourful of all non-Russian of Roy’s view of Gandhi becomes But the same ideology discouraged Communists in the era of Lenin and part of a larger problem, that of the any revolutionary mass action. The Stalin’. From 1915 until December relationship of the Indian intellectual quintessence of the situation, as I 1930, Roy moved about on various to his tradition. analysed and understood it, was a revolutionary missions, Mexico to potentially revolutionary movement Moscow to Berlin, and then Paris, The first detailed Marxist critique restrained by a reactionary ideology.’ Zurich and Tashkent. In Mexico, Roy of Gandhi appeared in Roy’s first ‘I reminded Lenin of the dictum that was converted to Communism and major book, India in Transition, I had learnt from him: that without a helped form the first Communist which was written in Moscow in revolutionary ideology, there could be Party there. In Moscow, he 1921. The book grew out of no revolution.’ These arguments contributed to revolutionary strategy discussions which Roy had with formed the basis of the position on for communist activity in the colonial Lenin and other communist figures Gandhi that was developed by Roy areas. In Europe, he rose to a at the Second Congress of the in India in Transition. position of authority in the Comintern, Communist International. At this published a series of books and Congress, Roy had argued against (To be concluded) R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, January 7, 2018 Postal Registration No. MCW/275/2018-2020. Published on Sunday, January 7, 2018 & Posted on Wedenesday, January 10, 2018 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

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Vol. 72 No. 51 Anthem has to be Respected January 14, 2018 Kuldip Nayar

When I was in Sialkot City, now simply filed out after the movie, this a part of Pakistan, I used to visit practice was stopped. Gandhi and Roy: cinema halls in the cantonment The Interaction of Ideologies regularly. What I resented then was Existing laws don't penalise or in India that I had to stand up for the British force any person to stand up or sing national anthem, "God save the the national anthem. The Prevention Dr. Dennis Dalton king…" The cinema halls did not bolt of Insults to National Honour Act, the doors and left it to an individual 1971 states: "Whoever intentionally how he or she behaved. There was prevents the singing of the Jana National Museum Institute– no compulsion, but you were GanaMana or causes disturbances Shifting a Tughlakian expected to stand up when the to any assembly engaged in such Misadventure British national anthem was played. singing shall be punished with imprisonment for a term, which may Chandra Bhal Tripathi The British rulers were sensitive extend to three years, or with fine, to the people's rights and did not or with both." make it compulsory or impose any penal action against the public that The official duration of the anthem Gandhi - A Revolutionary ? did not stand up. Significantly, the is 52 seconds, though what is usually practice of playing the British national played in cinema halls exceeds that A. Raghu Kumar anthem at the end of Indian films length. A Home Ministry order in was gradually avoided, lest the 2015 stated, "Whenever the Anthem viewersdishonour the king and later is sung or played, the audience shall the queen. Even otherwise, they stand to attention. However, when Editor : wanted to avoid the spectacle. in the course of a newsreel or documentary the anthem is played G. G. Parikh There have been legal as a part of the film, it is not Managing Editor : Guddi interventions on playing the national expected of the audience to stand anthem in theatres in the past. In as standing is bound to interrupt the D-15, Ganesh Prasad, 2003, the Maharashtra Assembly exhibition of the film and would Naushir Bharucha Marg, passed an order mandating the create disorder and confusion rather Mumbai - 400 007. playing of the national anthem before than add to the dignity of the anthem." the start of a movie. In the 1960s, Email : [email protected] the national anthem would be played And the law until now, specifically Website:www.janataweekly.org at the end of the film. But as people says that it has been left "to the good 2 JANATA, January 14, 2018 sense of the people" not to indulge the national anthem. "This Hon'ble them, M Salman, 25, was arrested in indiscriminate singing or playing Court may consider the restoration for allegedly "sitting and hooting" as of the national anthem. There are of status quo ante till then, i.e. the anthem was played. He was also even specific rules as to whom the restoration of the position as it stood charged under Section 66A of the national anthem should be played for before the order passed by this IT Act for allegedly posting a (the President and not the Prime Hon'ble Court on November 30, 2016 derogatory comment about the Minister), and when people can with regard to direction 'd' in the said national flag on Facebook. indulge in mass singing of the order to the extent that it mandates anthem. the playing of the national anthem in I personally think that there only all cinemas before the feature film should be a clear-cut order that all While the application of the starts," it said. will have to stand when the anthem Supreme Court order and the is sung or played because some part penalties for its violation are not Some years ago, a two-judge of the provision seem to make it clear, there are definitely precedents bench of the apex court had ordered mandatory to stand whenever the for individually perceived notions of a school in Kerala to take back three national anthem is played, while the freedom, which the court order says children who had been expelled for other part creates an exception. But are overindulged, being upheld over not singing the national anthem, the rules nowhere prescribe a nationalistic causes. although they stood during the penalty for not adhering to it and, anthem. The children desisted from therefore, it has to work in As things stand now, there is no singing because of their conviction accordance with the Act. judgment by the apex court, or a legal that their religion did not permit them provision, or an administrative to join any rituals except in their Email :[email protected] direction that makes it mandatory for prayers to Jehovah, their god. people to stand during the national Janata Subscription anthem. That they do so is The Supreme Court ruled that essentially an expression of personal there is no legal provision that obliges Annual Rs. : 260/- respect. But the Supreme Court had anyone to sing the national anthem, ruled that the national anthem should and it is not disrespectful to the Three Years : 750/- be played before the screening of anthem if a person who stands up films in cinema halls, and that all respectfully when it is being sung Demand Draft / Cheque should "stand up in respect." does not join in the singing. The court, on "...people should feel that they live however, did not deal with the issue in a nation and show respect to the of whether it would be disrespectful Mumbai Bank national anthem and the national if a person chose not to stand during in favour of flag." the national anthem. The judgment ended with the message: "Our JANATA TRUST During the October 2017 hearing tradition teaches tolerance; our by the Supreme Court Justice philosophy preaches tolerance; our D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Chandrachud had hinted at Constitution practises tolerance; let modifying the 2016 order, observing us not dilute it." Naushir Bharucha Marg, "why do people have to wear their Grant Road (W), patriotism on their sleeve?… People Unfortunately, in the absence of Mumbai 400 007. go to a movie theatre for undiluted a clear cut decision, several high entertainment. Society needs that courts have dealt with such cases entertainment". differently. For instance, in August 2014, police in Kerala slapped IPC Janata But the government has told the Section 124A (sedition) on seven court it may consider restoring the people, including two women, after is available at position that existed prior to the they failed to stand when the national November 2016 order when it was Anthem was played in a www.lohiatoday.com not mandatory for movie halls to play Thiruvananthapuram theatre. One of JANATA, January 14, 2018 3 Gandhi and Roy: The Interaction of Ideologies in India – II

Dr. Dennis Dalton

Roy begins his critique of Gandhi forces, together with other objective Marxist revolutionary. in this book with the confident causes had created an atmosphere’ assertion that Gandhism has now which propelled Gandhi into power. Throughout the 1920s, as Roy ‘reached a crisis’ and its ‘impending Roy seeks to drive home his rises to the peak of his authority in wane . . . signifies the collapse of argument against Lenin by stressing the Comintern, his view on Gandhi the reactionary forces and their total the potential role of the Indian set forth in 1921 is refined and alienation from the political proletariat, portraying it as an elaborated. A series of excellent movement’. Roy’s confidence was awakened and thriving revolutionary articles and pamphlets by Roy and rooted in the classic Marxist belief force. his first wife Evelyn are devoted to in the inexorable march forward of Gandhism. In One year of Non- western civilisation. Gandhism was Roy’s mistake cannot be explained Co-operation, for example, the seen as a temporary obstacle in the wholly in terms of his Marxism. Roys distinguished five ‘grave errors’ path of history, which would soon be Rather, his Marxism may be or ‘great defects’ of Gandhism. The swept aside: not by the Raj, but by explained as part of a desperate ‘most glaring defect’ is the absence the masses themselves, once they search for a new identity. The of an intelligent programme of became conscious of the progressive identity that Roy sought in the critical economic reform. Next, there is movement of history. Whatever period of his youth was that of an Gandhi’s ‘obstinate and futile’ Gandhi may tell the masses, ‘post- urbane, cosmopolitan type, entirely emphasis on social harmony instead British India cannot and will not at home with western civilisation of a frank recognition of the real become pre-British India.’ which was responsible for the necessity of class conflict. Then, Therefore, ‘here lies the subjugation of his own people. The they find a senseless ‘intrusion of contradiction in the orthodox ideology must, in short, serve to metaphysics into the realm of nationalism as expressed of late in liberate him from the sense of politics’. The revolt against the Raj, the cult of Gandhism. It endeavours inferiority instilled by imperialism, they emphasise, ‘is a question of to utilise the mass energy for the and at the same time arm him in his economics, not metaphysics.’ perpetuation or revival of that struggle for the liberation of India. Further, they deplore Gandhi’s heritage of national culture which has Marxism suited this purpose exactly. reactionary view of history, his desire been made untenable by the His total affirmation of Marxism, ‘to run from the Machine-age back awakening of mass energy. . . . therefore, followed immediately to the Stone Age’. Finally, they Therefore, Gandhism is bound to be after his total rejection of nationalism, criticise the total lack of any defeated. The signs of the impending and from this there emerged his total revolutionary quality in Gandhi’s defeat are already perceptible, and unreasoning denial of Gandhi as approach to social change; they see Gandhism will fall victim to its own a lasting political force in India. In only a ‘weak and watery reformism, contradictions.’ this sense, India in Transition offers which shrinks at every turn from the a clear example of an intellectual realities of the struggle for freedom.’ Roy admits that under Gandhi’s determined to reject his tradition. The entire critique is made with leadership, through the effective use Not only Gandhi, but also extremist exceptional clarity and forcefulness, of hartal and non-co-operation, ‘for leaders like Tilak and Aurobindo, and it, together with other writings the first time in its history, the Indian who only five years earlier had by the Roys on Gandhi, represents national movement enered into the commanded Roy’s allegiance, are the most incisive communist criticism period of active struggle.’ Yet, here now dismissed with contempt as of him during this period. as elsewhere, Roy remains confined examples of ‘petty-bourgeois within his Marxist categories. humanitarianism’. For the next few For a variety of reasons Roy soon Gandhi’s success in 1920, he says, years, until his imprisonment in 1931, fell out of favour with Moscow, and simply revealed that ‘the time for Roy struggled to affirm himself in his in December 1929 he was officially mass-action was ripe. Economic new identity as an international expelled from the Communist 4 JANATA, January 14, 2018

International. He reacted by When Roy wrote about freedom degree of continuity in Roy’s thought, persuading himself that he could and revolution as an orthodox it is equally important to recognise seize control of the revolutionary Marxist in the 1920s, he conceived the sharp contrasts, especially in his movement in India, and a year later them as economic categories. view of Gandhi, between the 1930s he returned home. He was soon Freedom would come with the and the late 1940s. Roy’s ruthless arrested, and he remained a political necessary changes in the economic attack on Gandhi in the diaries prisoner until November 1936. mode of production, and revolution reaches a climax in an essay entitled These five hard years in jail would be achieved through a violent ‘India’s Message’. The critique witnessed a substantial change in seizure of power by the Party and begins with a contemptuous dismissal Roy’s ideology, and this eventually the masses. Now, in the 1930s, Roy of Gandhism as a political philosophy. had its effect on his view of Gandhi. begins to perceive other dimensions Far from posting a philosophical in these two ideas. In regard to system, Roy finds in Gandhism only While in prison, Roy, like Gandhi freedom, he says that his aim is to ‘a mass of platitudes and hopeless and Nehru, read and wrote ‘indicate the way to real spiritual self-contradictions’ emerging from voluminously. His three volumes of freedom offered by the materialist ‘a conception of morality based upon ‘prison diaries’ often refer to Gandhi. philosophy’. For the first time in dogmatic faith.’ As such, it is Indeed, it might be argued that there Roy’s writings, the supreme goal of religion, not philosophy, a religion is no better index to the extent to ‘spiritual freedom’ is distinguished which has become politicised and which Gandhi’s presence dominated from the lesser aims of ‘political thus serves as ‘the ideological reflex’ the Indian scene than the jail freedom, economic prosperity and of India’s ‘cultural backwardness’ reflections of his harshest critic. Roy social happiness’. It should be and superstition’. had inherited from his early nationalist obvious that Roy, a Marxist, is not experience and religious outlook a using the term ‘spiritual freedom’ Roy’s attack on Gandhi in 1922 moralist’s predilection for seeing the here in a metaphysical sense. Yet the was largely content to write world in categorical terms of right term does not derive from Marxism, Gandhism off as a medieval ideology and wrong and he had acquired from and it cannot be a mere coincidence at the mercy of inexorable economic his brahmanical spirit a that it was often used by both forces. Now, in the 1930s, Roy corresponding intellectual tendency Vivekananda and Aurobindo, who concentrates on the moral virtues to construct the required moral Roy had at one time read closely. which Gandhi idealised and refutes categories. Although Gandhi was The significant change in Roy’s them at length. Roy argues that never a theorist of this type, he concept of revolution is evident in ‘admirable virtues’ like ‘love, nevertheless shared with Roy a his increasing preference for the term goodness, sacrifice, simplicity and strong taste for moralising and a ‘Indian Renaissance’, and the absolute non-violence’ when passionate concern for the ethical second volume of the jail diaries preached to the masses by Gandhi well-being of society. Eventually, in emphasises the need for a new only serve to emasculate them. his Radical Humanist phase, the philosophical outlook in India. Overthrow of the ruling classes morality in Roy will prevail, just as it becomes impossible, and the result had always prevailed in Gandhi, and The above analysis of Roy’s can only be ‘voluntary submission of Roy will abandon Marxism because prison diaries is not meant to suggest the masses to the established system he finds it devoid of ethics. But even that a reader of these volumes in the of oppression and exploitation.’ The as early as the 1930s, a first glimpse 1930s, with no possible knowledge worst of Gandhi’s tenets is his ‘cult of the way in which Roy’s moral of the way Roy’s thought would of non-violence’, the ‘central pivot’ outlook will eventually erode his develop, could have perceived the of his thought, ‘holding its quaint Marxism can be seen in his prison affinities between Gandhi and Roy dogmas and naïve doctrines together diaries. This appears in his reflections which eventually appeared. The fact, into a comprehensive system of on the two concepts of freedom and however, that these ideas can be highly reactionary thought.’ Far from revolution. Both of these ideas were found in the diaries in embryonic form serving any noble purpose, ahimsa to become key themes of Radical indicates that Roy’s movement in politics only tends to support the Humanism, and the basis of their towards a Gandhian way of thinking forces of violence and exploitation. later development is found here, in did not occur overnight. But while it ‘Therefore, those who preach non- the diaries. is necessary to appreciate this violence, [to and for] . . . the JANATA, January 14, 2018 5 exploited and oppressed masses, are embodiment of the primitive, blind, authority, revolution and history, defenders of violence in practice. If spontaneous spirit of revolt of the politics and leadership. And with this Gandhi’s non-violence were Indian masses.’ While Roy does fundamental reassessment of basic practised, capitalism would remain mention, incidentally, that Gandhism issues, which Roy called his New entrenched and the juggernaut of may in the future come to stifle the Orientation, there eventually vulgar materialism’ would emerge revolution rather than promote it, he followed a drastic change in his view triumphant. ‘Love, the sentimental concludes that at present ‘let us of Gandhi. counterpart of the cult of non- admire, respect and properly violence, thus is exposed as mere appreciate him for the great services Several factors influenced Roy’s cant.’ Finally, Roy asserts that that he rendered to the struggle for sweeping intellectual reappraisal in Gandhi’s values are based on ‘blind freedom.’ This article does not 1946. First, Roy’s Radical faith’ and offer only ‘the message present a sincere statement of Roy’s Democratic Party, established in of medievalism’ which idealises ‘the view of Gandhi at this time. As his opposition to the Congress, was savage living on the tree.’ In this personal correspondence shows, Roy resoundingly defeated in the Indian way, Gandhi inhibits real progress, regarded Gandhi in this period as his general elections held throughout the which Roy sees in terms of the arch-enemy, who should be country in the spring of 1946. If the ‘dynamic process’ of ‘modern destroyed as quickly as possible. historical importance for India of civilisation’ that ‘must go forward.’ these general elections was to For Roy, then, the light is in the West: In 1946, Philip Spratt, a close demonstrate that the League in the forces of rationalism, associate and strong admirer of Roy, controlled the Muslims and the technology, modern science and ‘an wrote an appreciative foreword for Congress the Hindus, then their economy of abundance.’ This latter Roy’s latest series of speeches, importance for Roy was to show that position was maintained by Roy until which were published under the his party, given the nation’s the end, and it will always distinguish significant title of New Orientation. polarisation, was nowhere in picture. him sharply from Gandhi. Spratt reviewed Roy’s position on It meant the end of his political career. Gandhi and then concluded : A second factor which affected his Soon after his discharge from thinking concerned the direction and prison, Roy decided that the sole Roy was highly critical of behaviour of the world communist route to political success in India lay Gandhism from the very start, in movement under Stalin. Abroad, the in co-operation with the Congress. 1920, and has never altered his brutal aspects of Stalin’s leadership This meant a much more opinion. . . . Yet it is true, I think, that were becoming more and more clear; conciliatory attitude towards Gandhi. he has failed to make his criticisms at home, Roy had long been under Subhas Bose, had opposed Gandhi intelligible to the Indian reader. His attack from the Communist Party of in the Congress with some initial approach to Gandhism seems that of India and it became evident that success, but Roy, unlike Bose, had an outsider, an unsympathetic neither practical nor theoretical neither mass appeal nor a strong foreigner. He has never tried to get reconciliation with communism was regional base of power in Bengal. under the skin of the Mahatma or possible. Roy expressed the nature Therefore, Roy made a brief but his admirers and see where that of his dilemma in stark terms when futile attempt to rise in the Congress extraordinary power comes from. he told his followers that they must though co-operation with the beware of ‘two psychoses’ prevalent Gandhians. His article written during This remark constitutes a good in India, those of communism and of this period entitled Gandhiji, A indication of the nature of Roy’s nationalism. ‘Radicalism,’ he Critical Appreciation reflects this difficulties with Gandhi during a declared, ‘is not camouflaged spirit of conciliation. He begins with generation of observation and Communism. We shall have to get the claim that ‘I appreciate Gandhiji’s criticism. Yet, precisely at the over the major nationalist psychosis greatness better than any of his moment of Spratt’s writing, we can as well as the minor Communist ardent admirers.’ Gandhi, he says, now see in retrospect that significant psychosis, if we believe that we have is a great ‘political awakener’ of the changes were taking place in Roy’s something new to contribute to the masses and the highest tribute that thinking about several key theoretical political thought and practice, not only one can pay him ‘would be a regard issues: fundamental questions for our country, but of the world as a and respect Gandhiji as the concerning the nature of power and whole.’ 6 JANATA, January 14, 2018

An ideologist abhors nothing more days, 4,000 Hindus and Muslims the communal riots. He remarks that than a moral vacuum, or what Roy were slaughtered. The event marks on hearing the news of Gandhi’s liked to deplore as the ‘moral and a horrific watershed in the study of assassination, ‘Roy was deeply cultural crisis’ of our time. For such the Partition, and its consequences moved . . . henceforth a new respect a vacuum or ‘crisis’ suggests basic were to have a profound effect upon for Gandhi showed in his writing.’ uncertainty over the rightness and Roy’s view of Gandhi. There was indeed a striking change wrongness of fundamental moral in Roy’s attitude towards Gandhi values, and it is the element of moral Gandhi’s reaction to the Calcutta following the assassination. In two certainty which the ideologist seeks killings, unlike that of Nehru or articles of February and April 1948, above all else. In this respect, Gandhi Jinnah, was to perceive immediately entitled The Message of the Martyr was no less an ideologist than Roy; their disastrous social implications and Homage to the Martyr, Roy sets but whereas Gandhi had achieved and then to act courageously in an forth for the first time the extent of certainty on such matters during his attempt to quell the violence. Just as his ideological agreement with experience in South Africa, Roy the Jallianwala Bagh massacre Gandhi. He now discovers that underwent a series of such crises, twenty-seven years earlier had Gandhi’s revivalist nationalism was the last and most serious in 1945– shocked Gandhi into realising the neither the essential nor the greatest 46. The final phase of his life, from injustice of the Raj, so the Calcutta element in Gandhi’s teaching. 1946 to 1953, represents a period of killings forced him to see the abyss ‘Essentially, [Gandhi’s message] is gradual resolution in which Roy of violence within his own society. a moral, humanist, cosmopolitan delved deeply into his personal The Calcutta killings were followed appeal. . . . The lesson of the resources, trying to form a coherent by the violence spreading into martyrdom of the Mahatma is that pattern of thought to meet the Noakhali and Bihar. Gandhi move the nobler core of his message could demands before him. A close fast and effectively. The ensuing not be reconciled with the intolerant examination of Roy’s prolific writings fifteen months, culminating in his cult of nationalism, which he also during this period could tell us much assassination, contain the finest preached. Unfortunately, this about problems relating to the hours of his entire career. During contradiction in his ideas and ideals intellectual between tradition and this period, he scored two brilliant was not realised by the Mahatma modernity or the relation of ideology triumphs for his method of until the last days of his life.’ In to the quest for personal identity. satyagraha in his Calcutta and Delhi Gandhi’s final phase, what Roy The main purpose of the concluding fasts against communal violence. repeatedly calls the ‘moral and section of this essay will merely be Less dramatic than these, but equally humanist essence of his message’ to suggest how Roy, while trying to impressive, were his ‘walking tours’ appeared, and it is precisely this purge himself of the ‘nationalish in Noakhali and his ingenious use of which is ‘needed by India never so psychosis’, nevertheless moved far the prayer meeting to restore trust very urgently as today’. Thus, away from Marxism into a way of in a series of strife-torn villages. Indians can do justice to their thinking which is significantly akin These final acts moved nearly Mahatma when they learn ‘to place to Gandhi. everyone in British-India, Hindus and the moral and humanist core of his Muslims alike, to a higher teachings above the carnal cult of In August 1946, while Roy, appreciation of Gandhi’s greatness. nationalism and power-politics.’ residing in Dehra Dun, was Roy in this case was no exception. appraising and reappraising his New There are those who argue that Orientation, and Gandhi was busy ‘What changed Roy’s attitude Roy’s tributes to Gandhi after the commenting on Nature Cure from [towards Gandhi]’, writes Phillip assassination were merely Sewagram, there occurred in Spratt, ‘was Gandhi’s campaign sentimental outbursts, entirely Calcutta the worst catastrophe that against the communal massacres, inconsistent with the main line of his British India had known. The which came at the time of his own thought. This argument is mistaken Muslim League’s ‘Direct Action final disillusionment with communist for several reasons. First, when Roy Day’ in Calcutta was accompanied political methods.’ Spratt observes was attacked by some of his readers by unprecedented communal riots : the similarity in Roy’s and Gandhi’s for calling Gandhi a humanist and the great Calcutta killing lasted until mutual opposition to Partition and the cosmopolitan, he admitted that he had 20 August, and in these four tragic common spirit of their response to written the article while ‘deeply JANATA, January 14, 2018 7 moved’ by the crime, ‘in an to Gandhi’s way of thinking, are far-reaching: they range from a emotional state’. But then he went especially on the themes of politics vision of the ideal political leader as on to defend his position with and power, and the relation of the a karmayogin type, above the lust vehemence, deploring the means to the ends of action. for power, occupying a position of ‘insensitivity of the logical purists’ pure moral authority, to a theory of who attacked him, and refusing ‘The implication of the doctrine social organisation which urges categorically to retract even one of non-violence,’ Roy now believes, party-less politics, and a highly word of what he had written. ‘is the moral dictum that the end does decentralised system of government. Gandhi, he insisted in this later not justify the means. That is the This is a way of thinking which is article, ‘sincerely wanted politics to core of the Mahatma’s message— fraught with paradoxes. There is a be guided by moral considerations’, which is not compatible with power- strong element of elitism or moral and his ‘endeavour to introduce politics. The Mahatma wanted to authoritarianism mixed with a morality into political practice was purify politics; that can be done only marked strain of not only populism the positive core of Gandhism.’ This by raising political practice above the but a peculiar variety of Indian made Gandhi, like Roy, a humanist. vulgar level of a scramble for anarchism. Yet it is this paradoxical A second reason why this argument power.’ This passage represents quality which makes the ideology of is mistaken has already been seen: those ideas which Roy began to modern India so fascinating, as well glimpses of Roy’s movement away develop at a feverish pace in the last as appealing, in its own way, as the from Marx and towards Gandhi can five years of his life. In a equally paradoxical thought of be found as early as in the prison characteristically Gandhian manner, Calvin, or Rousseau, or Marx. diaries, in the ideological changes of Roy now wants to purify politics by his ‘new orientation’. Finally, his far purging it of both the ‘struggle for It should be stressed in conclusion changed attitude takes a permanent power’ and the party system itself. that the perception of a great form in his later writings; as Philip ‘Humanist politics,’ he says, must be tradition of ideas in modern India Spratt remarked, a ‘new respect’ for a moral force; ‘it must get out of the need not detract from the variety of Gandhi now infuses his thoughts. struggle for power of the political little traditions of thought which co- This can be clearly seen in an article parties.’ Only in these circumstances exist beside it. Nor are the latter which Roy wrote on Gandhi a full can political power be transformed necessarily subsumed within the year after the assassination. In this into moral authority. Leadership former. There is much in Roy’s piece, Roy pays respect to ‘the must come not from corrupt party thought, for example, that is not immortality of his [Gandhi’s] bosses, but rather from ‘detached encompassed by Gandhi. Radical message’ and then sums up the individuals, that is, spiritually free Humanism as set forth by Roy and significance of Gandhi’s thought in men [who] cannot be corrupted by developed by his associates cannot these remarkable words: ‘Practice power . . . it is possible for the be fairly presented as merely a of the precept of purifying politics individual man to attain spiritual variation of Gandhism. For Roy’s with truth and non-violence alone will freedom, to be detached and thus to persistent emphasis on atheistic immortalise the memory of the be above corruption. Such men humanism, rationalism and Mahatma. Monuments of mortar and would not hanker after power.’ Thus, materialism must distinguish him marble will perish, but the light of preoccupation with the corruptibility from Gandhi, and indeed from any the sublime message of truth and of political power and the need for other tradition of thought in modern non-violence will shine forever.’ The establishing a moral basis for India. The focus of this essay has passage signifies a total departure leadership was, as Roy been on an ideological movement of from Roy’s earlier denunciation of acknowledged, at the heart of congruence and not divergence. It Gandhi. Equally important, though, is Gandhi’s thought. Moreover, their is this movement of thought, shared the relationship which Roy suggests common preoccupation emerges to a notable degree by such here between the values of truth and from a similar set of ideological apparently divergent figures as non-violence on the one hand, and assumptions about the moral nature Gandhi and Roy, that can be seen as the goal of purifying politics on the of men, and the possibility of the dominant ideology of modern other. For the formation of this creating a perfect social order of India. conceptual relationship indicates a spiritually free men. The implications nexus of ideas in Roy’s mind familiar of this way of thinking for politics (Concluded) 8 JANATA, January 14, 2018 Happy Birthday, Simone de Beauvoir

January 9 marks the 110th birth to them as they contain beauteous “The main curse of humanity is anniversary of Simone de Beauvoir descriptions of the Cuban not ignorance but the refusal to (1908-1986), the acclaimed French landscapes. The pieces were know.” feminist theorist. She is most known translated into many other languages for her groundbreaking work, “The including Spanish for Latin “One’s life has value so long as Second Sex” (1949) along with her American audiences as “Huracan one attributes value to the life of book, Mandarins, which received Sobre El Azucar.” others, by means of love, friendship France’s highest literary award in and compassion.” 1954. In a 1976 interview with John “Tito” Gerassi, a French journalist “Defending the truth is not Her phenomenal work on gender and scholar, de Beauvoir, elucidated something one does out of a sense and her formulation, “one is not born, on why a feminist, by default, was a of duty or to allay guilt complexes, but rather becomes, a woman” leftist. but is a reward in itself.” became the basis for understanding gender as a construct, a core idea “A feminist, whether she calls “I am too intelligent, too for modern-day feminism. herself leftist or not, is a leftist by demanding, and too resourceful for definition. She is struggling for total anyone to be able to take charge of At 21, the French philosopher equality, for the right to be as me entirely. No one knows me or became the ninth woman, the important, as relevant, as any man. loves me completely. I have only youngest person ever to obtain the Therefore, embodied in her revolt for myself.” prestigious agrégation in philosophy sexual equality is the demand for from the École Normale Supérieur. class equality,” de Beauvoir wrote. “That’s what I consider true Some critics have argued that the generosity: You give your all, and yet lack of perspective on race in her “In a society where each person’s you always feel as if it costs you work contributed to avoiding experiences are equivalent to any nothing.” discussion about white privilege other, you have automatically set up among second-wave feminists. equality, which means economic and political equality and much more. De Beauvoir along with her Thus, the sex struggle embodies the Madhu Dandavate partner, Jean-Paul Sartre, the French class struggle, but the class struggle philosopher, known for his work on does not embody the sex struggle.” By the theory of existentialism, were invited to visit Cuba’s capital Havana Here are a few notable B. Vivekanandan to meet the Argentine revolutionary, quotations by the renown Che Guevara, and Cuban wordsmith to help expand your revolutionary, Fidel Castro after the mind, and world. Price: Rs. 20/- Cuban revolution. “I tore myself away from the safe Sartre who is known to have spent comfort of certainties through my copious amounts of time in love for truth — and truth rewarded JANATA TRUST conversation with Castro later me.” published a series of journalistic D-15, Ganesh Prasad, articles entitled “Hurricane over the “Change your life today. Don’t Naushir Bharucha Marg, Sugar” with France-Soir, a French gamble on the future, act now, publication in 1961. without delay.” Grant Road (W),

The articles depicting the Cuban “One is not born a woman, one Mumbai 400 007. revolutionaries have a poetic quality becomes one.” JANATA, January 14, 2018 9

Letter to the Editor National Museum Institute–Shifting a Tughlakian Misadventure

Sir, National Museum Institute being interests of the nation. Petty minds located in NOIDA while the cannot be accepted as national The present Minister of Culture, National Museum is on Janpath, New leaders. Will Dr. Mahesh Sharma Dr. Mahesh Sharma, a well-known Delhi. The interrelation between the also toy with the preposterous idea doctor running a prominent hospital two institutions can be compared to of shifting the National Museum to in NOIDA, whose credentials to that between a Medical College and NOIDA? What happens if the next having a link with the cultural heritage an attached hospital. It is funny that Minister of Culture belonging to of India are unknown to the public, every Minister who matters should another party decides to shift back has bamboozled the bureaucracy and try and succeed in pleasing the voters the National Museum Institute from decided to shift the National in his constituency by taking such NOIDA to New Delhi? After all, we Museum Institute (a Deemed irrational measures as in the instant have the precedent of Mohd. Central University) from its present case. It is like the successive Tughlak shifting the capital of India location in the world famous National Ministers of Railways from Bihar from Delhi to Daulatabad and after Museum building in New Delhi to his opening offices of new Railway facing its disastrous consequences constituency in NOIDA in UP. In Zonal Offices or launching new shifting back the capital to Delhi. some pictures posted on Facebook trains in their State. Or for that Does NOIDA with all its record of on 10 January 2018 he is shown matter Smt. MamataBanerji when crime and corruption have a special inspecting the coming up project of she was the MR. These worthies claim to culture and national the NMI. should not forget that their loyalty heritage? should be to the whole country and –Chandra Bhal Tripathi I cannot appreciate the idea of the whatever they do should be in the Email :[email protected] 10 JANATA, January 14, 2018 Gandhi - A Revolutionary?

A. Raghu Kumar

The very idea that Gandhi was a the growth of poverty, degradation undergoing a prison term in the revolutionary in terms of Marxist and misery among the working Alipore Central Jail, and was description appears, at the outset, to masses. On the other, the published in 1986. It was translated be unthinkable. A preacher and crackpot preaching of submission, into English by K.V. Subrahmonyan practitioner of non-violence, an “resist not evil” with violence. On in the 1990s. Though the English eternal seeker of Truth as God, an the one hand, the most sober translation was complete by 1999, it apostle of peace and an enigmatic realism, the tearing away of all could see the light of the day only in opponent of modern civilisation of the and sundry masks; on the other, 2011, when it was published by Earth Western Model, can he be the preaching of one of the most Care Books, Kolkata. understood as a revolutionary, on par odious things on earth, namely, with and in the great lineage of Marx religion, the striving to replace “Indian Communists have never and Lenin? Any Marxist trained mind officially appointed priests by tried properly to understand would abhor the very thought and priests who will serve from moral Gandhiji”, writes Pannalal. “So, I may also pooh-pooh such propositions conviction...” Lenin, with all have tried to acquaint people with as foolish and absurd. Even the Tolstoy’s credentials and failures, the two most important phenomena Right wing intellectuals may ridicule considered Tolstoy to be a mirror of and ideologies of our times, such hypothesis as the figment of Russian revolution. When I had read Gandhism and Leninism. I have imagination. The sketch of Gandhiji this article as a young man, I had explained Gandhism in the light of by almost all his friends and foes of wondered why Indian Marxists had Marxism and also analysed Marxian his time, and even many later failed to make such a critical analysis thought and action in the Gandhian academics has always been that of of Gandhi and his ideas, instead of light”,1 declares the author. The a sober Gandhi, lovable or detestable hurling abuse and ridiculeat him. book ends with a warning of as the case may be, but by no means After all, the canvas of Gandhi and Mahatma2 “Note down these a revolutionary. his actions were larger in scope, and words of an old man past the age he was instrumental in pitting himself of three score and ten; in the times Around three decades back, I in a gigantic task of anti-colonial to come people will not judge us read Lenin’s article - “Leo Tolstoy struggle, though with all infirmities by any creed we profess or the as the Mirror of the Russian and idiosyncrasies, a mass leader par label we wear or the slogan that Revolution” which took a critical excellence and, a longtime source of we shout but our work, industry, look at Tolstoy in a historical setting, guidance for a political outfit sacrifice, honesty and purity of as an admixture of a great artist and consisting of all shades of thinking character. They will want to know a genius “who has not only drawn from extreme left to extreme right. what we have actually done for incomparable pictures of Russian them. But if you don’t listen, if life but has made first-class My search for a different analysis taking advantage of the prevailing contributions to world literature,” of Mahatma Gandhi, from Marxian misery and discontent of the and “a landlord obsessed with point of view, has almost ended with people, you set about to Christ”. “On the one hand, this finding “Revolutionary accentuate and exploit it for party merciless criticism of capitalist Gandhi”, by Pannalal Dasgupta, a ends, it will recoil upon your head exploitation, exposure of revolutionary Marxist of yesteryears, and even God will not forgive you government outrages, the farcical leader of the Revolutionary for your betrayal of the people”. courts and the state Communist Party. “Revolutionary administration, and unmasking of Gandhi”, was originally written in Two major objectives of the book the profound contradictions Bengali as “Gandhi Gabeshana”. are indicated at the end, in between the growth of wealth and The Bengali manuscript was written “Epilogue”: “My purpose has been achievements of civilization and by 1954-55, when Pannalal was to show Gandhi in a new light to the JANATA, January 14, 2018 11

Indian leftists and to present the inquiry and shall discard anything mystic, and a person relying on historical Gandhi to the so-called which proves the hypothesis false. intuition rather than reason. diehard Gandhians”.3"I look upon While returning from England, at the Gandhi, Marx, Lenin and other men conclusion of the discussions for the How does a Marxist understand of the age as forming a powerful Gandhi-Irwin Pact, Gandhiji, talking a spiritual Gandhi? In search of an giant telescope and introscope, if I to some well-known French answer to this most complex may use that word to mean an journalists, made some remarks of question, while assessing Gandhiji as instrument which shows what goes profound significance. He said that a sufficiently tempered scientist, the on with in my mind.” he had at one time thought God was author examines the very nature of Truth, but had to change his mind, religion.Religion, he contends, In fact, the work is also a critique for he knew now, that Truth was manifests itself in diverse forms in of three other works of that time, God. “Truth has to be inquired into human life. It ranges from the which the author considers just and again and again constantly, for no knowledge of good and evil, the necessary to offer, and those three truth wears the same face at all question of sacred and the profane, works were Pyarelal’s “Mahatama: times”.4 “Seldom do we come across the ideas of justice and injustice, the Last Phase”, Prof. Hiren an individual with such passion for standards of beauty and ugliness, the Mukherjee’s “Gandhiji” and E.M.S. inquiry”.5"Gandhiji would rather be inquiry into truth and untruth, right Namboodripad’s “Mahatma and the happy to be a beggar holding on to and wrong, to ideas of vice and Ism”. It also offers critique of the an atom of truth than a king with a virtue, spiritual merit and demerit, views of Maulana Azad and C.R. mountain of falsehood”. The search conduct and behavior, joy and Das and also compares the view for truth is the main aim of science happiness, arts, literature, points of Gandhi and Ravindranath and Pannalal made a serious attempt architecture, and so on. Ideas about Tagore, and Gandhi and Subhas to establish such a consistent truth all kinds of social behavior have Chandra Bose. It also deals with seeker as nothing but a scientist in evolved under the shadow of various aspects of Gandhism namely, its strictest sense. An inquiry has religion. “Out of a variety of spiritual Truth, God, Religion, Ahimsa, been made into Gandhi’s method on practitioners, it seems that Gandhiji’s Satyagraha, Constructive that premise in the first Chapter of was the only known instance of a Programme, Hindu Muslim Unity, the work “Gandhi and Truth”. spiritual aspirant wanting to see God Charkha, Cottage industry, Gandhi wanted to show us that “a face to face through politics and Swadeshi, Economics and Ethics, truth, which needed a false prop to service to the country”. “The call of Nai Talim (New Education), stay safe, was not a complete, whole the Gita took Sri Aurobindo away Harijans, Adivasis and Workers, truth. Besides, if truth had to be from politics and sent him into total Trusteeship etc. In the modern sense defended by sheer physical force, seclusion, and the same Gita inspired of academic writing it may be an deceit, falsehood or secrecy then the revolutionaries in India to wage omnibus work, but it was the older act would be no different from our armed struggle. And it is the Gita method of making a comprehensive common practice of defending with that Gandhiji called the non-violent assessment of philosophy, from all our might something which is far yoga of action and adopted it as his various angles, something like a from the truth, something which is path towards the realization of source book for future students to untrue but is in our self-interest”6. God….”8Gandhiji has drawn much pursue further study in detail on each Quoting from G.N. Dhawan7 where inspiration from the concept of subject. Gandhi said: “Truth rules out “Sthitaprajna” or “abidance in the prejudice, evasion, secrecy and self”, which can be considered as a For a person to evolve into a deception as well as exaggeration, more secular religious revolutionary, he needs to be, first suppression or modification of understanding. and foremost, a social scientist. reality. It requires that we should Scientific thinking is the basic claim never be afraid of confessing our When once Mr. Montagu asked of Marxism. Can Gandhi be mistakes or retracing our steps”. Gandhi, “How have you, a social described as a scientist or a social Thus Pannalal Babu bases his whole reformer, found your way into this scientist? Yes he can, says Pannalal. work on the premise that Gandhiji crowd?”, Gandhi replied: “I could not For a person to be considered as a was foremost a scientist, dispelling be leading a religious life unless I scientist, he has to be truthful to the the common notion he was only a identified myself with the whole of 12 JANATA, January 14, 2018 mankind, and I would not do so we may try and formulate his ideas violent, if there is violence in our unless I took part in politics. The by letting the nature of his non- breasts, than to put on the cloak of whole gamut of man’s activities violence emerge from his work and non-violence to cover impotence. today constitutes an indivisible writings12. As a Marxist, the author There is hope for violent man to whole. You cannot divide social, considers that “history is as if a become non-violent; there is no such economic, political and purely chronicle of wars, civil wars, class hope for the impotent”16. religious work into water-tight wars, and similar unnatural events, compartments. I do not know any and it does not care to note the Concluding the examination of religion apart from human activities, natural, peaceful periods of human Gandhi’s perplexing ideas on non- which they would otherwise lack, life13. However, he notes that “we violence, the author contends that “in reducing life into an image of ‘sound cannot conclude that there is no area brief, the application of non-violence and fury’ signifying nothing”9. of peace and love in the world, in and satyagraha in each case had not human society and in the lives of been easy and smooth, and in his “His prayer meetings were more families, simply because history is (Gandhiji’s) experiments with and in the nature of political meetings….” reticent about man’s peace and exploration of this path, Gandhiji had and “during those days of communal eloquent about his conflicts”. to keep probing and questioning frenzy, none but Gandhiji took any Gandiji’s non-violence is not just himself until his final days. He kept worthwhile steps to extinguish the absence of killing.Gandhi recognized asking himself time and again at flames”. “Gandhiji interacted with that in the progress of nations, both Naokhali whether at all the non- atheists as well. People of all schools evolution and revolution have their violence of the brave was of thought went to him and held own role. He said: “Nations have possible.His quest was incomplete, dialogue with him”10. The author progressed both by evolution and for on the last lap of his life’s journey, recalls one such conversation of revolution. The one is as necessary he could not make the country strong Gandhi with Goparaju Ramachandra as the other.” During a fast in 1932 through the non-violence of the Rao(Gora), which was later Gandhi is said to have noted “those brave…”17. published by Gora as “An Atheist who have to bring about a radical with Gandhi” (Navajivan Press). In change in human conditions and While evaluating the concept of one of such conversations Bapu surroundings cannot do it except by satyagraha and its execution in replied to Gora, “We are seekers raising a ferment in society. There practical field, the author declares after truth. We change whenever we are only two methods of doing this – his objective of explaining Gandhi: find ourselves in the wrong side.… violent and non-violent”. Thus, “Anybody who wants to understand There is no harm as long as you are Gandhiji, also anticipated Gandhiji will have to reckon with two not fanatical. Whether you are in the revolutionary changes, but the means facts. First, Gandhiji’s historical role, right, I am in the right, results will of achieving the same for him was and second his personal and prove. Then I may go your way or only non-violent. His revolutionary independent ideology. Gandhiji was you may come in my way; or both fervor was not a bit less intense than not merely the embodiment of non- of us may go a third way…”11. Thus that of the votaries of armed violence; he also symbolized the the author contends that the ideas revolution, though their paths and national struggle against imperialism. of Gandhi on religion are truly means were different14. “It was He was the representative of India secular, and contrary to the many manly enough to defend one’s in a special era, and he also had a popular views on religion, and offer property, honour or religion at the special responsibility with regard to new insights into it. point of the sword. It was manlier non-violence. In his historical role he and nobler to defend them without provided leadership to the nation and On non-violence “Gandhiji said seeking to injure the wrong-doers. his endeavour was to guide history that he had an innate and natural But it was unmanly, unnatural and along a certain direction…”18. While attraction for truth from his early dishonorable to forsake the post of Gandhi was more inclined to invoke years, Ahimsa or non-violence was duty, and in order to save their own non-violence and satyagraha as his not an innate trait for him”. But skin to leave property, honour and modes of struggle, he was never according to Pannalal, Gandhi religion to the mercy of wrong- willing to be included among the himself was unable to formulate a doers”, Gandhi wrote in Young India pacifists, even though many pacifists clear definition of non-violence, but of Oct 15, 192515. “It is better to be tried to persuade him to lend his name JANATA, January 14, 2018 13 to their movement. He knew that Nirmal Bose23 wrote: “It is just leftists’ belief that the masses cannot peace lovers and pacifists could here that the method of satyagraha be rallied and organized except never fulfill people’s desire for steps in as a possible and effective through struggles is a mere illusion, freedom and emancipation. He, substitute for war. It does not claims the author after examining the therefore, wanted a war, but one propose to do away with conflicts; constructive programme of Gandhi. which would be free from violence, but it raises the quality of those very As a result of this belief that people horror, cruelty and cowardice of conflicts by brining into operation a can be organized only through wars. The war of Gandhi was called spirit of love and a sense of human struggles, says Pannalal, they saw ‘satyagraha’19. “Non-cooperation is brotherhood.Satyagraha is not a Gandhi’s many-sided constructive not a passive state but it is an substitute for war, it is war itself, programme as nothing more than a intensely active state – more active without of course many of its ugly reformist movement. Gandhiji was than physical resistance. Passive features and guided by a purpose even more realistic and pragmatic resistance is a misnomer.”20 nobler than we associate with than the Marxists in the field of destruction. It is an intensely heroic action. He showed in no small The need for arms is not an and chivalrous form of war” measure the importance of the eternal truth. What is eternal is the (emphasis supplied).Thus the author economic basis of political action, need for class struggle. It is not an states that the need for arms is not whereas the leftists and various unchangeable belief of Marxism- an eternal truth, but what is eternal Marxist parties believed in educating Leninism that class struggle will is the need for class struggle. It is the masses in politics solely through finally take place only by recourse not an unchangeable belief of political means.The constructive to arms in all countries and at all Marxism –Leninism that class programme of Gandhiji, he says, has times. The recourse to arms would struggles will finally take place only an economic foundation. It was the depend on the actual conditions, and by recourse to arms in all counties sum total of the constructive work Lenin mentioned this too. It has been and at all times. which finally gave sustenance and accepted at the 20th Congress of the strength to the freedom Russian Communist Party also that Gandhi’s non-violence, according movement.According to Pannalal, it is possible to usher in socialism in to Pannalal Babu, is not merely a “Innumerable workers and promising many countries even without the use political tool or an ad hoc strategy. young men have wasted their ideals, of arms and without a civil war and This non-violence is at the same dreams and lives in the so-called that all efforts should be aimed in time, the goal, the path and the revolutionary parties” and he blames that direction.21There is no provision for the path. It endows the for this miserable state of affairs, fundamental contradiction between individual’s life with wholeness and more specifically in Bengal, the ultra- the spirit behind Lenin’s views and aims at the molding of a complete leftist politics which is devoid of Gandhiji’s non-violent struggle. human being. In its eyes, man is not roots, mass contact and constructive Pannalal while accepting the dictum merely a means but an end in himself. action.25 However, the author also of Mao Tse-tung that revolution This non-violence is not a mere notes with all sincerity that flows through the barrel of the gun, political tool; it is the sustainer of man, “constructive programme could not contends that this gun-toting is not it is man’s life principle, and hence awaken or enthuse political workers valid for all countries and for all the formation of man’s character is in a big way” and “people could not times. Statements like Mao’s may its special primary focus. Hence, the adequately appreciate the value of make one think that revolution and non-violent man’s democratic politics Gandhiji’s contribution in this the gun are interdependent and can prove to be as tremendously respect”. In his analysis constructive necessary, that one is the different – from the constitutional work is not something dazzling and concomitant of the other. Such tall politics of the opportunistic, fortune- there is very little excitement in it to talk, according to him, can lead to hunting man – as heaven is different attract younger persons. an anti-social ideology, giving a boost from hell.24 to the morale of hoodlums. Struggle It is in the same breath, he is certainly necessary, he accepts, Two of the best topics well considers the Charkha, Cottage but to assert that there can be no articulated in this work have been – Industry and Swadeshi. Quoting struggle without guns should be “Constructive Programme” and from N.K. Bose,26 where Gandhiji shunned.22 “Economics and Ethics”. The said: “You cannot build non-violence 14 JANATA, January 14, 2018 on factory civilization, but it can be independence of economic laws and inter-religious faith have been highly built on self-contained villages, even created confusion by bringing ethics advanced by his time and age; and Hitler was so mired, he cannot into economics. “Marx pointed out even today we may need to devastate seven hundred thousand this blind operation of economic laws appreciate this area with fresh non-violent villages. He would within capitalism and said that so evidence of increasing religious himself become non-violent in the long as capitalism survived, society conflicts. By providing leadership process. Rural economy as I have could not exercise any direct and to the Khilafat Movement, the Indian conceived it eschews exploitation conscious control over its firmament had been filled with the altogether and exploitation is the economics, whereas in socialism, cry of “Hindu-Muslam bhai bhai”. essence of violence. You have economics could be regulated India, oppressed and torn into pieces therefore to be rural minded before consciously and in a planned manner. on religious lines for long, at last you can be non-violent.” The author Even under socialism, the objective found in Gandhiji, a new method of examines the idea of charkha and laws and forces of economics uniting society. However, this kind cottage industry and says harmony continue to operate and remain of unity did not last long. The and progress are possible only independent but the internal anarchy moment Gandhiji called off the non- through the reconciliation and is resolved and they become free co-operation movement in the wake synthesis of mutually opposite from any conflict with the conscious of the Chauri Chaura episode in trends. Marx and Engels, according endeavors of man”.29 Gandhi 1922, the whole country suffered a to him, have exposed the face of the believed in the importance of shock. With the rise of Kamal Pasha machine-culture and industrialization objective and scientific forces but in Turkey, the Khilafat Movement of the 19th century in all its ugliness, even greater for him were also the lost its meaning and significance. In and Gandhi has showed the ideas of wisdom and dharma. In his the meanwhile, the Muslims of India miserable condition of the human view, morality and religion were began to drift away from the national habitations, both India and abroad, integral parts of everyday life. In a struggle. The distinction between which resulted from the centralized lecture before Muir Central College nationalist Muslims on the one hand industrialization of the capitalist of Economic Society of Allahabad, and those belonging to the pro- kind.27The specific understanding of he said: “I venture to think that the government Muslim League on the Gandhiji in respect of these ideas has scriptures of the world are far safer other was becoming sharper. The been that he too visualized electricity, and sounder treatises on the laws of views of Sir Syed Ahmed began to ship-building, iron works, machine- economics than many of the modern exercise a strong influence over the making, and the like side by side with text books”.30 At the same time, it Muslims, and the educated Muslim village handicrafts. The traditional is not that there is no ethical content elite was slowly drifting away from Europe economist considers in Marx and Engels economic casting its lot with Gandhi, into a industrial cities to be dependent upon theories. According to Pannalal, with policy of cooperation with the British. villages for supplies whereas the end of capitalism and imperialism On the whole, the Muslims at no time Gandhiji wanted to reverse the and, with the advent of socialism and thereafter accepted Gandhiji as their process, i.e., the cities to be supply the exploitation-free society, what own. In concluding the debate over sources for villages. The author Gandhi said about morality and Hindu-Muslim Unity, and Gandhiji’s suggests that socialism would be conscience will no longer seem contribution to it, the author says that richer in many respects by accepting merely imaginative, utopian and although there was a conservative Gandhiji, and Gandhism too would impractical. Ethics will therefore element in Gandhiji, yet we have enrich itself by absorbing socialism. rapidly permeate economics. Hence, seen that he could move with the Cooperation would benefit both though Gandhi’s ethical and moral times and that, in many cases, he ideals as conflict can harm both.28 demands might sound unrealistic, proved himself to be more radical they do not prove to be so in practice than the revolutionaries and that he One of the major considerations in socialist systems. had the capacity to assess the of the author has been that Gandhiji historical value of every action and attempted to reconcile economics Another important topic of serious accordingly to adopt or reject it. and ethics. One of the main charges concern for Gandhi has always been leveled by economists at Gandhiji is “Hind-Muslim Unity”. In fact Nai Talim (new education) of that he did not accept the Gandhi’s concepts of religion and Gandhian pedagogy, much neglected JANATA, January 14, 2018 15 by many Gandhian scholars, has concrete shape, experimented with 3P. 443, ibid occupied a significant stage in the it in his life and endeavoured to 4P.4, ibid discussion of Pannalal Babu. The introduce it into the whole country. 5 first and the foremost observation of P.5 ibid the author has been that Gandhiji Another great contribution of this 6P.6 ibid liberated manual labour from its work has been providing answers to 7P.12., from G.N.Dhawan, the Political dismal associations; more certain contentious issues between Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, p.55 specifically in his scheme of proper Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore 8p.15 ibid education. “Trace the source of and, Gandhi and Subhash Bose. Both every coin that finds its way into your these areas can be said to be highly 9p.17-18, quoted from Pyarelal’s Last pocket, and you will realize the truth illuminating though brief. All Indians Phase of what I write,” Gandhi whose world-view was influenced by 10p.26-27 ibid said.31Gandhiji named his new western culture and education – 11p.33 ibid method of education through manual socialists, communists and many labour “Nai Talim”. Judging by other groups of people voiced a 12pp.38-39 ibid results the contribution of the uniform objection to Gandhi that he 13P.40 ibid was a revivalist. They also objected ‘groves of academia’ (the system 14p.44 ibid introduced by the British) to our to his models of constructive 15 enlightenment is highly disappointing, programme, satyagraha, non- p.57 ibid not in one but in most aspects of life. cooperation, and swadeshi etc., as 16p.57 ibid, from Harijan, 21st Oct, 1939 The knowledge that they impart in contrary to the universal goals of 17p.78 ibid various fields of education has been civilization and cooperation. Gandhi 18 very shallow and has had no faced these attacks from almost all p.80 ibid enduring impact on the lives of ‘progressives’. Tagore34 considered 19pp.92-93 ibid people. Learning has lost its intimate ‘charkha’ movement would only 20p.96 from Young India, 25th Aug 1920 contract with real life and work. “If make ‘coolies’ out of the people and 21p.97 ibid the farmer’s son is sent to school, it was but a proof of Gandhiji’s he not only unlearns cultivation, but aversion to science. “People would 22p.98 ibid also starts looking down upon go on plodding at the charkha, and 23p.93 from Nirmal Bose, Studies in agriculture and neglects his not progress in human knowledge. Gandhism, p-120 parents”.32The reason for this state Science has emancipated 24p.112 ibid of affairs is that education lacks an innumerable sudras from their sudra economic basis and a social status”. Gandhiji35 replied 25p.155 ibid significance. Gandhiji showed us, emphatically to the charge of 26p. 197 ibid, from N.K.Bose who quoted according to the writer, that Tagore: “… to a people famishing from Harijan, 4th Nov, 1939 and idle, the only acceptable form in education should be provided through 27p.201 ibid some kind of physical work and which God can dare appear is work 28 behind such a system of education and promise of food as wages. God p.221 ibid lies a far-reaching philosophical created man to work for his food and 29pp.223-224 ibid rationale. Gandhiji said: “Our said that those who ate without work 30p.227 ibid education has got to be were thieves….”. 31p.255 ibid revolutionized. The brain must be (To be concluded) educated through the hand…”.33 32p.257 ibid (Harijan Feb 18, 1939). While 1P. ix, Forward to the Bengali First 33Harijan 18th Feb, 1939 quoting extensively from Marx, Edition, Revolutionary Gandhi, Pannalal 34p.271, ibid from Rabindranath Tagore’s Engels, Sydney and Beatrice Webb, Dasgupta, Earth Care Books, Kolkata, Rachanavali, Vihwabharati Edition Emerson, etc. the author contends 2011, Translated by K.V. vol.24, pp.405-06 that: We can find in human history Subrahmonyan fragments and hints which bear out 35p.275 ibid from Great Sentinel, Young the truth of this kind of thinking. It 2 P 477 quoted from Pyarelal’s Last India, 13th Oct, 1921 quoted in Mahatma was Gandhiji, however, who gave in Phase, Vol.II p.255 Gandhi by Romain Rolland, P.111 R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, January 14, 2018 Postal Registration No. MCW/275/2018-2020. Published on Sunday, January 14, 2018 & Posted on Wedenesday, January 17, 2018 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

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Vol. 72 No. 52 First among Equals January 21, 2018 Kuldip Nayar

Whether it was a proverbial storm In his reaction, former chief in tea cup or something else the fact justice R.M Lodha has questioned Gandhi Namesake, remains that the judiciary has been how such a boiling issue had Operates as Mafia exposed. The impartiality with which remained pending for two months. Sandeep Pandey it is known has been shaken. “I am disturbed by today’s For the first time judges face people. development. What happened today This is the best headline which I is unfortunate and painful for a Pardon me, this isn’t found in an Urdu daily. It told the person who presided over an a story by Manto story and still left many things unsaid. institution like the Supreme Court. Dr. H.S. Anupama Four judges of the Supreme Court— Reacting to the letter made public, Justices J. Chelmeswar, Ranjan the former chief justice is right when Gogoi, Madan B. Lokur and Kurian he says that the chief justice ought Gandhi - A Revolutionary ? Joseph—have created history when to have discussed it with them A. Raghu Kumar they held a press conference to tell addressed those issues. their side of story on what Chief of Justice of India Dipak Mishra has The issues, as pointed out by the Lessons from Lohia for been doing. Their contention is that four judges, may not be big. But they Disturbed Times he is only first among equals, need to be addressed because both Justice B. Sudershan Reddy northing more or nothing less. But the chief justice of India and Justice the Chief Justice, they allege, has J. Chelmeswar, the second senior spread himself all over. most, have been at loggerheads after the latter assigned a petition which The questioning of the Chief sought probe into the medical college Editor : Justice publicly by the four most scam—former Odisha High Court G. G. Parikh senior judges of the apex court has judge I.M. Quddusi was suspected put everybody in a fix. But the to be involved in it—to a bench of Managing Editor : Guddi government has been correct in not top five judges. But this decision was interfering and letting the judiciary overturned by a five-judge D-15, Ganesh Prasad, to settle the matter itself. Constitution bench which ruled that Naushir Bharucha Marg, Understandably, former chief the CJI was the master of roster and Mumbai - 400 007. justices have also expressed he alone could assign cases to their “shock” over the different benches. Email : [email protected] unprecedented press conference by Website:www.janataweekly.org the four judges. Even otherwise, in recent times 2 JANATA, January 21, 2018 the bench formation in the Supreme Unfortunately, the judges have not judge. The word, corruption, was not Court has been against the text of realized that they have already heard some years ago. Today, it is the Constitution which is very clear provided that by the current row on everybody’s lip. on constitutional issues because which the government may use to such matters have to be heard by a have greater say in judicial appoints Not long ago, judgments were pro- five-judge bench. But what has and transfers. people, pro-weak and pro- happened in recent times is that they environment. Laws were interpreted have been referred to two or three- India is fortunate to have in such a manner that a common judge benches. This has not only independent judiciary since freedom. man got relief and the greenery was eroded the confidence of fellow But two judges, H.R. Khanna of the protected against the judges of the highest court in the land Supreme Court and marauding builders. The judiciary, but has, as a result, created a crisis- JagmohanLalSinha of Allahabad particularly after the globalisation, like situation. High Court, raised it to great heights has tended to side with riches, power at a time when the judiciary was and those who destroy the flora and Differences among judges are timid and when it was a fashion to fauna. The judiciary has also tried nothing new. There have been past feather one’s own nest. Khanna, to arrogate to itself the authority instances where judges of the apex during the emergency, spoke the which belongs to the legislatures. court have fought over certain truth knowing well the consequences issues. The tussles between Justice he would face. He differed with his The judiciary has become a very Y.V. Chandrachud and his successor other four colleagues and upheld the important segment of public life. Justice P. N. Bhagwati in the 1970s inviolability of fundamental rights. He Politicians can be disciplined only and 1980s or the one between Justice was superseded and he resigned in through the law. If the Supreme A.M. Ahmadi and Justice Kuldip protest. Court judges think about themselves Singh in the 1990s were considered and not the law, democracy can be examples of “indiscipline” rather than With Justice RanjanGogoi next in in danger. “rebellion.” line to succeed Justice DipakMisra as CJI when the latter retires in Email :[email protected] Whatever may be the differences, October this year may face a the press conference by the sitting situation similar to the one that judges has definitely irretrievably Justice Khanna faced many years Janata Subscription dented the integrity of the institution ago. But the latter’s judgment gave and also the moral authority of the hope to the people of India that there Annual Rs. : 260/- Supreme Court. In the letter were judges to uphold the truth even addressed to the CJI, the four judges when the tallest in the country had Three Years : 750/- have rightly pleaded with him to take compromised to stay in office. corrective measures so that they Khanna told the nation that the Demand Draft / Cheque can apprise him about similar judicial fundamental values of a democratic on orders that need to be dealt with by society demanded that every person him. must display a degree of vigilance Mumbai Bank and willingness to sacrifice. This is in favour of In our legal system, based on rule- still a distant goal for India. of-law, no one including the Chief Justice is above it. No doubt, the CJI Despite such examples, the has the powers to form benches but judiciary is losing sheen. People’s JANATA TRUST the powers are supposed to be faith in obtaining justice is weakening, D-15, Ganesh Prasad, exercised judiciously and not not only due to inordinate delays in arbitrarily. The government is getting the cases heard but also due Naushir Bharucha Marg, looking for a window of opportunity to the increasing impression that the Grant Road (W), to enforce the National Judicial judges can be managed. Clients and Appointment Commission Act which lawyers reportedly conspire to have Mumbai 400 007. the judges have rejected. hearings fixed before a particular JANATA, January 21, 2018 3 Gandhi Namesake, Operates as Mafia

Sandeep Pandey

Jagdish Gandhi is the founding is a demolition order against the order against demolition making a manager of City Montessori School school building. The school builing plea that future of 1,700 children in Lucknow which enrolls more than has been erected by combining two studying upto Intermediate level and 55,000 students in its 18 branches. adjoining plots A-823 and A-903. hundreds of employess and teachers This school has been listed in Whereas the manager of CMS had is at stake. He urged the court to Guinness book of world records for bought the plot A-903, he took A- give a direction for shifting of the highest enrollment of students. It has 823 on rent but without the school rather than demolishing its been awarded UNESCO prize for permission of owner R.B. Pathak, building. The court has been peace education for promoting the retired IAS, he constructed the requested not to take harsh action. values of peace and tolerance. school building. The owner Jagdish Gandhi is also a receipient complained to Commissioner, Jagdish Gandhi must be asked of Uttar Pradesh government’s top Housing and Development Board, whether only rich children have a honourYashBharti. but to no avail. future? What about the future of those children whose admission he But Jagdish Gandhi has refused The question that now arises is has denied under the RTE Act for to admit a single student from the how can a school be run from an the last three years? Did he not feel disadvantaged category or weaker illegal building? The school doesn’t that he was being harsh on those section for the last three years under even have a play ground which is children? It is significant that in HC section 12(1)(c) of the Right to mandatory for seeking recognition. he claims school enrollment as 1,700 Education Act, 2009, for free What will happen to the future of whereas in a reply from Fire education from classes I to VIII, children studying in this school if the department in response to a query whose admission is ordered by Council for the Indian School under the RTI Act, the school has District Magistrate or Basic Certificate Examinations decides to reported an enrollment of merely 600 ShikshaAdhikari. Eighteen children withdraw the ICSE affiliation of the children. HC has been told that in academic year 2015-16, 55 school? school runs till Intermediate or class children in 2016-17 and 296 children XII where it merely has a ICSE in 2017-18 were denied admission The demolition order of A-823 affiliation, which is meant for class by Jagdish Gandhi violating their dates back to 1996 whereas the X. fundamental right. Thirteen children demolition order of A-903 is of 2015. belonging to Valmiki community Once the authorities tried to The CISCE website shows were admitted in the Indira Nagar implement the order but as it was recognition to only 12 of the 18 CMS branch of CMS due to a High Court during school hours the manager branches, which implies that 6 of its order in 2015-16 after a case which made all the children sit in front of branches are being run without took several months. the demolition squad. The complicity recognition. Under the RTE Act the of school managar and government authorities should impose fine on Recently under the Right to officials is quite obvious as no other these branches. Information Act 2005 the Housing attempt was made in the last 21 and Development Board of the UP years in non-school hours or on a Jagdish Gandhi has a strategy to government revealed that the vacation, which would have been the retain only ‘bright’ kids beyond class building of Indira Nagar branch of appropriate time to demolish it. VIII so that his school delivers a CMS has been built without good performance in Board permission, the land use is still Now that the information about examinations. A girl in the Aliganj residential, thereby precluding the demolition orders is out, Jagdish branch wanted to choose possibility of any commercial activity Gandhi went to the High Court on 4 Mathematics as a subject in class IX. here, and most shockingly, that there January, 2018 and obtained a stay However, because of her low scores 4 JANATA, January 21, 2018 in class VIII she was allowed to Pardon me, this isn’t a story by Manto select only Commerce with Hindi. She left CMS and is today pursuing the subject of her choice, Dr. H.S. Anupama Mathematics, in Delhi Public School. One The driver too managed to get away from his assailants, and ran as fast The CMS charges fees for two It was an unfortunate evening— as he could from the site, but was months together. For parents from everything around had transformed soon attacked by another group. The lower middle class background it into something else. He was just 19. attackers started beating him with becomes really difficult to make two He had dropped out of college to iron rods. They were about to torch ends meet. The school charges fees earn his living and had started to work him, but upon hearing people coming for vacation months much in with his elder brother and father in towards them they fled the site, advance. It is a well oiled money the port. making machine. leaving the injured driver on the road. That evening, he was preparing He had managed to save his life The CMS offers concession in to observe the rituals that one observes before visiting the for the second time that day. He was fees to children of its teachers but brutally injured and couldn’t stand or doesn’t offer the same concession Shabarimala Ayyappa Swami temple the following morning. He had move. He crawled up to a house of to its lower level employees like a brahmin family living close by and maids, sanitation workers, rickshaw parked his bike at the site where there had been a clash between two pleaded for water. The family, on pullers who bring children to school, seeing his condition, mistook him for etc. It is an open secret that Jagdish groups earlier. He left his home to go to the site to get his bike, but a mad man and offered him some Gandhi offers concession in fees to water and food. children of IAS officers, politicians never returned. in high places, judges and most His worried family started looking He was scared. He hid in a pit importantly journalists. This is how for him. On realising that it was near this house for three days. The he manipulates his way through the impossible to track his whereabouts, family was confused and he was system and operates by blatantly they approached the police. Even scared. He then learnt that the riot violating various rules and laws. He they could not find him. Two days that had broken out in the village had manages to keep himself in the good after he went missing, an ended, and he felt safe enough to books of the chief minister of the day, unrecognised body was found in the come out in the open. The police took irrespective of political affiliation. river of the village. When the police him to the hospital. His family had Hence no official, politician or judge examined the body, it was of the concluded that he was dead and the takes action against him. same boy who had gone missing. He villagers had already lodged a who had drowned to death was on complaint in the police station. Email :[email protected] the shore and his family had drowned He is now with his family and has in a sea of tears. managed to survive a brutal attack. Two Three Those three people in the truck I got a call at 11:53 pm. The lady had never imagined something like who had called me said, “They have this could happen. A few men on the surrounded our house. They are Janata road, at the outskirts of a village, had pelting stones on our house. The seen the driver of the truck and had windows have all been broken. We is available at decided his religious identity. are scared to go out and fight them. They stopped the truck and What should be done, madam?” started to interrogate the driver—his What should be done? www.lohiatoday.com name and other details—and then started beating him black and blue. The people who had surrounded The other two with him somehow their house were hurling abuses at managed to escape from the site. them and were saying, “We have JANATA, January 21, 2018 5 burnt the car of a policeman. We do and his family because of his religion. after he went missing, and became not care about burning these people He is shaken and he asks, “Is this the excuse for the spread of alive.” The attack had begun early fair, madam? Isn’t there anything communal violence in the district. in the morning and went on till late called justice left? Could we file Nineteen is no age to die. His midnight. complaints on our friends? What unfortunate death would sadden should be done?” The person who had called me anybody, irrespective of who killed said, “We are here in this village for What should be done? him and why they killed him. His forty-five years now. Our children family has lost its much loved son It is a family without a patriarch. were born here. We are very sad and also an earning hand. No The single mother had struggled today. We feel like leaving this compensation would help the family really hard and had saved some village for good. We think they are overcome the pain that this loss has money to marry off her daughter. going to set us on fire. How can we caused. All that we can do now is The wedding celebrations were due escape? Where do we go? Where wish that such incidents would not and were being organised in front of do we deposit our documents, money repeat themselves in the future. The the temple close by. Relatives started and gold we have in the house? What murderers have to be arrested and to force her to postpone the wedding, should be done, madam?” punished, and we need to make sure and the groom’s family suggested that the circumstances leading to his What should be done? that they would like to reconsider the murder would not arise again. match, as it was not a good omen. A glass piece from the broken On the one hand, we are window had injured a six-month-old She now had to take care of the saddened by the death of Paresh, baby in the house. The mother of this expenses of the wedding, all over and on the other hand, the violence baby was crying. The grandmother again. This worried mother asks me, that followed. Instead of mourning had no energy to utter words. The “What should be done now, his death, people have succumbed sister of the baby, who was now madam?” to the rumours being circulated on bored of being locked inside the What should be done? the internet and have taken to house for the last five days, was violence. Those who are mourning annoyed; she said, “Why are you all Please excuse me; this is not an his death are enraged and are crying? Why don’t we go to the excerpt from a story by Sadat Hasan destroying public property and hospital? Why aren’t you giving me Manto. accusing the people of other religion my milk? Why shouldn’t I go out and This actually happened. No one for his death. play? Why are they pelting stones had anticipated something like this on our house? What wrong have we would happen till December 2017. Even small villages have started done?” She kept asking such Honnavar was a peaceful coastal to become communal. We are also questions. And the mother asked me, small town in the foothills of western hearing news of inhuman attacks. It “Tell us madam, what should be ghats. There never was any is always very easy to break things, done?” communal tension here. Our port but what is hard is making them. was safe and nice, but not anymore. The responsibility of maintaining What should be done? It is a violent sea that we see. We communal harmony rests with every They knew each other since their do not see a stop to this in the near responsible citizen. We wish the childhood. They grew up together. future. communal harmony that existed in Their religious identities had till date Who do we trust? Who do we the scenic Uttara Kannada district not affected their friendship. They complain to? is restored and this should be the goal would attend the village fair and eat of all those in the seats of power the food available there. They would It is very hard to fix the broken irrespective of the difference among watch yakshagana together. They We are all taken aback by the the parties that they are affiliated to. had learnt how to drive together. developments of the last two weeks Mine — yours, theirs and ours They had also eaten biryani together in the North Canara district of come, Let us join hands, and had partied several times. Karnataka following the death of Then you see a new world, For him, it is disheartening to see Paresh Mesta, a 19-year-old boy. A new world for everyone. the very same friends attacking him His dead body was found two days Email : [email protected] 6 JANATA, January 21, 2018 Gandhi - A Revolutionary ? - II

A. Raghu Kumar

“The ideal of one world or human succinctly.38These differences were Hindu temples so long as they denied unity cannot be imposed from above. basically on the ideological as well entry to the Harijans (the description It could only be brought about if as struggle tactics. These Gandhi invoked for Dalits during his existing national and class differences appear in their most struggle) and other suppressed contradictions and other social sharpened forms between February classes. He kept this vow till his last inequalities were resolved. Those 1939 and January 1941. Bose was day, although he remained a devout who call themselves Marxists should more inclined that Gandhi shall give Hindu throughout his life and have been the first to realize this. an ultimatum to the British acknowledged the need for temples. But the Marxists of this country government during the early stages The Muslim League and the were so self-deluded that they of the World War-II, which was not Ambedkarites carried on the thought nothing of brandishing accepted by Gandhi. Gandhiji felt that propaganda that Gandhi’s Harijan expression like “frog-in-the-well’ and a dangerous atmosphere of violence movement was but a clever political ‘bourgeois nationalism’ to the anti- was prevalent in the country, and any ploy aimed at winning wider support. imperialist national struggle that decision for final assault at that Even the leftists were, according to Gandhi inspired and led. … If the juncture would lead to disastrous Pannalal, openly critical of the Marxists could commit such a effects. Moreover, he was also Harijan movement. The Left parties blunder, why should not doubtful of the preparedness of believed that the Hindu-Muslim Rabindranath, poet and dreamer that satyagrahees at that time. divide as well as the Harijan problem he was?”36 Gandhiji has no love for Communal frenzy was all pervasive would disappear if there were no revivalism, and Rabindranath never due to divisive politics and hate religions at all. To them, the suspected or believed that Gandhiji campaign of both the British and movements for securing entry for had any. However, he thought that Muslim League, which was another Harijans into temples or for bringing there was a predilection for the factor running through the mind of about Hindu-Muslim unity, will only traditional way among Gandhians or Bapu. In fact, even Subhas Bose help perpetuate man’s bondage to Gandhiji’s followers. Gandhiji was not a believer in violent religion and were thus reactionary.39 himself was aware of such a trend, revolutions. He was a complete and lest in his name wrong things believer in Gandhian leadership. In After discussing various stands on should be done, he often cautioned his analysis of the strained relations this issue of dalits, Pannalal considers people. “…. I must not attempt to of Gandhi and Subhas, more than that in fact it is Gandhi who elevated revive ancient practices if they were anything else, the author blames the caste problem into class-struggle. By inconsistent with, call if you will Pant Resolution, during the second looking at the problem as not of modern life, as it must be lived…..”37 term of the Congress Presidentship caste, but of high and low, the of Subhas Bose, which mandated the exploiter and the exploited, he Gandhi–Bose differences have led President seeking Mahatma’s contends that Gandhi projected the to lot of political controversy, approval before nominating new problem more as a problem relating especially in the recent past. Bose members to CWC, as the major to the class struggle.40Pannalal was tried to be owned or reason for the rift. contends that “Gandhiji also put into appropriated by both the left and the practice the fundamental ideals of right. Being a contemporary and a There are several controversies communism and socialism in a way direct witness to the debate, and contradictions on the issue of that the communists or socialists of Pannalalji tried to put the facts Gandhiji’s role in respect of the his time could only envy”. “In his straight with utmost respect and upliftment of dalits, adivasis and outlook as well as his personal life, sincerity to both. He comes out with workers. But one thing needs to be Gandhiji attained the level of the truly eleven points of convergence and said that Gandhiji at one point classless human being. “Gandhiji divergence between them most declared that he would not step into may not have been a communist, but JANATA, January 21, 2018 7 he could certainly have been a forms the basis, but totally in a capitalists’ interests in very worthy member of a classless different way. He considers western unequivocal language. “The greatest society.41 civilization and the models of obstacle in the path of non-violence production and development, is the presence in our midst of the This particular part of the book, distribution and organizing the indigenous interests that have sprung on “Harijans, Adivasis and Workers” society as degrading and inhuman. up from British rule, the interests of offers a new and rich insights into From the above consideration of the moneyed men, speculators, scrip- Gandhi’s actions towards these Gandhi flows the idea of holders, land-holders, factory issues. He elevates Gandhi to a “Trusteeship”. His concept of owners, and the like. All these do better communist than many “Trusteeship”, as many of his other not always realize that they are living communists. Few quotes from concepts, remains undeveloped on the blood of the masses, and Pyarelal’s Last Phase, and some further, and thus lacks sufficient when they do, they become as callous other sources, was cited by the philosophical explanation as an to British principals whose tools and author to fortify his proposition. The economic theory. agents they are.”45 “I would be very one was Gandhiji reply to a question happy indeed if the people at a public meeting in January 1946 But, Pannalal Dasgupta, though a concerned behaved as trustees, but at Medinipur regarding his views on Marxist makes a major attempt in if they fail, I believe we shall have class struggle42 where he said that reconciling this contradiction to deprive them of their possessions class struggle there had been always, between the Marxist tradition and through the State with the minimum it could be ended if the capitalists the Gandhian thought. Probably it exercise of violence.”46 “…I desire voluntarily renounced their rule and can be considered as a major to end capitalism, almost, if not quite, became labourers.The other was to contribution of Pannalal towards as much as the most advanced realize that labour was real capital, understanding the idea of socialist or even communist. But our in fact, the maker of capital. On ‘trusteeship’ from a Marxist view. methods differ, our language differ. another occasion it appears Gandhi “As far the communists and My theory of ‘Trusteeship’ is said43 “It is a most dangerous thing socialists, they wanted people to makeshift, certainly no to make political use of labour until believe that trusteeship was just camouflage.”47 "My fundamental labourers understand the political another of Gandhiji’s strategies in difference with socialists is well- condition of the country and are trying to perpetuate capitalism and known. I believe in the conversion prepared for the common good. …”. the Zamindari system.44But of human nature and in striving for according to Gandhi, land owners it.They do not believe in this. But Another most controversial and other moneyed people could let me tell you that we are coming subject of Gandhian ideas or theories keep their property but they should nearer to one another.”48" has always been “Trusteeship”. This not view it as their own or use it as Communism of the Russian type, almost goes against the grain of they wished. He postulated that they that is communism which is imposed many western social or political should consider themselves as the on a people, would be repugnant to philosophers and also their followers custodians or trustees of the place India…..”49 in India. The basic question that or money they owned and they could lingers in the minds of any socio- take out of the property only as much Both Communists or Socialists, political philosopher since Hobbes as was due to them as its caretakers. and Gandhi are equally concerned has been: “Whether human being is Gandhiji himself was not consistent with human nature, alienation and naturally a social being?” “Whether till his last days in his interpretation how to resolve the class human beings are good or selfish by of the concept and he often spoke contradictions, which was the nature?” Both Marx and Gandhi about it from different angles. consequence of the advent of consider human beings as basically capitalism. But the allegation of social beings. For Marx it’s the It was Gandhiji’s firm faith in the communists or socialist about the alienation of human being from basic goodness of man that led him integrity or sincerity of Gandhi may nature that forms one of the bases to evolve the trusteeship doctrine. In not be correct, according to Pannalal. of his social theory construction. For 1930 on the eve of Salt Satyagraha, Gandhi being firmly rooted in the Gandhi also the alienation of man he expressed his ideas on the Indian concept of spirituality 8 JANATA, January 21, 2018 considers non-possession or of Gandhi on the subject matter of semi-colonial countries as pro- voluntary relinquishment of property ‘socialism’ has been what he said in bourgeois”.52 or ownership can be invoked in Harijan, July 6,1947: “Socialism human beings. Therefore, says begins with the first convert, if there While quoting from various Pannalal in conclusion, that in this is one such; you can add zero to one correspondence between Marx and socialist era of the world, it is not and the first zero will count for ten Engels and, Marx and others, impossible for non-possession to and every addition will count for ten especially the letter Marx wrote to become a universal trait. times the previous number. If, Meyer and Vogt, which was further however, the beginning is a zero, in developed by Lenin, where Marx How did Gandhi understand the other words, no one makes the said: “After occupying myself with role of women in the society? Indian beginning; multiplicity of zeroes will the Irish question for many years, I women liberation activists never also prove zero value. Time and have come to the conclusion that the considered Gandhi’s ideas in this paper occupied in writing zeros will decisive blow against English ruling regard as progressive or useful, be so much waste”.51The socialists classes (and it will be decisive for though in his life time, he could bring and communists persist in their belief the workers’ movement all over the in most women into the freedom that there is no need to reform the world) cannot be in England but only struggle, probably more intensely than lives of individuals, and if the society in Ireland”.53For Pannalal, the any other political leader in the world is reformed it could take care of the meaning of this new line of thought, politics and women could work along lives of its individual members. (also according to the secret circular with him more comfortably. His two- of the General Council of the fold view of women in the traditional The major purpose of Pannalal International Working Men’s way and as a companion in struggles Dasgupta’s work has been to Association he cited), was that the or in modern society offers most contextualize Gandhi in a historical revolution had to be triggered off in controversial reading at the outset. purpose in terms of Marxist ideology England only through the freedom Commenting on the position of and also to question certain narratives struggles in her colonies. “Firstly, the women in society Gandhi said: “A of Gandhians in placing him beyond working class was not the only society cannot rise above the level time and, as something as eternal. revolutionary class (as claimed in the of its womenfolk.”50 “… Many of Pannalalji considers that ‘The Indian Communist Manifesto).Secondly, the our movements stop halfway because Marxists failed to fully learn their liberation of England’s colonies was of the conditions of our women...” lessons from the Russian the chief condition for the However, he differs with the western Revolution. They took the Russian emancipation of England’s working liberal ideas on this subject.”He Revolution to be more of an class. Again quoting Stalin’s caution believed that men and women played exception than a rule. They neither “… what is right for one historical complementary roles.His views tried to understand the meaning of situation may prove to be wrong in regarding the man-woman quotient all the new ideas that had come into another historical situation”54 and of were very similar to Tolstoy’s. Marxism as a consequence of that Mao’s, Pannalal argues that Professor Nirmal Bose has given revolution nor did they have any Gandhi’s historical role was many insights into this aspect of notion of the possibilities of profoundly revolutionary from the Gandhi’s personality in his book developing those ideas. As a result Marxist point of view. “Last Days with Gandhi”. He says of this blinkered view, they could not that in some ways Gandhi’s conceive any form of revolution After thirty years of writing in personality was exactly like that of other than the one leading to Bengali, when sending the women and that he acquired this trait proletarian dictatorship. For them, manuscript for printing Pannalal through conscious experiment and any revolution which did not have the added “Notes” to the chapter on effort. Manuben Gandhi, Gandhiji’s leadership of the communists was no “Gandhi and History”, where he grand-niece, even chose for her revolution at all, even though it may observes with hindsight that ‘the book on Gandhiji the title “Bapu - My include the working classes. “Caught limitations of ideals and ideologies, Mother.” in this narrow outlook, they remained like freedom, democracy and aloof to the vast movement…. Saw socialism, which have inspired One of the most typical statements the freedom struggle of colonial and humanity during the past three JANATA, January 21, 2018 9 hundred years are being experienced the so-called diehard Gandhians. I century. Pannalal dispels myriad of at every step in all spheres of action. look upon Gandhi, Marx, Lenin and Marxist’s doubts on Gandhi’s Non- …Hence there arises the necessity other men of the age as forming a violence, Satyagraha and to re-examine Marxism, Leninism, powerful giant telescope and Constructive Programmes. As a an Mao’s thoughts and Gandhism, for introscope, if I may use that word to eternal truth seeker, and a person the virtually blocked path of mean an instrument which shows who was always ready to discard revolution has to be reopened for its what goes on within my mind. The any of his opinions or ideas, even onward march and a way have to epilogue indicates the purpose of the those held by him quite preciously, be found to inspire faith once again work as a critique of the works of at the instance of impeccable proof in the hearts of men”.55 Gandhians, and as well of the Left, or convincing argument, Mahatma and ends saying ‘when they review Gandhi is the first and foremost social The concluding chapter of the Gandhiji’s life and struggle they do scientist, contends Pannalal. Even on book “Gandhism” considers Gandhi not make the least effort to the most problematic issues such as as a votary of both God and Truth – understand the gradual painful God, religion, ethics and morals etc., concepts which the modern evolution of a very ordinary, peace- Pannalal, though a believer in intellectual would often regard as loving man of liberal temperament Marxist-Leninist path, considers offending and mutually into an anti-imperialist fighter. On Gandhi on par with or as above many contradictory. “Gandhiji tried to the contrary, they dig up a weak spot so called secularists, and presents equate science and philosophy by or a drawback and blow it out of Gandhi’s ideas in a fresh and modern defining Truth as God.” Pannalal proportion in order to show up all his milieu. writes that Gandhi was a many work in poor light. “The sum and faceted personality-an experimenter substance of my discussion in the By appropriately placing Gandhi’s of truth, a great pilgrim and a foregoing paragraphs is that in their ideas vis-à-vis Rabindranath Tagore, supreme leader. If Marxism has attempt to prove Gandhiji a and Subhas Bose, Pannalal argues made a great contribution towards bourgeois leader by means of a that Gandhi was more correct, if not laying the foundation of that labored fallacious thesis, the absolutely correct, on the methods (socialist) culture from the point of Communists came up against an and strategies of conducting the view of economics and state craft, even greater obstacle on their way. freedom struggle, while Gandhi’s contribution in the domains In their concern to keep up simultaneously appreciating the of morality and public life will make consistency, they have had to ignore counter narratives of Tagore and their foundation considerably more actual events or distort them. They Subhas. During past several natural and elegant. In Gandhi, we have been at great pains to fit the decades heated arguments have find a leader and a prophet rolled into whole history into the straight-jacket filled the political space on Gandhi’s one. “Men like Gandhiji do not of a petty thesis; little knowing that role and ideas on the issues such as appear often on the earth. No single it will all be in vain”.57 dalits, women and workers which individual or group can fill his place. were also ably countered by It is only mankind in its entirety, Pannalal Dasgupta’s Pannalal and consequently it may which is capable of being a true “Revolutionary Gandhi” is a rare offer new insights into these areas. successor to a person like Gandhiji. piece of writing in the Marxist- By redefining the ideas on class, “Deluded as we leftists were,” he Leninist tradition, which has class war and the employment of says, “we shut our eyes to our own appreciated Gandhi as a part of the armed struggles in resolving class history and tradition. Consequently dialectical movement of current contradictions, through Gandhi’s we lost focus on our goal, became history. It attempts to clear the inputs, Pannalal invites all of us to self-complacent and engaged Indian Marxist air filled with nothing relook our theory and practice. On ourselves in imitating others”.56 but ridicule and abuse on Gandhi, and an overall assessment of the work also endeavours at placing Gandhi of Pannalal, we may say that In “Epilogue” he says, “my in a historical setting of anti-colonial Gandhism is shown in a progressive purpose has been to show Gandhi in and anti-imperial struggles of many setting both in terms of history, and a new light to the Indian leftists and Asia-African countries of the Gandhi as an individual in the course to present the historical Gandhi to nineteenth and early twentieth of history, and also as continuum of 10 JANATA, January 21, 2018 the progressive tradition initiated by Lessons from Lohia for Disturbed Marx and Lenin. It’s rare more so, because it has come from the Times Marxist-Leninist activist of yesteryears, and a contemporary of Justice B. Sudershan Reddy* Gandhi. In the end, it urges both the Gandhians, and the Leftists for fresh At the very outset, let me state Every time I think of Dr.Lohia, I dialogue, and to re-appreciate the that it is with utmost humility that I am first reminded of an anecdote areas of congruence and difference, have accepted this task of delivering about him – something that is very for the progressive purpose of both this brief speech in memory of Dr. pertinent in this day. In one of the and also in the interests of people’s Ram ManoharLohia. It can only be elections that he contested, post- struggles for a more socialist state with utmost humility that one could independence, he was approached of affairs. possibly make an approach to one by leaders of a particular community, (concluded) of the makers of modern India. After asking him to deliver an election Email: [email protected] all, how does one seek to speech at a place of worship, encapsulate the life and works of a assuring him that such an act would 36pp.276-277 ibid person like Dr.Lohia, who in the get him a lot of votes from that 37p.289 ibid course of his life wrote prodigiously; particular community. Dr.Lohia 38pp.294-314 ibid as a young man, barely in his refused, and he lost the election very 39pp.315-317 ibid twenties, led a protest against the narrowly. His refusal was founded 40p.325 ibid representation of India at the League on the value that a space for 41p.329 ibid of Nations in Geneva by Maharaja worship, so intimately connected 42p.331 ibid of Bikaner; formed the foreign with the inner spiritual core of human affairs department in the All India existence, could not be used as a 43p.332 ibid from N.K.Bose, Congress Committee; helped lay the space forpolitical propaganda. Selections from Gandhi, p.177 foundation of the Congress Socialist Fiercely independent, and never 44p.335 ibid Party; was imprisoned and tortured wavering from a concern for ethical 45p.337 ibid quoted from N.K.Bose by the British; and in a free India implications of an action, and who in turn quoted from Young India, founded the Socialist Party and prioritizing the pursuit of the good of 6th Feb 1930 indeed the humanistic socialist the broader society, within the 46 p.339 ibid quoted in N.K.Bose movement in India? Where does one framework of social justice, studies in Gandhism begin to comprehend the vision, the Dr.Lohia was indeed forever the 47 p.339 ibid quoted from Harijan, mind and the integrity of a person “top-class scholar, civilized 16th Dec, 1939 who throughout his life worked, gentleman, liberal” and a person of 48 p.342 ibid quoted from N.K.Bose, without respite and with only the “high moral character”. It is widely studies in Gandhism, p.88 remit of an unyielding conscience, to discussed in many a quarters, either 49p.345 ibid quoted from R.K.Prabhu bridge the rich-poor divide, fought openly, or in hushed whispers, as to (Ed), India of my dreams, p.98 against the horrors of caste and whether India is turning or is likely 50p.359 ibid quoted from B. gender inequality, warned us of the to turn into a fascist polity, where Kumarappa, Capitalism, Socialism dangers of the big machine, not the tenets of secularism are set aside, or Villagism merely as a technological artefact institutions of governance and justice 51p.376, Ibid but as a social machine, and above compromised, of murders of 52p.395 ibid all the conditions of endemic journalists and open threats to do so 53p.397 ibid inequality that perpetuates too many others who may speak on 54p.400 ibid from Works of Stalin, oppression of the many by the behalf of the Constitution, one vol.7, PP.226-7 few, generation after generation, and cannot but help asking, on 55p.422 ibid lead to cycles of violence and recollecting that great man: 56p.440 ibid repression? “Jinhenaazhai Hind, par 57p.475 ibid *Former Judge, Supreme Court of India JANATA, January 21, 2018 11 wohKahaanhai? Kahaanhai?” Or our youngsters getting access to end of all privacy, invasive medical the entire corpus of human record keeping, and an ever- Yet, I would not suggest that the knowledge? In many instances, that worsening spiral of economic life of Dr.Lohia be remembered for comment of Dr.Lohia has been taken inequality: conditions that could mere valorization and hagiographic to imply a blind anti-science and anti- create an unstable, Orwellian, or speeches. It is precisely in these technology stance on his part, and violent future that might undermine unsettled times, when arguments are often misused in the more notorious the very technology driven future that made that “nothing has happened” politics by lesser men of recent we so eagerly anticipate. And we for the past six decades, and there times. I believe that we need a more know that it is possible to are unthinking claims only now we nuanced, and a more detailed inadvertently unwind civilization’s have a deliverer, that one needs to appreciation of Dr.Lohia’s work, to progress.”1 draw sustenance from the lives and go beyond the trivial, and contextual, works of great men and women of extensions. A dystopian vision such as this one history. However, the prospects of ought to make us wake up in cold sustenance can be enhanced only if But prior to identification of that sweat. For most of our youngsters, we can analytically grasp the core core principle, we must acknowledge we have not even managed to build principle or principles and apply it / the great perspicacity of Dr.Lohia’s educational systems to give them them to our own times, modifying it concerns with allowing unguided quality primaryeducation. It took the and/or expanding the concepts in the technological choices, and social ruling classes in our polity 14 years light of new knowledge, institutional choices uninformed with deep ethical to even start thinking of enacting a experiences and shocks faced by the concern for equality and human bill to give the sanction of law to democratic polity and the welfare, to destroy prospects of a what Justice Jeevan Reddy had Constitutional structure. democratic order, and the found to be an essential component enslavement of the ordinary man. of Right to Life guaranteed in our I will humbly submit that one of Recently, I was reading an interesting Constitution: the right to free and the keys to the thought and life of book “The Driver in the Driverless quality education for our children at Dr.Lohia is his lifelong struggle Car: How our Technological Choices least until the age of 14. against the “Monotonic Mind”. Of will Create the Future” by Implementation has been shoddy at course everybody agrees that he VivekWadhwa and Alex Salkever. best, nearly a decade later, with great used that expression in the context They posit, in much more stark terms divides between regions, between of “big machine” technology, and it what AmartyaSen has been saying rural and urban areas, between then seems logically simple to for some time now – that our existing upper castes and the lower castes. conceive the political economy technology, and the ones that are Increasingly the talk is about most suggested by Dr.Lohia as one with impending, are more than capable of of the entry level jobs disappearing E.F. Schumaker’s “Small is eliminating many of the ills that have in the near future, even in technology Beautiful” and with the search for plagued human beings throughout fields that our policy makers hoped alternate technologies that their existence. The issue is of would lift most of our youngsters out enchances, rather than eviscerates, choices we make, and the values we of poverty. We cannot afford to let the role of labour in production. That choose to undergird our choices. So our demographic dividend to go would be a correct conception, but far so good. But they present a abegging, lest it might turn into a essentially an incomplete conception. dystopian alternative that they say demographic curse. The pace with After all Dr.Lohia also argued and is equally possible. In a world of which the slipsour nation by only fought for the empowerment, and “Homo Deus” – Human as God, seems to havequickened. capability enhancement of the beating death –run by Artificial downtrodden. Can any one claim Intelligence, as posited by Yuval With the intensification of that Dr.Lohia for instance would Noah Harari,VivekWadhwa and inequality, something that Thomas have disapproved of the use of Alex Salkever, it is equally possible Piketty has brought to the forefront internet by womenfolk in a village in that: of economic discussion brutally in India to directtheir men folk to the past 5 to 10 years, both within trading centres where they would be “we are capable too now of nations and across international able to get higher price for their milk? ushering in a jobless economy, the regions, as a result of the globalised 12 JANATA, January 21, 2018 neo-liberal order that the social and But we have had intimations of regarding Monotonic Logic and economic elites across the world the formation of super elites for some Mind, and its consequences for the have pushed through relentlessly time. Have we not? In a relentless society, and especially of the dis- over the past forty years, the pursuit of wealth, where greed has empowered. It is that, coupled with prospect of the gaps between the been dubbed to be good, we have his dictum that action without moral haves and the have-nots may created a layer of elite decision reasoning would be like a sentence become unbridgeable in any makers whose writ runs large in without a verb, that drove him to be foreseeable future. Take the levels what happens in nations, and the one of the more ardent advocates of inequality between nations that globe, and what happens to the lives of civil liberties, articulators of liberal emerged as a result of the Second of billions of human beings, and who constitutional democracies that seek Industrial Revolution and colonial disproportionately bear the costs of egalitarian goals and also be an exploitation. In mid 20th century, externalities of this economic agent provocateur throughout his scholars and policy makers could monstrosity. A scholar by the name life. In his thought, and in his actions, intellectually conceive and argue that of Manuel Castells called this a he was forever guided by the gaps can be lowered in a few “Network Economy” way back in epistemic principles of Non- generations and maybe even 100 the year 2000. He also warned that Monotonic logic, or rather a group years or so. But not so now, and as economic uncertainty grows, and of philosophical frameworks that inequalities could become inequality intensifies, the encapsulate defeasible inferences — unbridgeable. Yuval Noah Harari sociopsychological disconnect that i.e., where reasoning is expected to posits that in an increasingly data citizens experience between their lead to tentative conclusions from driven world”humans agree to give belief that their governments and everyday life, reserving the right to up meaning in exchange for power.” policy makers, in response to change those inferences in light of That power could be the ability to electoral compulsions ought to work new information. The times that he create many of the marvels we may assiduously for their welfare versus grew up and lived in, and in which breathlessly wished for, including their impotence in demanding and he led a life of civil disobedience, mastery over death. However, the getting the ear of their democratically were marked by extreme and massive price could be its elected governments, could unleash visceral horrors that were visited inegalitarian spread, creating a new forces that undermine liberal upon mankind by Imperialism, global elite. Tim Adams summarised democratic structures and also drive Colonialism, Fascism, Capitalism, this rather brilliantly in the groups of people into more primal and yes, even Marxist-Leninism. In Guardian:”The new longevity and identity groups, such as fanatical a certain sense, they were all the super-human qualities are likely to religious groups or cults. products of Monotonic Logic, a pure be the preserve of the techno super- deductive schema of conception, in rich, the masters of the data It would seem that the political which observable phenomenon could universe. Meanwhile, the developments over the past few be explained from a-priori definitions redundancy of labour, supplanted by years indicate a steady retreat from of nature that were posited to hold efficient machines, will create an the values that we had hoped would universally and without exception. enormous “useless class”, without inform our liberal constitutional The danger of such conceptions, is economic or military purpose…. democracies. Increasingly we hear that every consequence, howsoever Again, if nothing in our approach the shrill voices of unreason from a horrific, could be rationalized away changes, Harari envisages that fragmented world, fragmented as being inevitable. Such a mind and “Dataism”, a universal faith in the nations and fragmented societies. logic, at the individual and at the level power of algorithms, will become of collectives, blinds us to the sacrosanct. To utopians this will look How did we come to such a pass? adverse consequences, even a lot like the “singularity”: an all- And that too so quickly? What words impending massive human tragedies, knowing, omnipresent data- of wisdom, and intellectual insights because we have denied the processing system, which is really of people like Dr. Ram possibility of fallibility of our indistinguishable from ideas of God, ManoharLohia did we ignore? assumptions, and denied the to which humans will be constantly possibility of alternate conceptions. connected. To dystopians it will look I would suggest that we ignored like that too.”2 Dr.Lohia’s fears of and warnings John Gray, a philosopher, points JANATA, January 21, 2018 13 to a fundamental cleavage in its ethical value structures, dead to of human welfare. Preservation of liberalism.3 On the one hand innate human empathy, uncaring of alternate voices, the ones that liberalism posits that there is one the suffering of fellow human beings, question both the goal and the means, objective truth, which through infantile in its demands on the social are vital for survival of understanding exercise of rational thought, is matrix, and blind to the impending what is humane and inhumane. comprehendible and upon which a doom of social conflagration. consensus ought to be arrived at. On Dr. Lohia was a student of human the other hand, liberalism also posits History is littered with examples history — or more specifically, of the the view that toleration of different of social orderings and ideologies, struggle of humanity against the beliefs, experiences, views, and that were promoted, and in turn, been monotonic mind of the elite that needs, and empathy for those who sustained, by such minds. The rise normalises the indifference of rulers are deprived or left behind, is a sine of fascism and the emergence of to the plight of the disempowered and qua non for social stability, an indicia Nazi Germany are but particular debasement of civil liberties. It is best that justice prevails, and the path to instances, and arguably among the to recall Dr.Lohia’s own words in this progress. The danger of the former more gory ones. The singular aspect regard: view is that it is easy for us to come of German Nazi regime, we must to the erroneous belief that the remember, was that ordinary folks, “The concept of civil liberties is “truth” we have arrived at is the like you and I, had turned a blind eye, an outcome of the struggle that the absolute truth. Consequently, it is to the rising tide of intolerance and citizen has eternally waged against easy to conclude that those who do inhumanity. People who otherwise his State. Throughout history, the not agree with us are the “others”, were capable of ordinary courtesies, State and its laws have given rise to the evil, the “disorderly” elements, and indeed even great empathy for manifold types of abuses..... wrath the anti-progress luddites, and the one another, had given into of the State fell down on the citizen anti-development anti-nationalists. xenophobia, based on the singular who tried to be critical. He suffered Having conceived the “other” as belief that nothing overrides the long and solitary confinements, quite irrational, it would but be a logical redemption of their national pride, and often death, and his most precious step to tyranny: elimination of voices development of the economy that possessions were snatched away of dissent. On the other hand, with projects their might abroad were to from him. He, therefore stood in the other view also we have be the over-riding goals. Further, they need of basis of safety from where problems: of argument for the sake also believed that the path to such a he could launch attacks on the of arguments, of every argument goal was one, and anyone who abuses and evils of his times.... If a being posited as the right argument, advocated an alternate vision or path resistance of civil liberties prevails, and hence denial of possibility of any was to be treated as immediately resistance to oppression is not action. The consequence is suspect — and indeed even to be attended with frightful consequences. immediate: in the din of a million eliminated, all debate, and mutinies, the voices of cynical conceptions of the alternate modes It is such a historical conception pragmatism, often called realism, of social organization were that animated the thoughts and advocate the loot and plunder of eliminated. A cultural blindness was actions of Dr.Lohia. His was a disembodied, de-socialised and de- created that failed even to perceive nationalism that was based on an humanised individuals, for whom the the holocaust — because the people appreciation of the specificity of society has become but a market; a being exterminated were made to be India’s conditions, the particular market of values, of ideas, liberties the others, and hence a stumbling needs, and the particular problems. and rights. Again, the big machine block for the uni-dimensional national Nevertheless, his was an open mind takes over — the social machine of goal propagandized by the Nazi that could arrive at deducible the elite comprising of, in Dr.Lohia’s party. Indeed we must remember inferences from the broad swath of terms, those who possess at least that democratic elections brought the human experiences, as a mode of two of the three attributes, viz., Nazis to power, and it was popular guidance for immediate action, with knowledge, wealth and felicity of support that kept Nazis in power. a deliberately constructed speech in the language of power. Democracy, by itself, cannot be the appreciation of epistemic This in turn seeks to create a arbiter of truth, and always uncertainties, and fostering of collective monotonic mind, numb in necessarily conducive to promotion monotonic mindset by the big State 14 JANATA, January 21, 2018 to be experiential facts, that forever and more particularly his conception expression of dissent as anti-national made him alive to the possibility of of the virtuous life, epitomizes what and anti-development has been oppression. Hence, for him civil Paulo Freire, the eminent systematically been built into our liberties were never about mere educationist from Brazil, had popular discourse. Every expression textual promises, but about an actual articulated as the search for a of dissent has at some point or the existential necessity, for the humanized condition. In every other, and more often than not, been individuals, the groups and the nation struggle for freedom from portrayed in our popular culture and itself. For him, civil liberties were the oppression, the quest for equality elite discourses as a potential threat essential foundations on which social could and often does degenerate into to a development that is conceived stability, and a constructive and an equal opportunity for the as billion dollar homes for the one or progressive democracy could be oppressed to oppress the oppressor two and shining towers of glass for constructed. I would dare say that in his or her turn. The dehumanized the few, even as hundreds of millions Dr.Lohia’s thought and life are early condition of oppression, thereby gets are dispossessed of their land and precursors to the kind of deliberative perpetuated. While violent agitations livelihoods, of their water and clean and capability enhancing democracy may be indicia of a social dialogue air, of their social roots, and the that Dr.AmartyaSen has been that has gone horribly wrong, one informal sector swells with hundreds espousing for the past three decades. needs to appreciate two facts. One, of millions of displaced, It pays to quote Dr.Lohia himself, in people normally do not take to dispossessed, and dehumanized extenso: violence if the society, and the State, humanity. And when that humanity had allowed the expression of expresses its dissent, because the “Civil liberties comparatively dissent, within the framework of political process no longer properly smoothen society ‘s march towards diligently guarded civil liberties, encompasses its demands, the elite progress. Society is being eternally which act as the safety valves. culture, in reaction, immediately asks pulled between reaction and Second, the expression of violence for restoration of order, by use of progress.... In this pull, the State has cannot be met with unlawful and extreme state repression, so that they more often been controlled by forces unconstrained violence of the State can go back to their ever thinner ofstagnation and…. — for that will surely breed more TV’s, a culture of glitz, and fads that resistance and violence. Dr.Lohia define lifestyles. To all of this we ….Lest the State should turn into was acutely alive to this, and in his have added the vilest discourse a terrible obstruction to progress and book “The Struggle for Civil possible that demonizes, in the name continually block it by its repression, Liberties” he cites Senator Borah: of religion, in the name of God and its supreme authority over the “Repression is not only the enemy in the name of construction of a citizens stands in need of description of free government, but it is the monotonic spiritual order. All to be and curtailment.... In this manner breeder of revolution. It is the enemy relentlessly pushed forward by orderly social progress becomes of progress and human happiness. subversion of constitutional possible and society is not continually And above all, it is neither a test of structures and small armies of hate faced with the choice between error nor of truth.” filled youngsters. tyranny and revolution. The concept ofcivil liberties is thus essentially a Over the past few decades, we Dr.Lohia recognized the need for liberal concept which acts as a shock have seen a systematic demolition assiduous protection of civil liberties absorber of the cruel impact between of the legitimacy and validity, of civil because they, in his words: State tyranny and mass revolts. “ liberties in many countries. We, I would submit, in this country are no “lay bare political and social Given Dr.Lohia’s justifiable fear exception to this rule. Even as neo- abuses which are the fountainhead of the monotonic mind, and its social liberal economic thought took its evil of all suppression. .... An enquiry into ordering, whether of the Marxist roots again, as Washington a case of violation of civil liberties is kind, or of the Capitalist kind, his consensus, and as necessary simultaneously an enquiry into the greatest worry was about sustaining structural reforms in India, it particular abuse against which the the feasibility of arguing for change systemically built a monotonic mind, individual had fought and for which without resort to violence. In this ideology and culture. A knee jerk the wrath of the State and other regard, Dr.Lohia’s thought and life, nationalism that condemns any interests had descended upon JANATA, January 21, 2018 15 him….The special front of civil injustice and oppression go beyond I conclude this lecture with what liberties maintains the backbone of bearable bounds. He believed that ShahidBhagat Singh said: the people. The spiritof opposition Satyagraha as a weapon will prevail against injustice is kept intact. The as long as injustice and oppression “You go and oppose the prevailing individual gets strength from the prevail, and it should prevail, because faith, you go and criticise a hero, a knowledge that his resistance to if it does not, the gun or the bullet great man, who is generally believed police or executive oppression will will”.Lohia rejected the theory to be above criticism because he is awaken common interest. Again, propounded by some eminent and thought to be infallible, the strength such a common interest serves to great thinkers of this country, that of your argument shall force the convulse the conscience of the Satyagraha as a weapon is not multitude to decry you as people against encroachment of their permissible in a State of freedom and vainglorious. This is due to the mental liberties. The people are taught to it was permissible only when the stagnation. Criticism and be vigilant, so that they clear the road British rule prevailed. In his independent thinking are the two to progress.” inimitable style he characterized the indispensable qualities of a theory as “childish prattle”. It is revolutionary. Because Mahatmaji is Why was Dr.Lohiatalking about worth to recall what he said “should great, therefore none should criticise the individualresistanceagainst our century, before it dies out, learn him. Because he has risen above, oppression ?Dr.Lohia believed that this lesson all the world over, that therefore everything he says—may in the modern world, organization has the individual as well as the mass be in the field of Politics or Religion, become so embracing and powerful have had placed in their hands this Economics or Ethics —is right. that the individual is completely unique weapon of civil disobedience Whether you are convinced or not subservient to it. “No matter where to defeat their tyrants, we may be you must say, “Yes, that’s true’. This the origins of modern civilization lay, ushering a new civilization”. mentality does not lead towards it is today the civilization of the progress. It is rather too obviously, collective, where the individual is Ultimately what we allow to come reactionary”, in the hope that we only a number in the mass and his true depends on how we make learn the right lessons, again and effectiveness exists in so far as he collective choices, and what values again, from the lives and thoughts of is a part of the mass. Individual is and aspirations inform them. The great men and women like Dr. Ram often an isolated item surrounded by first of that value would have to be ManoharLohia. a hostile world and, when a suitable a commitment to an essential belief organization is lacking, he is reduced in innate human dignity of every Jai Hind. to the status of the rats. Individuals human being. Constitutions, much unsupported by organization and less socio-political orders, do not Email : [email protected] weapons are negligible in the context survive in an environment of apathy. of modern civilization. He observed Ultimately, the greatest lesson from 1 Wadhwa, Vivek and Salkever, when Hitler came to power in Dr.Lohia’s life maybe this – that he Alex: “The Driver in the Germany, “it was easy enough to spent more years in prison in an Driverless Car: How our notice how those brave and valiant independent India, notwithstanding Technology Choices Will Create and thinking Europeans belonging to his many longer decades of struggles The Future”, Harper Business the Socialist and Communist parties against the colonial yoke. It tells us (Location 88/2797 in Kindle had lost all their manhood and, this , freedom, assertion of human version). although I regret to have to say this dignity and creation of conditions for word, they behaved more or less like protection of some minimal content 2 Adams, Tim : https:// rats, scurrying to and fro for shelter as a part of that human dignity are www.theguardian.com/ books/ from Hitler”. Lohia believed in civil not one shot games, but matters of 2016/sep/11/homo-deus-brief- disobedience and course of action continuous struggles. Struggles history-tomorrow-yuval-noah- suggested by Mahatma Gandhi.The at the political level, at the social harari-review weapon of “Satyagraha/civil level, and above all, at the level of disobedience is always available to values. 3 Gray, Jon: “Two Faces of individuals in their hands when Liberalism”, New Press 2002. R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, January 21, 2018 Postal Registration No. MCW/275/2018-2020. Published on Sunday, January 21, 2018 & Posted on Wedenesday, January 24, 2018 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

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Vol. 73 No. 1 Republic Day Number January 28, 2018

Editor : G. G. Parikh Guest Editor : Neeraj Jain Managing Editor : Guddi D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Naushir Bharucha Marg, Mumbai - 400 007. Email : [email protected] Website:www.janataweekly.org 2 JANATA, January 28, 2018 JANATA, January 28, 2018 3

From the Editor’s Desk

In an unprecedented act, on 12 January 2018, four the Finance Bill through Parliament without giving much seniormost judges of the Supreme Court went public and time for debate—the Bill had more than 40 amendments held a press conference to voice their concerns about moved by the finance minister himself; several of these how the Supreme Court of India was being administered amendments involved very important issues, and a by the Chief Justice, especially the manner in which he separate amendment should have been moved for each was assigning cases having far-reaching consequences specific law in both houses of Parliament; such a finance for the nation, to selected benches without any rationale bill has not been heard of in Indian legislative mechanism. or rule, and in total disregard of well-established Worse, the BJP got the Aadhar Bill passed by the Lok conventions. The last straw was the Loya case, wherein Sabha as a money bill, which means that it did not require a judge looking into a very sensitive case died in to be passed by the Rajya Sabha. While on the one hand, mysterious circumstances. If the impression gains ground Modi talks big about zero corruption, the government is that judges looking into cases where powerful politicians quietly weakening anti-corruption institutions: though the are involved are vulnerable, their safety is not assured, Lokpal Act was passed by Parliament in 2013, not a then the entire judicial system collapses. single Lokpal has been appointed in the last four years; on top of it, the government is attempting to dilute the The charges being voiced in the media by some that Act through amendments; similarly, the Whistleblowers’ they should have kept the matter within the Supreme Act has not been operationalised; the BJP after coming Court fraternity, and by going public they have maligned to power has made a U-turn on the issue of bringing the judiciary, is utter nonsense. The judges made it clear political parties under the RTI Act; on top of it, the in their press conference that they had been raising these government has made corporate funding of political issues with the Chief Justice for months, but when it parties more opaque! The Modi-Shah duo have launched became clear to them that nothing was going to change, a no-holds barred campaign to destroy state-level parties they were left with no option but to go public. As the like the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi, Janata Dal (United) judges made it clear in their press conference, the very in Bihar and Trinamool Congress in Bengal that have the “integrity of the institution” (the judiciary) was at stake. capacity to form an alliance to defeat the BJP in 2019. Lt. Governors have made it nearly impossible for elected The fact of the matter is, under the Modi-led BJP governments to function. Throwing propriety to the winds, Government, it is not just the integrity of the Supreme former judges are being appointed to politically sensitive Court that is being compromised, but all constitutional posts. institutions are under threat. That is because the BJP does not respect the customs and conventions that allow Although every government has breached such these institutions to function properly. conventions in the past, the scale and frequency of recent breaches is alarming. Here are a few examples to illustrate this. There is no official leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha. Much more dangerous than this breach of Legislatures, especially in the states, are in session for constitutionalism is that the BJP does not believe in the ever fewer days. Important bills are being pushed through ideals embodied in the preamble of the Indian Constitution. without scrutiny by parliamentary committees. Since the It does not believe in democracy. It has launched a brutal BJP presently does not have a majority in the Rajya Sabha, offensive to silence its political opponents as well as it is trying to weaken the federal structure and bypass secular and Left intellectuals, labelling all opponents of the Rajya Sabha. In March 2017, the BJP ramrodded the regime as anti-nationals, hounding them through a 4 JANATA, January 28, 2018 pliant media and getting a docile police force to arrest ‘secularism’ from the preamble of the Indian Constitution. them under false charges of sedition. It does not believe The BJP is the political arm of the RSS, and the RSS is in equality. It in fact believes in resurrecting all the committed to transforming secular and democratic India traditional hierarchies of the past, including both the caste into a Hindu Rashtra. system as well as gender inequality, as sanctioned by the infamous law book of ancient India, the Manusmriti. It is not just constitutionalism, but the very Constitution It does not believe in secularism too; BJP leaders have of India, that is under threat. made no secret of their desire to remove the word -Neeraj Jain JANATA, January 28, 2018 5

Such Significance of Secularism being a Pillar of the Indian Constitution

Rajindar Sachar

The Preamble of Our Constitution mandates. WE ones belong to the family of God . . . so, an Arab has no THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to precedence over a non-Arab, a White over a Black”. constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST And Christ said succinctly, “All are children of God.” SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC. It is a truism that in any country the faith and the It is well settled that the Preamble is the key to the confidence of the minorities in the impartial and even Constitution and the objectives mentioned in the functioning of the State is the acid test of being a civilised Preamble, namely the ideals of Socialism, Secularism State. This is accepted wisdom, and was succinctly and Democracy, must govern any programme of the expressed by Lord Acton as follows: governments. A state which is incompetent to satisfy different It is self evident that secularism as a philosophy as races condemns itself; a state which labours to highlighted in the Preamble is one of the working neutralise, to absorb or to expel them is destitute foundations of the Indian Constitution. of the chief basis of self-government.

It is implicit in the secular character of the Indian State We need only substitute minorities for races in the that no religion can claim superiority of status on any above quotation to apply the test to India. other religion. All religions under our Constitution have equal acceptance and status. A single citizenship is But much earlier, the founding fathers/mothers of assured to all persons irrespective of their religion. Indian Constitution with their vision to secure to all citizens justice, liberty, equality and fraternity provided Secularism does not signify anti-religion. In India these rights for the minorities. Thus the Fundamental people fervently believe in their respective religions and Rights Chapter in Part III of our Constitution specifically an overwhelming number of persons of all communities provides, vide Articles 25 to 30, various rights and give equal respect to the religion of others. Secularism privileges for the minorities such as: signifies giving equal dignity and respect to all religions. Of course it goes without saying that the Indian State i. Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice has no religion of its own, nor for that matter can any and propagation of religion. religion claim superiority over another religion such as ii. Freedom to manage religious affairs. by resorting to the false premise that it is indigenous while others are foreign. This is heresy not permitted by iii. Freedom as to payment of taxes for promotion of our Constitution, which gives equal reverence to all the any particular religion. religions practiced by the various communities of India. iv. Freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or The Supreme Court too has declared that the concept of religious worship in certain educational institutions. secularism is that the State will have no religion of its own. v. Protection of interests of minorities. vi. Right of minorities to establish and administer All religions have the same message. Thus educational institutions. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) shows the spirit of tolerance in Hinduism. The same Supreme Court and Secularism message of humanity and common good runs through all religions. Thus the Holy Quran proclaims, “All the created However, mere provision of Rights can give no 6 JANATA, January 28, 2018 assurance by itself. It is for this reason that Article 32 Thus inclusive development in India and for that matter guarantees to every citizen the right to move the Supreme in any country is the only path to prosperity. It is an Court for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. This undeniable truth and needs to be irrevocably accepted article gives an assurance to the minorities that in case by all in India, namely that the minorities, Muslims and of apprehension that the political process is not giving Christians are not outsiders. They are an integral part of them justice, they are not without remedy. The Supreme India. Let me quote what Swami Vivekananda, one of Court has upheld secularism in no uncertain terms. In the greatest spiritual personalities of India, has to say of the words of Chief Justice S.R. Das in the case pertaining the intimate connection between the spirit of Islam and to the Kerala Education Bill 1957 [AIR 1958 SC 956]: Hinduism. He told the Hindus not to talk of the superiority of one religion over another. Even toleration of other We the people of India have given unto ourselves faiths was not right; it smacked of blasphemy. He pointed the Constitution which is not for any particular out that his guru, Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, had community or section but for all. Its provisions accepted all religions as true. Swami Vivekananda in are intended to protect all, minority as well as fact profusely praised Islam and in a letter to his friend majority communities. . . . It is, we conceive, the Mohammed Sarfraz Hussain (10 June 1898) without any duty of this Court to uphold the fundamental hesitation wrote: rights and thereby honour the sacred obligation to the minority communities who are of our own. Therefore I am firmly persuaded that without the help of practical Islam, theories of Vedantism, The same sentiment was expressed by the Supreme however fine and wonderful they may be, are Court when it said [Dr. Ismael Faruqui vs. Union of India, entirely valueless to the vast mass of mankind. . 1994 (6) SCC 360]: . . For our own motherland a junction of the two great systems Hinduism and Islam—Vedanta It is clear from the constitutional scheme that it brain and Islam body—is the only hope. I see in guarantees equality in the matter of religion to my mind’s eye the future perfect India rising out all individuals and groups irrespective of their of this chaos and strife, glorious and invincible, faith emphasising that there is no religion of with Vedanta brain and Islam body. the State itself. The Preamble of the Constitution read in particular with Articles 25 to 28 There can thus be no real progress in India which emphasises this aspect. . . . The concept of does not include minorities, Muslims, Christians as equal secularism is one facet of the right to equality stakeholders. It needs to be emphasised that development woven as the central golden thread in the fabric and growth in the country has to be all inclusive—the depicting the pattern of the scheme in our mode of development must necessarily take into account Constitution. the needs and sensitivities of minorities, Dalits, tribals in India. This was reaffirmed and emphasised recently by The Court stressed that: the Socialist Party (India), which is inspired by and follows the philosophy and programme of Shri Jayaprakash The purpose of law in plural societies is not the Narayan and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, thus; “that they progressive assimilation of the minorities in the must be treated as a special trust and there is an urgent majoritarian milieu. This would not solve the need to attend to their problems immediately.” problem; but would vainly seek to dissolve it. United Nations and Minorities Posing the question as to what is the law’s purpose, it referred with approval to the test laid down by Lord The UN Declaration of the rights of persons belonging Scarman of the House of Lords of the UK: to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities 1992 mandates in Article 1 that States shall protect the The purpose of the law must be not to extinguish existence of the national or ethnic, cultural, religious and the groups which make the society but to devise linguistic identity of minorities within their respective political, social and legal means of preventing territories and shall encourage conditions for the them from falling apart and so destroying the promotion of that identity. plural society of which they are members. The minorities, many a times, may feel that there is JANATA, January 28, 2018 7 discrimination against them in the mater of employment, the need for multi-lingual education and respect for housing, for obtaining loans from the public or private cultural identity of minorities and the need to ensure fair sector banks, or opportunities for good schooling. It is representation of minorities within the law enforcement self evident that if minorities have these perceptions, law system and the workplace. The basic task is to reconcile must provide an effective mechanism which should the pluralism which then exists in that State, and the need examine their complaints and be able to give effective to respect the identity of the various groups, with the relief. overall concerns of non-discrimination, equality, national security, territorial integrity and political independence. In this connection it heartening to find confirmation in the report of UN Human Rights Council, Forum on UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues has Minority Issues, on December 14–15, 2010 wherein it recently emphasised the following: has made some significant recommendations on minorities and their effective participation in economic life, which The outcome document of the 2005 World each country is mandated to follow. The Council Summit of Heads of State and Government, emphasises: approved by the General Assembly, notes that “the promotion and protection of the rights of Consequently, the right of minorities to persons belonging to national or ethnic, participate effectively in economic life must be religious, and linguistic minorities contributes fully taken into account by governments seeking to political and social stability and peace and to promote equality at every level. From enriches the cultural diversity and heritage of implementing non-discrimination in employment society.” and enforcing protection laws in the private sector to developing national economic Respect for minority rights assists in achieving stable development and international development and prosperous societies, in which human rights, assistance schemes, governments face the development and security are achieved by all, and shared constant challenge of ensuring that the rights by all. of minorities are protected and that they benefit as equal members in society. . . . Inclusive Development Sole Path to Prosperity As a member of the United Nations, the Indian Governments can consider both targeted and government has a legal obligation to give concrete shape inclusive approaches to addressing the economic to these requirements, if its claim to minority welfare is and social exclusion of minorities. . . . to have any meaning.

Governments should gather and regularly Amongst the various recommendations by the High publicize disaggregated data to measure and Level Committee constituted by the Prime Minister on monitor the effective participation of minorities the ‘Social, Economic and Educational Status of the in economic life. Improved data collection Muslim Community of India’ (report submitted in should be made a priority for the areas of November 2006), a very urgent recommendation dealt employment and labour rights, poverty rates, with the unfairness of divisions of electoral constituencies access to social security, access to credit and which results in lesser number of Muslims in the legislature other financial services, education and training, as compared to what they are broadly entitled based on and property and land tenure rights. the population. This anomaly arises from the irrational demarcation of seats in the legislature. In the report of the Working Group on Minorities formed by UN Sub Commission on Protection of Thus for instance, in UP there is abundant potential Minorities, it was the unanimous view that the for a substantial number of Muslims to win seats. UP assimilative approach was not promoted by the United sends the largest number of members (80) to the Lok Nations, and that formal recognition of minorities is the Sabha. There are 25–52% Muslim’s in 18 seats, in 23 first crucial step towards their effective participation in seats Muslims are 15–24% and in another 18 seats society. This means not only participation in governance, Muslims are 10–14%. The demographic–electoral but also involvement in the economy. Also accepted was reflection is similar in most other states. However, the 8 JANATA, January 28, 2018 constituencies with substantial number of Muslims have thousands. of years, Islam also has been their been reserved for Scheduled Castes, and constituencies religion for a thousand years. Just as a Hindu with substantial number of Scheduled Caste voters are can say with pride that he is an Indian and unreserved. This is unfair to both Muslims and the SC follows Hinduism, so also we can say with equal electorate. The Committee had concluded that Muslims pride that we are Indians and follow Islam. I were thus denied benefits in politics since assembly shall enlarge this orbit still further. The Indian constituencies where the voter population from the Christian is equally entitled to say with pride community was substantial were reserved for scheduled that he is an Indian and is following a religion caste candidates. It would therefore be more equitable of India, namely Christianity. to reserve those constituencies for SCs where their voter population is high, rather than those where it is low and Eleven hundred years of common history have the Muslims presence is higher. enriched India with our common achievement. Our languages, our poetry, our literature, our The Committee had hoped that its report would receive culture, our art, our dress, our manners and the attention of the government immediately because the customs, the innumerable happenings of our Delimitation Commission was at that time engaged in daily life, everything bears the stamp of our joint this exercise. However, the High Powered Committee’s endeavour. There is indeed no aspect of our life suggestion was ignored during the delimitation. This which has escaped this stamp. . . . anomaly is a reason for the low representation of Muslims in the legislatures. How inequitable that This joint wealth is the heritage of our common important issues related to the community are ignored or nationality, and we do not want to leave it and don’t get the desired priority! Somebody has to take the go back to the times when this joint life had not responsibility for taking concrete action on this issue; begun. If there are any Hindus amongst us who mere lip sympathy is a facade. desire to bring back the Hindu life of a thousand years ago and more, they dream, and such Inclusive development in the country alone is the path dreams are vain fantasies. So also if there are to prosperity. It is an undeniable truth and needs to be any Muslims who wish to revive their past irrevocably accepted by all in the country that minorities, civilisation and culture, which they brought a Muslims and Christians, are not outsiders. They are an thousand years ago from Iran and Central Asia, integral part of India. There can be no real progress which they dream also and the sooner they wake up does not include minorities, Muslims and Christians, as the better. These are unnatural fancies which equal stakeholders. I cannot put it better than what Sir cannot take root in the soil of reality. I am one Sayyed Ahmed Khan, one of the greatest leaders of our of those who believe that revival may be a country, had to say over a century back. Gandhiji repeated necessity in a religion but in social matters it is it in 1921, and also in another prayer meeting at Rajghat a denial of progress. on 24 March 1947 thus: Email : [email protected] In the words of Sir Sayyed Ahmed Khan, I would say that Hindus and Muslims are the two eyes of mother India. Just as the trouble in one eye DeHevee YeefJe<³e Yeejleer³e mebefJeOeeve affects the other too, similarly the whole of by India suffers when either Hindus or Muslims Subhash Ware suffer. Contribution Rs. 25/- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s clarion call emphasises that composite culture is the bedrock of secularism Published by pervading our country. He said thus: Janata Trust & Lokayat D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Islam has now as great a claim on the soil of Naushir Bharucha Marg, India as Hinduism. If Hinduism has been the Grant Road (W), Mumbai 400 007 religion of the people here for several JANATA, January 28, 2018 9

Nehru, Ambedkar and Challenge of Majoritarianism

Subhash Gatade

The spectacle of what is called religion, or at any of Hindutva supremacist forces at the centrestage of rate organised religion, in India and elsewhere, has Indian politics. filled me with horror and I have frequently condemned it and wished to make a clean sweep of The brazen manner in which a Union cabinet it. Almost always it seemed to stand for blind belief minister—who has taken oath to abide by the and reaction, dogma and bigotry, superstition, Constitution—declared in public that they have come to exploitation and the preservation of vested interests. power to ‘çhange the constitution’ and the manner in which ruling party members preferred to remain silent – Toward Freedom: The Autobiography of about it can be seen as a sign of the crisis facing Indian Jawaharlal Nehru (1936), pp. 240–241. society. Perhaps less said the better about the man who calls Constitution ‘the most sacred book’ and who loves If Hindu Raj does become a fact, it will no doubt, be to project himself as a disciple of Dr Ambedkar. the greatest calamity for this country. No matter what the Hindus say, Hinduism is a menace to liberty, A sobering fact at this juncture is to remember that equality and fraternity. On that account it is leading lights of the movement for political and social incompatible with democracy. Hindu Raj must be emancipation—which unfolded itself under British rule— prevented at any cost. definitely had a premonition of things to come and had – Ambedkar, ‘Pakistan or Partition of India’, p. 358. rightly cautioned / underlined / warned the people of the bleak future which awaits them if they do not remain Introduction vigilant. As Patel’s biographer Rajmohan Gandhi points out: India’s slow ushering into a majoritarian democracy is a matter of concern for every such individual who still Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru and Patel formed a believes in pluralism, democracy, equality and a clear crucial trimuvirate that agreed that independent India separation of religion and politics. The way people are would not be a Hindu Rashtra but one that offered being hounded for raising dissenting opinions, for eating equal rights to all. After Gandhi’s departure and until food of their choice or entering into relationships of their Patel’s death, Patel and Nehru differend on several own liking or celebrating festivals according to their own matters but not on some fundamentals. With the help faith is unprecedented. The situation has reached such of others including Ambedkar, Maulana Azad, extremes that one can even be publicly lynched for Rajendra Prasad and Rajaji, they entrenched belonging to one of the minority religions or for engaging secularism and equality in the Constitution.1 in an activity which is considered to be ‘suspicious’ by the majority community. An inkling of the collective thinking among them is evident if one looks at the Objectives Resolution moved No doubt there is no direct harm to the basic structure in the Constituent Assembly by Pandit Nehru on 13 of the Constitution, its formal structure remains intact, December 1946 and adopted unanimously by the de jure India does remain a democracy as well as a Constituent Assembly on 22 January 1947. It declared republic, but de facto democracy has slowly its firm resolve not only to make India an independent metamorphosed into majoritarianism and the sine qua sovereign republic but also to guarantee and secure for non of a republic—that its citizens are supreme—is being all the people of India watered down fast. It does not need underlining that this process has received tremendous boost with the ascent social, economic and political justice; equality of 10 JANATA, January 28, 2018 status and opportunities and equality before law; majority, has the strength to have its way: it requires and fundamental freedoms—of speech, expression, no protection.5 belief, faith, worship, vocation, association and action—subject to law and public morality; Patel, the ‘Iron Man of India’, had declared in the Jaipur Session of the party that the Congress was and also ensure that adequate safeguards shall be dedicated to upholding secularism at any cost: ‘India is a provided for minorities, backward and tribal areas, and true secular country’. He described the talk of ‘Hindu depressed and other backward classes. Rajya as an act of insanity’ in 1949.6

The key importance of the Objectives Resolution That day Delhi caught Punjab’s infection. ‘I will not (which was then called / moved as ‘Resolution on the tolerate Delhi becoming another Lahore’, Vallabhbhai Aims and Objects of the Constitution’) can be gauged declared in Nehru’s and Mountbatten’s presence. He from the fact that according to the Drafting Committee publicly threatened partisan officials with punishment, of the Constitution, it was the basis of the ‘Preamble of and at his instructions orders to shoot rioters at sight the Constitution’. The Chairman of the Drafting were issued on September 7. Four Hindu rioters were Committee was Dr B.R. Ambedkar, who was appointed shot dead at the railway station in Old Delhi.7 to this post at the suggestion of Mahatma Gandhi possibly due to his scholarship in legal and constitutional matters. In a speech in Madras (1949), he underlined how apart from other challenges before the nation the government One can take a look at the way Gandhi’s last was dealing with the ‘RSS movement’: struggle—the way he undertook fast unto death to stop the communal riots in 1947—unfolded itself, or the way We in the government have been dealing with the Jawaharlal Nehru cautioned people about the possibility RSS movement. They want that Hindu Rajya or Hindu of India turning into a ‘Hindu Pakistan’2 or the way he culture should be imposed by force. No government led the fight against danger of majoritarianism within the can tolerate this. There are almost as many Muslims Congress itself. Describing communalism as an ‘Indian in this country as in the part that has been partitioned version of fascism’, Pandit Nehru said in 1947 that the away. We are not going to drive them away. It would tide of the fascism gripping the country was the direct be an evil day if we started that game, in spite of consequence of the hate speeches given against non- partition and whatever happens. We must understand Muslims by the Muslim League and its supporters.3 that they are going to stay here and it is our obligation and our responsibility to make them feel On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth that this is their country.8 anniversary in 1951, Nehru said that if a person attacks another on the issue of religions, he will fight against that Perhaps foreseeing that attempts would be made by person till the end of his life both in his capacity of being interested quarters to drive a wedge between him and the head of the government and as a true Indian. He Nehru, he categorically stated in Indore on 2 October advocated a ban on organizations based on religion and 1950, just three months before his death: enpowered the government by getting the Constitution amended to exercise restraining power to suppress Our leader is Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Bapu communal writings and communally provocative appointed him his heir and successor during his speeches.4 lifetime and even declared it. It is the duty of the soldiers of Bapu that they abide by his orders. One One can look at his correspondence with chief who does not accept this order by heart would prove ministers on various occasions or his instructions or his a sinner before god. I am not a disloyal soldier. For speeches in Parliament to know how he debunked ideas me it is unimportant what my place is. I only know of special ‘protection for the majority’: that I am at that very place where Bapu asked me to stand.9 If I may venture to lay down a rule, it is the primary responsibility of the majority to satisfy the minority In the following writeup we do not intend to deal in every matter. The majority, by virtue of it being a further with the role played by the likes of Nehru, Patel JANATA, January 28, 2018 11 or other leaders in giving a shape to the emergent republic. fraternity, whereas their social ideal embedded in Our focus is rather limited. We focus attention in this their religion denies it to them.10 article on how Dr Ambedkar perceived of a future roadmap for India, his perception of the dangers of a His ‘vision’ about a future India can be discerned from ‘Hindu India’ or the possibility of a ‘majoritarian rule’ his less discussed monograph, States and Minorities: emerging here. What are Their Rights and How to Secure them in the Constitution of Free India which was basically a It is a rather neglected theme because under pressures memorandum on the safeguards for the Scheduled Castes of political exigency, discussion is usually restricted to that was submitted to the Constituent Assembly on behalf one or the other aspect of Dr Ambedkar’s life and of the All India Scheduled Castes Federation that he led. struggle, and his overall vision does not get the attention This monograph does not limit itself to ‘safeguards’ but it deserves. The urgency of this intervention is because also talks of the danger of majoritarianism, incompatibility while the Hindutva Right is overenthusiastically of Hinduism with any change, and also proposes a model appropriating Ambedkar for its cause, the response from of economic development that he himself described as the seculars as well as the left is less than expected. ‘state socialism’.

A close look at the last decade of Ambedkar’s eventful It is a monograph that would be quite enlightening for life (1946-56) can help us discern various threads in his many of us. In it, he envisaged that the ‘state shall not worldview or vision of a new India. recognise any religion as state religion’ and ‘guarantee to every citizen liberty of conscience’. Simultaneously, I on the aspect of protection against economic exploitation, he not only declared that ‘key industries shall be owned The making of the Constitution itself was marked by and run by the state’, but also that non-key but basic pressures and counterpressures—from believers of industries shall also ‘be owned by the state and run by radical change to the status quoists—and what came the state’. He was of the opinion that ‘agriculture shall out can at best be called a compromise document be state industry’, where ‘the state shall divide the land between various contending forces and ideas. Dr acquired into farms of standard size’; the ‘farm shall be Ambedkar’s separation between the beginning of political cultivated as a collective farm . . . in accordance with democracy in India with the advent of the one-man-one- rules and directions issued by the government’; and the vote regime, and the long hiatus he saw before the ‘tenants shall share among themselves in the manner ushering in of social democracy—the regime of one- prescribed the produce of the farm left after the payment man-one-value—while dedicating the Constitution to the of charges properly leviable on the farm’. nation was in fact a reminder of the fact that the struggle was still not over. He further explains this clause in the following words: The main purpose behind the clause is to put an Without doubt he was the chief architect of the obligation on the state to plan the economic life of Constitution, and it was his interventions—of course with the people on lines which would lead to highest point due support from Nehru and others—that led to the of productivity without closing every avenue to inclusion of important pro-people or pro-dispriviledged private enterprise, and also provide for the equitable provisions into it, but we should not be under any illusion distribution of wealth. The plan set out in the clause that ‘his vision’ ultimately triumphed and was inscribed proposes state ownership in agriculture with a in the Constitution. collectivised method of cultivation and a modified form of State Socialism in the field of industry. . . . Ambedkar in fact was very aware of the limitations State Socialism is essential for the rapid of such a constitutional exercise in a backward society industrialisation of India. Private enterprise cannot like ours: do it and if it did it would produce those inequalities of wealth which private capitalism has produced in Indians today are governed by two ideologies. Europe and which should be a warning to Indians. Their political ideal set in the preamble of the Consolidation of Holdings and Tenancy legislation Constitution affirms a life of liberty, equality and are worse than useless.11 12 JANATA, January 28, 2018

Interestingly, he does not propose that the idea of State developed a new doctrine which may be called the Socialism should be left to legislatures and instead wants Divine Right of the Majority to rule the minorities it to be implemented by Constitutional law: according to the wishes of the majority. Any claim for the sharing of power by the minority is called The plan has two special features. One is that it communalism while the monopolising of the whole proposes State Socialism in important fields of power by the majority is called Nationalism.13 economic life. The second special feature of the plan is that it does not leave the establishment of State And so, to protect the rights of the minorities Socialism to the will of the Legislature. It establishes (remember that he does not restrict himself here to State Socialism by the Law of the Constitution and religious minorities but also includes the ‘scheduled thus makes it unalterable by any act of the Legislature castes’ in his definition) he proposes a form of Executive and the Executive. which could serve following purposes: II i) To prevent the majority from forming a Government without giving any opportunity to the minorities to have In the same monograph he clearly differentiates a say in the matter. between ‘Untouchables’ and ‘Hindus’. ii) To prevent the majority from having exclusive control Gone were the days when he felt that Hinduism would over administration and thereby make the tyranny of reform itself from within. More than a decade had passed the minority by the majority possible. since his famous declaration at the Yeola conference that ‘I was born as a Hindu but I will not die as a Hindu’. iii) To prevent the inclusion by the Majority Party in the Executive representatives of the minorities who have He is unequivocal about the ‘Hindu population which no confidence of the minorities. is hostile to them (Untouchables)’ and emphasises that it is ‘not ashamed of committing any inequity or atrocity iv) To provide a stable Executive necessary for good against them’. He is also not hopeful about their situation and efficient administration. under Swaraj: In fact, his fears vis-a-vis the majoriatarian impulses What can Swaraj mean to the Untouchables ? It were evident in the political manifesto of the Scheduled can only mean one thing, namely, that while today it Castes Federation itself—the political organisation that is only the administration that is in the hands of the was set up by him in 1942 which rejected the RSS and Hindus, under Swaraj the Legislature and Executive Hindu Mahasabha as ‘reactionary’ organisations: will also be in the hands of the Hindus, it goes without The Scheduled Castes Federation will not have saying that such a Swaraj would aggravate the any alliance with any reactionary party such as the sufferings of the Untouchables. For, in addition to Hindu Mahasabha or the RSS.14 an hostile administration, there will be an indifferent Legislature and a callous Executive. The result will Anyone who has studied the making of the Indian be that the administration unbridled in venom and in constitution would tell us why Ambedkar considered the harshness, uncontrolled by the Legislature and the RSS and Hindu Mahasabha as ‘reactionary’ parties. Executive, may pursue its policy of inequity towards History is witness to the fact that they opposed its making the Untouchables without any curb. To put it and suggested in their organs that instead of a new differently, under Swaraj the Untouchables will have Constitution, the newly independent nation should adopt no way of escape from the destiny of degradation Manusmriti. A laughable suggestion today, but the fact which Hindus and Hinduism have fixed for them.12 is it was then seriously raised by its proponents: He was very much aware about the dangers of The worst (thing) about the new Constitution of majoritarianism implicit in the way Indian nationalism had Bharat is that there is nothing Bharatiya about it. . . developed which according to him had . there is no trace of ancient Bharatiya constitutional laws, institutions, nomenclature and phraseology in JANATA, January 28, 2018 13 it. . . . no mention of the unique constitutional did not limit themselves to issuing statements. They also developments in ancient Bharat. Manu’s laws were opposed the bill on the streets and led large scale written long before Lycurgus of Sparta or Solon of mobilisation at pan India level against the bill. There were Persia. To this day his laws as enunciated in the occasions when they even tried to storm Dr Ambedkar’s Manusmriti excite the admiration of the world and residence in Delhi. elicit spontaneous obedience and conformity (among Hindus in India). But to our constitutional pundits Their main argument against Ambedkar was that the that means nothing.15 bill was an attack on ‘Hindu Religion and Culture’. The enormous resistance to this bill becomes clear from this In his monograph ‘Pakistan or Partition of India’ he excerpt from Ramchandra Guha’s book: reiterates his fears vis-a-vis the possible majoritarian turn at the hands of those who vouched for ‘Hindu Raj’: The anti-Hindu code bill committee held hundreds of meetings throughout India, where sundry swamis If Hindu Raj does become a fact, it will no doubt denounced the proposed legislation. The participants be the greatest calamity for this country. No matter in this movement presented themselves as religious what the Hindus say, Hinduism is a menace to liberty, warriors (dharmaveer) fighting a religious war equality and fraternity. On that account it is (dharmayudh). The Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh incompatible with democracy. Hindu Raj must be threw its weight behind the agitation. On the 11th of prevented at any cost.16 December, 1949, the RSS organised a public meeting at the Ramlila grounds in Delhi, where speaker after III speaker condemned the bill. One called it ‘an atom bomb on Hindu society’ . . . The next day a group of Much on the lines of lack of debate / discussion around RSS workers marched on the assembly buildings, States and Minorities, another important intervention shouting ‘Down with Hindu code bill’ . . . The of Ambedkar during that period has also received little protesters burnt effigies of the prime minister and Dr attention. It was related to the struggle for Hindu Code Ambedkar, and then vandalised the car of Sheikh Bill and happened to be the first attempt in independent Abdullah.18 India to reform Hindu personal laws to give greater rights to Hindu women. Through this, his attempt was to put a Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, founder of BJP’s stamp on monogamy, also ensure separation rights for predecessor, the Bharatiya Jan Sangh, declared that the women and also grant them rights in property. We know Bill would ‘shatter the magnificent structure of Hindu 19 very well that it was a key reason for Ambedkar’s culture’. resignation from Nehru’s Cabinet because he felt that despite lot of attempts not much headway was being In his intervention in support of Ambedkar and the made in granting these rights. In his resignation letter he Hindu Code Bill during the debate in Parliament on this underlined the importance he attached to the bill : bill, Acharya Kriplani stated:

To leave inequality between class and class, Much has been said about Hindu religion being between sex and sex, which is the soul of Hindu in danger. I am afraid I cannot see the point. Hindu society, untouched and to go on passing legislation religion is not in danger when Hindus are thieves, relating to economic problems is to make a farce of rogues, fornicators, black-marketers or takers of our Constitution and to build a palace on a dung bribes! Hindu religion is not endangered by these heap. This is the significance I attached to the Hindu people but Hindu religion is endangered by people Code.17 who want to reform a particular law! May be they are over-zealous but it is better to be over-zealous in 20 How the Hindutva right and the conservative sections things idealistic than be corrupt in material things. within the Congress coupled with the saffron-robed swamis and sadhus joined hands to oppose the enactment In fact, like Mahatma Phule—whom he called the of Hindu Code Bill is well-known history. In fact, this ‘Greatest Shudra’ and considered him his teacher along motley combination of reactionary and status quoist forces with Buddha and Kabir—the concern for women’s 14 JANATA, January 28, 2018 emancipation always existed in the movement led by Further he discusses other special features of the caste Ambedkar. system which ‘have their evil effects and which militate against democracy’. He particularly discusses the IV feature of ‘Graded Inequality’ wherein ‘castes are not equal in their status’ but rather ‘are standing one above How did he envisage the idea of democracy ? another’ and form ‘an ascending scale of hatred and descending scale of contempt’ which has the most Perhaps his speech on the ‘Voice of America’ radio pernicious consequences as ‘it destroys willing and helpful (20 May 1956) which he gave few months before his co-operation.’ death could best summarise his ideas around this concept. Deliberating about the difference between caste and The first point which he makes is that ‘Democracy is class, he takes up the second evil effect in the caste quite different from a Republic as well as from system which is ‘complete isolation’ which is not there Parliamentary Government.’ According to him: in the class system. This manifests itself in the fact that ‘the stimulus and response between two castes is only The roots of democracy lie not in the form of one-sided. The higher caste act in one recognised way government, Parliamentary or otherwise. A and the lower caste must respond in one established way.’ democracy is more than a form of government. It is Such influences ‘educate some into masters, educate primarily a mode of associated living. The roots of others into slaves. . . . It results into a separation of democracy are to be searched in the social society, into a privileged and a subject class. Such a relationship, in the terms of associated life between separation prevents social endosmosis.’ the people who form a society.21 The third characteristic of the caste system, that ‘cuts He then goes on to explain the meaning of the word at the very roots of democracy’, is that ‘one caste is ‘society’. He says: bound to one occupation.’ Ambedkar says ‘there is in a man an indefinite plurality of capacities and activities. A When we speak of ‘Society,’ we conceive of it as society to be democratic should open a way to use all one by its very nature. The qualities which accompany the capacities of the individual.’ However, this binding this unity are praiseworthy community of purpose and of the individual to one occupation leads to stratification desire for welfare, loyalty to public ends and which stunts ‘the growth of the individual and deliberate mutuality of sympathy and co-operation. stunting is a deliberate denial of democracy.’

Examining Indian society, he questions whether ‘these In the concluding part of his speech, Ambedkar ideals are found in Indian society?’ He says that Indian discusses obstacles in the way to end caste system. He society is nothing but ‘an innumerable collection of castes says that the first obstacle is ‘the system of graded which are exclusive in their life and have no common inequality which is the soul of the caste system.’ The experience to share and have no bond of sympathy’, and second obstacle is that ‘Indian society is disabled by unity concludes that: in action by not being able to know what is its common good. . . . Every where ‘the mind of the Indians is The existence of the caste system is a standing distracted and misled by false valuations and false denial of the existence of those ideals of society and perspectives.’ He ends his speech by emphasising that therefore of democracy.22 mere education cannot destroy the caste system: ‘If you give education to those strata of Indian Society which He goes on to say that ‘Indian society is so embedded has a vested interest in maintaining the caste system for in the caste system that everything is organised on the the advantages it gives them, then the caste system will basis of caste’. He shares examples of how the daily be strengthened. On the other hand, if you give education life of individuals revolves around the twin concepts of to the lowest strata of Indian society which is interested purity and pollution, then discusses how caste is prevalent in blowing up the caste system, the caste system will be in the social–political arena too, and wryly concludes that blown up.’ And so he concludes: ‘To give education to ‘there is no room for the downtrodden and the outcastes those who want to keep up the caste system is not to in politics, in industry, in commerce and in education.’ JANATA, January 28, 2018 15 improve the prospect of democracy in India but to put particular religion upon the rest of the people. This our democracy in India in greater jeopardy.’23 is the only limitation that the Constitution recognises.28 As opposed to the conservative notions about democracy that consider it to be an instrument to stop At the same time, he emphatically states that it is the bad people from seizing power, Ambedkar considered duty of the state to ensure that the minority does not democracy to be related to social transformation and become victim of the tyranny of the majority: human progress. He defined democracy as “a form and a method of government whereby revolutionary changes The State should guarantee to its citizens the liberty in the economic and social life of the people are brought of conscience and the free exercise of his religion about without bloodshed.”24 The conditions for that are including the right to profess, to preach and to convert as follows: within limits compatible with public order and morality.29 (1) There should not be glaring inequalities in society, that is, privilege for one class; (2) The In an insightful article, Prof Jean Dreze argues that existence of an opposition; (3) Equality in law and ‘Ambedkar’s passion for democracy was closely related administration; (4) Observance of constitutional to his commitment to rationality and the scientific morality; (5) No tyranny of the majority; (6) Moral outlook.’ Jean Dreaze elaborates the connnection. order of society: and (7) Public conscience.”25 Rationality is necessary for democratic government since public debate (an essential aspect of democratic practice) In his speech to the Constituent Assembly on is impossible in the absence of a shared adherence to November 25, 1949 he expressed three cautions and common sense, logical argument and critical enquiry. And, believed that paying heed to them was critical to ensure scientific spirit is inherently anti-authoritarian, as a person that our democratic institutions did not get subverted: then does not believe in authority, but in coherence of the argument and quality of the evidence. Dreze goes on (i) Constitutional methods; (ii) Not to lay liberties to argue that Ambedkar shared this belief. This is evident at the feet of a great man; (iii) Make a political from one of Ambedkar’s last speeches, ‘Buddha or Karl democracy a social democracy.26 Marx’, wherein he summarises the essential teachings of Buddha as follows: For Ambedkar, democracy and secularism are inseparable. Looking at the fact that India happens to be Everyone has a right to learn. Learning is as a multi-denominational society where the common necessary for man to live as food is. . . . Nothing is denominator could be secularism which is understood as infallible. Nothing is binding forever. Everything is one of the pillars on which the superstructure of our subject to inquiry and examination.30 democracy rests and is a unifying force of our associated life, he emphasised : Jean Dreze says that it is important to bring forth this relationship between democracy and rationalism / The conception of a secular state is derived from scientific outlook because of the ‘recent threats to Indian the liberal democratic tradition of the West. No democracy (which) often involve a concerted attack on institution which is maintained wholly out of state rationality and the scientific spirit.’ (Ibid.) funds shall be used for the purpose of religious instruction irrespective of the question whether the V religious instruction is given by the state or by any 27 other body. I will accept and follow the teachings of Buddha. I will keep my people away from the different opinions In a debate in Parliament, he underlined : of Hinyan and Mahayan, two religious orders. Our Bouddha Dhamma is a new Bouddha Dhamma, It (secular state) does not mean that we shall not Navayan.31 take into consideration the religious sentiments of the people. All that a secular state means is that this An important development in the last decade of Parliament shall not be competent to impose any Ambedkar’s life was his decision to embrace Buddhism 16 JANATA, January 28, 2018 with lakhs of followers. Apart from his deep fascination  It is wrong to make God the centre of Religion. for Buddhism from younger days, his conversion to  It is wrong to make salvation of the soul as the Buddhism had also to do with his contention that the centre of Religion. ‘untouchables’ were in fact former Buddhists. He elaborates it in his book The Untouchables: A Thesis  It is wrong to make animal sacrifices to be the on the Origin of Untouchability (1948).32 Thus it could centre of Religion. also be said to be a return to ‘their’ original religion than  Real Religion lives in the heart of man and not in a conversion. Interestingly one finds deep commonality the Shastras. between Dr Ambedkar and Jyothee Thass, the great Tamil-Buddhist Scholar, who also maintained that  Man and morality must be the centre of religion. If ‘Untouchables’ were early Buddhists. not, Religion is a cruel superstition.

 It is not enough for Morality to be the ideal of life. His ‘conversion’ to Buddhism was also renouncement Since there is no God it must become the law of of Hinduism which according to him had life.34 proved detrimental to progress and prosperity of my Ambedkar differentiates himself from popular predecessors and which has regarded human beings definitions of religion first by criticising the way religions 33 as unequal and despicable. have tried to explain the origin and the end of world and says that its ‘function is to to reconstruct the world and If one refers to the 22 pledges he administered to his to make it happy’. He then goes on to explore the source followers on the occasion then one can broadly categorise of unhappiness, and does not talk about ‘sins’ or them into four parts: complete rejection of Hindu gods ‘otherworldly affairs’ but says that ‘unhappiness in the (for example, I will not accept Brahma,Vishnu and world is due to conflict of interest and the only way to Mahesh as Gods) and their worship and the related rituals solve it is to follow the Ashtanga Marga.’ Further (I will not perform Shraddha Paksh or Pind Dana, elaborating on the ‘Creed of Buddhism’, he says that rituals to respect the dead); acceptance of the principles ‘private ownership of property brings power to one class and teachings of Buddhism; declaration that ‘all human and sorrow to another’ and ‘it is necessary for the good beings are equal’; and ‘no faith in divine incarnation’. of Society that this sorrow be removed by removing its cause.’ While religions the world over have remained An important aspect of this ‘return’ or ‘conversion’ is the basis of ‘othering’—which in extreme cases have the fact that it was also a reinterpretation of Buddhism resulted in genocides too—Buddhism as perceived by which he described as Navayan—a new vehicle. Apart Ambedkar believes that ‘all human beings are equal’ and from a big monograph Buddha and His Dhamma where ‘worth and not birth is the measure of man’. he tries to revisit Buddhism, one can get a glimpse of his reading of the Buddha and his teachings from the speech While supporting ‘war for truth and justice’ and also he delivered in Kathmandu merely a fortnight before his emphasising that the ‘victor has duties towards the death which was posthumously published as Buddha vanquished’ in the last part of his summary of the ‘Creed Or Karl Marx. of Buddhism’, he not only challenges the monopoly of a few over learning but also emphatically states: ‘Nothing Summarising the ‘Creed of Buddhism’, while on the is permanent or sanatan. Everything is subject to change. one hand he underlines the necessity of ‘religion for a Being is always becoming.’ free society’, at the same time, he says many things which would be rather unacceptable to a scholar or This speech—as the title shows—also throws light follower of religion because he appears to reject the on his views about Marxism. Of course it is not for the ‘necessity of God’ as well as Shastras and rituals. Thus first time that he had expressed his views on the theme. for instance, he says: In his famous booklet Annihilation of Caste he had  Religion must relate to facts of life and not to already made it clear that while he appreciates the goal theories and speculations about God, or Soul or of Marxism, he is repelled by its Indian practioners. In Heaven or Earth. this speech too, he declares that ‘Buddha is not away from Marx’ if ‘for misery one reads exploitation.’ JANATA, January 28, 2018 17

For him non-violence is not an issue of principle: ‘The afford to sacrifice fraternity or liberty. Equality will Buddha was against violence. But he was also in favour be of no value without fraternity or liberty. It seems of justice and where justice required he permitted the that the three can coexist only if one follows the way use of force.’ Ambedkar further writes that: of the Buddha. Communism can give one but not all.36 Violence cannot be altogether dispensed with. Even VII in non-communist countries a murderer is hanged. Does not hanging amount to violence? Non- These are no ordinary times to discuss the future of communist countries go to war with non-communist our republic. countries. Millions of people are killed. Is this no violence? If a murderer can be killed, because he We have before us an India where (to quote Prof has killed a citizen, if a soldier can be killed in war Achin Vanaik): because he belongs to a hostile nation, why cannot a property owner be killed if his ownership leads to The centre of gravity has shifted perhaps decisively misery for the rest of humanity? There is no reason to the right, in three crucial spheres: economy, to make an exception in favour of the property owner, secularism and democracy. why one should regard private property as sacrosanct. It is an India where the political dispensation at the He goes on to assert that even Buddha established centre is busy furthering the exclusivist/majoritarian communism: worldview of Hindutva supremacism coupled with the neoliberal agenda under the glib talk of development and The Russians are proud of their communism. But a concerted attack has been unleashed on (what they forget that the wonder of all wonders is that the Ambedkar defined as) minorities of various kinds and Buddha established communism so far as the Sangh other deprived sections. was concerned without dictatorship. It may be that it was a communism on a very small scale but it was What can then be the contours of Dr Ambedkar’s communism without dictatorship, a miracle which Vision for our times? Lenin failed to do. It will necessarily have to be: ensure that the ‘state Of course, he underlines that: shall not recognise any religion as state religion’ and ‘guarantee to every citizen liberty of conscience’; stand The Buddha’s method was different. His method against ‘majoritarianism of every kind’ and, more was to change the mind of man, to alter his disposition, specifically, prevent the majority from forming a so that whatever man does, he does it voluntarily government without giving any opportunity to the without the use of force or compulsion. minorities to have a say in the matter; stand up for women’s emancipation, for state ownership in agriculture The concluding remarks he makes while ending his with a collectivised method of cultivation and a modified speech seem to validate, in Anand Teltumbde’s words, form of State Socialism in the field of industry; stand ‘his decision as confirming to Marxism, minus violence against inequalities of wealth which private capitalism 35 and dictatorship in the latter.’ produces. It will necessarily have to be for annihilation of caste as ‘the existence of the Caste System is a It has been claimed that the Communist standing denial of the existence of ideals of society and Dictatorship in Russia has wonderful achievements therefore of Democracy.’37 It will be for reason and to its credit. There can be no denial of it. That is why rationality and scientific temper and not for dumbing of I say that a Russian Dictatorship would be good for minds. all backward countries. But this is no argument for permanent Dictatorship. . . . It does not need reminding that it will not be based on sanitisation or vulgarisation of Dr Ambedkar in any form We welcome the Russian Revolution because it aims as is being experimented with these days. While his to produce equality. But it cannot be too much appropriation by the Hindutva Right and its attempts to emphasised that in producing equality society cannot 18 JANATA, January 28, 2018 carve out a ‘suitable’ Ambedkar for its project based on References: exclusion and hatred has been widely commented upon 1 Seema Chisti, “The Disputed Legacy of Vallabhbhai and exposed, much needs to be done to expose the Patel”, October 30 , 2013, http://indianexpress.com. projection of Ambedkar as a free market economist.38 2 Cited in: Krishna Kumar, “Battle for Peace”, https:// Scholarly sounding pieces have appeared based on books.google.co.in. selective quotes from his vast corpus of writings to 3 C.N. Chitta Ranjan, “Remembering Jawaharlal Today”, 39 project him as a ‘Free Market Economist”. In contrast Mainstream, May 28, 2016, http:// to Ambedkar’s views, there are also articles valorising www.mainstreamweekly.net. 40 capitalism for supposedly annihilating of caste. This 4 “Pt. Nehru Stems the Tide of Communalism”, June latter article by a noted columnist and an upcoming 22, 2016, https://www.inc.in. industrialist from the oppressed communities argues that: 5 Jawaharlal Nehru, Lok Sabha speech in 1955, “Jawaharlal Nehru’s Speeches, Vol. 3 (1953-1957)”, Capital is the surest means to fight caste. In Dalit’s Publications Division, https://books.google.co.in. hands, capital becomes an anti-caste weapon; little 6 “Pt. Nehru Stems the Tide of Communalism”, June wonder that the traditional caste code prohibits dalits 22, 2016, https://www.inc.in. from accumulating wealth. Dalit capitalism is the 7 Rajmohan Gandhi, Patel : A Life, Navjeevan Publishing answer to that regime of discrimination. The manifesto House, Ahmedabad, p. 428 demands promotion of dalit capitalism through a 8 Excerpts from Sardar Patel’s address in Madras, 1949, variety of means-procurement, credit options and taken from: S. Irfan Habib (ed.), Indian Nationalism: partnerships. The Essential Writings, Aleph Book Company; see: Book Extract, “Sardar Patel on RSS and the perils of Last but not the least one will have to be wary of imposing Hindu Rajya”, https://www.dailyo.in. ‘hero worship’ or laying ‘liberties at the feet of a great 9 Translated from: Pyarelal, Purnahuti, Chaturth Khand, man’ as it can culminate in ‘subverting of institutions’ in Navjeevan Prakashan, Ahmedabad, p. 465. a democracy as Ambedkar has warned us. In fact he 10 Dhananjay Keer, Ambedkar : Life and Mission, Popular had this to say while dedicating the Constitution to the Prakashan, Mumbai, 1990, p. 456. nation: 11 B.R. Ambedkar, States and Minorities, Appendices, Appendix I: Explanatory Notes, http:// This caution is far more necessary in the case of www.ambedkar.org. India than in the case of any other country. For in 12 Ibid. India, Bhakti or what may be called the path of 13 Ibid. devotion or hero-worship, plays a part in its politics 14 “Rejected as ‘Reactionary’ by Dalit Icon, RSS Eyes unequalled in magnitude by the part it plays in the BR Ambedkar’s Legacy”, April 14 , 2015, http:// politics of any other country in the world. Bhakti in www.hindustantimes.com; Nikhil Thiyyar, religion may be a road to the salvation of the soul. “Appropriating Ambedkar”, April 14, 2016, http:// But in politics, Bhakti or hero-worship is a sure road www.hardnewsmedia.com. 41 to degradation and to eventual dictatorship. 15 Excerpts from the editorial on the Constitution published in the Organiser, November 30, 1949. Taken Everybody can see that this caution has contemporary from: Ramachandra Guha, Which Ambedkar? April import. No month passes when some responsible member 26, 2016, http://indianexpress.com. of the ruling dispensation compares the honourable PM 16 B.R. Ambedkar, Pakistan or Partition of India, p. 358; to God or as ‘God’s gift to India’. also cited in: Ziya Us Salam, “Smothering with Affection”, March 25, 2016, http:// While Bhakts can rejoice about this unique gift to India, www.thehindu.com. every sensible person would agree that if this trend is 17 Nikhil Thiyyar, “Appropriating Ambedkar”, op. cit. allowed to continue then it is a ‘sure road to degradation 18 Ramachandra Guha, Bhagwat’s Ambedkar, December and eventual dictatorship.’ 10, 2015, http://indianexpress.com. 19 “5th February in Dalit History – Dr. Ambedkar Email : [email protected] introduced Hindu Code bill in the Parliament, Hindu leaders opposed it”, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Caravan, JANATA, January 28, 2018 19

https://drambedkarbooks.com. 20 Full text of “Dr. B.R Ambedkar_CompleteWorks_ Created by Dr. Anand Teltumbde”, https://archive.org. 21 Ambedkar’s speech on Voice of America radio cited in: “Prospects of Democracy in India - Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar”, BAMCEF, http:// www.old.bamcef.org. 22 Ibid. 23 Ibid. 24 “Cohesion, Fragility and the Challenge of Our Times: Vice President Delivers Indira Gandhi Memorial Lecture of The Asiatic Society”, October 3, 2016, http://pib.nic.in. 25 Shyam Chand, “Dr Ambedkar on Democracy”, Mainstream, December 11, 2007, https:// www.mainstreamweekly.net. 26 “Constitutional Methods, Uphold Liberties and Social Democracy: Vice President of India”, October 17, 2015, http://pib.nic.in. 27 Shyam Chand, “Dr Ambedkar on Democracy”, op. cit. 28 Ibid. 29 Ibid. 30 Jean Drèze, ‘Dr. Ambedkar and the Future of Indian Democracy’, http://econdse.org. 31 Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Press interview, October 13, 1956, cited in: “Navayana”, https://ipfs.io. 32 For more on this, see: “Jayadeva Uyangoda on Ambedkar’s Legacy”, April 26, 2016, https://kafila.org. 33 “Pledge given by Dr Ambedkar to Buddhist People”, May 27, 2013, http://ambedkarimedia.blogspot.in. 34 Dr B.R. Ambedkar, “Buddha or Karl Marx”, Volume 1, https://books.google.co.in. 35 Anand Teltumbde, “Ambedkar And Communists”, August 16, 2012, http://www.countercurrents.org. 36 Dr B.R. Ambedkar, “Buddha or Karl Marx”, Volume 1, https://books.google.co.in. 37 Ambedkar’s speech on the ‘Voice of America’ radio, May 20, 1956, op. cit. 38 Anand Teltumbde, “Ambedkar And Communists”, op. cit. 39 B. Chandrasekaran, “Ambedkar, the Forgotten Free- Market Economist”, April 14, 2011, http:// pragati.nationalinterest.in. 40 Chandrabhan Prasad and Milind Kamble, “Manifesto to End Caste : Push Capitalism and Industrialisation to Eradicate this Pernicious System”, January 23, 2013, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 41 “Why BR Ambedkar’s Three Warnings in His Last Speech to the Constituent Assembly Resonate Even Today”, January 9, 2018, https://scroll.in. 20 JANATA, January 28, 2018

Ambedkar’s Prescient Warnings About the Constitution

Neeraj Jain

On November 25, 1949, in his last address to India’s into the country to help us develop. If they are so good, Constituent Assembly, Dr B.R. Ambedkar voiced two why did we drive them out? serious concerns about the future of the country. Unfortunately, both his warnings are proving to be The truth is, these foreign capital inflows are not the prophetic today. Let us discuss his concerns. result of deliberate policy by our ruling politicians and bureaucrats and are not taking place on equal terms, but On the Future of India’s Independence are because our country has become dependent on foreign capital inflows to prevent our economy from On 26th January 1950, India will be an sinking into external accounts bankruptcy. We explain independent country. What would happen to her this point briefly below. independence? Will she maintain her independence or will she lose it again? This is the first thought that The Indian economy was in crisis by 1991. Our comes to my mind. It is not that India was never an external debt had gone up to $84 billion, our foreign independent country. The point is that she once lost exchange reserves were insufficient to pay even the the independence she had. Will she lose it a second instalment on our external debt, and we were on the time? It is this thought which makes me most anxious verge of external account bankruptcy. And so, in mid- for the future. 1991, the Indian Government accepted the conditions imposed by India’s foreign creditors and, in exchange What perturbs me greatly is the fact that not only for a huge foreign loan to tide over the foreign exchange India has once before lost her independence, but she crisis, agreed to a thorough restructuring of the Indian lost it by the infidelity and treachery of some of her economy.2 One of the important conditions accepted by own people. . . . Will history repeat itself? It is this it was to open up the economy to inflows of foreign thought which fills me with anxiety.1 capital and goods. It is this ‘restructuring’ of the Indian Despite this grim warning, scarcely would Dr economy at the behest of the country’s foreign creditors Ambedkar have apprehended that the Free India of his that has been given the grandiloquent name, globalisation. dreams would lose its freedom once again; that a mere Since then, while governments at the Centre have kept 70 years after independence, Delhi’s Moghuls would have on changing, globalisation of the Indian economy has pushed the Indian economy into such a crisis that they continued unabated. The pace of implementing the would be welcoming gigantic foreign multinationals with economic reforms has accelerated under the new BJP garlands and red carpets to invest, import, pollute our Government at the Centre. environment, ravage our natural resources, pillage the Nearly three decades after the beginning of savings of our people, exploit our workers in the most globalisation, because of the very consequences of inhuman ways, and inseminate our culture with violence opening up the economy to unrestricted inflows of foreign and the invisible terrorism of America Inc. capital and goods, India’s external accounts are in a far This would sound surprising to many of our readers. worse state as compared to 1991. But that is because they have been led to believe by  Our trade deficit, the difference between our India’s treacherous intellectuals and sycophantic media merchandise exports and imports, has zoomed due to that the foreign investment flows into the country (also the huge inflow of foreign goods into the country. From called foreign direct investment or FDI) are an indicator $2.8 billion in 1991–92, it has gone up to $112.4 billion of development, that the foreign corporations are coming in 2016–17. JANATA, January 28, 2018 21

 Because of the huge rise in our trade deficit, our This is the reason why India’s Prime Ministers, from current account deficit (CAD), that is, the net deficit Manmohan Singh to Narendra Modi now, have been in our day-to-day transactions with other countries, travelling to the capitals of the developed countries with went up from $1.2 billion in 1991–92 to $87.8 billion in a begging bowl—to entice foreign investors to invest in 2012–13, before easing to $15.2 billion for the financial India, and promising them all kinds of incentives and year 2016–17 due to the fall in global oil prices. concessions. The ‘swadeshi’ BJP Government is in fact Indications are that it is going to rise again and is implementing the World Bank dictated economic reforms expected to go up to around $30 billion in 2017-18.3 at an even faster pace than the previous UPA Government. International trade takes place only in the currencies of the developed countries. Therefore, when a poor During the past two years, the new government has country like India runs up a current account deficit, it twice announced huge liberalisation of FDI rules for needs to attract foreign capital inflows to bridge the foreign investors, in November 2015 and June 2016, such deficit. These can be either in the form of capital as permitting 100% FDI in several key sectors like investment flows (either in the form of FDI, or investment defence, civil aviation and pharmaceuticals via the in the stock markets) or more external borrowings. automatic route, that is, without being subject to government approval. More recently, on January 11, 2018, The problem is: the newspapers reported that the Union Cabinet has unveiled a fresh round of liberalisation of our FDI policy  Capital investment flows result in profit outflows. The more the FDI, the more the profit outflows in the and allowed 100% FDI in single-brand retail and real coming years. estate brokering services via the automatic route, and also allowed foreign airlines to invest up to 49% in Air  And, an interest has to be paid on external debt! India. This opening up of the retail sector to giant foreign retail corporations implies that the BJP has made a Both these therefore lead to a rise in CAD in the complete U-turn in its earlier opposition to FDI in Retail, subsequent years, implying that in the coming years, the a policy that will spell disaster for India’s dynamic small country will need even more capital investment inflows, scale retail sector. This sector is the second biggest or more external borrowings. It is a kind of debt trap! employer after agriculture and employs nearly 4 crore people. Opening it up to investment by giant international Three decades of globalisation has pushed our retailers will push lakhs of small shopkeepers out of economy into a far worse foreign exchange crisis than business.6 we faced in 1991. Our external debt now stands at an astronomical $485 billion in end-June 2017,4 up by nearly The Modi Government is bending over backwards to six times from $83.8 billion in end-March 1991! meet US objections to India’s nuclear liability law, so that giant US corporations can set up nuclear power The result is that the Indian economy has become plants in India without having to worry about paying totally dependent on foreign capital inflows, including indemnities in case of design defects causing a nuclear foreign direct investment inflows and speculative capital accident—they are thus being encouraged to supply risky inflows, as well as foreign debt flows, to stay afloat. All equipment, which is nothing but an invitation to disaster.7 the glib talk about our large foreign exchange reserves The foreign corporations are keen to take over India’s is meaningless; as we have shown elsewhere, our foreign public sector insurance companies and banks, and thus exchange reserves are much less than our ‘vulnerable acquire control over their huge premium income and external liabilities’ (foreign capital that has come into the deposits; bowing to their dictates, the BJP Government 5 country that can leave the country very quickly). This has taken the first steps to privatise these institutions. means that if foreign investors decide to pull out their This is also the real essence of Modi’s slogan Make in money from India—which they can do at the tap of a India—the ‘swadeshi’ government is inviting foreign computer key—our foreign exchange reserves are simply corporations to manufacture in India and is promising insufficient to prevent the economy from once again them conditions in which they can produce in India at plunging into foreign exchange bankruptcy, similar to what cheaper rates than China / Bangladesh / Vietnam, and happened in 1990-91. thus make higher profits. For this, it is demolishing our 22 JANATA, January 28, 2018 labour laws, so that MNCs can employ contract workers, On the 26th of January 1950, we are going to pay them rock bottom wages, increase intensity of work enter into a life of contradictions. In politics we will to inhuman levels, force them to work 10–12–14 hours have equality and in social and economic life we will without paying overtime wages, and fire them at will. In have inequality. . . . How long shall we continue to a nutshell, they have put India ON SALE.8 deny equality in our social and economic life? If we continue to deny it for long, we will do so only by On the Future of India’s Democracy putting our political democracy in peril. We must The second warning delivered by Dr Ambedkar in his remove this contradiction at the earliest possible final address to the Constituent Assembly was with moment or else those who suffer from inequality will regards to the future of her democratic Constitution: blow up the structure of political democracy which this Assembly has so laboriously built up. On the 26th of January 1950, India would be a democratic country in the sense that India from that The second thing we are wanting in is recognition day would have a government of the people, by the of the principle of fraternity. What does fraternity people and for the people. . . . What would happen mean? Fraternity means a sense of common to her democratic Constitution? Will she be able to brotherhood of all Indians—if Indians being one maintain it or will she lose it . . . I do not know. But it people. It is the principle which gives unity and is quite possible in a country like India . . . there is solidarity to social life. . . . The realisation of this danger of democracy giving place to dictatorship. It goal is going to be very difficult . . . (because in) is quite possible for this new born democracy to retain India there are castes. The castes are anti-national. its form but give place to dictatorship in fact. If there In the first place because they bring about separation is a landslide, the danger of the second possibility in social life. They are anti-national also because becoming actuality is much greater. they generate jealousy and antipathy between caste and caste. But we must overcome all these difficulties Ambedkar suggests that “if we wish to maintain if we wish to become a nation in reality. For fraternity democracy not merely in form, but also in fact”, we must can be a fact only when there is a nation. Without “not to be content with mere political democracy.” He fraternity, equality and liberty will be no deeper than goes on to say: coats of paint. . . .

We must make our political democracy a social Ambedkar’s warnings on this aspect too are proving democracy as well. Political democracy cannot last to be prophetic. Inequality in the country has grown unless there lies at the base of it social democracy. hugely, especially since the beginning of neoliberal What does social democracy mean? It means a way economic reforms in 1991, making India one of the most of life which recognises liberty, equality and unequal countries in the world. In 2000, India’s richest 1 fraternity as the principles of life. . . . Liberty cannot percent held 36.8 percent of the country’s total wealth; be divorced from equality, equality cannot be in 2014, when Modi came to power, this figure had gone divorced from liberty. Nor can liberty and equality up to 49 percent; and in just 2 years, by 2016, this figure be divorced from fraternity. . . . has gone up to a mind-boggling 58.4 percent, according to a report by Credit Suisse Group AG, the financial Ambedkar says: “We must begin by acknowledging services company based in Zurich. The richest 10 percent the fact that there is complete absence of two things in haven’t done too badly either. Their wealth increased Indian Society.” And what are these two things: from around 66 percent in 2000 to 80.7 percent by 2016. In sharp contrast, the bottom half of the Indian people One of these is equality. On the social plane, we own a mere 2.1 percent of the country’s wealth.9 have in India a society based on the principle of graded inequality which means elevation for some While India now has the fourth largest number of and degradation for others. On the economic plane, billionaires in the world—the country now boasts of 101 we have a society in which there are some who have billionaires, with a collective net worth of $325.5 immense wealth as against many who live in abject billion10—its human development indicators place it near poverty. the bottom in the list of the world’s countries. Some indicators that highlight the terrible conditions in which JANATA, January 28, 2018 23 the vast majority of the Indian people are living: and Shudra the feet. Golwalkar goes on to write that “the people who have this fourfold arrangement, i.e., the  According to the latest available National Family Hindu People, is our God. This supreme vision of Godhead Health Survey–4 data for 2015-16, 38.4% of children is the very core of our concept of ‘nation’ and has under the age of five are stunted (low height for age, permeated our thinking and given rise to various unique indicating chronic malnutrition); India is home to one- concepts of our cultural heritage.”15 third of the world’s malnourished children; malnutrition is more common in India than in sub-Saharan Africa.11 One of the most important of the Hindu scriptures or  More than 40% of the children in the 6–14 age-group dharma-shastras that sanctifies the caste system is the in the country have dropped out of school without Manusmriti. The RSS is a firm believer in the Manusmriti. completing even basic schooling. And for those going V.D. Savarkar, one of the most prominent of the RSS to school, the conditions in a majority of India’s schools idealogues, expresses his affinity for the Manusmriti thus: is so abysmal who do complete basic schooling cannot read, write or do sums expected of children in Class 2 Manusmriti is that scripture which is most worship- or 3!12 able after Vedas for our Hindu Nation and which from ancient times has become the basis of our  Basing herself on official NSSO data, the noted culture-customs, thought and practice. This book for economist Utsa Patnaik has shown that the centuries has codified the spiritual and divine march percentage of persons in rural areas who could not of our nation. Even today the rules, which are consume enough food to obtain the minimum followed, by crores of Hindus in their lives and recommended calorie norm (2,200 calories/day) was practice are based on Manusmriti. Today Manusmriti 75.5% in 2009–10. In urban areas, the percentage is Hindu Law.16 who could not consume enough food to obtain the 13 norm (2,100 calories/day) was 73%. And so, after coming to power, while on the one hand  And so, it is not surprising that India’s hunger levels the BJP is speedily implementing economic policies that are among the worst in the world. The Global Hunger are further deepening our economic crisis and worsening Index, a report published by the International Food economic inequality, on the other hand, it is implementing Policy Research Institute, ranked India at 100 out of a very regressive social agenda that is worsening social 119 countries in its latest report released in 2017.14 inequality. Caste atrocities in the country are on the rise. The latest NCRB data reveal that atrocities or crime The coming to power of the BJP at the Centre in against scheduled castes increased by 5.5 per cent in 2014 is rapidly worsening India’s social inequalities too. 2016 over 2015. A total of 40,801 cases of crime against During the first few decades after independence, scheduled castes were registered in the country in 2016 economic development had indeed led to a weakening compared to 38,670 cases in 2015. The data also show of the link between caste and occupation. Nevertheless, that the five states that recorded the highest crime rate the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes continued to in the category of “crime/atrocities against scheduled face social, economic and institutional deprivations, and castes” during 2014-16 (crime rate is defined by the were also subjected to enormous atrocities. But with the incidence of crime recorded per one lakh population) coming of the BJP to power, these social inequalities are were all ruled by the BJP directly or in alliance with rapidly worsening. That is because the BJP—and more other parties, with Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan at important, its parent, the RSS—does not believe in the very top.17 equality. On the contrary, BJP–RSS are firm believers in the caste system. In Gujarat, where the BJP has been in power uninterruptedly for nearly two decades now, atrocities Thus, for instance, Guru Golwalker, considered to be against Dalits are on the rise. The incident at Una on the most important idealogue of the RSS, in his treatise, July 11, 2016, when seven members from a Dalit family Bunch of Thoughts, explicitly upholds the Purush Sukta were brutally beaten up with iron rods and sticks by gau of the Rigveda, wherein for the first time in Vedic rakshaks for skinning a dead cow, made national news literature the four varnas are mentioned and justified. after a video of the beating went viral on social media. The Purush Sukta justifies the caste system thus: Fed up with the daily atrocities, thousands of Dalits in Brahmin is the head, King the hands, Vaishya the thighs Gujarat came together to take out a Dalit Asmita Yatra 24 JANATA, January 28, 2018 and pledged never to pick up carcasses again. Yet, so Now, having come to power with an absolute majority emboldened have upper caste goons become under BJP in the Lok Sabha, the BJP and RSS are more rule that they attacked this Yatra too! In fact, this massive emboldened, and are openly calling for changing the mobilisation of Dalits has not led to any reduction in Constitution “in line with the value systems of the atrocities on Dalits in Gujarat. In 2017, the newspapers country”—and when Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS chief reported several instances of Dalits being attacked even says this, he is obviously meaning the Manusmriti, and for sporting moustaches or watching garba.18 not the value systems of Buddha, Kabir, Tukaram and Basavanna. The RSS not only does not believe in democracy and equality (and secularism), all fundamental pillars of the Ambedkar’s warning, that political democracy bereft Indian Constitution, after the BJP won the 2014 Lok of economic and social democracy, will ultimately Sabha elections, BJP and RSS leaders have publicly called threaten our democratic Constitution, is proving to be for changing the Constitution.19 prescient.

There is nothing new in this. The RSS has been Email : [email protected] opposed to the Indian Constitution from the very time of its drafting, because it was not based on Hindu scriptures, References in particular the laws of Manu. Four days after the Indian 1 “Lessons for Today in Ambedkar’s Last Address to Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly the Constituent Assembly”, April 14, 2017, https:// on November 26, 1949, an editorial in the RSS organ thewire.in. Organiser complained: 2 There are several articles available on the internet In our constitution there is no mention of the unique outlining these conditionalities. See for example: constitutional development in ancient Bharat. Manu’s Structural Adjustment in India, World Bank, Laws were written long before Lycurgus of Sparta or 2012, http://lnweb90.worldbank.org; Montek S. Solon of Persia. To this day his laws as enunciated Ahluwalia, Structural Adjustment and Reform in in the Manusmriti excite the admiration of the world Developing Countries, April 1994, and elicit spontaneous obedience and conformity. But www.planningcommission.nic.in; Ashwini to our constitutional pundits that means nothing.20 Deshpande, Prabirjit Sarkar, “Structural Adjustment in India – A Critical Assessment”, Economic and Guru Golwalkar, considered to be the most important Political Weekly, December 9, 1995, http:// idealogue of the RSS, also criticised the Indian www.epw.in; David Harvey, A Brief History of Constitution in the following words in his most important Neoliberalism, Oxford University Press, 2005, pp. treatise, Bunch of Thoughts: 7–8, 29, 64–66. 3 Balance of Payments, http://indiabudget.nic.in/ Our Constitution too is just a cumbersome and es98-99/chap62.pdf; “India Current Account Deficit heterogeneous piecing together of various articles Rises Year-On-Year as Imports Jump in Q4", June from various Constitutions of the Western countries. 16, 2017, http://www.livemint.com. It has absolutely nothing which can be called our 4 “India’s External Debt Rises 3% to $485.8 Billion”, own. Is there a single word of reference in its guiding September 30, 2017, http://indianexpress.com. principles as to what our national mission is and what 5 Neeraj Jain, Essays on Contemporary Indian 21 our keynote in life is? No! Economy, Aakar Books, Delhi, 2016, pp. 155–57. And so, after the BJP first came to power at the Centre 6 Ibid., Chapter 4. in 1998 under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, it 7 Suvrat Raju, M.V. Ramana, “Nuclear Deal No had set up a commission headed by former Chief Justice Cause for Celebration”, January 31, 2015, http:// M.N.R. Venkatachaliah to review the Constitution. But www.thehindu.com; Suhasini Haidar, “N-Deal Vajpayee was heading a coalition government, and this Logjam Cleared: Modi, Obama Agree Not to Dilute effort could not go very far, and the report of the Liability Law”, January 26, 2015, http:// Commission was shelved. www.thehindu.com. 8 For more discussion on these issues, see our booklet, JANATA, January 28, 2018 25

Spectre of Fascism, Lokayat publication, available on Lokayat website, http://lokayat.org.in; see also: Neeraj Jain, Essays on Contemporary Indian Economy, op. cit., Chapter 3. 9 “The Richest 1% of Indians Now Own 58.4% of Wealth”, November 24, 2016, http:// www.livemint.com; S. Rukmini, “India’s Staggering Wealth Gap in Five Charts”, December 8, 2014, http:/ With Best /www.thehindu.com. 10 “India Home to 101 Billionaires, Mukesh Ambani ComplimentsFrom Tops List: Forbes”, March 21, 2017, http:// www.thehindubusinessline.com. 11 UNICEF India - The Children – Nutrition, http:// www.unicef.org; “10 Facts About Food and Nutrition Anil Hebbar in India”, July 26, 2016, https://www.wfp.org. Managing Director 12 Statistics of School Education 2011–12, MHRD, Government of India, 2014, http://mhrd.gov.in; Neoliberal Fascist Attack on Education, Lokayat publication, 2016, available on Lokayat website, http:/ /lokayat.org.in. 13 Utsa Patnaik, “Poverty Trends in India 2004-05 to 2009-10: Updating Poverty Estimates and Comparing Official Figures”, Economic & Political Weekly, Emergent October 5, 2013, http://www.epw.in. 14 Pratik Sinha, “Fact-Check: Did India Fall 45 Places in Global Hunger Index Rank from 2014 to 2017?” October 16, 2017, https://scroll.in. Medi-Tech (I) 15 M.S. Golwalkar, Bunch of Thoughts, http:// www.rss.org. 16 “The Dichotomy Between Manusmriti and a Liberal Pvt. Ltd. Constitution”, August 6, 2016, https://thewire.in. 17 “5 BJP ruled states have highest crime rates against Dalits, reveals NCRB data”, November 30, 2017, https://www.indiatoday.in. 18 Damayantee Dhar, “Dalits Attacked in Four Villages Near Una, Ground Zero of Dalit Resurgence”, August 15, 2016, https://thewire.in; Damayantee 118, Damji Shamji Industrial Complex, Dhar, “In Gujarat, Dalits Under Attack for Watching 9 LBS Marg, Kurla (W), Garba, Sporting Moustache”, October 4, 2017, https:/ Mumbai – 400 070 /thewire.in. Contact Nos. 91-22-67825555 19 “Amend Constitution, Align It to Indian Value Email id. [email protected] System: RSS Chief”, September 12, 2017, https:// timesofindia.indiatimes.com; “‘BJP here to change Constitution’: Anant Hegde’s remark echoes Ram Bahadur Rai’s call to rejig framework”, December 28, 2017, http://www.firstpost.com. 20 “No Love for Ambedkar”, April 23, 2016, http:// indianexpress.com. 21 M.S. Golwalkar, Bunch of Thoughts, op. cit. 26 JANATA, January 28, 2018

The Search for New Time

Dilip Simeon

The timing of death, like the ending of a story, gives wars were global in their reach, because the powers a changed meaning to what preceded it. involved were colonial empires.4 A broader view of the subsequent period shows the upsurge of war consuming –Mary Catherine Bateson the polities of India, China and Africa, with England, Nihilism1 doesn’t stand at the door, as Nietzsche told France, Belgium and Holland leading the charge. When us over a century ago. It has entered the house. We now combined with Russian expansion in central Asia and speak as if belief is the highest form of truth, feelings Siberia, the Taiping Rebellion of 1850-64, the Second may freely be substituted for facts, truth is pure illusion Opium War of 1856-60, and the Indian rebellion of 1857, and war an eternal condition. Examples of this are visible a picture emerges of a world plunged into a vortex of in all continents; indeed, we are reliably informed that conflict whose locus was European militarism. Man-made ours is the post-truth era. Let us examine how we have famines and epidemics in India and China during the arrived at this situation and what Mahatma Gandhi can 1870s and 1890s resulted in the deaths of between 32 tell us about it. and 61 million people, a catastrophe that has been named ‘late-Victorian holocausts’.5 Permanent War The process continued with the Boxer Rebellion of Speaking of Napoleon’s place in the advent of 1900, the Balkan Wars of 1912-13 and the Great War of modernity, Marx wrote: ‘Napoleon was the last stand of 1914-18, which was accompanied by the first modern revolutionary terrorism against the bourgeois society. . . genocide (of Armenians by their Ottoman rulers). The . He perfected the Terror by substituting permanent war global influenza epidemic of 1918-20 cost 50 to 100 million for permanent revolution.’2 Two observations from this lives, an impact accelerated by war-related human text are significant for our theme: the advent of permanent mobility. The spiral of war continued into the 1930s, with war; and the dual aspect of the state as an end in itself the Japanese invasion of Manchukuo, the Spanish civil and as an instrument of conquest. The war unleashed by war, the Sino-Japanese war of 1937-1945, and the Second the French Revolution was the first total war of modernity, World War—the end of which was marked by several it was fought by ideologically motivated soldiers, and partitions, which cost the lives of lacs of Indians, including required total social mobilisation.3 The modern tendency Mahatma Gandhi. Thereafter it spilled over into Korea towards totalitarianism became visible in the emergence and Vietnam in the 1950s, the Arab world soon after, of war as the centripetal force capable of galvanising and carries on till this day. Depending on how it is social energy on an unprecedented scale. The calculated, the twentieth century has witnessed the democratisation of the polity was accompanied by the unnatural deaths of between 175 to 250 million people. democratisation of the military. Over time, this would Frontiers have imploded; terror, war and revolution have lead to the implosion of warfare into the social fabric, its merged into one another, as have international war and about-turn from national frontiers into national societies. civil war, militaries and para-militaries, legitimate force and vigilante violence. It has been claimed that the arrangements of 1815 resulted in pan-European peace for most of the nineteenth Today, language and power are being used to enforce century. This is correct only if we leave out the uprisings the disappearance of these distinctions. As Orwell put it, of 1848, the Crimean War and the wars over German war is not meant to be won, it is meant to be continuous. unification that led to the bloody suppression of the Paris Global capitalism is a society in turmoil, geared toward Commune in 1871. However, the French revolutionary perpetual conflict. State structures are torn apart by the JANATA, January 28, 2018 27 requirement of social stability and the magnet of the justification of originary violence, the teleological militarism. The uneasy balance between capital suspension of ethics. This was a radical departure from accumulation and a world order founded on competing the revolutionary political theory of the Jacobins and nation-states is under constant threat of violent disruption. Bolsheviks and a unique attempt at self-assertion Capitalism feeds on war, but is also threatened by it— combined with respect for the opponent. Gandhi implanted the sobriety of accumulation cannot always accommodate love at the centre of the new beginning, and he kept this the passions unleashed by organised killing. flame alight in the midst of enveloping darkness. His faith in the persistence of human capacity and need for love Gandhi’s Confrontation with Modern Nihilism and mutual respect was something that transcended the The nihilism of our time has three aspects: the boundary of religion and politics. annihilation of language, time and life. The three merge Theology and Civil Religion into one another in practical politics. It is against this backdrop—of life lived in the shadow of semantic Flowing from this was his creative challenge to disintegration and total destruction—that we need to traditional theology and his implicit but radical renovation assess once again Mahatma Gandhi’s life and the of civil religion theory. As regards the first, Gandhi is message his life signifies. There are four dimensions misunderstood because of his refusal to separate religion through which we can re-appropriate Gandhi’s political from politics. This confusion is due to the fact that religion challenge and legacy. nowadays is treated as a flag of political identification, rather than as a source of philosophical and moral Transformation Without Hatred standards. If we used the terms ethics in place of The first is reflected in his campaign for an end to religion, and power for politics, the matter would colonial power without animus. When he was in London become clearer. Should power be free of moral guidance? for the Round Table Conference in 1931, Gandhi decided Gandhi regarded political activity as the highest sphere to visit the mill areas of Lancashire. The police had of social action, and insisted on informing this action with warned he would be mobbed by angry workers who had moral guidelines. Truth for him included moksha and lost jobs due to the boycott of English cloth. But he wanted self-knowledge, as also justice and social integrity. This to explain India’s case to them. The American journalist is why he refused to separate means and ends—evil William Shirer reported the workers’ reactions to Gandhi means would corrupt the best of ends. For him, ahimsa in the town of Darwen—they instinctively recognised in was the means and truth was the goal. Religion and him “a man who had devoted his life to helping the poor. spirituality were not instruments for the pursuit of political They gave him a tumultuous welcome.” Gandhi was power; rather, political activity had to be informed by the mobbed, but by people filled with admiration, not anger.6 best spiritual ideals. A photograph from that day shows a smiling Gandhi in Over centuries, the ancient debate between reason his dhoti surrounded by joyous women workers whose and revelation has acquired a nihilist dimension in the faces shine with love. Other photographs from this trip quest for a civic religion. Must political life be governed show similar images of the common English people’s by divine or human guidance? For centuries philosophers love for the man whom their government portrayed as dodged this far-reaching and intractable query via their the Empire’s chief trouble-maker. There are few, if any, focus on the utility of religion rather than its truth—an examples of the leader of an anti-colonial struggle whom area of inquiry also known as political theology. The use the citizens of the colonial power held in such affection. of religion by the state (civic religion), the use of the Thus in contra-position to the political tradition state by the priesthood (theocracy), and the elevation of exemplified by Machiavelli and Robespierre, for which science to an object of belief (‘scientism’) tend to violence was essential to the act of political foundation, strengthen ethical nihilism. This tendency is highlighted Gandhi made the prescient observation that ‘what is by the emergence of propaganda, which makes granted under fear can be retained only as long as the knowledge and goodness slaves of the state. Often even fear lasts’. This is an insight into the nature of the modern the high-priests of religion use the separation of religion state; but it also questions the assumption of Western and politics as a convenient excuse to condone crimes political science wherein the foundation of a new order committed by their co-religionists, thus undermining public is necessarily marked by violence. Gandhi dispensed with morality. In stressing the healing power of religion Gandhi 28 JANATA, January 28, 2018 challenged theologians to translate their fine-sounding religion—the ‘nationalisation of religion’ as it were, could doctrines into reality. ignite a colossal legitimation crisis for the Indian state. This has been borne out by the history of partition and its Gandhi addressed these issues directly and from within aftermath. his faith—which underwent transformation with time and experience. His approach to the relationship between Ideology vs Truth and Ahimsa reason and revelation is contained in a response he made In current usage the word ideology denotes political in 1936 to the query ‘where do you find the seat of belief, the ‘party line’. But the matter is far more authority?’ Pointing to his breast, Gandhi said: ‘It lies complicated. Since the 1790s when it first appeared, the here. I exercise my judgment about every scripture, word has acquired meanings that serve political purposes, including the Gita. I cannot let a scriptural text supersede and for that very reason carries the burden of deceit. my reason. Whilst I believe that the principal books are Ideologies are mixtures of facts, half-truths and inspired, they suffer from a process of double distillation. convictions, and have emerged as political substitutes Firstly, they come through a human prophet, and then for religion. Hannah Arendt called ideology the most through the commentaries of interpreters. Nothing in devilish form of lie, and described ideological (totalitarian) them comes from God directly.’7 As his career progressed regimes as being ‘secret societies established in broad he came to the view that ‘it is more correct to say Truth daylight.’9 is God than to say God is Truth.’ With Tagore he could make the distinction between the all-encompassing Ideological systems treat truth as pliable to political religion of humanity and the several faiths which were convenience: ideology is a corruption of truth. Religion manifestations of it. That is what he meant when he said too has succumbed to ideology or ideological ‘I have made the world’s faith in God my own.’ This is manipulation. As a genuinely religious person, Gandhi why the separation of religion and politics was saw this very clearly. It is worth reflecting that hardly incomprehensible to Gandhi. Answering a query on this any leading Indian religious personages today show any issue in 1940, he remarked: ‘Indeed religion should interest in healing the wounds of communal divisions. In pervade every one of our actions. Here religion does not an essay titled Politics and the Devil, Leszek mean sectarianism. It means a belief in ordered moral Kolakowski referred to ideological states—states whose government of the universe. It is not less real because it legitimacy derives from the claim that their rulers are is unseen. This religion transcends Hinduism, Islam, owners of truth—as ‘caricatural imitations of Christianity, etc. It does not supersede them. It harmonises theocracy.’10 Such states dispense with any distinction 8 them and gives them reality.’ between secular and religious authority, concentrating both spiritual and physical power in one place, including This stance is a clue to Gandhi’s implicit belief that the nation itself. Given the authoritarian impulse of given the plethora of faiths, there could be no singular ideology, (the beliefs of pacifists or Quakers are not, civil religion in India. For him, the issue was not the generally, referred to as ideologies), there has always separation of religion and politics, but of religion and been a link between ideology and violence. Ideological nationalism. This is also the clue to his ecumenical movements tend to carry a seamless connection, overt pravachan sabhas, where he read passages from all or covert, with controlled mobs and private armies. major religious texts, doing his best to convince his fellow Ideological thinking signifies the end of the dialogic pursuit Indians that they need not be divided, but in fact could of truth—it is the marker par-excellence of the age of be united by their religious beliefs. It is significant that permanent war. It would not be far-fetched to say that he continued this practice to the last day of his life. I we live in an ideological era; and for that reason have note in passing that the Pakistan ideal was grounded in voluntarily imprisoned ourselves in an ‘enemy system’. the conviction that Islam could function as a civil religion. And for its part, Hindutva resembles State Shinto in Gandhi’s challenge to ideology arose out of the Japan. Gandhi’s name for communalism was ‘irreligion’, connection he made between ahimsa and truth. In the and he believed these versions of utilitarian religiosity to face of hostile sloganeering in Bengal in 1940, he be perversions of faith and harbingers of disintegration. remarked, ‘I love to hear the words “Down with Gandhi’s instincts on this score were correct: it was not Gandhism”. An “ism” deserves to be destroyed. It is a possible to establish a stable polity in India based on a useless thing. The real thing is non-violence. It is ‘national’ religion. The attempt to enforce a civic immortal. It is enough for me if it remains alive. I am JANATA, January 28, 2018 29 eager to see Gandhism wiped out at an earlier date. You and left, from the side of nostalgia for tradition, as well should not give yourselves over to sectarianism. I do not as that of the supremacy of science and reason. I will belong to any sect. I have never dreamt of establishing not enter that debate, except for one point that is relevant any sect. If any sect is established in my name after my to our theme. In his focus upon violence and ahimsa death my soul would cry out in anguish.” On ahimsa too, Gandhi had grasped the central feature of modernity viz., Gandhi was reluctant to provide a theory: ‘To write a militarism. Militarism was not only the basis of the colonial treatise on the science of ahimsa is beyond my powers. system that had subjugated India, but had seeped into . . . Let anyone who can systematise ahimsa into a science the very bowels of society, corrupting its thought do so, if indeed it lends itself to such treatment.’11 His processes as well as its capacity to sustain itself and approach to non-violence was not tactical or ideological, maintain an ecological balance between humans and but metaphysical. One scholar describes it thus: ‘Being nature. a manifestation of Brahman, every living being was divine. Taking life was therefore sacrilegious and a form of Gandhi was a Mahatma, but one who was never at deicide.”12 It was his sense of being at one with all peace with his own people, nor they with him. But he Indians—indeed, all humanity—that lay at the root of manifested what was best in them, so much that even Gandhi’s charisma.13 There was never such a thing as those who celebrate his assassination are obliged Gandhian ideology—nor is it proper to call anyone a deceitfully to own him. Many of his contemporaries were Gandhian. pessimists even when there was hope. But Gandhi spoke of love and mutual respect in the midst of carnage and Gandhi’s Recuperation of the Present hatred; he gave people hope in the midst of despair; he appealed to their better instincts at the worst of times. An essential feature of future-oriented ideological The message of his fast in January 1948 is a message thinking is the abolition of lived time as the locus of politics. from a man of extraordinary strength and courage. After With their bent towards the future, ideologies convert he died, politicians argued about whether he was the presence into transience. With their promise of a glorious father or the son of the nation. It would be more accurate future that never appears, ideologies are a mode of to say that the Mahatma’s last sacrifice became the rendering permanent what economists call deferred foundation of India’s secular constitution. gratification. Because of their focus on an ever-retreating horizon of the future, ideologies reduce presence to As to whether ahimsa is bound to fail, it is sufficient evanescence. If ‘being is becoming’, where are we? to recall the words of Martin Luther King: ‘the choice Hence Gandhi’s challenge to ideology was also a today is not between violence and non-violence; it is manifestation of his political resuscitation of the Present. between non-violence and extinction.’ Could it be true His apparent disregard of ‘history’ was a reflection of that harmony and goodness are independent of violence, this approach. Asked by an imaginary interlocutor (in and exist on their own? Here is what Gandhi said about Hind Swaraj) for historical evidence on what he called this: ‘Good is self-existent, evil is not. It is like a parasite soul-force or truth-force, Gandhi replies that the continued living in and around good. It will die of itself when the existence of human life despite incessant wars was proof support that good gives it is withdrawn.’ We may also enough. It was war and violence that made news, not remember Edmund Burke: ‘The only thing necessary the everyday love and co-operation that characterised for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.’ the lives of millions. History was a record of interruptions; The Mahatma is not just an icon of the good man in an of ‘every interruption of the even working of the force age of genocide and utter barbarity. His steadfastness of love or of the soul… you cannot expect silver ore in a and love for truth will, like that of Socrates, shine for tin mine.’ He also clung to his belief in the human centuries. Those who hate and slander him are spitting capacity for betterment: ‘To believe that what has not at the moon. They will disappear into the mists of time. occurred in history will not occur at all is to argue disbelief Gandhi will never be forgotten. in the dignity of man.’14 (This was originally presented at the Champaran Conclusion Satyagrah centenary celebrations, Patna, April 10, 2017) Amidst the never-ending debate about the nature and origins of modernity, it is sometimes forgotten that Email : [email protected] criticisms of modernity have emanated from both right 30 JANATA, January 28, 2018

References 7 CWMG, Vol 64 p 71; Discussion with Basil Mathews and others (November 24, 1936). 1 The indications of nihilism lie in everyday life. They 8 CWMG, Vol 71, p 177-178; Harijan, February 10, include the sense that all opinions are equally valid, 1940. that there are no standards of truth, that life is 9 Hannah Arendt, Origins of Totalitarianism, pp. 606- meaningless and ethical judgements pointless. It 607. She named three features of ideological thinking; appears in the replacement of dialogue by cynicism; the element of motion, of emancipation from reality, the evaporating distinctions between Right and Left, and of logical consistency deriving from an assumed and the religious character of ideologies. All these first premise. indicate an erosion of meaning and the decline of 10 Leszek Ko Bakowski, Modernity on Endless Trial, language. Some outstanding features of this reality Chicago, 1990, p 189. are as follows– the concept of truth is seen as 11 “To write a treatise on the science of ahimsa is irrelevant, powerless, or rendered subject to interest beyond my powers... Action is my domain, and what groups or historical context (relativism and I understand, according to my lights, to be my duty, historicism). In each case truth is replaced by, or and whatever comes my way, I do. All my action is sub ordinated to utility, ie its efficacy in the quest for actuated by the spirit of service. Let anyone who power. This results in alethiological nihilism, or the can systematise ahimsa into a science do so, if indeed denial that truth possesses reality. it lends itself to such treatment.. The world does not 2 ‘He understood that the essence of the modern state hunger for shastras. What it craves, and will always was based on the unhampered development of crave, is sincere action.. No man has ever been able bourgeois so ciety, of private interest… at the same to describe God fully. The same is true of ahimsa.” time he still regarded the state as an end in itself and Harijan, March 3, 1946. civil life only as a treasurer and his subordinate which 12 “Gandhi rejected violence on four grounds: the must have no will of its own. He perfected the Terror ontological, the epistemological, the moral and the by substituting permanent war for permanent practical. Being a manifestation of Brahman, every revolution… He fed the egoism of the French nation living being was divine. Taking life was therefore to complete satiety but demanded also the sacrifice sacrilegious and a form of deicide.” Bhikhu Parekh; of bourgeois business, enjoyments, wealth, etc., Colonialism, Tradition and Reform; New Delhi, whenever this was required by the political aim of 1989, p 155. conquest… In his home policy, too, he combated 13 “There can be no rule-books of Gandhian policy. bourgeois society as the opponent of the state which There are no easy Gandhian formulae. This, in his own person he still held to be an absolute aim however, does not necessarily reduce the value of in itself.’ Taken from: “The Holy Family”, Marx & Gandhi’s teaching in the contemporary political Engels, Collected Works, Vol 4, p. 123. situation. After all, the indication of direction that a 3 Referred to as the levee en masse, the ‘democratic’ compass-needle gives is of some value in itself, even mass conscription of French citizens for service in if it takes no consideration of the terrain through the Revolutionary War; issued by the National which we must pass.” Norwegian philosopher Arne Convention in August 1793. Naess, in Gandhi and the Nuclear Age, 1965, p130. 4 English colonial expansion in India acquired 14 M.K. Gandhi, Hind Swaraj, or Indian Home Rule momentum during 1790-1818; followed by incessant (1909), Ahmedabad, 2003, pp. 67 and 57. annexations and conquest in Punjab and the North West including Afghanistan until 1877. The Government of India’s budgetary allocation for the Army grew from 33% in 1863 to 45% of revenue in 1891. European dominion over Africa grew from 10% Janata of the land area to 90% in 20 years from 1875 to 1895. is available at 5 Mike Davis, Late Victorian Holocausts, Verso, London, 2002; p 7. 6 William Shirer, Gandhi: A Memoir, London, 1979, www.lohiatoday.com p180. JANATA, January 28, 2018 31

Gandhi, the Eternal Translator

Apoorvanand

The relationship between Gandhi and colonialism is Gandhi replied, ‘What is true of my Hindustani is equally complex. He is responsible for the dismantling of the true of my Marathi. I cannot speak a word of Marathi British empire. It started a process of creation of but I am confident of gathering the purport of your Marathi independent nation states. Also a different way to look speech on a subject with which I am quite familiar. In at the world. Even before that, while fighting with the any case you will see that I don’t misinterpret you to the British, whom he berated for keeping unwilling populations people.’ Gokhale fell in with Gandhi’s suggestion and under their dominance, Gandhi had already turned into from Johannesburg right up to Zanzibar he always spoke the lens through which the world had started looking at Marathi, and Gandhi served as interpreter. On the whole itself. But before that he had to cover a long path. Gokhale was gratified by the results of the experiment and Gandhi was pleased that an Indian language was Before we talk about his path let me share with you given its place in South Africa. an incident from the life of Gandhi. The year was 1912. Gopal Krishna Gokhale was visiting South Africa and The audacity of Gandhi is remarkable. But there is meetings were being held for him. Gandhi had already much more to this issue than just his desire to host an established himself as a tall leader in South Afica. He Indian language in a land which was not very hospitable had travelled from one colony that India was then to to languages which belonged to the immigrants. He another colony as a professional. But he was destined to himself was an immigrant there, not only fighting for the transform himself into a crusader for the rights of the rights of Indians but also advocating dignity for other immigrants, initially Indians. He had trained himself in linguistic groups. the language of law. In South Africa it became his job to translate and interpret this language for the benefit of Margaret Chatterjee writes in her book Gandhi and his fellow countrymen and women who had settled there his Jewish Friends about an incident of 1911. A Russian in various professions but were kept firmly out of the Jew Jack Gerber was restrained from disembarking from realm of rights which were legitimately available to the the ship on the ground of deficient education. Gandhi whites. Gandhi asserted that his and his fellow took note of this injustice and wrote in the Indian countrymen and countrywomen’s rights be respected as Opinion that had Mr. Gerber been an immigrant from they were legitimate subjects of the British empire. any other part of Europe and had he belonged to a different denomination, he would not have been subjected D.G. Tendulkar describes the role of Gandhi in these to the harsh treatment that was his lot. meetings. Gokhale was a giant figure for the Indians and even the colonial masters paid deference to his position. There was more to it. Education was being defined In Johannesburg a mass meeting was held for the by the competence of the immigrant in a language of the Indians. Gandhi requested Gokhale to speak in Marathi choice of the coloniser. The draft immigration bill had as there were several Konkani Muslims and some dropped Yiddish as a qualification for entry, the proposed Maharashtrian Hindus among the audience. When Gandhi new law prescribed a dictation test in a language of the said that he would translate his Marathi speech into Hindi, choice of the immigration officer. Gokhale burst into laughter and remarked, ‘I have quite fathomed your knowledge of Hindi, an accomplishment The apathy of the administrator Jan Smuts towards upon which you cannot exactly be congratulated. But languages like Yiddish led Gandhi to reproach him. All now you propose to translate Marathi into Hindi. May I the more so because Smuts was no ordinary administrator. know where you acquired such knowledge of Marathi.’ He had written an essay on ‘The Conditions of Future 32 JANATA, January 28, 2018

South African Literature’ and loved Taal, a local language. on the lives of the Indian immigrants only when the law He had this to say about Taal: ‘For expressing wit or is transferred to the realm of their own language, in which humour as well as the ordinary emotions of the human the ordinary emotions of their heart are held and heart—and in this it reveals the character of the people— expressed, to recall Smuts. The act of translation is then it is scarcely second to any other language with which an act of achieving justice. The injustice ingrained in the we are acquainted.’ law would be revealed only by a language in which he lives and breathes. Smuts could see the value of Taal but found no value in Yiddish. Gandhi, as Chatterjee shows, probably did not know that Yiddish had a rich repository of literature, but that Chatterjee writes that what Smuts felt about Taal and did not prevent him from supporting its cause in his own the Russian Jewish immigrants felt about Yiddish, Gandhi way: ‘Jewish scholars have succeeded . . . in giving their felt in the first place about Gujarati. He chose it as a masses a language of which they may feel proud . . .’ family language, and later in the Phoenix settlement and the Tolstoy farm he made it a mission to translate many Gandhi’s support to the cause of Yiddish is again, as of the works that had influenced him into that language Chatterjee rightly notes, an act of justice. Also about its and write his own work first in Gujarati for publication being a people’s matter. She writes, ‘With his unfailing before translating it into English. ear for what was “of the people” he could recognise its folk quality, and furthermore he saw the justice of the Let us return to the Gokhale–Gandhi interaction. What cause of those who were promoting it.’ Justice, she points was Gandhi trying to do there? He was proposing that out was never for Gandhi a function of numbers. the act of translation is a pointer towards our inadequacy. While we desire to interpret each other in our own Talking about numbers, one would see later that he languages, we also need to admit that there would always always sided with those who were smaller in number or remain a gap, a lack and both the sides have to recognise in other words, were a minority anywhere. Minority is this as a fact. With this recognition arises the issue of not again a matter of numbers. It is always a relational difficulty. The difficultly in knowing the other facing me thing. Those with greater political power should be and talking to me. The act of decipherment is a never deemed as majority and those who have less power ending one. This can thus be understood as a principle should be treated as minorities. His defence and Gandhi was trying to initiate for co-habitation in which advocacy of Urdu had something to do with this idea of there would always come moments of unfamiliarity with smaller numbers. His insistence on creating a new variety the other and one will have to grapple with them with of Hindi and Urdu which he called Hindustani is again to the resources available. But inadequacy of resources be seen as an act of creating relationships between Hindi should not be an excuse to postpone the task. This is an and Urdu, which were demanding their own rights from act to create relationships in which I accept my inability the colonisers. He proposes a third way or middle path to completely grasp or capture you. of Hindustani. This was not to deprive any of the two of the script in which they were written. Linguist Suniti I have tried to think deeper about the reluctance of Kumar Chatterjee expressed his reservation about this Gandhi in accepting English as the language in which a insistence of Gandhi. He told him that it would be very Indian leader like Gokhale should be talking to his own difficult for the common masses to practice and master people. Was it a nationalist act or something else? both the scripts. He recalls the firmness with which Gandhi rejected him, ‘Do please give a trial to what I Rajmohan Gandhi in one of his tellings of the life of say. I am firmly of the belief that this will be quite Gandhi titled The Good Boatman recalls one of the South practical.’ Hindustani had to practiced in both the scripts. African moments of Gandhi. Again it is about a bill, which The question of Hindi and Urdu had already acquired a was going to impact the life of immigrant Indians. The divisive character, a matter of Hindu and Muslim rights. lawyer Gandhi retires to a hill near his house and Gandhi wanted to forge a nationalism on the bedrock of translates the whole draft bill into Gujarati. Rajmohan Hindu–Muslim unity. If Hindus were giving up what was writes that this was entirely an unnecessary exercise. theirs—and he saw Urdu as theirs too—he had to The case against the draft bill had to be built in English persuade them to re-adopt it. only. But he would understand the full import of this bill JANATA, January 28, 2018 33

It has been pointed out and rightly so that while being of not being able to achieve this dream. partial to Hindustani, Gandhi was imposing a north India centric view on the rest of India. This is not the place to It is not very difficult to see that Gandhi would not go into this debate. What is interesting for me is Gandhi’s have been what he ultimately became had he not gone relational approach. to London. London became a location or a geography where Gandhi found his tongue. His first interaction in When Gandhi planned to return to India, he started London is with the societies advocating vegetarianism. learning Bengali. His biographers note that one of his As novelist Naipaul says, an instinctive habit turns into first destinations in India was the abode of Rabindranath an informed choice. Gandhi finds the support of science Tagore, Shanti Niketan. Tagore, poet and thinker of to what was largely a matter of culture. Bengali, was not a nationalist. The relationship between the Mahatma and the poet has been a subject of study Gandhi is seen grappling with the question of power for many scholars. In their mental and philosophical and violence when discussing vegetarianism. Are outlook, they were very different. Yet none wanted the vegetarians less strong and courageous than those who other to lose his voice. One is seen as an aesthete and eat meat? This is a question he had been facing since his the other a utilitarian. Their ideas on education and childhood when his friends used to taunt him for not eating agitation differ. But they are ready to reach out to each meat. Gandhi finds an intellectual and scientific basis for other and make efforts to understand each other. That his dietary choice in England and through Western this dialogue, in which disagreement is an essential sources. While in London, he wrote a lot on this subject element, took place in a colonial setting is no deterrent. and participated in meetings meant to discuss vegetarianism. But it does not make him a fanatic. Gandhi, the relationist, supports Shanti Niketan and collects funds for it. This is despite the fact that his When the son of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan shows educational philosophy as expressed in his experiments his impatience with the vegetarian food regime of the of Buniyadi Shiksha or Nai Taleem are at divergence Sevagram Ashram, Gandhi laughs and is ready to arrange from Tagore’s educational philosophy. Gandhi’s practice his favourite dish of chicken for him. of Bangla continues even after the death of the poet. His companions report that when Gandhi is in Noakhali, Gandhi’s ashrams are again a result of his dialogue a place in East Bengal, dousing the flame of violence by with Western traditions. His vegetarianism and ashrams Muslims against their Hindu neighbours, he carries with are seen as directly descending from Indian sources. him a slate on which he keeps practicing Bengali. But without Tolstoy or Thoreau his ashrams would not have been conceived. On his last day, the evening which witnessed him being killed, he carried on his daily practice of Bengali. Gandhi in a way crafts his unique Indianness from his interaction with the West. His stay in London not only Gandhi is seen as a person who started the dismantling brought him close to the Bible, it was the circle of his of colonialism. He is thus the most significant personality Western friends which motivated him to read and study of the 19th and 20th centuries who changed the emotional The Song Celestial, the translated version of Gita. He geography of the 20th century. His struggle began in South felt greatly ashamed that he had not read Gita in the Africa and thus his principles and method of agitation original but this encounter led to a lifelong relationship took shape on what would be called a foreign soil. But with the Gita. He produced an interpretation of the Gita even before that, right in the formative years of his life, which unseated the interpretation of Gita as given by he had decided to move to London. London is the heart Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the protagonist of militant of the colony of which he is a subject. Even before nationalism in India. It also inspired Vinoba Bhave to reaching London, he had a London of his imagination. It write another interpretation of the holy book. was an abode of poets and philosophers. He was thus not going to a foreign land. His biographers have noted Gandhi was not interested in placing Gita above books the doggedness of his will to go to London. He begs for from other religions. In fact, even before becoming a money and fights with his community against its religious devotee of Gita, he had developed a kind of affection prejudices and persuades his reluctant mother to be able with The Sermon on The Mount. He famously said that to go to his dream land. He just could not bear the thought even I forget every word of Gita and the book itself is 34 JANATA, January 28, 2018 lost or destroyed, and if I still have the Sermon on the Beginning from Hind Swaraj to his last days, he laments Mount, it would give me the same solace as Gita gives, that what the colonisers are doing is a clear betrayal of nothing less. Christian principles. Gandhi says that his struggle is to help them, to remind them of their forgotten Christian And then while accepting the greatness of the Bible values. or Quran, he is not ready to leave his dharma. On the other hand, he does an innovation by creating a unique It is remarkable the way Gandhi made friends in prayer which includes verses and words from nearly all London, South Africa, all over the continent and in the religions. The idea of it came from an incident during United States of America. He won for the cause of India one of his sea voyages. The ship was caught in a storm. the affection of the best from that race and language, Passengers were frightened. Gandhi with the captain of which considered itself superior to India and its languages. the ship was trying to calm them. He noticed that all of It could happen because Gandhi remained all his life a them, Hindus, Muslims and Christians, were crying out translator, an interpreter and an interlocutor between the to their Gods to help. From here the idea of this prayer West and the colonies. He started his life as a petitioner emerged in his mind. and practised this art to perfection seeking to appeal, persuade the best in the opponent. This art he learnt as a Gandhi’s germinal contribution to modern human colonial subject seeking his rights from the Empire. thought was made in the form a small book, titled Hind Swaraj, or Self Rule. It is again the result of his Gandhi, in this process, developed a unique non-violent interaction with Western traditions of Tolstoy, Emerson, language. It is full of Biblical references. He often Thoreau and Ruskin, and also after his encounter with invokes Christian motifs when in dilemma or agony. some Indian youth in London who, though fighting the These are the lines he found most apt to describe his British, were in his opinion only following the Western mental and emotional state when in his free nation, Hindus path which led to violence. and Muslims were at the throats of each other: It is by my fetters that I can fly Is it the West he is fighting with or, as Rajmohan Gandhi in his new biography of Gandhi says, its arrogance It is by my sorrows that I can soar and dominance? Gandhi, on more than one occasion, It is by my reverses that I can run praises the courage of the British. He has not forgotten his ‘dear London’ even when fighting against it. It is by my tears that I can travel It is by my cross that I can climb In the First World War Gandhi is enlisting Indians to fight on the side of the empire. Thirty years later he is into the heart of humanity adamant not to send a Bhai or a Pai to the war unless Let me magnify my cross, O God. the British left India. Email: [email protected] Even then, while talking to a correspondent from the Daily Express, Gandhi remembers his dear London thus, “I know every nook and corner of London where I lived for three years, so many years ago, and somewhat of Spectre of Fascism Oxford and of Cambridge and Manchester too, but it is Contribution Rs. 20/- London I specially feel for. I used to read in the Inner Temple Library and used to attend Dr. Parker’s sermons Published by in the Temple Church. My heart goes out to the British people, and when I heard that the Temple Church was Janata Trust & Lokayat bombed, I bled. And the bombing of the Westminster D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Abbey and other ancient edifices affected me deeply.” Naushir Bharucha Marg, Gandhi asks his colonisers to leave India. He Grant Road (W), challenges them from the standpoint of Christianity. Mumbai 400 007 JANATA, January 28, 2018 35

Gandhiji and Nehru on Economic Policies on the eve of Independence and After

Sudarshan Iyengar

Jawaharlal Nehru was the most prominent national clarified here that it did not necessarily mean that leader after Gandhiji on the eve of India’s Independence. Gandhiji wanted Nehru to be the Prime Minister of Free Gandhiji saw Nehru as the leader of the country in India. Let us see why he thought Nehru as his heir. Independent India. On many matters both agreed, but on certain matters they did not. One area of major Our bond is not merely political. It is much deeper. disagreement was the economic system and policies. I have no measure to fathom that depth. This bond Gandhiji wanted to be certain that Nehru would try to can never be broken. I therefore want that we should reconstruct the nation according to his vision of Swaraj. understand each other thoroughly in politics as well. But Nehru had made his position and thoughts on the The second reason is that neither of us considers subject abundantly clear that he did not agree with himself as worthless. We both live only for India’s Gandhiji. Essentially the perspectives and therefore freedom, and will be happy to die too for that visions differed significantly. A short debate ensued freedom.... Though I aspire to live up to 125 years between the two on the eve of Independence. To rendering service; I am nevertheless an old man, while understand the ideas of both, a brief recount of it would you are comparatively young. That is why I have said be an appropriate start. We may then delve somewhat that you are my heir. It is only proper that I should at deeper into their concepts and visions.1 least understand my heir and my heir in turn should understand me.4 On 5 October 1945, Gandhiji wrote a letter to Nehru in Hindustani in which he wanted to clarify what he In the letter Gandhiji wanted to know from Nehru considered a big difference of opinion. It appears that whether he agreed with his idea of Swaraj. Gandhiji this was on his mind for quite some time. Gandhiji wrote wrote that he still stood firmly by the system of government that the delay in his writing was also because he was not he had envisaged in Hind Swaraj in 1909. That was his sure whether he should write in English or Hindustani realisation of truth that had not changed all these years and that he finally chose to write in Hindustani.2 He and he would stand by it all alone if it came to that. He then perhaps wanted to make a heart to heart to talk and drew the picture anew in his own words and said that he therefore he chose to write in Hindustani. Nehru was not out to prove that what he had said then was right answered in English. Thus, in a way it was two but to express and share with Nehru what he felt while civilisations talking. Gandhiji also appeared to be writing in the present time. Gandhiji wrote, absolutely clear that both of them owed it to the people of India to share their thoughts and perspectives and if I believe that if India, and through India the world, there was any deep difference it should be made public. is to achieve real freedom, then sooner or later we Gandhiji made a reference towards the end of the letter shall have to go and live in the villages—in huts, not that he was prompted to write because some debate had in palaces. Millions of people can never live in cities taken place in the Congress Working Committee Meeting and palaces in comfort and peace. Nor can they do held in Mumbai (then Bombay) during September 22-24, so by killing one another, that is, by resorting to 1945 which Gandhiji had attended despite his indifferent violence and untruth. I have not the slightest doubt health3. India was to gain political independence soon that, but for the pair, truth and non-violence, mankind and Gandhiji wanted to be sure what kind of Swaraj will be doomed. We can have the vision of that truth was being visualised by Nehru who he thought would be and non-violence only in the simplicity of the villages. leading Independent India. It is in this letter that Gandhiji . . . The sum and substance of what I want to say is made clear that he saw Nehru as his heir. It should be that the individual person should have control over 36 JANATA, January 28, 2018 the things that are necessary for the sustenance of I do not understand why a village should life. If he cannot have such control the individual necessarily embody truth and non-violence. A village, cannot survive.5 normally speaking, is backward intellectually and culturally and no progress can be made from a Gandhiji was not referring to an ancient thought and a backward environment. Narrow-minded people are dark, depressed, diseased and dull village society. He much more likely to be untruthful and violent.7 was able to relate to modernity to an extent. Nehru also differed on ways to achieving the objective While I appreciate modern thought, I find that an of providing basic needs to the growing population of ancient thing, considered in the light of this thought India. A rural and agrarian society was not an answer, looks so sweet. You will not be able to understand according to him. Urbanisation and industrialisation was me if you think that I am talking about the villages of his vision for solving the poverty problem in the country. today. My ideal village still exists only in my In his idea the State had a far bigger and important role imagination. . . . In this village of my dreams the in shaping the destiny of the last man. He made it clear villager will not be dull—he will be all awareness. in his letter, He will not live like an animal in filth and darkness. Men and women will live in freedom, prepared to face Then again we have to put down certain objectives the whole world. There will be no plague, no cholera like a sufficiency of food, clothing, housing, and no smallpox. Nobody will be allowed to be idle education, sanitation, etc. which should be the or to wallow in luxury. Everyone will have to do body minimum requirements for the country for everyone. labour. Granting all this, I can still envisage a number It is with these objectives in view that we must find of things that will have to be organized on a large out specially how to attain them speedily. Again it scale. Perhaps there will even be railways and also seems inevitable that modern means of transport as post and telegraph offices. I do not know what things well as many other modern developments must there will be or will not be. Nor am I bothered about continue and be developed. . . . If that is so, inevitably it. If I can make sure of the essential thing, other a measure of heavy industry exists. How far will that things will follow in due course. But if I give up the fit in with a purely village society? . . . If two types of essential thing, I give up everything.6 economy exist in the country there should be either conflict between the two or one will overwhelm the In the picture that Gandhiji draws in the letter he is other.8 clear that modern thought according to him was relevant for education, science, hygiene and sanitation. The mode Nehru also categorically brought in the point about of production was to be decentralised and labour foreign aggression and wrote, intensive. Self-sufficiency in basic needs was the model. He did envisage modern amnesties such as post and The question of independence and protection from railways. He also conceded the point that it was likely foreign aggression, both political and economic, has that in such a rural society some production will also be to be considered in this context. I do not think it is undertaken on large scale. But most important was that possible for India to be really independent unless it will be a village based rural society with truth and non- she is a technically advanced country. I am not violence as non-negotiable values in the economic system thinking for the moment in terms of just armies but as well. rather of scientific growth. In the present context of the world we cannot even advance culturally without Nehru responded rather hurriedly promising that he a strong background of scientific research in every would write or engage in discussions later. Nehru did department.9 not have any problem with the basic values of truth and non-violence, but he expressed his inability to understand Nehru emphasised the need for urbanisation although the content and ways of doing to form a society that was he was aware about urban areas growing very big and practising true cooperation and peaceful methods. His the problems which arose due to it. He wrote, major problem was the village or the rural society. Responding to Gandhiji’s letter of 5 October, Nehru wrote There is no question of palaces for millions of on October 9, 1945: people. But there seems to be no reason why millions JANATA, January 28, 2018 37 should not have comfortable up-to-date homes where outlooks or the way we understand things. I want to they can lead a cultured existence. Many of the tell you how I have understood you. If there is any present overgrown cities have developed evils which difference you will let me know. are deplorable. Probably we have to discourage this overgrowth and at the same time encourage the 1) The crucial question according to you is how to village to approximate more to the culture of the ensure man’s mental, economic, political and town.10 moral development. That is my position too.

Apart from deeper difference on how society should 2) And in doing so every individual should have be formed in free India, Nehru clearly admitted that Hind equal right and opportunity. Swaraj as a treatise on vision of free India had never registered in his mind. He had thought that even Gandhi 3) From this point of view there should be equality had grown beyond it and hence a convinced reference between villages and cities. And therefore their to it again in Gandhi’s 5 October 1945 letter had surprised food and drink, their way of life, their dress and Nehru. In his response he said, their habits should be the same. If such a condition is to be brought about people should It is many years ago since I read Hind Swaraj and produce their own cloth and food and build their I have only a vague picture in my mind. But even own houses. So also they should produce their when I read it some 20 or more years ago it seemed own water and electricity. to be completely unreal. In your writings and speeches since then I have found much that seemed 4) Man is not born to live in the jungle; he is born to me an advance on that old position and an to live in society. If we are to make sure that one appreciation of modern trends. . . . As you know, the person does not ride on another’s back, the unit Congress has never considered that picture, much should be an ideal village or a social group which less adopted it. . . . It is 38 years since Hind Swaraj will be self-sufficient, but the members of which was written. The world has completely changed since will be interdependent. This conception will bring then, possibly in a wrong direction. In any event any about a change in human relationship all over consideration of these questions must keep present the world.12 facts, forces and the human material we have today in view, otherwise it will be divorced from reality. You Two basic differences are discernible from the debate are right in saying that the world, or a large part of above. One was the economic system and second was it, appears to be bent on committing suicide. That the political system for supporting the economic system. may be an inevitable development of an evil seed in Gandhiji believed firmly and argued for a decentralised civilization that has grown. I think it is so. How to village society that was self-sufficient in fulfilling basic get rid of this evil, and yet how to keep the good in needs of food, clothing and shelter. The political system the present as in the past is our problem. Obviously that could support such an economic system would also there is good too in the present.11 be decentralised with most power resting with a village body, a panchayat or what is now called a Gram Sabha Gandhiji was not apparently satisfied with what he after amendment of the Constitution. Nehru was also read in Nehru’s letter. He did not respond immediately. very clear in his vision in which economic well-being for However, it appears that Gandhiji and Nehru had an all citizens in the country could be achieved through opportunity to meet and interact fairly leisurely. The industrialisation which brought with it urbanisation. In itinerary of Gandhiji shows that he was in Pune (then the modern world that was emerging after the Second Poona) for the whole of October and until 17 November World War, the state had to be strong and had to be 1945. There is a letter of 13 November 1945 in which controlling defence of the nation. Science and technology Gandhiji refers to the meeting of 12 November and were the vital components that were to be used to produce summarises his understanding gained in the meeting. He armaments and equipment and which were also to help wrote, in building modern techniques to gain economic independence. Modernity was to be embraced only in The talks we had yesterday have given me the this form and it was inevitable. impression that there is not much difference in our 38 JANATA, January 28, 2018

Why did Gandhiji gain an impression that there was confused he was: not much difference in their outlooks and the way they understood things is not known. It is certain that Gandhiji Major issues confront us – fundamental questions. read Nehru wrong as they thought fundamentally Things like Khadi are secondary; they are branches differently on the form and content of the state and of the tree, not the root of the matter. . . . Some economy notwithstanding the similarity in basic values. essential things have been said about khadi and Nehru had embraced modernity in the way it had evolved village industries, and we should keep this separate in the West. He was worried about the ills of it to an from some other questions. The matter of a extent and this was where he came closer to Gandhiji’s ‘competitive economy’ and a new social order have thought. He conceded in the letter quoted above that been raised . . . my interpretation of a competitive there was in the world a tremendous acquisitive tendency economy is something a little different; the economy both in individuals and groups and nations, which lead to you put forward should be self-supporting. . . . The conflicts and wars. Our entire society was based on it government has to help it get going; but the more or less. But such an admission did not help him fundamental question is whether it will be strong come close to Gandhi, for the roots of Nehru’s differences enough to stand on its own feet or not. . . . This is not with Gandhi lay elsewhere. Bhikhu Parekh has given an a question of competition with cottage industries. We excellent and elaborate analysis on this subject. He argues have to build a framework of industrialisation that Nehru’s was highly critical of India’s past. In separate from the home industries . . . the fundamental Parekh’s words, “he thought that apart from a couple of problem is that the whole world is moving towards brief periods in ancient India, the rest of its history was a centralisation both politically and economically. We story of degeneration and decline.”13 Nehru’s upbringing too want to give our central government greater perhaps led to him to develop great faith in the traditions authority and make it more powerful.15 and values of the West in polity and economy. Parekh notes that Nehru believed that India needed to follow a That Nehru differed from Gandhiji in a significant way path of comprehensive modernisation. Nehru harboured has been commented upon by various scholars at different deep fear that if India did not industrialise, it would be times. Paying rich tributes to Nehru soon after his death, highly vulnerable to foreign aggressions again, just as in eminent economist Prof. M.L. Dantwala noted the the past it had fallen an easy prey to Britain because it following:16 had remained scientifically and technologically backward. Parekh points out that Nehru had visualised Nehru’s biggest contribution to economic strategy seven basic goals: national unity, parliamentary was in committing the nation to a policy of planned democracy, industrialisation, socialism, cultivating economic development. This was by no means the scientific temper, secularism and non-alignment.14 He easiest thing to do. Within the country, he had to further notes that for Nehru, agriculture was primitive contend with his Gandhian colleagues who saw in and a culturally inferior activity; it lacked the power and this imposition of Centralised Statism, while they were energy to haul the country out of its ‘traditional grooves’ emotionally committed to village self-sufficiency. . . . and ‘propel’ it along the path of modern ways of life and Another equally important, though somewhat thought. If one wove the economic system around it, the controversial, element of our economic policy, which country would remain scientifically and technologically but for Nehru’s support would not have passed muster, backward. is the launching of the modern type of industrialisation with its emphasis on heavy Nehru’s overly concern about the vulnerability of India industries. . . . There was another section—well- to foreign aggression and perhaps undue hurry to meaning and sincere—in the country which felt that industrialise and thus rid the nation of its poverty and such a pattern of industrialisation was wholly ‘superstitions’ had blurred his vision because of which contrary to what Gandhiji would have wished. . . . he was unable to appreciate Gandhiji’s perspectives on The emphasis on heavy industries has been variously the state and economic system. Here are some excerpts presented as tantamount to neglect of agriculture, from the thoughts expressed by Nehru at a gathering of death-knell of Khadi and Village Industries and prominent associates of Gandhiji at Sewagram just six callousness towards the problem of unemployment. . weeks after Gandhiji’s assassination, which show how . . As is being increasingly realised, the antithesis sought to be drawn between the development of JANATA, January 28, 2018 39 industries and that of agriculture is totally false. prosperous world for all. While Gandhi wrote about self-realised individual responsibility when he held It may be recalled that Prof. Dantwala was a Gandhian forth on redistribution through trusteeship, Nehru in many ways and he did not agree with the view that created a mechanism forcing the individuals and India was heading towards becoming a totalitarian state businesses to conform to a state determined planning and that Nehru would end up neglecting agriculture and process. khadi and village industries. Dantwala had produced the draft document of Trusteeship that Gandhiji had Nehru and most others perhaps failed to understand approved. Thus, Dantwala was able to visualise Gandhi’s position. Gandhi parted company with standard integration between what Nehru did which he felt was economics as he has an important element in his the need of the times and Gandhi’s approach of developing worldview not fully shared and appreciated in the a decentralised economy. Western thought. To quote Dasgupta, ‘This is his conviction that one’s behaviour as an economic agent In another tribute that appeared in The Hindu on 29 cannot be isolated from one’s behaviour as an autonomous May 1964, H. Venkatsubbiah, a senior bureaucrat and moral agent.’ Ethical considerations and individual moral author, clearly expressed the view that Nehru differed values have to inform the choices of an individual.19 in his economic vision from that of Gandhiji: In the present times both Gandhiji and Nehru are not Wedded to scientific rather than a vaguely fashionable in the intellectual world. Nehru was, in his humanitarian socialism, as he was, Gandhiji’s times. But now neoliberalism seems to rule. Free market economic ideas did not make much impact on Mr. is considered to be the best agency which would provide Nehru. . . . He also rejected Gandhiji’s theory that equal opportunity to all, thus optimising individual and the rich are the trustees of the poor. Nehru’s formal social welfare simultaneously. In such a system, much education was in the natural sciences. In the social of the government’s role is assumed by civil society. The sciences, he was a self-educated man. This amalgam neo-liberal thesis assumes that these virtues and produced the scientific-humanist temper which characteristics of civil society continue to be relevant in characterised Nehru’s economic philosophy. . . . It today’s world. Giddens quotes David Green who lists cannot be said that he took much interest in the Khadi some of its features thus: ‘The virtue of civil society, if and Village Industries movement. That was largely left to its own devices, are said to include “Good character, looked after by other associates of Gandhiji.17 honesty, duty, self-sacrifice, honour, service, self– discipline, toleration, respect, justice, civility, fortitude, In more recent times, economist Laveesh Bhandari courage, integrity, diligence, patriotism, consideration for has brought out the basic difference between Gandhiji others, thrift and reverence.”’20 But neo-liberalism is and Nehru well.18 He terms the difference between the already in trouble. Giddens draws attention to the paradox ideas of the two as a rich dialogue that has become apparent in the neo-liberal worldview. The transformation in our personal life is a case in point. of ethics and dharma, responsibilities and rights, and In the contemporary world, one sees the emergence of the roles of individual, community and the state. There an individual far more self-centred and self-absorbed than is a deep layer of disagreement between the two which existed in earlier generations. It is difficult to know which reflects a clash of two civilisations—an Indian ethic way this individualistic society with its new moral reflected in Gandhi’s thought versus a Western one concerns will turn. Neither neo-liberalism nor neo- that India’s first prime minister had embraced. . . . socialism seem to be sure about the direction to take. The core of this silent debate has to do with the Further, both systems fail to ask some fundamental importance of personal morality and the creation of questions that matter for societies to be sustainable. The a social milieu that supports such behaviour. . . . All issue of sustainability is raised only in the context of the other elements—swadeshi, swaraj, Khadi, panchayati environment and there too there is no clear or common raj, enlightened anarchy, etc.—were rooted in this vision about the threat facing our world. What is the element. . . . While Gandhi was dreaming of a utopia way out? This ideological gridlock seems to call for a where the individual was so responsible that there fundamental change of perspective. was little need for a strong state, Nehru was imagining another where the state would create a fair and Those who seek it will find in Gandhi a thinker whose 40 JANATA, January 28, 2018 insights on economic matters were based on a broader naturopathy centre. He stayed most of September critique of the pervasive materialism of modern and the whole of October. He was in all likelihood in civilization. He questioned the rationale of viewing a contemplative mood. He was released from prison progress in purely materialistic terms, of measuring in May 1944 and the British Government was development exclusively in terms of growth of material seriously thinking to leave India sometime after the wealth, and of excluding from consideration questions of Second World War. ethics and morality. Most of all, he helps us trace the 4 The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi, Volume roots of many seemingly intractable problems facing 81, op. cit., p. 320. economists and policy makers to the need for the moral 5 Ibid., p 319-20. transformation of individuals. It is not difficult, for 6 Ibid., p 320. example, to see how the Gandhian values of aswada or 7 Parel Anthony J., Gandhi: Hind Swaraj and Other ‘control over palate’(implying mastery over animal Writings, Cambridge University Press, South Asia impulses), asteya or ‘non-stealing’ (implying honesty and Publisher Foundations Books Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, truthfulness), aparigraha or ‘being a trustee of wealth 2005 Reprint, pp. 152-53; available on internet at: and embracing voluntary poverty’, shram or ‘bread labor’ Anthony J. Parel, “Gandhi: ‘Hind Swaraj’ and Other (implying disciplined hard work) and ahimsa or ‘non- Writings”, https://books.google.co.in. violence as a principle governing one’s life and one’s 8 Ibid. interactions with others’ would provide long term 9 Ibid. remedies to the problems of insatiable aggregate demand, 10 Ibid. monopolistic practices, abnormal profit appropriation and 11 Ibid. environmental degradation. Gandhi takes us back to the 12 The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi, Volume profound yet simple truth that the betterment of the world 82, pp. 71-72, available at: “CWMG Vol. 82 - Gandhi cannot be separated from the moral edification of human Heritage Portal”, beings. We cannot have a happy, just and united world if https://www.gandhiheritageportal.org. we believe that human nature is incapable of rising above 13 Interested readers should read Parekh Bhikhu, self-interest or the pursuit of power. The path that Gandhi Debating India: Essays on Indian Political beckons us towards, and one which he himself followed, Discourse. Oxford University Press, New Delhi, was a move away from self-indulgence towards Chapter 5, 2015, “Nehru and National Philosophy of disciplined effort aimed at the realisation of our innate India”; available on internet at: Bhikhu Parekh, nobility. As he put it in a 1916 lecture, it is a “straight ‘Nehru and the National Philosophy of India’, narrow way” that one needs to walk—”slowly indeed, Economic and Political Weekly, January 5, 1991, but surely and steadily”. http://www.epw.in. 14 Ibid p 130. Email : [email protected] 15 Gandhi Gopalkrishna, “Gandhi is Gone. Who Will Guide Us Now?” Permanent Black, New Delhi, References 2007, pp 57-65. 1 Parts of the paper are drawn from author’s published 16 Quoted from Dantwala M.L. 1964, “Economic article, “Inclusive Democracy: A Gandhian Ideology of Jawaharlal Nehru”, in Economic Weekly. Perspective”, in Yojna, August 2013. Pp 53-60, and Special Number, July 1964, pp 1209-10. “Rethinking Human Behavior in Modern Economics: A Gandhian Perspective”, in Amitabh Kundu and 17 “From the archives: Jawaharlal Nehru’s economic Arash Fazli (Eds) 2014, Paradoxes of Rationality philosophy”, The Hindu, http://www.thehindu.com. and Norms of Human Behaviour, Manak 18 http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/ Publications, New Delhi. fH0FLdalb1YQnzFE3kzCEL/Individualist-Gandhi- 2 The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi, Volume versus-statist Nehru.html accessed 3 January 2018. 81, page 319-21, available at: “CWMG Vol. 81 - 19 Dasgupta Ajit K., Gandhi’s Economic Thought Gandhi Heritage Portal”, https:// Routledge, London, 1996. www.gandhiheritageportal.org. 20 Giddens, A., The Third Way: the Renewal of Social 3 Gandhiji stayed in Pune (then Poona) from 21 August Democracy (Reprinted edition), Cambridge, Polity 1945 onward and was under treatment in a Press, 2005 p 12. JANATA, January 28, 2018 41

Deepening Economic Crisis and Policy Paralysis

Arun Kumar

The ruling dispensation in India is facing a crisis of declining, unemployment remains high, rate of inflation low growth, protests by major sections of the population— has increased, investment rate remains low and credit farmers, youth and traders—and criticism about non- off take is at a historic low. A total view cannot emerge fulfillment of the many promises it has made. It has from citing growth of some sectors like sales of announced many policies, but not only is their automobiles and air travel. If they are growing fast in a implementation tardy, many of them are a continuation slowing economy then other sectors must be declining of the past policies under different names. This is another even faster. The poor in the unorganised sectors do not kind of policy paralysis, like what UPA II was accused buy automobiles or travel by air. It is these sections that of. To counter these criticisms, the government has been have been hit hard by both demonetisation and GST. It is highlighting its achievements by comparing the present the impact on the unorganised sectors that has led to the performance of the economy with that of the last few decline in the rate of growth of the economy and this is years of UPA II. not captured in the official data.

No doubt the situation is not what it was in 2012-13, The Prime Minster has been stung by the criticism when there was a macroeconomic crisis. But presently emanating from within his party. That rings alarm bells also a crisis confronts the nation, triggered by two shocks in a party that is run on a tight leash where criticism till to the economy—due to the demonetisation announced now was not tolerated. Two former ministers of the on November 8, 2016 and implementation of GST from previous NDA government have come out openly and July 1, 2017. The present crisis is a different criticised the economic policies. They have also challenged macroeconomic crisis than the earlier one because it is the way decisions are made in the government, where a policy induced—that is the damaging part. It is brought few decide everything. This again hurts the ruling about by ill thought through policies. dispensation.

The crisis during the UPA regime was largely triggered Two former finance ministers have also spoken earlier by international factors, like high crude oil prices. By the about the looming crisis in the Indian economy. Both have time the NDA came to power, the economy was identified demonetisation and the poorly executed GST emerging from that crisis with inflation moderating, the as the cause. In a political twist they have blamed the current account deficit declining and growth rate rising. current finance minister. Since both had pushed for GST Crude oil prices had moderated, and the advanced during their times in power, they now do not admit that it countries growth had started picking up so that exports is not suitable for India but blame its implementation. again became buoyant. The adverse impact of both demonetisation and GST on the unorganised sectors of the economy and the The PM has been reeling off statistics to support his consequent crisis in the economy needs to be understood. contention that the economy is strong. But that is the The problem is not just of faulty implementation of GST role of a finance minister. A PM should assure the public but its inappropriate design. that there is a responsive government in place that would look into the present crisis and find solutions to it. A key problem facing the Indian economy for the last 3 years is that the data on the basis of which policy is Be that as it may, the data presented by the PM does being made does not reflect reality. Mr. Yashwant Sinha not address the main points highlighted by the critics. has alluded to it by saying that the rate of growth is For instance, growth rate of the economy has been artificially boosted by 2% due to change in methodology. 42 JANATA, January 28, 2018

In other words, the actual crisis is being hidden behind in unemployment. This is significant since 93% of the the smokescreen of data. But this change in methodology workforce is in this sector. This led to a drastic fall in was initiated by the UPA itself. That is why even the demand. According to the RBI, capacity utilisation in low rate of growth during the last years of the UPA organised industry fell. Even before demonetisation, regime was also boosted by 2%. capacity utilisation was hovering at between 70 and 75%—a low figure. Demonetisation led to a further fall If the current rate of growth is more than 6%, it is in investment, slowing down the growth of the economy nothing to sneeze at. It is a healthy rate of growth by even after the immediate period of notes shortage was international comparisons and also by India’s own over. It is this slowdown that is manifesting itself in the historical yardstick. So, if true, no drastic steps need be economy. taken to boost the economy further. An increase in the fiscal deficit by 0.5% of GDP would be enough to raise The introduction of a faulty GST and its poor the rate of growth further. implementation has also had a deep adverse impact on the unorganised sector. The organised sector which was However, if the actual rate of growth of GDP is close expected to gain from GST has also been hit hard for the to 1% and falling then a small increase in the fiscal deficit same reason. Instead of ‘Ease of doing Business’, doing would not do and one would have to raise it by a much business has become more difficult. There is utter larger percentage to raise the rate of growth to 6%. The confusion, massive increase in paper work and increase purists suggest that this would dent private investment. in compliance costs. This has adversely impacted the That would have been true for an economy where credit investment climate and further contributed to the off take was robust and the economy was running at full slowdown in the economy. capacity. But that is not the situation in India so a higher fiscal deficit would be alright. In short, the data is inadequate to assess the actual performance of the economy. Government will keep The present situation in India is similar to the one during claiming that things will improve on the basis of the limited the global crisis of 2007-08 when the world economy data it has—as usual, the golden period is always ahead. went into a recession and was prevented from going into The international agencies, like the World Bank, IMF, a depression by the major economies raising their fiscal ADB and Moody’s, who are supporting the government’s deficits. The US raised its fiscal deficit from 3% to 12%. contention of a high growth rate, do not collect data China went in for a $600 billion package of expenditure independently and depend on government data. So their on rural infrastructure. India escaped the recession and assessment is not an independent view. had a healthy rate of growth of 5% because of the large package of spending in rural areas based on a large One of the ministers has claimed that the Indian increase in its fiscal deficit. The FRBM act was put on economy is so robust that it has become the engine of hold. growth for the world economy. But the Indian economy is only about 3% of the world GDP? Such statements What is the evidence that the actual rate of growth is are only an indication of the government’s desperation around 1% and not 6%? The quarterly rate of growth of given that the situation on the ground does not support the economy is estimated by resorting to data largely its contention that there is no crisis. from the organised sectors of the economy. The data for the unorganised sector constituting 45% of the GDP The drastic slowdown in the economy is also indicated comes with a time lag based on surveys conducted by the collapse in credit off-take. Low credit off take periodically. Since no comprehensive official survey has suggests that production and investment have slowed been done during the period of demonetisation or in the down. In October 2016 it was already at its lowest point first few months of implementation of GST, the impact in the last 50 years, and it fell to its lowest level in 60 of these two on the unorganised sectors will never be years after demonetisation was announced. Worse captured in the official data. followed with negative growth in July and August 2017. This has never happened before in the Indian economy. Private surveys done in the midst of demonetisation found the impact to be consistently dramatic. They Interest rate cuts have been suggested as a panacea showed an impact of between 60 to 80% and an increase but this is not going to work when demand is depressed JANATA, January 28, 2018 43 and capacity utilisation low. Will demand pick up with strategy to tackle the real crisis. cut in interest rates? It is argued that the demand for white goods bought on loan (via EMI) can rise and so The government and its supporters have been can the demand for housing. But these are discretionary suggesting supply side reforms like labour and land purchases and will only be undertaken if the sense of reforms. These are the usual concessions that businesses crisis in the mind of the public is overcome. In times of want and that they extract from society whenever there crisis, the public becomes cautious and does not increase is an economic crisis. But this would not deliver demand its purchases or investment in these items. If people feel which is low due to the adverse impact of various policies that their incomes are falling due to rising inflation or on the unorganised sectors. The crisis in the banking that their job is uncertain, they would not increase sector due to the large and growing NPAs is nowhere expenditures on discretionary items, in spite of lower near resolution. That is adding to the difficulties in boosting EMI. investment. The package of investment in the banks to boost their capital will help but not resolve the problem The investment climate has also been vitiated by the since the problem emanates from default by industry and constant attack on businesses after demonetisation. Not especially the critical infrastructure sectors. that they are paragons of virtue but what they do does matter to the economy. There is an attempt to brand The government has to stop being in denial about the those who deposited money in the banks during nature of the current crisis in which output, prices, demonetisation as black money holders. This is being investment and employment are all hit. After done to claim success of the failed demonetisation. While demonetisation was announced and the economic some who deposited large sums of money were indeed situation deteriorated, the government was in denial about laundering their black money, but the indiscriminate the resulting crisis. The economy is facing the character of the move to brand everyone has vitiated consequences of that denial now. With the crisis being the environment. Added to this, GST has created deeper than what the government is willing to admit, uncertainty about input credit, additional paper work, e- unless bold steps are taken, the situation can only get way bill, etc. and this has vitiated the investment climate worse and that will have political repercussions later on. further. So, ‘Ease of doing Business’ is not visible. Email : [email protected] The government itself sensed the brewing crisis. It revived the Economic Advisory Committee to the PM. This is a vote of no confidence in the Ministry of Finance which is primarily responsible for economic policies.

But the key members of the Council are from the Niti The Unemployment Crisis: Aayog and other think tanks already advising the government. So, what new can be expected from this Reasons and Solutions Council? Its members have not tried to work out an alternative data base; they continue to work on the Contribution Rs. 25/- existing data on which policy has been formulated and which is the cause of the problems. Published by The mood in the economy is increasingly one of crisis Janata Trust & Lokayat in spite of the booming stock markets. The rate of growth of the economy had dropped continuously for six quarters D-15, Ganesh Prasad, before there was a slight upturn. It had started falling even before the ill-advised demonetisation was Naushir Bharucha Marg, announced. The drop became steeper after Grant Road (W), demonetisation but data does not reflect that. A reflection of the crisis in the economy is the agitation by farmers, Mumbai 400 007 youth, traders and other sections of society. This will not abate because the government does not seem to have a 44 JANATA, January 28, 2018

Indian Economy and Food Price Volatility

Dr. Vibhuti Patel

Introduction the poverty line manage their lives with less than $1.25. Out of these, 33 percent or 40 crore poor are in India. If Though India adopted a policy of economic India is able to address food price volatility, it will have liberalisation in 1991, the agrarian sector was liberalised major implications for global food security and fulfilling in 2004 when more that 400 agrarian commodities were our promise of achieving the First Sustainable exposed to global competition. Food price volatility Development Goal of the United Nations, namely, became perennial problem after that. Eradication of Extreme Hunger and Poverty. “Price fluctuations are a common feature of well- As per the 2011 Census of India, more that two-third functioning agricultural product markets. But when Indians live in rural areas. Nearly 50% of the work force these become large and unexpected—volatile—they is employed in agriculture. Majority of them are can have a negative impact on the food security of agricultural workers. Majority of cultivators are small, consumers, farmers and entire countries. Since 2007, marginal farmers and poor peasants who own 1–3 acres world markets have seen a series of dramatic swings of land. There are no other opportunities for them to in commodity prices. Food prices reached their enhance their income. In this context, it is very important highest levels for 30 years during the summer of 2008, for the decision makers in the agricultural sector to contain collapsing the following winter, before rapidly rising food inflation. again in the months that followed. Food prices today remain high, and are expected to remain volatile.”1 Concerns for Food Sovereignty This acceptance by the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations speaks volumes. Each time prices of grain, pulses, vegetables and milk shoot up, either food shortage or drought are blamed, During the period 2014 to 2017, food prices have risen while at a grassroot level farmers report bumper crop. to record highs. The hedge fund speculators indulging in The corporate houses buy vegetables and pulses at futures trading and commercialisation and corporatisation throwaway prices. International pressure through World of food markets are found to be the major culprits for Trade Organisation and General Agreement on Trade this phenomenon. The free play of market forces is and Tariff pressurise the poor countries not to give farm hampered and needs corrective measures. Many poor subsidies in terms of support price and let the market nations in Africa, Latin America and Asia have reign supreme without accepting the fact that there is no experienced food riots as a result of neoliberalism; the perfect competition. Consequently, farmers have to do political systems have abandoned their responsibility to distress sale of their products because of the monopsony ensure food sovereignty and food security to their toiling market, wherein corporates are price-makers and masses through the public distribution system. Corruption farmers are price-takers. Thus, even after improvement and cronyism at micro, meso and macro level does not in food production, the food price situation has not allow those at the bottom of the pyramid to afford higher improved. Occasional tightening of grain exports in case food prices. Food and nutrition security for the poor is at of pulses and sugar and liberalising imports in case of stake. Thus macroeconomic policy as well as political onions and fruits remain just symbolic gestures. decisions serving the vested interests of big players has created food price volatility. Concentration of food inflation in India in a few commodity groups such as vegetables, fruits, milk, pulses Food Security Concerns and cereals and eggs–fish–meat is marked by production shocks and the government not playing a facilitator’s As per the World Bank, 1.2 billion people living below JANATA, January 28, 2018 45 role in the food markets in terms of improvement in changes. Today, we have many shocks: supply shocks in storage facilities, rational procurement policy, important food producing states due to extreme weather augmentation of buffer stocks and adjustment of trade (droughts in Maharashtra and floods in Bihar) and due policy with production scenario. Sensitivity to farmers to the higher cost of inputs (water, electricity, fertilisers, needs is very important so that they do not feel pesticides and transport linked to oil prices). Policy demotivated which may result in production shortfalls. decision to increase bio-fuel content in gasoline has Trend analysis of inflation between 2009 and 2013 resulted in volatility in food prices. reveals that increases in demand side pressures mainly for pulses, milk, edible oils and eggs–meat–fish—and In this volatile situation, speculators enter futures increases in the cost of production are the major factors markets in a big way. Speculators make money out of behind food inflation. Thus both demand and supply understanding the market dynamics and providing factors have resulted in food price volatility. insurance against volatility. They do not create the volatility themselves, except under extraordinary Price Fluctuations in Essential Commodities conditions such as man-made or natural disasters. The volatility inherent in the food marketplace causes Annual trends of price fluctuation in essential speculation, not the other way around. commodities show that different commodities had inflationary prices in different years and that no single Remedial Measures commodity showed uniformly high inflation. Currently, food inflation is marked by price rise in milk, cereals, So what is the way out? Unless the link between vegetables, meat, eggs and fish. Tur dal contributed food prices and oil prices are broken, not much can be majorly to food price inflation. Prices of edible oils were achieved. The current global food system worked well stable. Intra-year price volatility in fruits and vegetables in a world of cheap, stable energy prices which allowed and commodities that have greater weightage in the food to be grown in concentrated locations and national consumption basket is worrisome. Supply side transported over huge distances to meet demands. factors such as quantum of production, wages, support Volatility in oil prices results in volatility in food prices. price for cereals need fixing and both supply and demand As a macro policy, the government needs to promote factors responsible for price fluctuations in pulses need more localised and more diversified production and to be addressed. The prices of eggs, meat, fish, milk, consumption, less use of fertiliser and less wastage (20 and fruits and vegetables appear to be driven mainly by percent of all food gets spoiled in storage and transport demand-side factors.2 today). To deal with urban and rural hunger, community- managed food banks must be created. Like France, all The food price challenge is more about price volatility nation states need to tell restaurants not to destroy unsold rather than food price inflation. Rather than long-term food but deposit it in the local food banks. Farmers should structural trends in food prices that we can prepare for be encouraged to sell their products directly to customers and adjust to, it is the rapid and unpredictable changes in without any interference by state governments. At the food prices that wreak havoc on factors such as labour same time, investment in agriculture production and and product markets, as well as political and social stability, agricultural infrastructure needs to be enhanced to It is important to accept that volatility cuts both ways— address increasing demand. prices go up and down. The only reason food prices are going up so much this year is because they came down The technology to increase yields is well-known but so fast after reaching 2008 peaks. Both rapid increases requires investments; large portion of agricultural land in and rapid declines in food prices can create problems. India is rain-fed and subject to the vagaries of weather. Mechanised power to till the soil is only in green belt Dynamics of Food Markets areas. India needs a second Green Revolution. Characteristics of food markets determine food price Debt ridden farmers’ suicides are a stark reality after volatility. Both supply and demand curves of food markets liberalisation of Indian agriculture. Governments must are highly inelastic, and in the short run none of them make sure that rural farmers get ‘fair’ prices, while urban respond much to price variation. Shelf life is food products masses get affordable food to consume. Not only are limited and there is seasonality. Hence, small shocks budgetary allocation for public distribution system must in either supply or demand will result in to large price be enhanced, but the distribution channel also must be 46 JANATA, January 28, 2018 improved in terms of quality of food, packaging and Meal Schemes for children as well as pregnant and storage. Local markets must be protected against lactating mothers. The state government of Tamilnadu volatility in the global price of food. Rich countries are provides meals to destitute elderly also. As a practical protecting interests of their farmers. America subsidises matter, national social protection frameworks to create almond farmers, Japan subsidises rice farmers, France facilities for food for homeless, unemployed poor, elderly subsidises grape farmers, Europe subsidises dairy supported by public private partnership under Corporate farmers, but in the World Economic Forum the same Social Responsibility need to be created. Building social rich counties pressurise the poor countries to withdraw safety nets in India for sustained food security for all subsidies to farmers in the name of stabilisation policy. remains a worthy but long-term project. India has stood firm against this double standard of the industrialised North against the poor South. Major swings in food prices are happening more and more regularly and proving to be highly destabilising for Global versus Local Economic Realities development, poverty reduction and social harmony. The solutions lie in three areas—improving food markets and The current global economic scenario does not give agricultural production by addressing demand and supply any incentive for any single country to liberalise its side factors, building political will to integrate food agricultural trade so long as the distortions of rich markets in such a way that economic interests of famers countries—and the volatility in global markets they in poor countries are not compromised, and judicious encourage—remain. Intellectual property in seeds, implementation of the National Food Security Act, 2013 introduction of bio-technology favouring multinational (also known as the Right to Food Act), an Act of the corporations worsen the situation. And this brings us Parliament of India which aims to provide subsidised directly to the failure of Doha Round trade talks even foodgrains to approximately two-thirds of India’s 1.2 after several years of negotiations. The main bottleneck billion people. Developing social safety nets in India for has been the impasse on agriculture policy. The ongoing socio-economically marginalised and resource poor failure of the Doha Round shows that the political will to producers, that is, famers, as well as urban, rural and take collective action to reduce food price volatility is tribal consumers needs combined and concerned efforts lacking; there is no trust that the market will deliver of state and non-state actors. access to food better than a government. Email : [email protected] Conclusion References Policy makers and politicians in developing countries 1. http://www.fao.org/economic/est/issues/volatility/en/ care more about volatile food prices than those in #.WZhxQWhLfIU developed countries because their citizens are more 2. http://ebrary.ifpri.org/cdm/ref/collection/p15738coll2/ directly affected by the ups and downs of food prices. id/131171 Hunger, food and nutrition security of the population and food sovereignty of the nation are at stake. Today, it is the lack of affordability of food for the poor. Studies Janata Subscription have shown that the poor are spending more than two- thirds of their income on food. If food prices double, these households literally become faced with the prospect Annual Rs. : 260/- Three Years : 750/- of starvation. The solution: safety nets of social security and social protection for the poor, to cushion the blow of Demand Draft / Cheque on rapid changes in food prices. India passed the Right to Mumbai Bank in favour of Food Act, 2013 that guarantees food and nutrition security to all its citizens.

Good safety nets require effective targeting. Who JANATA TRUST should be protected? The children, especially the very D-15, Ganesh Prasad, young, as there is ample evidence that early childhood Naushir Bharucha Marg, malnutrition results in long-term deterioration of brain development. Hence, India has universalised Mid Day Mumbai 400 007 JANATA, January 28, 2018 47 nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

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What Is to be Done ?

Yogendra Yadav

The Idea of India faces an unprecedented challenge. Yet, the present juncture represents an unprecedented Preventing irreversible damage to the Republic of India, challenge to the idea of India in multiple ways. One, all as we have known it, is the most pressing political task the core ideas—democracy, diversity and development— of our times, our yugadharma. So far, the response to are under simultaneous and vigorous challenge. Two, this this challenge has been marked by intellectual lethargy challenge does not arise from a mere failure or violation and political paralysis. A better response would require of the vision; rather it is informed by a vision that stands that we appreciate the dangers, acknowledge the depth in opposition to the idea of India. Three, for the first time of the challenge and then prepare a road map that the onslaught enjoys considerable popular backing; there combines short- and mid-term strategies with a long- is a real danger of the republic being undone by the public. term vision. This is what the present essay offers. I It argues that the challenge is at once more serious The challenge has caused more damage than we are and deep-rooted than we care to admit. We are up against willing to admit. This onslaught has already downscaled nothing short of a hegemonic regime that enjoys power constitutional commitment to diversity, halted the with legitimacy. Having said that, it suggests that at least deepening of democracy and further distorted the some of the sense of doom and gloom that surrounds the developmental trajectory. The present juncture has not defenders of the idea of India is self-created, that we just exposed the long-standing weakness of the have more resources to take on the present challenge institutional edifice of our democracy, it has taken than we imagine, and that this challenge requires us to deinstitutionalisation to a new low. The gains from a respond creatively. Paradoxically, this crisis could well deepening of democracy in the 1990s have largely been be an opportunity. reversed. First, a candid look at the nature and extent of the Many higher education institutions have been politically challenge. There can be an argument about whether we captured with little resistance from the top. Anti- have reached the lowest point of democratic freedoms corruption agencies have either been packed with yes- in the history of post-independent India. But not about men or put in deep freeze. The higher judiciary has been the fact that we are passing through the most trying time, part-infiltrated and part-tamed, though not without some so far, for the ideals that the Republic of India stood for. flashes of dissent. The Election Commission too appears weaker than ever in the post-Seshan era. The regime While the current challenge is unprecedented, it is not has found ways to circumvent the Rajya Sabha. The the first time that one or the other constitutive element national security apparatus as well as intelligence and of the idea of India has faced a serious challenge. India’s investigation agencies have been aligned, more than ever democratic record was tainted by the Emergency and before, with the demands of the ruling party. Extra-legal regularly smudged by many milder but chronic failures. actions by security agencies face less scrutiny than ever Our commitment to diversity has been punctured by before, even as vigilante groups on the street and social episodes of majoritarian excesses like the Sikh massacre media trolls enjoy visible political patronage. of 1984 and Gujarat carnage of 2002 and by failures in regions like Kashmir and Nagaland. There is not much There is a brazen shift to a ‘growth-only’ paradigm of to write home about the idea of development for the last economic development. Most of the welfare measures person, an ideal that has been practiced mostly in its introduced in the post-liberalisation era face a quiet but breach. effective rollback. The environmental safeguards built JANATA, January 28, 2018 49 over the last three decades are being dismantled, one crushing of dissent, ongoing crusades against ‘internal after another. There is a naked disavowal of commitment enemies’ and a possible military adventure. To sum up, to diversity; Muslims have de facto been reduced to we may be looking at the mutilation of the idea of India. second-rung citizenship, though without a change in their de jure status. II For all these dangers, this challenge also presents us All these changes have been accompanied by a with an opportunity. The struggle against this onslaught significant shift in the spectrum of public opinion in favour must not be a battle for restoration, of going back to an of a majoritarian consensus, achieved through a mix of India that existed prior to 2014, for it would simply not image positioning, aggressive ground action and media succeed. It must simultaneously be a battle for control. A Modi cult has been carefully built up with the transformation. A successful response to this challenge help of communication, media amplification, spin doctoring would open up space to renegotiate settled equations in and social media management. A series of critical events multiple spheres. It can force a reconfiguration of the were engineered for assertion of aggressive nationalist party system, making way for the emergence of rhetoric so as to brand and silence all voices of dissent. alternative political forces and a realignment of voters Above all, mainstream media has been compromised with parties. It can also provide an opportunity to fortify through a mix of clever spin doctoring, meticulous capture democratic institutions, push through radical electoral of key media positions, misuse of state patronage reforms, loosen up economic limits to politics, redefine alongside brazen use of money power, blackmailing and the paradigm of development, reform our clearly flawed arm-twisting. practice of ‘secularism’, and reimagine the existing frame of social justice. This crisis may facilitate, indeed The real challenge is, however, much deeper. If this necessitate, a radical rupture with business as usual of onslaught continues for a significant duration, we may democratic politics. well be looking at a fundamental disfiguration of the Indian enterprise. The end product may not be ‘fascism’ in a The current challenge has deeper anchors than is textbook sense, but likely something different if not worse. normally conceded. Narendra Modi is no doubt the face It is hard to outline the features of this evolving deformity, of this challenge, yet he is not the challenge. He happens but some of the elements can be anticipated. The political to occupy a unique point of intersection of multiple lines system could be ‘competitive authoritarianism’ where and embodies the opposition to the idea of India. As such, representative democracy and party competition would he represents a constellation of forces, not all of which be limited to episodes of elections, with the playing field draw energy from the RSS-Jan Sangh-BJP lineage. severely skewed in favour of one party. In between elections, it would resemble an authoritarian system with While there was nothing inevitable about his ascent to a presidential form of governance, severe curtailment of power in 2014, Modi is not an accident or aberration. civil liberties, and a higher threshold of tolerance for We are not just dealing with someone who happens to deviations from constitutionally mandated procedures. have won an election and captured state power. His popularity has faced its first crisis in the fourth year of Concentration of power would take many forms: state his government. The BJP’s victory and Modi’s rise to power into the Union government, governmental power power has been accompanied by a realignment in the into the ruling party, and the power of the party into the social basis of politics and a shift in the spectrum of public hands of one person. Development would mean a no- opinion. Thus, the challenge to the idea of India comes nonsense rule of capital, with occasional populist discount from a force that is at once widespread, well entrenched but minimum ‘hindrance’ from ecological considerations. and popular. The Modi regime should be characterised On the diversity front, it would be a non-theocratic as a hegemonic power since it combines state power majoritarian rule with minor tweaking of some of the with street power, electoral dominance with ideological secular laws but effective delineation of the hierarchy legitimacy. of religious communities. The existing system of affirmative action may be diluted in a series of small The Modi regime wields far greater legal and extra- steps. For its survival and popular endorsement, this legal coercive power than enjoyed by any ruling party in regime would depend on occasional electoral post-independence India. It uses every possible endorsement, informal regimentation of the media, constitutional-legal power sans the constraints imposed 50 JANATA, January 28, 2018 by democratic conventions: dismissal of unfriendly state supporter is saying, ‘We may not be ethical as per the governments, use of CBI and other investigative agencies highest standards; but what the hell, why do we need to and, of course, the use of armed forces. This is be saints?’A latent societal meanness has found a supplemented by the use of state apparatus for extra- legitimate political outlet. legal coercive measures: harassment and persecution of political and ideological adversaries, protection to vigilante It needs to be underlined that the BJP’s hegemony is groups and the misuse of anti-terror laws. The most far from total—no hegemony ever is. Its coercive power pernicious aspect of the BJP’s use of coercive state is frustrated by the endemic inefficiencies and the apparatus is the silent, everyday form of surveillance, notoriously modest capacity of the Indian state. Its intimidation and infiltration. electoral dominance peters out at the geographical and the social peripheries. The BJP is not a serious contender This coercion draws its legitimacy from the BJP’s in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West growing electoral dominance. The BJP may not match Bengal and smaller states like Tripura, Mizoram, the Congress in its heyday of one-party dominance, but Meghalaya, Nagaland and, of course, the Kashmir Valley. it does resemble the Congress during its one-party salience period in the 1980s. Despite reversals in Delhi This hegemony is predicated on the exclusion of the and Bihar, the story of the BJP since its spectacular Muslims and mostly Christians as well. The inclusion of performance in the Lok Sabha election of 2014 is one of Dalits is still tentative, the peasantry’s association is still expansion and growth. It has spread to virtually every tenuous as is its hold over the youth. For all its seeming nook and cranny of India, including the hill states of the ideological dominance, it is yet to find acceptance among North East, and is a force to reckon with even in the the intellectual elite, both in English and Indian languages. coastal belt from Kerala to Bengal, though it is as yet in None of this takes away from the fact of BJP’s no position to win elections. The organisational machine, hegemony. But it does point to spaces available for the election machine and the propaganda machine put counter-hegemonic action. together make the BJP the most formidable political force to emerge in recent times. Modi’s rise to hegemony has deeper historic causes which we cannot detail here. While certainly not the only III possible outcome, long-term failure of political action and imagination combined with structural deficits in our It would be a mistake, however, to think that Modi’s capitalist modernity clearly contributed to it. First, our power rests only on political dominance and a coercive democratic institutions have always been weak, subject state apparatus. The Modi regime enjoys a hegemonic to routine indifference and occasional capture. At the position because it has also successfully secured moral, best of times we have shown little respect for the rule of cultural and ideological legitimacy. The BJP’s and Modi’s law and institutional autonomy. This was partially made continuing popularity in opinion polls draws upon up by a deepening of our democratic practices, especially something deeper than an approval of its governmental in the wake of ‘the second democratic upsurge’. But the performance. The packaging and positioning of the PM’s gains of the deepening of democracy were not image as ‘hardworking’, ‘tough’, ‘selfless’ and ‘driven consolidated. The earlier system was unsettled without by larger national goals’ has more takers than many would being replaced by a new one, thus opening the space for care to admit. a sudden capture. The BJP has successfully shifted the entire spectrum Second, the failure of economic growth to deliver well- of public opinion towards its ideology. It has more or less being to a vast majority of our population created a captured key symbols of nationalism, Hinduism and our political constituency that could be easily mobilised by cultural heritage. The demons invented by the BJP troll populist promises. Rising inequality and growing media brigade – ‘anti-national’, ‘westernised’, ‘secular’, density in a society gradually coming out of absolute ‘enemies within’ – have come to acquire a life of their poverty in the post-liberalisation era has created a class own. To be sure, Modi’s legitimacy is categorically whose aspirations are completely out of sync with reality. different from the deeper ethical appeal of a Gandhi or a This underclass is an easy prey for miracle masters as Nehru, or even the legitimacy of the Congress in the well as hate mongers. post-independence era. In a sense, a typical BJP JANATA, January 28, 2018 51

This was reinforced, third, by the cultural logic of The actions, or rather inactions, of the Congress party modernity in a post-colonial society. The imitative symbolise the first approach, i.e. wait for an unravelling character of India’s modernity created a shallow public of the Modi regime by its own blunders, for the Modi sphere marked by envy and anxiety. The modern Indian bubble to burst thanks to the sheer magnitude of its citizen, pushed into urban experience, craved for a sense original lie. Now, it is true that Narendra Modi made of belonging and self-respect. The failure of the so far irresponsible and impossible promises—achche din, Rs dominant liberal-secular ideology to fulfil this need gave 15 lakh in each account—giving rise to unreal rise to a huge vacuum. expectations. Even as the public is sharp enough to perceive the gap between promise and delivery, it is also Fourth, the weakening of the existing instruments of quick to scale down its expectations to ‘realistic’ levels political action contributed to the vacuum which Modi and overlook some rhetorical excesses of a power seeker. occupied. Over the last few decades, political movements have declined and are forced to exist in an agitational By now the Modi regime has accumulated a big heap mode, useful for sectoral gains but not worthy of general of blunders, arguably bigger than its counterparts in the trust. This period has also witnessed a hollowing out of recent past. Even as its mismanagement of the economy political parties as they essentially turn into election is staggering—with incontrovertible evidence of all-round machines, indispensable yet illegitimate. economic failure such as falling growth rates despite a favourable climate, job shrinkage, aggravation of agrarian Finally, the sudden death of modern Indian political crisis, decline in manufacturing and fall in exports made thought in post-independent India resulted in a drying up worse by the demonetisation disaster and GST of intellectual resources in politics and disjunction of mismanagement—the government’s failures in other political ideology from popular imagination. The task of domains are only waiting to be exposed, be they of its making sense of reality was left to university based highly publicised missions or of its foreign policy initiatives academics and high-end media with little feel for or touch to yield results when needed or indeed the counter- with ground realities. The challenge of shaping public productive nature of its internal security measures. opinion was thus completely neglected, leaving the field open to low-brow media, ever amenable to propaganda, Yet, a blunder is a blunder only when seen to be such hate speech and myth-making. and there are layers of mediation between reality and popular perception. The Modi government’s ‘brilliant’ IV management of perceptions to turn the demonetisation Cogent thinking about what is to be done must begin disaster into at least short-term political dividends is a with clarity on what is not to be done. So far, this clarity textbook illustration of this eternal truth of politics. has eluded Modi critics. It is a sign of our times that Besides, usually, governance blunders have political those who seek to uproot the republic are proactive, consequences only when there is an assurance that an innovative and energetic, but the defence of the republic alternative would be better. There are occasions when is reactive or kneejerk, if not lethargic or paralysed. the people could not care less for an alternative, when Opposition to the Modi regime is marked by an inability they just want to ‘throw the rascals out’ as they believe to fathom the extent of the challenge it poses, than no one can be worse than the incumbent. But it unwillingness to recognise its deep roots and failure to would be fanciful to think that the Modi regime’s think beyond quick-fixes. No wonder, anger at history popularity has already hit that point. has replaced serious criticism, fear mongering is the only When the opposition graduates from not doing anything response to hate mongering, fright has prevented any to doing something, more often than not it takes the form farsighted action. of simple-minded ‘anti-Modiism’. A typical opposition So far, the Modi regime has evoked a series of tactic in competitive politics, it involves countering the predictable responses from its opponents: a passive wait ruling party in anything and everything that it does in the for the bubble to burst; simple-minded anti-Modiism, hope that some of the criticism will stick. The luxury of attempts to take on the regime on its own turf, and trying playing opposition obviates the need for coherence and to build a grand anti-BJP coalition. None of these consistency in these oppositional manoeuvres. So, the strategies is likely to succeed. opposition can criticise the prime minister for spending time abroad; if he did not, he would be accused of 52 JANATA, January 28, 2018 relinquishing his international responsibility. Finally, much of the oppositional politics falls back on forging a grand coalition of anti-BJP parties. As we inch Deeper maladies that have afflicted the country across towards 2019, this anti-BJPism (to replace anti- all regimes—railway accidents, malnutrition, farmers Congressism) seems to be the default strategy, or perhaps suicides—are now attributed to the Modi regime as if a response of helplessness that the opposition is drifting they are happening for the first time. The Congress party towards. The logic is self-evident. On the face of it, there that drafted and pushed for a GST (Goods and Services is an arithmetic advantage to a pre-election coalition in a Tax) not too different from what this government has first-past-the-post system. Aggregation of non-BJP votes implemented, can happily blame the BJP for its can help the opposition edge past the BJP, even if it retains consequences. Unfortunately, such short-sighted criticism its peak vote share of the 2014 parliamentary elections. soon loses legitimacy as the public begins to see it for This can be decisive in states like Uttar Pradesh and what it is—opposition for the sake of opposition. These Karnataka where the non-BJP parties enjoy a distinct tactics may work once the regime has lost public and complementary vote base, provided it is transferable. confidence, but cannot be deployed to undermine the Besides actual aggregation, opposition unity can also help legitimacy of an otherwise popular government. In fact, create a perception of winnability and the possibility of they could end up eroding the legitimacy of the opposition. an alternative to the BJP at the national level.

V VI A more proactive and consistent form of anti-Modi But these possible advantages of opposition unity may politics has tried to take on the BJP on its own turf. Over not translate as well in a real life scenario. For one, the the last three years, ideological and political opposition benefits from an aggregation of votes are overstated. to the Modi regime has focused on its jingoist nationalist First, opposition unity is irrelevant in a large number of rhetoric, its anti-minority stance and its promotion of states. These states either witness a direct BJP- obscurantism. Hence, the campaigns against cow Congress contest, with virtually no other party for the vigilante-led lynching, award wapasi to protest against Congress to align with, or do not have the BJP as one of the murder of rationalists, opposition to the move for a the top two parties. Second, the mechanical advantages uniform civil code, questioning of the ‘surgical strikes’, a of aggregation of votes may be overstated in many cases critique of brutality by security forces in Kashmir Valley where votes of non-BJP parties are either non- and elsewhere, mobilisation against the murder of Gauri complimentary (Congress and JDS in Karnataka) or non- Lankesh and rejection of anti-Romeo squads, and so on. transferable (CPM and Congress in WB and Kerala, There is no doubt that each of these acts of opposition is also SP and BSP in UP?). Third, the benefits of opposition in itself worth undertaking and necessary. Yet, taken unity may be uncertain when possible allies—parties like together, an obsessive focus on these issues plays into TRS, TDP, DMK, JKNC, BJD and BSP—could as easily the hands of the Sangh Parivar. The Modi regime might shift their loyalty to the BJP in a post-poll scenario. even welcome criticism on these counts, as it would bring desired publicity for the regime. An indictment of the Moreover, the calculus of arithmetic advantage of Modi regime for its anti-minority orientation sends a opposition unity fails to add up some serious minuses. positive signal to the majority community that the regime One, unity of major parties (e.g. RJD and JDU in Bihar, stands with them. regional party and Congress in Odisha, Telangana and Andhra) tends to create a void, as many voters of either The opposition to a uniform civil code usually ends up party feel ‘orphaned’. This space vacated by the as evidence of politics of ‘minority appeasement’. Any opposition could result in a consolidation of votes in favour questioning of the regime for its jingoist nationalism ends of the BJP. Two, the perception of everyone ‘ganging up reconfirming its nationalist credentials. It is not that up’ against Modi can create sympathy for him. He could the regime cannot or should not be confronted on its well improvise upon the famous retort used to deadly cultural agenda. The present essay goes on to suggest effect by Indira Gandhi vis-à-vis the Grand Alliance several long-term measures to this end. Yet, we must against her in 1971: ‘Woh kehte hain Indira hatao, main admit that as of now the opposition does not possess kehti hoon garibi hatao.’ The bottom line on a grand anti- cultural weapons to match the BJP in this battle. A BJP alliance is simply this: a carefully crafted unity of premature battle on this ground can be counterproductive. major oppositional forces may yield some dividends for JANATA, January 28, 2018 53 opposing the Modi regime in 2019, but a ragtag coalition administrators have caved in all too easily, the faculty of all non-BJP parties cannot be an alternative to Modi; remains circumspect, if quiet for now. The real resistance an electoral alliance cannot substitute for a coherent has come from the students, both in the form of organised vision, a credible leadership and a clear road map. groups and as a community.

VII All these three are critical sites, especially for their impact on many other sectors and sections of the What, then, is to be done? In one word: think. Those population. Thus a well thought out action here could of us who are serious about taking on this challenge to have a multiplier effect. This may not take the form of the foundations of the republic urgently need to move organised protests; techniques of silent solidarity are more from kneejerk reactions to a plan of action that likely to be effective here. Equally, action for institutional incorporates smart tactics which draw upon a coherent autonomy cannot afford to be silent on the rather shoddy anti-hegemonic strategy that reflects an alternative vision. record of the earlier regimes, including the Congress and While much of the action aimed at countering the Modi the left, on this score. regime will understandably focus on the Lok Sabha election of 2019, it is critical to reserve some mind space Picking another low hanging fruit would entail for the deeper challenge beyond Modi, beyond electoral mobilisation of spontaneous outrage against political and politics and beyond 2019. cultural excesses of the Modi regime, especially among youth and marginal social groups. These include protests If the understanding of the challenge proposed here against lynching and other restrictions in the name of has any merit, it is here to stay with us in one form or cow protection; building on the youth unease with another, irrespective of the outcome of the 2019 polls. attempts to impose ‘love jehad’ or vigilante activities of Therefore, we need a more coherent and calibrated anti-Romeo squads; Dalit upsurge against atrocities and response. The plan of action must link various fields and caste based discrimination; and local unrest against killing sites of action. The tactics need to weave the familiar of rationalists and dissenters like Gauri Lankesh. As moves with new and surprising manoeuvres. The strategy mentioned above, all this has to be done with caution, or must harmonise the immediate with mid-term and long- else it could backfire. Even as these local and sectional term. The vision that guides it must recast the foundational protests cannot be the fulcrum of counter-hegemonic vision of the republic for our times. action, as they may not enjoy widespread support, yet, a Let us begin with a short-term perspective on what careful stitching together of such protests could bring to can be done to preserve some available spaces and open the fore our home-grown liberalism and prove critical to up possibilities of resistance within the current regime. defending the republic. There is some space available for a battle of institutional A relentless and credible expose of corruption at all autonomy. As mentioned earlier, the judiciary, media and levels could also be a critical element in countering the universities constitute three sites where complete control hegemony of the Modi regime. The Lokpal movement still eludes this regime. While the Modi regime has created a legitimacy crisis for the previous regime and succeeded in curbing judicial independence more than paved the way for BJP’s rise to power. However, more any other regime since Indira Gandhi in the 1970s, the than three years into its term, this government has little presence of judges with conscience and spine and the to show by way of an anti-corruption record. On the residual strength of procedures and precedents in an contrary, it has diluted anti-corruption laws and otherwise liberal constitutional system, sustain the institutions: amendment to the Prevention of Corruption possibility of resistance. Act, non-implementation of Whistleblower Act, While the owners of private media are more appointment of compromised officers to the Central compromised than ever before, an average journalist Vigilance Commission and non-appointment of a Lokpal feels suffocated and a majority of the opinion makers are cases in point. are still not aligned with the regime. These are silent At the ground level, there has been little difference in allies in the battle for truth. Notwithstanding the regime’s the experience of everyday corruption, or in the massive investment in dominating social media, the very persecution of incorrupt officers. Gradually, various nature of this media resists control and provides avenues corruption scandals of this government are beginning to for alternative articulations. While most university 54 JANATA, January 28, 2018 breach the media’s wall of silence. To be sure, we should long time. But an overlap of climate, market and policy not expect a repeat of the Lokpal movement type of induced disasters in the last three years has pushed the anti-corruption agitation, yet a consistent and credible agrarian crisis to a flashpoint. The response of the central campaign can take off the residual moral sheen of the and state governments is no match to what the farmers Modi regime. need; the governments have continued with business as usual governance, platitudes for policy and indifference The thrust of counter-hegemonic action, however, where political will is needed. That is why the spontaneous needs to be on pro-active mobilisation of two key eruption of farmers’ protests across the country since constituencies: farmers affected by agrarian distress and June this year and the formation of an umbrella coalition the unemployed youth. There are good reasons why, to fuse these could prove to be a turning point in the unlike communalism and nationalism, these two issues history of farmers’ movements. After a very long time have put the regime on the backfoot. One, agrarian the stage has been set for an all-India farmers’ movement. distress and unemployment are not short-term difficulties arising out of a faulty policy or poor execution; both flow The realisation of this possibility depends upon out of the nature of economic policies pursued in the successful fusion of two streams of agrarian struggle post-independence period. In both cases the condition that we have inherited from the 20th century: ‘farmers’ has got much worse under the current regime. movements’ for inter-sectoral parity between agriculture and non-agriculture domains on the one hand, and Two, both these issues are very hard to address in the ‘peasant struggles’ for intra-sector justice for small short run; it is virtually impossible for the Modi regime to farmers, share-croppers and farm labour. The growing improve the outcomes on either of these fronts in the and starkly visible rural-urban disparities, increasing next year and a half. Three, unlike many other issues, pauperisation of all sections of peasantry, including the agrarian distress and unemployment have a clearly erstwhile well-off sections, and the increasing overlap identified social group—farmers and youth between farm labour and sharecropper farmer has respectively—that can be mobilised for action. Both these created objective conditions for this political unity of the groups are large enough to make a difference. Their ‘big’ and ‘small’ farmers with sharecroppers and farm mobilisation is among the best antidotes to possible labour. The point now is to turn this possibility into a polarisation along communal lines. Finally, the regime’s reality. commitment is suspect on both these counts. The BJP was always seen to be a party of urban traders, even This requires a historic project of uniting farmers’ though it has now acquired a fair share of the farmers’ movements across different regions, varying cropping vote. The youth has always been attracted more to the patterns, different classes and both genders, various left than to the right. All this makes it easier and more ideological shades and conflicting charters of demands. rewarding to build counter-hegemonic mobilisation on Specifically, it would mean bringing ‘green’ as well as these two issues. ‘red’ flags together, getting the farmer green to speak to the ecological green, bringing Dalit and Adivasi struggles VIII within the fold of farmers movement and foregrounding If there is one class whose ‘objective’ interests almost women farmers cutting across all divisions. entirely match the political project of counter-hegemony, All this is not just in the realm of a theoretical possibility: it is the farmers. Structural contradictions of the economy this fusion has already begun. The All India Kisan make it impossible to incorporate and retain farmers Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) has within the fold of the new hegemony. It so happens that already brought both shades of green with red, along at this juncture, the farmers’ movement is poised at a with Dalit, Adivasi and women farmer organisations under historic turn. This coming together of the ‘objective’ and one umbrella. Farmer’s movements all over the country, the ‘subjective’ situation means that in the short to even those outside the fold of AIKSCC, have adopted medium run, the ongoing farmers’ movement across the the twin agenda of remunerative prices and freedom from country offers the greatest possibility for mass debt. mobilisation against the Modi regime. Forging this unity will also be an ideological challenge: The agrarian crisis—a combination of economic, the traditional farmers’ movement needs to acknowledge ecological and existential crisis—has been around for a JANATA, January 28, 2018 55 that marginal farmers and women farmers are the typical youth other than students that could launch a nationwide Indian farmers; and the left wing peasant movements movement for employment. A new generation of youth need to set aside the tendency to view class distinctions leadership is emerging from among women, Dalits, within the peasantry as the principal contradiction. There Muslims and other marginalised communities. But there is a real danger of the farmers’ movement degenerating is no large platform for this leadership. The creation of a into typical trade union style ‘economism’. Thus, the nationwide youth movement on the two issues of equal political challenge before it is to become an all- access to quality education and dignified employment to encompassing movement for regeneration of rural India. all is thus a historic possibility and a historic challenge. Such a movement can be the vanguard of counter- hegemonic politics to defend the republic. X In the last instance, the success of counter-hegemonic IX politics depends not so much on the short and medium Unemployed youth are at once more powerful and term action plans and strategies mentioned above, but more difficult agents of counter-hegemony at this point rather on its capacity to offer an alternative vision. We in history. The youth movement is more powerful by need a long-term strategy of counter-hegemonic ideology. virtue of the sheer energy, speed and visibility that it can The heart of the challenge lies in the creation of a new bring to counter-hegemonic politics. Yet, it is also vision of India that can capture the popular imagination. currently much weaker and more fragmented than the This requires careful deliberation, as the defenders of farmers’ movement. Consequently, it is difficult to find the republic need fresh moral, cultural and intellectual issues and sites that can bring together the various resources. Today it would be imprudent to foreground sections of the youth. counter-hegemonic politics on issues of nationalism, secularism and culture since any contestation on The ‘objective’ conditions appear ripe as in the case conventional terms would end up strengthening the Modi of farmers: an extended period of jobless growth, possible regime. But an inability to take on these issues for long shrinkage of job opportunities, contractualisation of would be fatal to counter-hegemonic politics. organised sector employment, widening gulf between work conditions of organised and unorganised sector Fortunately, we need not begin in thin air. Many of the workers, an educational system that fails to provide skills resources needed for the counter-hegemonic project are or knowledge and growing disparities in educational available. Modern Indian political thought is an opportunities. extraordinary repository of moral, intellectual and cultural resources that can help us collectively negotiate our The ‘subjective’ conditions are also, on balance, present. This tradition can help us access the wisdom of favourable. The crisis is seen and felt by the affected our cultural traditions and also the heritage of modern group: take any opinion poll and unemployment tops the European thought. But we can draw upon this tradition chart of problems that the youth would like the only if we give up the insistence on any of the 20th government to address. There is enough evidence of a century ideological labels or icons as the starting point. latent youth unrest that occasionally comes out in campus We must recognise that many of the ideological battles protests across the country. Clearly, a significant section of the 20th century—violence vs non-violence, state vs of the youth is uncomfortable with the cultural politics of market, class vs caste—are pointless today. Instead of this regime. carrying on the deadwood, we need to learn from all the major streams of modern Indian political thought. The real challenge at this moment is to marshal this latent energy into counter-hegemonic politics. Campus Specifically, we need to bring together two strands in politics is in a deep freeze: since elected student unions 20th century Indian political thought: on the one hand the are an exception in the institutes of higher education, modern egalitarian strand represented by the socialists, politics has long been an episodic aberration. While there communists, Ambedkarites and feminists, and the are thousands of student organisations across the country, indigenous strand represented by Gandhians, there has been a marked decline in vigorous and sarvodayaites and environmentalists on the other. ideologically oriented all-India students’ organisations. What we need is a new ideological integration of both There are very few independent organisations of the these strands under a capacious concept like ‘Swaraj’. 56 JANATA, January 28, 2018

This alternative ideological vision must not be tied to any deeply in multiple cultural and religious traditions, and be one thinker or text. Instead, the Constitution must become willing to engage in an open-ended conversation with the key symbol for a counter-hegemonic ideology. Such traditions (not just an instrumental and selective an ideology would enable us to renegotiate some of the appropriation of some elements that fit the modern key issues that have been deployed by the Modi regime imagination) and view these as building blocs of our own to achieve hegemonic status. This would also result in modernity. This must be accompanied by a shift in our rethinking some of the key social and economic policies, cultural vocabulary and policy. A counter-hegemonic such as redesigning policies of social justice beyond caste project would involve an advocacy of Indian languages as the only criteria and reservations as the only including both non-scheduled languages and classical mechanism, or rethink egalitarian economic policies to ones like Sanskrit, Tamil and Persian, as well as support move away from an obsession with the state and allow for an ‘Indianisation’ of educational curricula that draw intelligent use of market with sensitivity to ecological upon our context, our needs and intellectual traditions. concerns. But let us focus on some of the key issues that need urgent and radical reorientation. A vigorous counter to the hegemony of majoritarian politics would require a recalibration of the politics of Recovering the lost ground of nationalism has to be a ‘secularism’ so as to distance it from pro-minorityism key agenda of counter-hegemonic politics. Nationalism and establish connections with the multiple religious continues to be the currency of politics in a post-colonial traditions of India. We need nothing short of an open society as ours; allowing the Sangh Parivar to appropriate disavowal of a deracinated and culturally empty the nationalist plank is at the heart of the political setback secularism. Secular politics must publicly distance itself for the idea of India. Thus, an unapologetic embrace of from the exclusive demands of the Muslim leadership the legacy of the freedom struggle and proactive and focus instead on their insecurity, disadvantage and propagation of Indian nationalism as a distinct, non- discrimination in jobs, housing and education that they chauvinist, strand of anti-colonial movement must be suffer. Our secularism must draw upon syncretic placed at the heart of the counter-hegemonic project. traditions or traditions of religious coexistence and Instead of handing over the cultural legacy of nationalism assiduously avoid the rhetoric that goes out of its way to to jingoism, we need to recover the idea of a nation offend sensibilities of followers of any religion, including centred around the people and their unity internally, and the Hindus. with other post-colonial societies externally. Finally, counter-hegemonic politics needs a new Instead of simply decrying jingoism and critiquing political instrument. Clearly, none of the established shallow symbols of nationalism, we need to develop political parties are fit for this purpose. But the need is deeper, positive yardsticks of measuring nationalism: not merely to create a new party or a new alliance. What willingness to unite Indians across caste, region and we need is a new kind of political formation that religion, sharing the pains and problems of all Indians, subsumes a party, which is a party but not just a party. assertion of national sovereignty in the face of neo- Such a political formation will have to simultaneously colonial domination and protection of genuine national perform several functions that are assigned to different security interests without bullying our neighbours. We organisations today. Contesting elections will of course also need a new concept for this form of nationalism – be one of those functions, but not the only one. This will perhaps desh prem instead of rashtra bhakti. have to be accompanied by organising agitations and struggles, carrying out constructive work for realising This must be accompanied by a concerted attempt to an alternative vision, intervening in politics of knowledge reclaim the cultural heritage of traditions suited for our by way of creating new concepts, theories and policies times. We must acknowledge that the westernised while also creating space for a meaningful relationship English speaking elite—including liberal, left and with the inner self of the political actor. progressive sections—has done a disservice to the idea of India. We must give up the ignorance and suspicion of Email : [email protected] traditions that mark most modern secular Indians, invest JANATA, January 28, 2018 57

The Ego of Doing Good

Prem P. Verma

When we question the purpose of life, the reason for from doing good then becomes dangerous since our pursuit our birth, the goal of why we were put in this world, we of the goal of helping others is coloured by our own start wondering that it must be not merely to earn a living imagined elevation to a higher plateau of existence. This and look after our family but one for a greater purpose. results in our soon forcing our thoughts and action on We come to the conclusion that there must be a greater others and trying forcibly to convert them to our own role for us than just day-to-day living and that it has to supposedly superior path of life. include making the world a better place for all. We need to look around and challenge injustice meted out to the This is so contrary to the teachings of Gita and the vulnerable and the neglected, we must help the weak Buddhist philosophy which enjoins us to be humble and and the disabled to find their rightful place in the society, to treat all actions of ours as God’s will of which we are we must constantly endeavour to convert our earth to a merely instruments that carry them out. Who are we to better place for future generations. As they say,”Did you assume a superior role when we do something good for leave the earth a better place than what you found?” the public welfare? The very purpose of fighting injustice We must rise beyond self and work for the betterment and inequality is defeated if we assume ourselves to be of others round us and thus spare a thought for those more equal than others simply because we are living for less fortunate. others whereas the rest of the world is content with their own self. In this process of introspection a number of people choose a non-traditional path to tread, sometimes at great This ego of doing good slowly eats into our soul and loss to their own self, but of great satisfaction in their makes us look at all others as people not worthy of living. lives. They willfully choose to serve others rather than In the process of genuinely fighting against inequality themselves and stand apart from others in braving the we ourselves are creating inequality by derisively looking risks and dangers that lie ahead. Their lives are filled at others pursuing a materialistic philosophy as being sub- with a missionary zeal in the pursuit of their altruistic human. Sooner or later, we start searching for the goals and they may sometimes win adulation from the untrodden path because it will make us unique in the general public at large. This praise works like a tonic in eyes of others. We long to get recognized and if that propelling them further and faster on the non-traditional does not happen, frustration is bound to set in. path they have chosen and the ego of doing good takes its birth. On the other hand, if we pursue the altruistic path with the thought that God is merely using us as an These sincere do-gooders start thinking of others as instrument and we are fortunate to have been chosen inferior beings who are merely content to fill their bellies so, then the credit is Almighty’s and we are not in any and pursue materialistic pleasures. The altruistic soul on way superior to others. To pursue a benevolent path is a the other hand assumes a superiority complex and feels neutral act and does not endow us with an aura of closer to the Almighty in carrying out His desires. The superiority as we falsely believe. The true joy is in the pursuit of doing good fills us with the thought that act of giving without any return and this philosophy only somehow we are the chosen one and the others have can prevent us from believing that we are somehow more sold their souls to the devil inasmuch as they are obsessed worthy to live in this world. The ego of doing good has to with the comforts of materialism. This ego generated be replaced by the humility of neutral thought. As the 58 JANATA, January 28, 2018 famous Indian saying goes,”Neki kar aur dariya me daal” danger and insulate ourselves with the cloak of humility (do good and throw it in the river). to selflessly pursue the path of common good. To bring happiness to the maximum number, as Bertrand Russell The ego of doing good is more dangerous than the proclaimed as his goal, is a noble idea but nobler still is to ego that comes from becoming powerful or wealthy or carry out this mission with all humility, unheeded and materialistically successful. We must be aware of this unnoticed without any ego of superiority.

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Established 1946 1 to $22.2 billion, or 1.8% of GDP, as surveys to estimate the impact of India's foreign creditors are Pages 16 Price : Rupees Five compared to $3.8 billion or 0.4% of these policy measures on the insisting on the government reining GDP during H1 of 2016-17. Our unorganised sector. Therefore, the in its fiscal deficit is because it trade deficit for the first six months data used by the government to serves as an excuse to cut our social of this year zoomed to $74.8 billion estimate the quarterly growth rate of sector expenditures. And that is from $ 49.4 billion in H1 of 2016- the economy does not include the precisely what the government has 17. shock experienced by the done in this budget too. The budget unorganised sector. This means that speech as usual makes tall claims Regarding growth figures too, the official growth rate figure given about the government's concerns for the Finance Minister continues to by the Finance Minister at best the poor and improving the social behave like an ostrich sticking its shows that the organised sector sectors to provide everyone an head in the sand to hide from growth accelerated from 5.7% in the opportunity to 'realise their full realities. He continues to claim that second quarter to 6.3% in the third potential'. But as has been the norm for all of Jaitley's budgets so far, this Vol. 73 No. 2 Budget: All Hype Again the economy is doing very well. The quarter. Data provided by private fact of the matter is, even after the surveys point to a large negative rate is not matched by financial February 4, 2018 allocations. We shall be discussing Neeraj Jain government twice revised the of growth for the unorganised methodology of calculating GDP sectors. Combining the two, the rate this in greater detail in subsequent growth rate to make the GDP of growth of the economy for not issues of Janata. This year's budget speech of the That is because the situation is growth figures look good and above just the third quarter of 2017, but for Finance Minister is remarkable for going from bad to worse. Our 7%, GDP growth rate started falling the first and second quarter too, is The finance minister also Awards Losing their Sheen the fact that it contains absolutely external debt crossed $495.7 again from 2016 onwards. It fell probably only around 1%, and not claims that his government is committed towards welfare for Kuldip Nayar no mention absolutely of India's billion in September 2017, making consecutively for six straight the 5 to 7% being claimed by the external accounts situation. That is India one of the world’s most quarters, from 9.2% in first quarter government. farmers, but again, this is a big lie. simply amazing, as a key aspect of indebted countries. The Indian of 2016 to 5.7% in the second What matters is not claims but Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan- our economic policy making for the economy has become totally quarter of 2017. Now, the There is no formal data to show financial allocation, and the allocation for the Department of Unique Symbol of last nearly three decades, ever since dependent on foreign capital government claims the economy the job creation in the economy-the Agriculture has been increased by Non-violence and Brotherhood India began globalisation in 1991, is inflows, including both foreign has started recovering once again, it government very conveniently does only 5%—a cut in real terms! Chandra Bhal Tripathi tackling our foreign exchange direct investment inflows and grew at 6.3% in the third quarter of not collect this data. Unofficial crisis. By the late 1980s, the Indian speculative capital inflows, to stay 2017 and is expected to grow even studies show that job growth in the Email: [email protected] BJP onslaught on economy was entrapped in an afloat. All the glib talk about our faster after that. economy has probably fallen to its Primary Education external debt crisis (our foreign debt large foreign exchange reserves is l o w e s t e v e r l e v e l s i n c e was nearly $84 billion dollars) and meaningless; as we have shown in In actuality, this claim of the Independence, with formal job Pannalal Surana was on the verge of external several of our writings, our foreign growth rebounding is based on growth plummeting to near zero. Sensitive Issues accounts bankruptcy. And so in exchange reserves are much less incomplete data, and so is not mid-1991, the Indian Government, than our ‘vulnerable external correct. That is because this official With the Finance Minister not Bangladesh Faces in return for a huge foreign loan to liabilities’ (foreign capital that has estimate of the economy growing at willing to admit that the economy is Mrinal Biswas tide over the foreign exchange come into the country that can leave 6.3% is based on quarterly data, and in crisis, he is obviously not crisis, signed an agreement with the the country very quickly). This this quarterly data is largely based concerned about increasing Indian Intellectual Slavery World Bank and the International means that if foreign investors on information provided by the government spending, specially in E.P. Menon Monetary Fund, agreeing to decide to pull out their money from organised sectors of the economy the social sectors, to give a boost to implement what are known as India—which they can do at the tap only. It does not include data from economic growth. He has reiterated neoliberal economic policies. Since of a computer key— our foreign the unorganised sectors of the the fraudulent fiscal deficit theory in then, each and every government exchange reserves are simply e c o n o m y, a n d t h i s s e c t o r his speech, stating that the Editor : that has come to the Centre has been insufficient to prevent the economy contributes to 93% of the government attaches utmost G. G. Parikh implementing these economic from once again plunging into employment and 45% of the total priority to controlling fiscal deficit, reforms; the Modi Government has foreign exchange bankruptcy, output. Data for the unorganised and therefore he promised to bring it Managing Editor : Guddi been implementing these economic similar to what happened in 1990- sector is collected by the down from the revised estimate of reforms at an even more accelerated 91. government through periodic 3.5% in 2017-18 to 3.3% in 2018- D-15, Ganesh Prasad, speed. surveys. This unorganised sector 19. As had been demonstrated by Naushir Bharucha Marg, In financial year 2017-18, our that was hit hard by first Keynes several decades ago, the Mumbai - 400 007. There is a reason why there is external accounts situation is demonetisation (announced in economic theory that governments no mention of our external debt or getting worse. During the first half November 2016) and then by GST must balance their expenditure with Email : [email protected] current account deficit in the (H1) of this financial year, India’s (rolled out in July 2017). However, income and bring down the fiscal Website:www.janataweekly.org Finance Minister's budget speech. current account deficit (CAD) rose the government has carried out no deficit to near zero is plain humbug. The reason why global capital and JANATA, February 4, 2018 3 4 JANATA, February 4, 2018

Awards Losing their Sheen already in the public domain. That Letter to the Editor year two Lazarous’ were given the awards. Kuldip Nayar In the past, when the Congress Sir, know that the word 'Pandit' is used after the name of poor and less I do not find the enthusiasm constitution. They banned awards. the list which went to the deputy was in power it conferred the Padma In the article captioned 'Gujarat Bhushan award to the US hotelier Elections' (Janata: December 31, educated Brahmans given to which marked the early Republic That is the reason that when the secretary in charge, then to the performing poojas at the homes of Days. I recall how we would get up Janata Party came in the wake of the Home Secretary and finally to the Sant Singh Chatwal despite some 2017) by my esteemed friend, criminal cases pending against him. Justice (Retd.) Rajindar Sachar, the their jajmans and preparing early in the morning to be ready to popular movement, led by Home Minister. I found very few janmapatris or kundalis. The line up on the Rajpath leading to Gandhian Jayaprakash Narayan, changes in the list I sent. There was a furore in the country but year in which the Congress Socialist home ministry justified his selection Party walked out of the Congress episode in the Lok Sabha where Dr. India Gate where different stopped that practice. The person Lohia incorrectly traced the battalions of Army, Navy and the who initiated the awards was India’s But the toughest job was on the plea that he was a known and renamed it as the Socialist Party Indian who had served the cause of ancestry of Pandit Nehru is well Air Force personnel and armed first Prime Minister Jawaharlal preparing the citations. I would have has been inadvertently mentioned the country abroad. But there are known. He thought it fit to mention police displayed their martial Nehru. He wanted the recognition of the dictionary and Roget’s as 1946. It was 1948. several cases of eminent people that the grandfather of Pandit Nehru prowess. people, who had excelled Thesaurus before me. In some refusing to accept the award on the The same article mentions that was a chaprasi (peon) in Delhi. themselves in the fields of literary, cases, I had the bio-data to guide me. ground that the panel of selectors Pandit Nehru gave a repartee: "I am The President comes down in a economic or scientific. No money is Mostly they contained a mere Dr. Lohia was elected to the Lok was not capable enough to judge Sabha in 1964-65 (only one year grateful to Dr. Lohia for buggy, drawn by horses from given because the award was too cryptic description of the person their work. acquainting me with my ancestry. Rashtrapati Bhawan to the saluting valuable to be weighed on the scales whether he was a scientist, an can be mentioned). The fact is that Dr. Lohia first contested the To put the record straight, my dais. Prime Minister receives him. of monetary benefit. academician or economist. That The lesson to be learnt is grandfather was the City Kotwal of He takes the salute. Normally, India helped me somewhat but preparing election to the Third Lok Sabha in whether there should be any award 1962 against Pandit Nehru from Delhi. However, even if he had been invites one Guest of Honour from a Nehru also did not want the the citation on that basis was at all. The experience is that the a peon it would have been a matter foreign nation and he or she is award to be linked with politics. He challenging. Phulpur constituency in Allahabad ruling party tends to give District but lost. Later in 1963 he of pride for me and it would have hosted with all pomp and show. did not envisage that one day the “recognition” to the people who are was elected to the Lok Sabha in a been a matter of pride for Indian entire exercise of selection would The entire process was so either members of the party or are by-election from Farrukhabad. He democracy that the grandson of a But this year, the Republic Day get politicized. The government haphazard that the Supreme Court connected with it in some way. The peon could become the Prime had several guests of honour, mostly would pick up its chamchas had to intervene to ask the real purpose is lost because the was re-elected to the Fourth Lok Sabha in 1967 from Kannauj (UP) Minister of India." The House from the ASEAN countries. To (sycophants) to reward his or her government to constitute a selection recognition is extended only to roared in laughter and Dr. Lohia had accommodate all the guests the dais, services to the ruling party. committee, including an opposition those who are close to the party. but unfortunately passed away the same year on October 12. to cut a sorry figure. Such personal which used to be about 35 feet, had leader as its member. Some order remarks were not considered to be been stretched to 90 feet. A I recall that initially the came to prevail once the committee This only emphasizes the I beg to differ with Justice becoming from a great intellectual huge departure, one should say. The Republic Day awards, started some was in position. Yet, preparing the argument that the awards are not like Dr. Lohia. invitations to all ASEAN heads was 60 years ago, were under the citation was my task. according to merits. This charge Sachar in his assertion that the “to celebrate our long-standing Ministry of External Affairs which The draft gazette notification of will remain because the selection is relations between Dr. Ram Mahohar Lohia and Pandit - Chandra Bhal Tripathi friendship” and the government of Nehru headed. Subsequently, the names was issued by the Rashtrapati done by people who are nominated Email: [email protected] I n d i a h a s m a d e e l a b o r a t e job was entrusted to the Home Bhavan. I recollect that once the by the government. Government Jawaharlal Nehru 'never became arrangements to strengthen the M i n i s t r y w h i c h g a v e t h e name of Ms Lazaraus was suggested should have included the opposition low'. There was a time when as the bonding with these countries. responsibility to one deputy by the President. We, in the home leader in the selection panel but he Congress President Jawaharlal secretary. He had too many things ministry, thought that the honour or she would be in the minority. Nehru was so impressed by the Republic Day is also the day on his plate. He passed on the task to had been conferred on the then There should be a debate in the young Lohia when he returned from when awards are given to the people the Information Officer attached to famous educationist Ms Lazarous. country on the importance of Germany with a Ph.D. degree that who have excelled themselves in the ministry. That is how I came to A c c o r d i n g l y, t h e g a z e t t e awards. They have outlived their even though Lohia was only aged various fields, especially to the handle the job because I was then notification was made public. utility which was not there even 26 Nehru appointed him as services personnel who have shown the Home Ministry’s Information when we they were introduced. Secretary of the Foreign Affairs gallantary in times of troubles on the Officer. But when President Rajendra When the Constitution has Department in the AICC in 1936. border and those who had sacrificed Prasad saw the notification, he said banned awards why should they be They were close to each other. their lives defending India. These The mode of selection was the name he had suggested was that there. They violate the spirit of the But after the Socialists left the are deserving people arbitrary. The Prime Minister and of a nurse. She had attended to him constitution and the general Congress in 1948, the relations other ministers would suggest one while he got a bout of asthma when u n d e r s t a n d i n g . E v e n t h e i r between the two leaders gradually introduction was wrong. Prime But over the years, the other or more names which I, as he was travelling to Hyderabad started deteriorating. We need not Minister Narendra Modi should awards have come to be given to the information officer, went on from Karnool in Andhra Pradesh. go into the details here. In the late We were all embarrassed that the initiate the debate in the country to 1950s, Dr. Lohia started calling him workers of the ruling party, at stacking in a file. Almost a month know whether the awards should present, Bhartiya Janata Party before the Republic Day I had to honour had been bestowed on a as 'Nehru Pandit' instead of Pandit wrong person. But we could do continue or not. Nehru. Those familiar with the rural (BJP). This is, however, contrary to shortlist the names. I must admit I Email : [email protected] the thinking of framers of the followed no rules while preparing nothing because the name was areas of eastern UP and Bihar will JANATA, February 4, 2018 5 6 JANATA, February 4, 2018

Tribute to Badshah Khan on his 128th birth anniversary 1945 at Taipei airport was still fresh communal riots triggered by the League Ministers merely created in the minds of the Indian people Muslim League. In the first flush of obstacles and I presume they were Khan AbdulGhaffar Khan- who were greatly inspired by the the riots Hindus of Calcutta were awaiting creation of a separate Unique Symbol of Non-violence and Brotherhood saga of the INA formed by Netaji in reported to be the main victims but Dominion Status of Pakistan in less order to liberate India from the soon reprisals followed in Calcutta than ten months. Chandra Bhal Tripathi British rule. There was fervour all and elsewhere, mainly in Bihar. All around among all the sections of the kinds of rumours were afloat. In The latter part of 1946 Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan February 6, 1890 in village Premier of the Province. After people-- the peasants, the working Allahabad where I was a student the witnessed some of the worst nicknamed Badshah Khan or Bacha Utnmanzai near Charsadda in Partition the two brothers decided to class, the students and the youth, the rumour reached that a well-known communal riots India had ever seen, Khan (1890-1988) was a unique NWFP. His father, Bahram Khan, stay on in Pakistan among their own writers and the poets. The naval Marwari Seth had announced a in Noakhali (now in Bangladesh) leader of the Indian freedom was a local landlord. The erstwhile Pushtoons. But they were soon ratings revolted against the British reward of Rs.500 to anyone who and Bihar. On August 16, 1946 the movement. The Frontier Gandhi British Province is now renamed as imprisoned. However, Dr. Khan officers in Bombay. The war-time would bring the head of a Muslim A l l I n d i a M u s l i m L e a g u e will be ever remembered as the true Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan Sahib joined the Central Cabinet of hero of Britain, Sir Winston and that professional killers were proclaimed Direct Action Day in inheritor of the Gandhi legacy. and Charsadda has been made into a Muhammad Ali Bogra as Minister Churchill, had been ousted and the commissioned from Mirzapur in Calcutta as part of their demand for There is no parallel in world history district. He died at Peshawar on for Communications in 1954. This Labour Party led by Clement Attlee UP. (A rumour similar to the a separate state for Muslims. In the to the miracle achieved by him in January 20, 1988 at an unusually led to his split with his brother, saw the writing on the wall and Buddhist story that the Hindu King city about 4,000 people were killed. converting the dreaded gun-toting ripe age of 98. A citizen of India for Badshah Khan. Dr. Khan Sahib also decided to leave India. But the of Ayodhya, PushyamitraShunga, These riots triggered communal Pashtoons into firm believers in the 57 years he was forced to accept the became the first Chief Minister of British Government laid out a plan had announced a reward of one gold violence across the country. Serious twin principles of non-violence and partition of his motherland and West Pakistan in October 1955, later to divide India as if following a coin to anyone bringing the head of and large scale riots occurred in satyagraha. There may be a solitary decide to live in his homeland as a founded the Republican Party, in scorched earth policy. Till the end a Buddhist monk.) Noakhali District from October 10 case of the dreaded dacoit Pakistani citizen for 41 years a June 1957 was elected to the Mahatma Gandhi was opposed to to 21, 1946 which provoked Angulimaala of Sravasti, so named significant part of which he had to National Assembly of Pakistan from the division of the country on the In those disturbed conditions violence in Bihar. Earlier riots over because he used to chop off fingers spend in Pakistani jails fighting for Quetta and was assassinated on May basis of the Two Nation Theory. the Interim Government was sworn local issues had taken place in Bihar of those whom he looted and wore a democracy and justice. 9, 1958 at Lahore. in on September 2, 1946 with the in June and September but the garland of those fingers, who At the session of the All India following twelve Ministers: largest riots of the year occurred surrendered before Bhagawan His elder brother, Abdul Jabbar For the biographical details of Congress Committee in Bombay on Jawaharlal Nehru (Prime Minister), from October 27 to November 6 Buddha and became His disciple, or Khan famously known as Dr. Khan Badshah Khan Wikipedia provides June 3, 1946 the proposal for Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajendra during which period a large number there may be stray cases of such Sahib (1883-1958), nearly eight a good reliable source. Two other partition of India was adopted. The Prasad, Sarat Chandra Bose, C. of Muslims were killed by Hindus in metamorphosis scattered in pages of years older than him and a medical important sources are: (i) Freedom only three members who opposed it Rajagopalachari and Jagjivan Ram retaliation for the Noakhali riots. world history, but the phenomenon doctor, was a shining star of the Movement and Indian Muslims by were Badshah Khan, Babu ( C o n g r e s s n o m i n e e s ) ; The riots were severe enough that of conversion of the Pashtoons into freedom movement. He will be Prof. Santimoy Roy (National Book PurushottamdasTandon and Sri SardarBaldev Singh, CH Bhabha Jawaharlal Nehru, then the head of non-violent KhudaiKhidmatgars remembered as the popular Premier Trust, 1979), pp. 58-59, pp. 61-70 Jayaprakash Narayan. When the and John Matthai (representatives the Interim Government, threatened (servants of God) in such huge of the NWFP at a time when the (ii) My Life and Struggle: Congress declared its acceptance of of three minorities); Asaf Ali, Sir to bombard rioters from the air. On 5 numbers (about one lakh) is indeed Muslims practically all over India Autobiography of Badshah Khan as the partition plan without consulting Shafat Ahmad and Syed Ali Zaheer November, Mahatma Gandhi, who nothing short of a miracle. were emotionally blackmailed by narrated to K.B. Narang. the Khudai Khidmatgar leaders, he (three Muslim representatives while was in Calcutta, visiting riot- the Muslim League slogan of 'Islam felt very sad and told the Congress: two seats for Muslims were left stricken areas, stated that he would During the freedom struggle in danger' and voted for the Muslim The years 1945-47 were very "You have thrown us to the wolves." vacant). The Muslim League fast unto death if the violence in there were several outstanding League candidates from the seats tumultous in the history of the At that juncture great national observed September 2 as the Black Bihar did not stop within 24 hours. selfless devotees to the philosophy reserved for the Muslims in 1946 twentieth century India and in the leaders like SardarVallabhbhai Patel Day. Later the Muslim League His statement was broadcast of satyagraha and non-violence who elections to the Provincial history of the freedom struggle of and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had realised its mistake and the loss it nationally by Dr. Rajendra Prasad. were popularly known as the Assemblies under the pernicious our motherland. The Second World acquiesced into the British plan of had caused to itself and joined the At the time, official reports stated Gandhi of a particular Province or scheme of separate electorate War had ended. In the latter half of partitioning India into India and Coalition Interim Government on that 400 people had been killed. even a district including my home designed by the British to 'divide 1945 the national leaders lodged in Pakistan and setting up of an Interim October 25, 1946 necessitating the The Muslim League stated that district Basti in eastern UP. But and rule'. In that vicious atmosphere Ahmednagar Central Jail were Government. An uncharitable view reshuffle of the Interim Government Hindu mobs had killed 30,000 there were only two national leaders all the Congress Muslim leaders released. These included Pandit of the situation is that both Patel and with the following 14 Ministers: people in the province. Historians with whose names the title Gandhi including Rafi Ahmad Kidwai were J a w a h a r l a l N e h r u , S a r d a r Nehru were anxious to become the Congress (6): Jawaharlal Nehru, have referred to the Great Calcutta was inseparably linked: Khan Abdul defeated in UP. The only exception Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana first Prime Minister of India. Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajendra Prasad, Killings of 1946 as the first Ghaffar Khan aka Frontier Gandhi was Bijnor District from where AbulKalam Azad, Acharya However, when the occasion arose C. Rajagopalachariar, Asaf Ali and explicitly political communal and Khan Abdul Samad Khan Hafiz Mohammad Ibrahim and two Narendra Deva, Khan Abdul Gandhiji is reported to have Jagjivan Ram; Muslim League (5): violence in the region. Achakzai aka Balochi Gandhi of his Congress colleagues won all Ghaffar Khan and others who were preferred Nehru to Patel. The Liaquat Ali Khan, I.I. Chundrigar, (1907-73). I was privileged to have the three Muslim seats. In the whole all arrested at Bombay on August 9, process of formation of the Interim AbdurRabNishtar, Ghazanfar Ali Mahatma Gandhi's Noakhali seen Mohandas Karamchand country the North West Frontier 1942 when Mahatma Gandhi asked Government was accelerated on Khan and J.N. Mandal; Minorities padayatra has historical importance. Gandhi and the other two Gandhis Province stood like a bedrock of the British rulers to 'Quit India' and account of the 'Direct Action' plan of (3): John Matthai, C.H. Bhabha and He started for Noakhali on identified with him. nationalism, the Congress winning gave his countrymen the call 'Do or the then wily Premier of Bengal, Baldev Singh. This Coalition November 6. On November 9 he the majority of the Muslim seats and die'. The sad news of the fatal HasanShahidSuhrawardy, leading Interim Government proved a embarked on his padayatra for Badshah Khan was born on Dr. Khan Sahib anointed as the accident of Netaji on August 18, to mass killings and cruelties in miserable failure. The Muslim seven weeks, covering 116 miles JANATA, February 4, 2018 7 8 JANATA, February 4, 2018 and 47 villages. He organised prayer Meerut and was the Education founded by his father in 1956. He Fact Finding Report of Bhima Koregaon Riots meetings, met local Muslim leaders Minister of UP in 1937.) One cannot valiantly carried on his struggle for and tried to win their confidence. He believe today how simply Badshah autonomy for his Pashtoon people Bhima Koregaon is situated on ammunitions. This regiment had a which became an eyesore for the discontinued his mission halfway Khan lived. His belongings and for restoration of democracy. the eastern side of Pune on the Pune majority of Mahars in it. The battle Brahmins since knowledge of and started for Bihar on March comprised only three pairs of Wali Khan's son, AsfandyarWali –Ahmednagar highway, 25 km from was won by the British which ended Sanskrit was prohibited for the non- 2,1947. salwars and long Pathankurtas of Khan, had strayed from the path of the city of Pune, on the banks of the Peshwai. During the Peshwai, Brahmins on the basis of grey colour known as 'militia', he non-violence in his younger days Bhima River. Its population is about the caste system was at its climax in Manusmriti. It is the Brahmins who In his mission to restore peace would himself wash his clothes but today, at the age of 68, he too is 7000-8000. which women and Dalits were advised Aurangzeb to punish and stop communal riots Mahatma daily and did not bother if the carrying on the torch of his father victims of caste-oppression and Sambhaji in accordance with the Gandhi took with him very few clothes he wore were ironed or not. and grandfather. He is a Member of Bhima Koregaon valour day humiliation. The Dalits were code of Manusmriti, which called selected companions and the Parliament and President of the was initiated by Dr B.R. Ambedkar required to carry a pot hung from on for his eyes to be taken out for the foremost among them was Khan A remarkable fact about this Awami National Party. He got his 90 years ago in 1927, to their chest for spitting and a broom crime of reading the Vedas, his head Abdul Ghaffar Khan. I had the important Congress session at l a n d r e n a m e d a s K h y b e r commemorate the Battle of Bhima- was tied to their waist while walking be cut for memorising them and his privilege of having his darshan at Meerut on November 23, 1946 is Pakhtunkhwa in 2010. But he has Koregaon on 1 January 1818. From on the streets. This humiliation was body be cut into pieces. A fatwa was Allahabad Central Station when he that except Mahatma Gandhi all the not forgotten the torture inflicted on 1927 to 2018 the size of the crowd one reason why the Mahars fought also taken out that no one should and the INA hero Major General important national leaders and him in prison by the ZA Bhutto consisting of depressed classes from so bravely on the side of the British. cremate his body parts. However S h a h N a w a z K h a n w e r e M i n i s t e r s o f t h e I n t e r i m regime and his conviction for 15 all over Maharashtra went on This is the reason why Ambedkar G o v i n d M a h a r t o o k t h e accompanying Mahatma Gandhi to Government (barring of course the years. I recall that at the increasing from a mere thousand to started celebrating this event as a responsibility of his last rites and Bihar in 1946 to restore peace and Muslim League Ministers) were ShahidiDiwas observed by the about 15 lakhs this year. Prior to this victory day. cremated his body after sewing up provide succour to the riot victims, present there. It is only Mahatma Society for Communal Harmony year's gathering, many conferences these parts. Historians V.C. Bendre, the Muslims. It was a memorable Gandhi who attached more and the Khudai Khidmatgar were held all over Maharashtra in Another version of this history Kamal Gokhale and Sharad Patil occasion for me as I requested Bapu importance to his padayatra mission organisation at Sabka Ghar in which hundreds of anti-caste groups is that the end of Peshwai did not have corroborated this version. for his autograph. In those days one in Noakhali than to this historic Okhla, Delhi, on November 18, under the banner of Elgaar had result in the end of caste oppression had to contribute Rs. 5 to the Harijan Congress session. The same stoic 2018 I had observed that in my view participated, which included our but rather, after 1857, the British However there is another Fund for getting his autograph. I attitude in the Mahatma was maximum sacrifices for the country group too, Rashtra Seva Dal. These assured the Brahmins and Muslims v e r s i o n c o m i n g f r o m could not have afforded Rs. 5 in discernible when he refused to were made by two families, those of conferences had facilitated the that they will not interfere in their Hindutwavaadi forces, which those days. My maternal cousin, the attend the Independence Day Badshah Khan and SardarBhagat record crowd at Bhima-Koregaon religious affairs. They disbanded claims that the body parts were not daughter of the Additional District celebrations in Delhi. Only Bapu Singh. It is gratifying that my friend this year. The administration was the Mahar regiment in accordance sewed by a Mahar but was done by a Magistrate of Allahabad,had given was capable of doing so. Faisal Khan and his band of well–informed about these with this assurance. Hence we Maratha. Hence the Marathas of the me her autograph book and Rs. 5 for idealistic youth drawn from various developments. should look at the British strategy village are claiming that it is the the purpose. Bapu asked me: When the Partition became a corners of India have revived the old with suspicion and refrain from ancestor of a Maratha family named "Poisha de diyahai?" With folded reality Badshah Khan decided to celebrating this day as a day of valor Sevale who had performed the last spirit of sacrifice and service of the In 1990-91, on the occasion of hands I replied: "Haan, Bapu, paisa stay with his people and suffered which amounts to appeasement of r i t e s o f S a m b h a j i . T h e p o o r b y r e s t a r t i n g t h e the death anniversary of Mahatma de diyahai." Then he signed in incarceration by successive Jyotiba Phule and the birth the British and is therefore anti- Hindutwavaadi forces in western KhudaiKhidmatgar movement Devanagari: Mo. Ka. Gandhi. Pakistani Governments. When he centenary of Dr B.R.Ambedkar, a national. The heirs of the Peshwas Maharashtra are giving this twist to since 2011. One has to visit was invited by India on the occasion decision was taken to celebrate and some Hindutvawadi forces hold the story of punishment to Sambhaji I got another opportunity to see of the birth centenary of his mentor, SabkaGhar in Okhla area of Delhi to certain historical events, such as the on to this view and had approached for the last 25 years which has added Badshah Khan from closer quarters Mahatma Gandhi, in 1969 he visited see how these young and idealistic establishment of the first women’s the court to ban celebration of this fuel to fire in the riots on January 1 at the Meerut Congress in many places, condemned the followers of Bapu and Badshah school at Bhidewada, Pune, the day as a day of valor which was this year. November 1946 where I was communal riots going on at Khan belonging to different faiths birth place of Savitribai Phule at rejected by the court. The war working as a volunteer of the All Ahmedabad and elsewhere, lead a commune-like life with Naygaon, Pune, the first statue of memorial however is at that place On 28 December 2017, the India Students' Congress and our appealed for sanity and peace and perfect understanding and peace Gautam Buddha installed by Dr. for the last 200 years and the names present family members of Govind camp was close to the camp of the criticised those Congress leaders and engage themselves in several B.R. Ambedkar at Dehu road near of martyrs are inscribed on it, which Mahar had put up a hoarding KhudaiKhidmatgars. His son, Wali who had accepted the Partition plan. constructive activities in the service Pune, and the victory memorial of include the names of not only indicating the direction towards his Khan (1917-2006), President of the He said at several places: "We of the poor and the deprived. I was the battle of Bhima-Koregaon Mahars but also names of a few samadhi. Some miscreants from the NWFP Students' Congress, also fought for the freedom and unity of privileged to attend the inaugural initiated by Dr. B.R Ambedkar on 1 Marathas and other backward caste same village gathered and removed stayed in the same camp. While all India but you threw us before function of Sabka Ghar on January January 1927. soldiers. the hoarding. They also removed the other members of the Congress wolves." 18, 2017 and the All India meet of and threw away the tin shed over the Working Committee stayed in well KhudaiKhidmatgars at Rajendra The war at Bhima-Koregaon A few kilometers away from samadhi of Govind Mahar. The furnished tents near the venue of the Badshah Khan's son, Khan Wali Bhawan, New Delhi, on November was fought between the British and this memorial is located the samadhi family of Govind Mahar lodged a Congress session Badshah Khan Khan, followed the legacy of his 26, 2017. May its workers prove the Peshwas, in which Peshwas had of Chatrapati Sambhaji at a place complaint in the police station and stayed with his KhudaiKhidmatgars father, was imprisoned five times in true to the ideals preached by Bapu 20,000 soldiers and the British called Wadhu (Budruk). A famous 49 people were arrested from the in an ordinary tent at a place far from Pakistani jails and survived several and Badshah Khan. regiment known as Bombay Native historian V.C. Bendre had village. On 1 January 2018 a rumour spread that there was something the venue PyareLal Sharma Nagar. assassination attempts in his 48- Infantry, 2nd battalion, 1st regiment discovered this samadhi in 1939 (Sri PyareLal Sharma was a Email: [email protected] had only about 1,000 soldiers but which is situated in the Maharwada. suspicious over Sambhaji Maharaj year long political career. He Samadhi. A Hindu Aghadi prominent Congress leader of nourished the National Awami Party w a s a r m e d w i t h s u p e r i o r Sambhaji was a scholar of Sanskrit JANATA, February 4, 2018 9 10 JANATA, February 4, 2018 organisation was active for quite shop belonging to Asgar Ali Ansari provide hospitality to outsiders BJP onslaught on Primary Education some time in this area. They had was burnt. His younger brother who every year gave a call for bandh on been holding public meetings for had taken shelter inside the shop this day this year, as a result of the last three weeks and were giving fled when the shop was put on fire. A which visitors did not even get a Pannalal Surana warnings to people that those who cylinder in the next hotel burst glass of water to drink. I had an occasion to visit Indore suffered a lot at the hands of would assemble on January 1 are which burnt the adjoining shop 2. We noticed a tremendous fear It must be borne in mind that in anti-nationals. One of them held a Sarvesh Autolines belonging to psychosis among the common recently, to participate in the 'Save far off villages, attendance is going orthodox people in their endeavour press conference on 28 December Bhausahab Khetre. Two trucks (nos. people in Bhima Koregaon. They Education Convention' organised to be limited because the parents to spread education for women and 2017 at Pune and said that India is MH-12-786 and MH-12-2757) in requested us repeatedly not to write there on 28th January, 2018. Main themselves are illiterate and hard the downtrodden sections. probably the only country where front of Razzak Bhai’s garage were their names in our report. Due to this objective of the meeting was to pressed for earning means of Mahatma Gandhi had lent great some anti-national people can put on fire. A shop Ranabhai Marble same fear, the present family mobilize pressure on the State livelihood. It is necessary that support to all these efforts. Saintly celebrate the victory of a foreign belonging to Shivraj Prajapati was members of Govind Mahar of Government to give up its proposal sustained efforts must be put in by persons like Gadge Maharaj and power. looted. A godown of firewood Wadhu (Budruk) who had filed a to close down 1 lakh 8000 primary social organisations and teachers to Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil had built belonging to Haribhau Darekar was case have now taken it back. All 49 schools in the State. I was persuade the children to attend up large networks of schools and On 29, 30 and 31 December burnt down. people who were arrested in the case flabbergasted. About a month schools. Closing down schools is colleges in the rural areas. The 2017 there was complete peace in of destruction of Govind Mahar’s earlier, a news item had appeared in not at all warranted. cultural nationalism of BJP seems Bhima–Koregaon, Wadhu (Budruk) At about 6 pm, a crowd attacked samadhi have now been freed. What the Marathi papers, which quoted bent upon undoing all this and turn and Sanaswadi. However some the house of a Dalit by the name of is the cause of this fear psychosis? Shri Nand Kumar, Secretary, One is forced to arrive at the the wheels backward. unknown people were found Sudam Shankar Pawar. He is a 3. The Hindutwawadi forces Education Department as saying, conclusion that it is the national clearly involved in this entire loitering around in these villages. project affected person who has that the State Government was policy of the BJP to revive the old In a number of States, there is a The Bhima-Koregaon gram been rehabilitated in Sanaswadi and episode are roaming free, giving interviews and circulating clippings contemplating closing down 80,000 system which had kept doors to ban on filling the vacancies in the panchayat had passed a resolution to has received two acres of land. primary schools in the state. When education closed to poorer sections secondary schools and colleges observe a bandh in Bhima There is cane sugar cultivation in 1 distorting facts on the social media, putting all the blame on the Dalits for there was a hue and cry in the press, which are also socially backward. A caused by retirement. The usual –Koregaon on 1t January 2008 and and ½ acres of this land, and in the the State Education Minister real revival of Manuwaad seems to argument advanced is that there is had submitted a copy of the rest of his land he has built a Buddha t h e i n c i d e n t . W h a t i s t h e administration doing? tweeted that the government had no be on their cards! paucity of funds. But the resolution to the Police station at Vihar and a meeting hall along with 4. This whole episode is clearly an such plans, and it was only a rumour. governments are spending lavishly S h i k r a p u r . T h e p o l i c e an open space. He has also built 29 attempt to divide the Dalits and the After a gap of a few days, the press on propagandist advertisements, underestimated the situation and one room row houses (chaal). The The BJP is bent upon spreading Marathas, and is aimed at disrupting reported that the State Government the red carpet to corporate lords pompous ceremonies, etc. ignored it. crowd entered his field, put on fire the social fabric of Maharashtra. his sugar-cane field from all sides, was going to shut down over 1,300 even in the field of education. Great Why are the law and order agencies primary schools for want of social reformers of the 19th century, It is high time all progressive On 1 January this year, people damaged the vehicles parked in the not paying attention to this grave were approaching Bhima-Koregaon open space and also broke the glass adequate attendance of children. like Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar, forces to join hands to pull down this polarisation taking place in front of The next day, Vinod Tawade, Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule, Swami regressive regime. from all sides. The open space panes of the Buddha Vihar. The their eyes? around Bhima-Koregaon were houses and the fields of Darekar and Minister for Education, issued a Dayanand Saraswati, Ramasamy Our demands Email: [email protected] filled with vehicles parked by those Hargude that are located just in front 1) Arrest immediately the main clarification yet again that there was Periyar and so many others had who had come to celebrate the of his house were left intact. From culprits involved in the riots of some confusion and that hardly 500 Bhima–Koregaon memorial of this fact, it is apparent that the Bhima-Koregaon. schools would be closed down. The valour. After parking their vehicles, rioters targeted Sudam Pawar’s 2) A j u d i c i a l e n q u i r y b e figures are different, but the refrain the people which included women, house and field because he was immediately instituted and its is constant—schools will be closed children and elders came walking 3- Dalit. Similarly they pelted stones at report published forthwith. down. 4 kilometers to the memorial. the houses of Ravi Kamble and 3) The role of the police and the On the other side, thousands of Athwale. The studio of a famous administration be enquired upon In their invitation, Smt Asharfi people with saffron flags had painter and sculptor, Elvin and the guilty persons be Khan and Priyanka Varma, assembled at Vadhu (Budruk) at Fernandes was also burnt. The punished convenors of the Madhya Pradesh 10am. They launched their attack on property of Mutha Jain was put on 4) The role of the media in the convention referred to above, have the people who had come to pay fire. People were stopped and entire episode be investigated. mentioned that according to a CAG harassed on the Pune-Ahmednagar their respects to the Bhima- report, 4811 schools are without road. A fire brigade vehicle was also Koregaon memorial with stones and Team members of Rashtra Seva Dal teachers, another 5000 have only put on fire. In all, a total of 5,000 who conducted this fact finding: other weapons at about 11am. one teacher per school, there is no Hundreds of vehicles were burnt vehicles were destroyed. 50 cars and Dr Suresh Khairnar (President), library in any school, no water in down. Petrol was freely used to burn luxury buses were burnt. Allauddin Sheikh, Vinay Sawant, the vehicles. The rioting crowd then Feroz Mithiborwala, Puja Badekar 5176 and no playground in 45,000 went towards Sanaswadi and A few questions can be raised and Shivraj Suryavanshi, in schools. If the State Government is Chakan–Shikrapur road. They burnt regarding of the whole incident. association with Bharat Patankar and so negligent in providing basic a shop belonging to one Salim 1. Who took the decision for the Kishor Dhamale. amenities, how can it dare to Inamdar. A godown belonging to bandh on 1 January 1918? How - Rashtra Seva Dal Team complain about poor student Salim Khan was put on fire. A tyre come a village which claims to Email: [email protected] attendance? JANATA, February 4, 2018 11 12 JANATA, February 4, 2018

Sensitive Issues Bangladesh Faces Ansarullah Bangla Team. Even Admiral Ramdas' Personal Testimony: Mayanmar’s Arakan Rohibgya Mrinal Biswas Salvation Army (ARSA) is quite Judge Loya's Case active in Bangladesh and Rohingyas Elections in Bangladesh are due operations during refugee influx, counterpart Sheikh Hasina Wajed are known to provide foot soldiers Subject: Why Am I filing a Writ Petition and PIL on the Judge Loya case? to be held towards the end of this struck an agreement with Myanmar for an eventual agreement on the to all these extra-parliamentary How and Why am I concerned? year. The country is facing several to provide help in economic Teesta river water. Since elections parties which are continuing their i m p o r t a n t i s s u e s w h o s e development of Rohingya- are not very far away, Bangladeshi clandestine armed operations with 1. I have always been and remain time to take serious stock of repercussions extend to even concentrated Rakhine province, leaders belonging to Awami League or without the support of Pakistan’s a great believer in and follower where we have reached and beyond her borders. It is important l o o k e d p o s i t i v e l y a t t h e want some tangible results to ISI and ISIS of the Middle East. of the Constitution of India how do we make the necessary to address these issuesBut the issues Bangladesh-Myanmar agreement prevent the opposition Bangladesh Indeed, ARSA appears to be the w h i c h g u a r a n t e e s course corrections before it is nevertheless will persist in some for repatriation of refugees, while Nationalist Party (BNP) and its headache of Myanmar, Bangladesh independence of the Executive, too late. forms or others with whatever the making it known that some 40,000 diehard anti-India ally, Jamaat-e- and India all at the same time. the Legislature and the outcomes of the elections. Rohingyas taking shelter in India Islami, from alleging that Sheikh Bangladesh claim of demolition of Judiciary. 4. I retired as Chief of the Naval will be sent back to Myanmar. Hasina is a pawn in the hands of all anti-India terror camps is Staff in 1993 after 45 years in First of course is how far India and thus benefiting in the significant in this context. The serial 2. The Constitution guarantees the service of the Nation. I Myanmar is prepared to take back The Bangladesh government of polls. murders of professed secularists and every citizen various freedoms, moved soon thereafter tolive in the staggering number of 6,88,000 Sheikh Hasina will politically gain bloggers have presently stopped, including the freedom of a small village, Bhaimala, in Rohingya refugees who fled to b o t h d o m e s t i c a l l y a n d In the coming elections, it is but there is no knowing when they speech, freedom to practice the rural Maharashtra. I have Bangladesh after a severe army internationally if it can effectively certain that BNP will enter the may begin again. religion of their choice, and constantly and continuously counter-insurgency operation implement voluntary repartriation election fray, and will not take a poll Right to life. maintained a critical position against the Rohingya people that of Rohingya refugees in the next boycott stand this time. After The manner in which Shiekh about these continuing followed the August Arakan two years, as agreed. The first phase Begum Khaleda Zia’s failure to win Hasina has handled her differences 3. Several events in the years attempts to undermine and Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) of repartriation set to start on 23 India’s support for her demand that with the Chief Justice S.K. Sinha of since Independence have been weaken the Constitution and strikes on Myanmar military January was held up for lack of the next Bangladesh elections be Bangladesh's Supreme Court is a indelibly imprinted on my mind the Democratic framework of establishments on August 24. The preparations on both sides. There held with a caretaker government, severe blot on Bangladesh's from the time that I witnessed at the country, and how these international outcry on the fast are reports of continued army that is, without Sheikh Hasina’s democracy. This judge belonging to close quarters, the horrors of affect the most marginalised. I developing refugee issue was operations in Rakhine. But the Awami League being at the helm, the minority community was made Partition as a young lad have never hesitated in caustically articulated by Zeid H a s i n a g o v e r n m e n t i s Begum Zia’s BNP has not only the chief of the judiciary at Hasina’s growing up in Delhi in the expressing my views and my Ra’ad al-Hussain, UN High understandably keen to send back a hardened its attitude towards the promptings but lost her confidence 1940s. To mention a few - the u n h a p p i n e s s a t t h e s e Commissioner for Human Rights, sizable number of Muslim Awami League government, it has when Justice Sinha approvingly ruthless slaying and pogrom let developments in unequivocal as 'a textbook example of ethnic Rohingyas before the elections to also launched an anti-India tirade to referred to a Pakistan court order lose against the Sikhs in 1984; terms. These have often taken censing'. He even saw elements of circumvent any possible opposition the satisfaction of Jamaat-e-Islami. that led to Prime Minister Nawaz the inexplicable destruction of the form of letters addressed to genocide in the attack on the ploy of exploiting the situation Significantly, both Awami League Sharif’s disqualification from places of worship including the the topmost leadership in the Rohingyas while speaking at the p r e g n a n t w i t h I s l a m i c and BNP seem eager to hold talks office. Soon after, Prime Minister Babri Masjid in 1992 , and the country . UN Human Rights Council last fundamentalism. This is a hard test with the Modi Government. BNP, Sheikh Hasina came down heavily deliberate killing of large December at Geneva. (UN defines for Bangladesh. sensing a declining Hindu support on the Supreme Court Chief Justice numbers of Muslims in Gujarat 5. These include one written in genocide as acts intended to destroy for its traditional attachment for the S.K. Sinha. Reports began in 2002. I continue to watch October 2015 to the then a national, ethnic, racial or religious For Bangladesh, and for the Awami League, is trying to balance circulating in the media about with mounting dismay, the President and the Prime group in whole or in part). Hasina government in particular, it its political moves so as to prevent Justice Sinha's involvement in current and continuous Minister – expressing my shock wants to resolve with India the issue the 12 percent minority votes from corruption; the President too called violations of basic human at the series of events taking The Rohingya exremists’ of accessing Teesta river water going to the Awami League. all judges of the Supreme Court, rights, attacks on minorities – place around the country; then violent attacks on Myanmar's before the coming elections. After barring the Chief Justice, and especially Muslims and Dalits, one in 2017 to Shri Ram Nath military establishment had missed former Prime Minister Manmohan Insecurity surrounds the Sheikh handed over to them a list of charges and the systematic weakening Kovind jee, the Honorable international attention till the Singh’s failure to conclude an Hasina’s government, considering against the Chief Justice. This and debilitation of all our President and Supreme refugee crisis began. After that, the agreement for sharing of the river that reports of coups keep concerted attack forced Justice established institutions, Commander of the Armed potential of it assuming the waters because of West Bengal emanating from Bangladesh time Sinha to go on long leave to including the judiciary. As we Forces, soon after his election , character of pan-Islamic extremism Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s and again. Apart from some military Australia on leave, and a month celebrate the 68th anniversary concerning the growing has made India and some countries intransigence, his successor men wanting to directly involve later, he resigned. It is obvious that of our Republic– each of these intolerance and deteriorating quite concerned. India then moved Narendra Modi could only go a half themselves in government affairs, Bangladesh's judicial independence events listed above, represents civil military relations among in multiple directions. It asked way to assuage Bangladesh's the Islamist radicals remain a has been compromised, which a serious violation of the other matters. Myanmar to exert restraint while feelings of deprivation. The present potential threat. Most of them are bodes ill for the country's future. Constitution, for which I hold dealing with Rohingya extremism, rulers of Bangladesh are hardly rallying under Jammat ul- the Governments of the day 6. The latest letter was written by Email: [email protected] helped Bangladesh in her relief enthused by Modi’s assurance to his Mujahideen Bangladesh and accountable. It is certainly a me to the CJI and the CJ – JANATA, February 4, 2018 13 14 JANATA, February 4, 2018

Bombay High Court, written in inquire into this matter without Indian Intellectual Slavery November 2017, raising my further delay and further 12. My wife and I have cultivated concerns about the mysterious damage to our institutions. what was banjar land, and we E.P. Menon circumstances surrounding the continue to learn about organic These days I often wonder why government they wanted to rule over lies to your children for years? Will any child in the world believe that death of Judge Loya , as 9. I am sharing my reasons for farming and the struggles of our we, the intellectuals in India, them. perpetuate our slavery when it comes there was a man called Ravana with outlined in the Caravan taking this action of seeking rural and farming community – to confronting many crucial issues Where is this kind of intellectual ten heads?’ I agreed with him and Magazine in Nov 2017. This direction from the Highest the greatest education we could that are fracturing our society. honesty today in favour of the poor congratulated him for asking such was mainly to urge the Chief Court in the land, primarily to have had. For nearly twenty and illiterate? If more than 1500 MPs frank question. Justice of India and the Chief allay possible allegations of five years, we have worked The other day I was having a and MLAs are reported to be deep forest village of Sri Lanka Justice of Bombay High Court vested interests that might have with local communities and serious conversation with a very ‘criminals’, what right do they have to w h e r e I h a d g o n e f o r m y to constitute a high level motivated me. I am 84 years old children in a number of dynamic, middle-aged, highly sit in those respectable Houses and anthropology study. I was curious to Judicial Enquiry /SIT into the – and have been keeping educational activities ; have led qualified entrepreneur and social make laws for the poor and exploited read about a village called matter and to thus restore public indifferent health. I could just struggles against take over of activist about the quality, content and millions? Ravanaguda and the director of the confidence in the image of the as well have kept silent and irrigated farmlands. We have structure of our Democracy. We are museum offered me his car and driver never tired of telling everyone that Two incidents often come to my for the visit. After an 8 hours drive, I judiciary and the highest court enjoyed my retirement. both been deeply involved with enjoyed the great hospitality of the in the land – ie the Supreme However, do I feel deeply that work for Peace – in our region, ours is the ‘largest’ democracy on mind when I think about our Glorious Culture about which we trumpet a lot. village and started hearing stories of Court. each of us has a duty and a especially with Pakistan, and earth. ‘But then whose purpose does it serve?’ my friend responded quickly. I met a young French woman tourist their claim that ‘Ravana had brought responsibility to work towards for a Nuclear free India, a on the Bangalore University campus Sita to this village first.’ A young boy 7. I have been motivated primarily realising the dream of building Nuclear free Asia and Nuclear ‘Indeed, this is a very important some time ago. I asked her a simple of 14 asked me a question: ‘Mr by an abiding consciousness of an open, tolerant, inclusive and Free World. question all thinking citizens of India question: ‘Please tell me your very Menon, why do you people in India my duties as a citizen of India diverse India – as envisioned in should ask themselves as well as the first impression of India as soon as tell thousands of lies to your children and a proud member of our that great document -the Indian Laxminarayan [Ramu] Ramdas whole society,’ I replied. you landed.’ for years? Will any child in the world Armed Forces. I have always Constitution. 31 January 2018 believe that there was a man called sought to communicate my Email: [email protected] And we went on analyzing. Both After thinking for a while, she Ravana with ten heads?’ I agreed with of us agreed that though the said: ‘India is a Be-Iman country.’ him and congratulated him for asking views and disquiet on matters of 10. My experience as a Lok Pal. It such frank question. state, directly to the leadership was this belief that led me to (Admiral Ramdas filed a petition in the intellectual class in India had ‘How come?’ I wondered. ‘Can you contributed a great deal in explain?’ ‘Yes, on the very first of our nation from time to time, accept the responsibility of the Supreme Court on January 30, 2018 What is happening right now? or whenever, in my perception, role of Lok Pal of the Aam asking the Suprme Court to investigate f o r m u l a t i n g a m o n u m e n t a l evening I took a stroll, saw a small Constitution for running the affairs of shop and a huge bunch of ripe The Union Government has sent a we seem to be losing our way the death of Judge Loya and the Aadmi Party from its inception free and independent India, colourful bananas hanging. Felt proposal to the Parliament for circumstances around it) approval that the monthly salary of and moving away from the till I was no longer required ! In eventually they failed in their larger hungry. “How much,” I asked the Supreme Court and High Court broad pathway or Dharma as keeping with my principled responsibility of transforming society man standing and selling. “One three laid down in the Constitution – notion that such a role required judges should be raised from the in the interest of All Humans In The rupees,” he said with his fingers. I existing Rs 90,000 to 250,000 with which has always been my complete and uncompromising Country. gave a ten rupee note and said: “Give guiding light. objectivity and non partisan retrospective effect starting from me three.” His hand went to the top, January 1, 2016!!! Is this not a fraud functioning, I never became a Is the well-known definition of pulled three small bananas and gave on the poor and illiterate people of 8. So it is in this present case. I member of AAP or any other democracy realistically applicable to them to me, and then he folded his India by the intellectual law makers? have already written expressing political party. free India? ‘Democracy BY the hands in namaste and smiled. A few I would rather call it as Official my strong discomfort at the people and OF the people is fine; but seconds later, I walked away Judicial Bribery In Advance. series of disclosures and 11. I have never held a post what is happening to democracy FOR wondering: why didn't he give me the conflicting versions regarding retirement paid post – either in the people?’ my friend asked. big bananas and also the balance one What can be done? Where to Judge Loya’s sudden and Government nor in any private rupee back? Then I remembered a begin to free India from Corporate I remember reading about a fellow Indian woman passenger on untimely death. The recent for profit entity. I live primarily Colonialism And Intellectual straight and simple conversation the plane sitting next to me telling me: Slavery? Press conference by four of the on my pension and interest on between our first President Rajendra “You should be very careful, this is a senior most Judges of the SC my few savings – and this has Prasad and Prime Minister Nehru. Be-Iman country. This is how I learnt May be, we should begin by only confirmed my own fears enabled me to play the role of When the President expressed his the first Hindi word Be-Iman and its folding up the present National that all was not well – and an independent voice and critic uneasiness with granting voting right meaning Dishonest.”’ Anthem (Jana gana mana . . .), keep it therefore this writ, as a Public without any fear or favour. to every adult in the country without in the museum. I offer an award of Rs interest Litigation, seeking the Born in Mumbai; domiciled in some basic qualification prescribed, The second incident was in a me 10,000 to any young man or woman Courts Directive to set up a high Maharashtra; I am perhaps one the Prime Minister was clear and his car and driver for the visit. After who will write a new National level judicial Enquiry under the of the few retired Former straight in insisting that when the an 8 hours drive, I enjoyed the great Anthem For The Future Of India to direct monitoring of the SC. I Chiefs who continues to live on thousands of poor and illiterate hospitality of the village and started encourage our honest law-makers to am hoping that by so doing, I the land allotted to me for my people had hearing stories of their claim that work for a society where Social sacrificed their lives for freedom, it ‘Ravana had brought Sita to this would add further weightage to gallantry award of Vir Chakra Equality And Economic Justice Will was necessary that the country respect village first.’ A young boy of 14 asked Be Available To All. What do the the pleas already made , to after the 1971 operations. them fully and give them the me a question: ‘Mr Menon, why do intellectuals say? opportunity to decide what kind of you people in India tell thousands of Email: [email protected] JANATA, February 4, 2018 15 R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, February 4, 2018

Published on Sunday, February 4, 2018 & Posted on Wednesday February 7, 2018 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

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Vol. 73 No. 3 Security for all not Feasible February 11, 2018 Kuldip Nayar

Two more policemen died in been lying in wait in the hospital’s the valley. This is not the first time parking lot before opening fire when Muslims in India : that there is casualty in Kashmir. he was brought along with other Appeasement But the disconcerting aspect is that prisoners. Jhutt is believed to have or Discrimination killings are taking place at regular been involved in multiple attacks, Ram Puniyani intervals. New Delhi has not been including on some civilians and able to quell violence. Probably, the army personnel. cause is eluding the Narendra Modi government at the center that has In fact, every political party has Amending the to be tackled if violence has to be someone to inform it about the Constitution of India stopped. arrival of any outsider in Srinagar. Vinayak Davray The terrorists and others line-up That at least two militants could resistance according to the danger sneak into the hospital complex to posed. The intelligence system is free the jailed LeT terrorist from too porous. The Mehbooba Mufti’s Brutal Experiment Pakistan is alarming, indeed. This government admits to its failure. All of Abolishing means there is no safe place in the the stone-pelters have been released, Dr. Norbert Haering valley. But the worst is the terrorists apparently as a goodwill gesture. But have no consideration for even the real reason behind the release is the sick. At the same time, it also the popular support they have. exposes our security set up when the 22-two year old Mohammad Naveed The situation is such that the old Jhutt, who was arrested in Kulgam militants like Yasin Malik or Shabbir Shah have become irrelevant today. Editor : in Kashmir in 2014, managed to The youth is leading and making G. G. Parikh escape with the assailants during broad daylight from outside the no secret of the fact that they want Managing Editor : Guddi government-run hospital, where he a separate Islamic country of their had been taken for medical check- own. They are neither pro-Pakistan, D-15, Ganesh Prasad, up. nor pro-India. They are pro- Naushir Bharucha Marg, themselves and have made it clear Mumbai - 400 007. The terrorists seemed to have to Islamabad that their movement is had a foolproof setup working in to prepare for their own entity. Email : [email protected] the valley to know when and where Website:www.janataweekly.org Jhutt would be taken as they have New Delhi realizes it but has 2 JANATA, February 11, 2018 no alternative to offer to them. Its communications. Or to 1989, when figure, but never allocating even answer seems to be security forces the state assembly elections were a fraction of it. Delhi has also which are suffering more and more rigged to force the Kashmiri youth misread to some extent the reason for casualty. Strangely the former chief infer that the ballot box would not people's sulkiness there. Had there minister Farooq Abdullah introduced bring them power, but the bullet been economic development in the religion by declaring that the youth might. state, the Kashmiri youth’s focus of is the new identity of Islam. They attention would have been different. are Muslims he says. But thank Pakistan was only looking for an One has only to think of the days god, he doesn’t question Srinagar’s opportunity when the angry young when they would look forward to accession to New Delhi. Kashmiris would cross the border the arrival of tourists. After going to get training and arms. That it through intermittent violence, the Pakistan understands that the smuggled in some of its own armed Kashmiris have realized that there entire partition formula would come men to guide them was natural is no go from the tourists who come to be questioned if it underlines because it had waited for nearly in large number and spend money. the entity factor. Therefore, it four decades to build an uprising in emphasizes that the two countries the valley. In the militancy and the Today, people are sick of should sit across the table and find state's response that followed, a large violence. The security forces and solution which is acceptable to number of Kashmiris and members the terrorists from across the border both. That, in fact, means Islamabad of security forces lost their lives. have made them live on edge. Poor does not want to face the fact. The living conditions have deteriorated reality is that the Pakistan-occupied The Kashmiri leaders, particularly further. They want development, Kashmir is sought to be a separate the younger lot, have to face the not politics, which the Mehbooba Islamic country. realities. An opportunity is coming government has been lately selling to their way in the shape of the Lok them vigorously. A responsive, clean New Delhi has made it clear that Sabha election next year. If they and purposeful administration in the it would not have talks until it is are in the same House, they can state would have lessened their and assured that Pakistan would not give demand from the nation what has Delhi's headaches. shelter to terrorists, nor would it be a been denied to them even after the party to militancy. But this is only a 1952 Delhi Agreement, that is, their Email : [email protected] pipedream. True, Islamabad's proxy special status. They can insist on war in the shape of mercenaries, the all precautions for a fair election. Janata Subscription ISI saboteurs and even the armed But they cannot afford to miss the forces—Pakistan describes all this opportunity. Annual Rs. : 260/- as ‘its moral and diplomatic support’ to the militants—has not allowed By getting elected to Parliament, Three Years : 750/- the state to settle down to normalcy the Kashmiri leaders will have Demand Draft / Cheque for years. In the last one decade, the an opportunity for disproving the interference from across the border government allegation that their on has been colossal. Still, frankly support was primarily because of speaking, India has had no policy fear and fundamentalism they have Mumbai Bank on Kashmir and it has committed a spread in the valley. They should in favour of mistake after mistake. understand these the uncertain situation in Kashmir has led New One can go back to the time when Delhi to deny the state the liberal Sheikh Abdullah, then Kashmir's economic assistance which it should JANATA TRUST sole leader, was detained in 1952 get. Many packages have been D-15, Ganesh Prasad, because he wanted India to live announced in the past decades. It up to its promise of autonomy. was first Rajiv Gandhi who promised Naushir Bharucha Marg, That meant transferring all powers an allocation of Rs 2,000 crore. Grant Road (W), to Srinagar except those relating The successive prime ministers to foreign affairs, defence and after him have been raising the Mumbai 400 007. JANATA, February 11, 2018 3 Muslims in India : Appeasement or Discrimination

Ram Puniyani

A democracy should be judged Muslim Community in India against Muslims related to issues by the parameter of ‘how safe and like: Muslim kings destroyed Hindu Islam came to India first through secure the religious minorities are’. temples; Muslim kings spread Islam the Arab traders at Malabar Coast In India, from among the religious on the strength of the sword; etc. in seventh century. Later through minorities, Muslims and Christians Their social conditions related to Sufi saints many untouchables took are singled out for discrimination poverty, like poor hygiene, also to Islam to escape caste tyranny. and physical violence. In addition became the butt of misconceptions Those taking to Islam came from many misconceptions are spread against them. These misconceptions the sections which belonged to against them. Muslim minorities formed the base of the communal the lower socio-economic strata in have been subject to demonisation violence. The majority of victims society. With the coming of modern in a serious way. They are also of violence were from among the education, elite Muslims took to victims of communal violence and poorer sections of society, and education in large numbers while indiscriminate arrests on the pretext the majority among them were not much was done for education of terrorist violence, while at the Muslims. Communal violence in of the poor sections of Muslims. same time the misconception that turn led to their ghettotisation, and To add to the problem, following Muslims have been appeased has the Muslim community started independence, a large number of been widely spread. becoming inward-looking in nature. affluent and salaried–educated Due to repeated violence against Muslims left for Pakistan, leaving With the formation of Indian them, their focus on security took the lower sections here in larger National Congress (INC) in 1885, precedence over equity issues. This numbers. The Muslim society many Hindu nationalists opposed led to neglect of education. In the last at large remained in the grip of inclusion of Muslims in INC. Later couple of decades, particularly after illiteracy and poverty. during the freedom movement, the 9/11 2001, in several cases of terror people belonging to this ideology Prof. Mushirul Hasan points out attacks, many innocent Muslim accused Gandhi of appeasing that for the “Muslim communities youth have been arrested. Muslims. This propaganda about that remained in India, partition was appeasement became very intense There was a trend of the police a nightmare. . . . (While) lawyers, after the Shah Bano case, when the authorities arresting college/ doctors, engineers, teachers and Government brought in Muslim university students on charges of civil servants were comfortably Women protection bill to negate terrorist acts, and then letting them ensconced in Lahore or Karachi the Supreme Court judgment which rot in jails for long periods before the either in response to Mohammad Ali granted maintenance to Shah Bano, courts come to their rescue. Towns Jinnah’s clarion call or to bolster their a divorced woman. It is true that the like Azamgargh and Bhatkal were career prospects. On the other hand, implementation of secular policies propagated to be dens of terrorists. the so-called Islamic community in of the ruling Government has been Madrassas have also been looked India, which had no place in Jinnah’s weak. One must add that other down as places breeding terrorists. Pakistan, was fragmented, and left parties have also tried to appease At times, many parents scared vulnerable to right wing Hindu fundamentalist Muslim leadership. of the prospect of their children thoughts.” (Hasan, 2001, p. 7) While the fundamentalist Muslim being implicated by the police leadership has been appeased, After Independence, communal recalled them back from colleges. Muslims in general have been forces started the propaganda The careers of many Muslim youth discriminated against; they are a part that Muslims are responsible for who were pursuing their studies of the lowest socio-economic strata partition. The communal political in professional colleges or were of society, and thus are far from groups popularised the biases against practicing as young professionals being appeased. Muslims. These misconceptions got ruined. This again added to the 4 JANATA, February 11, 2018 tendency of Muslim community to Muslim Artisans Malegaon, etc., where Muslims were withdraw into their own shells. There employed in large numbers. There A large section of Muslims is another parallel phenomenon are many reasons for this decline, is associated with a number of that has taken place during the such as increasing competition from handicrafts and related trades. Here last four decades: that of Muslim power loom weaving, changes in they tend to be employed as workers, youth seeking and getting jobs government protection policies, while the retailers and exporters preferentially in the Gulf countries. rising prices of raw silk and shifts belong to other communities. Khalidi This section did become slightly in market demand. In the past many provides the following statistics, more affluent, but is only a small years, there has also been a change quoting from a 1991 survey, that segment if we look the situation from in import policies allowing imports provide information about Muslim an all India perspective. of cheap silk fabric from China. employment in various handicrafts in the state of Uttar Pradesh: art Muslim Appeasement Muslims: Socio Economic metalware (76%), zari, gold thread/ Condition This propaganda is so strong brocade and zari goods (89%), that reality gets lost from popular embroidery (87.5%), cotton rugs Muslims have also not been perception. As per official data, (67%) and woodwares (72%). In able to take advantage of various the employment of Muslims in several other states too, Muslims government schemes for groups government jobs is abysmally low. are engaged in similar artisanal such as small farmers, marginal For example, table 1 shows Muslim activities in large numbers. Yet, the farmers, agricultural laborers, employment in Central services. State appears to have done little to landless laborers, etc. This is partly Though their ratio in population help Muslim artisan families and because of discrimination and is more than 14%, their share communities. indifference on the part of planning in government jobs and private and implementation authorities, and employment is not more than 3%. On the contrary, the economic partly because of lack of awareness policies have led to a worsening of and knowledge of such schemes As far as the representation of conditions of artisans over the last among Muslims. Consequently, the Muslims in the private sector is few decades; consequently, Muslim limited progress that some sections concerned, it is no better. A study artisans too have been badly affected of Muslims have been able to make done some time ago showed that in together with artisans from other in recent years owes almost wholly the private sector, including the two communities. Thus, earlier, there to their own efforts. Overall the top business houses of the Tatas and were over 5,00,000 weavers living economic conditions of most Indian Birlas, Muslim employment was in and around Varanasi, weaving silk Muslims are unenviable, to say the only 8.16%, while for the Scheduled saris mainly for the domestic market. least. Most of them eke out a hand- Castes it was 11.5%. In the executive But since the 1990s, these silk to-mouth existence either by way cadre Muslims were only 1.5% handloom weavers have seen their of self-employment in petty trade while in the clerical class they were markets vanish. Similar is the fate or by working in the unorganised 8.28%. of other textile centers like Bhivandi, sector. They are engaged mostly as Table 1: Muslim Employment in Central Government Services, 2000 construction labourers, rickshaw, taxi and truck drivers, handcart Group Estimated % of total Muslim % pullers, coolies, barbers, tailors, Strength strength in 1992 carpenters, pavement hawkers, or at A 77,680 2.05 1.61 best as mechanics, fitters, plumbers, electricians or welders. B 1,74,675 4.63 3.00 C 23,87,625 63.22 4.41 The Muslim ghettoes which have come to be formed in the D 11,36,686 30.09 5.12 aftermath of violence are islands of Total 37,76,666 100.00 deprivation, generally cut off from civic facilities, economic provisions, Source: Omar Khalidi, Muslims in the Indian Economy, Three Essays good schooling, etc. The banks and Collective, New Delhi, 2006, p. 45. JANATA, February 11, 2018 5 big companies are reluctant to open be evolved to evaluate text books any of these steps to alleviate the lot their offices in these areas. The only to purge them of material that may of Muslim community. With the reason why Muslims stay in these impart inappropriate social values, Modi sarkar coming to power in areas is because they see these as an especially religious intolerance, etc. 2014, the chances of any such steps arrangement for protection. being implemented have receded far State Response to Reports of into the background. Gopal Singh, Sachar Committee Minority Commissions and Ranganath Mishra Reports Last Three Years The report of the Gopal Singh In the light of worsening committee was never implemented. During the last three years, ever economic condition of Muslims, Two decades later, in response to since Modi has come to power, despite the Congress and later the UPA the Sachar Committee report, Prime the talk of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Governments appointed various Minister Manmohan Singh stated in (with all, for development of all), panels / commissions, such as the the National Development Council the government has systematically Gopal Singh Committee, Sachar that we need 'to devise innovative implemented policies to break the Commission and the Ranganath plans to ensure that minorities, back of the Muslim community. Mishra Commission to study the particularly the Muslim minority, One prominient example of this is socio-economic backwardness of are empowered to share equitably in the policy related to beef ban and Muslims. All these reports pointed the fruits of development, they must closure of meat shops, on the ground out that far from appeasement, the have the first claim on resources.' of their being illegal. The already condition of the Muslim community This statement was followed up by existing laws on cow slaughter and is worsening. a statement in Parliament by the beef ban have been tightened. A minister of minorities affairs that social atmosphere has been created Let us see for example what the the government will implement around 'Holy Mother Cow'. The Sachar Committee says (November the recommendations of Sachar implementation of this seems to be 2006). The committee after extensive Committee. This was proved to be guided more by hatred of Muslims home work found that the Muslim an illusion. The BJP came down than love for cows. An atmosphere minority is way behind the national heavily on this statement, asserting of terror has been created by the averages in most parameters of that the Prime Minister’s statement lynching of innocent Muslims by social development, its economic smacks of rank communalism. cow rakhashaks (protectors), who status has been sliding seriously, its The RSS combine also launched a are Hindu nationalists ideologically representation in jobs and bank loans vicious propaganda offensive. All inspired by the RSS–BJP. Such an is abysmal, and its representation in this demolished any hope that the intimidating atmosphere has been the political process has been very State will pick up the courage to created that even those transporting poor and worsening. In sum and take proactive affirmative action for cattle and dealing with meat/beef are substance, the Muslim community Muslim minorities. too scared to pursue their business. is under-represented in most of the Muslims are being relegated to arenas of society barring the jails. The pressure of communal second class citizenship at great The Gopal Singh committee had propaganda and opposition from speed. also affirmed the poor status of this Hindu 'nationalists' killed any minority. The Muslim community chances of the recommendations of Email : [email protected] has also suffered disproportionately these reports being implemented. The in riots as compared to its percentage government did try to contemplate in population. The Sachar steps short of reservations to improve Committee recommended that an the lot of the Muslim minorities. One Janata Equal Opportunity Commission of the important steps that it did should be set up, a national data consider implementing was the idea bank should be started, a nomination of Equal Opportunity Commission is available at procedure should be started to to improve the lot of minorities. As it ensure the participation of Muslims turned out, the government could not www.lohiatoday.com in public bodies, a procedure must muster enough courage to implement 6 JANATA, February 11, 2018 Amending the Constitution of India

Vinayak Davray

The Constituent Assembly Cripps proposals of March 1942, but Assembly of India was held in both were rejected by the Congress. New Delhi on 9 December 1946, The national movement, by The Congress then launched the with Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha, its the end of the second decade of historic Quit India movement in oldest member, as its provisional the twentieth century, had begun August 1942; the famous resolution chairman. On 11 December, 1946, to espouse the demand for the of the All India Congress Committee the Assembly elected Dr. Rajendra right of Indians to frame their own of 8 August 1942 exhorting Indians Prasad as its permanent chairman, an constitution. In May 1928, at the to 'Do or Die' also said that the office later designated as President initiative of the Congress, an All provisional government of free of the Asssembly. On 13 December, Parties Conference was called which India would evolve a scheme for Jawaharlal Nehru moved the famous appointed a committee to determine a Constituent Assembly. The mass Objectives Resolution. Jurist B.N. the 'principles of the Constitution of upsurge that followed made it clear Rau was appointed Constitutional India'. The Nehru Report, submitted to the British that they could not Adviser to the Assembly. in August 1928, was in effect an reject this demand much longer. outline of a draft Constitution of Following the end of the Second The Assembly’s work had five India. (Many of its features were World War, in March 1946, the stages: later included in the Constitution British Government sent a Cabinet of India.) In the early 1930s, the Mission to India to resolve the whole • Committees presented reports on Civil Disobedience Movement issue of freedom and constitution issues. saw hundreds of thousands on the making. Under the scheme proposed streets and tens of thousands in by it, accepted by the Congress after • B.N. Rau prepared an initial draft jail; the demand that Indians must intense discussions, members of the based on these reports and his have the right to frame their own Constituent Assembly were to be research into the constitutions of Constitution began to gain huge elected through indirect elections, other nations. public support. And along with by the recently elected legislative this, the idea began to gain ground • The drafting committee, chaired assemblies of the provinces. The that this should be done through a by B.R. Ambedkar, presented total membership of the Constituent Constituent Assembly elected for a detailed draft constitution Assembly was to be 389, out of this purpose on the basis of widest which was published for public which 296 members were to be from possible franchise, and not through a discussion. British India, and 93 from the Indian conference as was the case with the Princely States. However, as a result Nehru Report. • The draft constitution was of the partition under the Mountbatten discussed, and amendments An idea for a Constituent Plan of 3 June 1947, a separate proposed and enacted. Assembly of India was first proposed Constituent Assembly was set up for in 1934 by M. N. Roy, a pioneer Pakistan and representatives of some • The constitution was adopted, of the Communist movement in Provinces ceased to be members with a committee of experts and India. Soon after, the Congress too of the Assembly. As a result, the played a pivotal role. voiced the demand for a Constituent membership of the Assembly was Assembly elected on the basis reduced to 299. The Constituent Assembly of adult suffrage or as near it appointed a total of 22 committees Initially, the Constituent Assembly as possible. The demand for a to deal with different tasks of comprised only of members from Constituent Assembly was repeated constitution-making. Out of these, British India. Elections of these frequently thereafter. The British eight were major committees and were held in July-August 1946. partially conceded this demand first the others were minor committees. The first session of the Constituent in August 1940, and then through the The major Committees and their JANATA, February 11, 2018 7 chairmen were: for Independent India. It held its for amending the Constitution. last session on 24 January 1950. It adopted a combination of ‘the 1. Union Powers Committee – During this period it held eleven theory of fundamental law,’ that Jawaharlal Nehru sessions, sitting for a total of 165 underlies the written Constitution days. The Constituent Assembly of the United States, and the ‘theory 2. Union Constitution Committee – adopted the Constitution of India on of parliamentary sovereignty’ as Jawaharlal Nehru 26 November 1949, which became exists in the United Kingdom. effective on 26 January 1950. The Constitution of India vests 3. Provincial Constitution constituent (amending) power upon Committee – Sardar Patel The Constitution of India is the Parliament, subject to the special the fundamental or supreme law procedure laid down in Article 4. Advisory Committee on of the nation. The procedure for 368. The Constitution of India Fundamental Rights, Minorities amending the constitution is laid does not have procedures such and Tribal and Excluded Areas – down in Article 368 (Part XX) of the as a referendum. It is only for Sardar Patel. This committee had Constitution. This procedure ensures amendments of specific matters— the following sub-committees: the sanctity of the Constitution of which are only few—that the India and keeps a check on arbitrary i. Fundamental Rights Sub- ratification of the State Legislatures power of the Parliament of India. Committee – J. B. Kripalani is required. All other articles of the Constitution can be amended by Checks and Balances ii. Minorities Sub-Committee – the Parliament. The only limitation Harendra Coomar Mookerjee, The framers of the Constitution, is that this should be done by a that is, the Constituent Assembly, majority of not less than two-thirds iii. North-East Frontier Tribal established a three-pillar system of the members of each House Areas and Assam Excluded for governance of the country— present and voting and a majority & Partially Excluded Areas the Legislature (the Parliament), of the total membership of each Sub-Committee – Gopinath the Executive (the Council of House. It is difficult to conceive a Bardoloi Ministers) and the Judiciary (the simpler method of amending the Supreme Court). The Constitution Constitution. iv. Excluded and Partially of India has conferred the power of Excluded Areas (other amending the Constitution to the Amendment Procedure than those in Assam) Sub- Parliament and the power to interpret With its 395 articles, 12 schedules Committee – A. V. Thakkar the Constitution to the Supreme and two appendices, the Indian Court. This is the classic ‘check and Constitution is one of the longest 5. Rules of Procedure Committee – balance’ system. The Parliament written constitutions in the world. Dr. Rajendra Prasad would like to exercise discretionary The procedure to amend the power to amend the Constitution, 6. States Committee (Committee Constitution is partly flexible and while the Supreme Court would like for Negotiating with States) – partly rigid. An amendment to the to restrict that power. This has led to Jawaharlal Nehru Constitution can be initiated only the laying down of various doctrines by the introduction of a Bill in either 7. Steering Committee – Dr. or rules in regard to checking the House of Parliament. The Bill must Rajendra Prasad legality of an amendment, the most then be passed in each House by a famous among them being ‘the majority of the total membership 8. Drafting Committee – Dr. B. R. basic structure doctrine’ laid down of that House and by a majority Ambedkar by the Supreme Court in the case of not less than two-thirds of the of Kesavananda Bharati vs. State members of that House present and The Constituent Assembly took of Kerala. voting. There is no provision for a almost three years (two years, joint sitting in case of disagreement eleven months and seventeen days The Constituent Assembly did between the two Houses. The Bill, to be precise) to complete its historic not favour either the Parliament to passed by the required majority, is task of drafting the Constitution be ‘supreme’ like in Britain, nor did then presented to the President who it set up a rigid special procedure shall give his assent to the Bill. If 8 JANATA, February 11, 2018 the amendment seeks to make any to amend the Constitution by way (b) Chapter IV of Part V, Chapter V change in any of the provisions of addition, variation or repeal of Part VI, or Chapter I of Part mentioned in the proviso to article of any provision according to the XI, or 368 itself, it must be ratified by the procedure laid down therein. Article Legislatures of not less than one- 368 has been amended by the 24th (c) any of the Lists in the Seventh half of the States. Only after this Amendment in 1971 and 42nd Schedule, or ratification is completed can the Amendment in 1976. amending Bill be presented to the (d) the representation of States in President for his assent. Full text of article 368 Parliament, or The following is the full text of Categories of the Amendments (e) the provisions of this article, Article 368 of the Constitution, the amendment shall also The Constitution provides for which governs constitutional require to be ratified by the three categories of amendments. amendments: Legislatures of not less than The first category includes those one-half of the States by provisions of the Constitution 368. Power of Parliament to amend resolutions to that effect passed that can be amended by a simple the Constitution and Procedure by those Legislatures before majority, that is, a majority of the therefor: the Bill making provision for members of each House present (1) Notwithstanding anything in such amendment is presented and voting (similar to the ordinary this Constitution, Parliament to the President for assent. legislative process). These include: may in exercise of its admission or establishment of constituent power amend by (3) Nothing in article 13 shall new states; allowances, privileges way of addition, variation or apply to any amendment made and so on of the president, the repeal any provision of this under this article. governors, the Speakers, judges, Constitution in accordance etc.; salaries and allowances of the with the procedure laid down (4) No amendment of this members of Parliament; rules of in this article. Constitution (including the procedure in Parliament; and other provisions of Part III) made or such provisions. These amendments (2) An amendment of this purporting to have been made are excluded from the purview of Constitution may be initiated under this article whether before article 368, which is the specific only by the introduction of a or after the commencement of article dealing with the power and Bill for the purpose in either section 55 of the Constitution the procedure for amending the House of Parliament, and (Forty-second Amendment) Constitution. when the Bill is passed in each Act, 1976 shall be called in House by a majority of the total question in any court on any The second category includes membership of that House and ground. amendments that can be effected by by a majority of not less than Parliament by a prescribed ‘special two-thirds of the members of (5) For the removal of doubts, it majority;’ and the third category that House present and voting, is hereby declared that there of amendments includes those that it shall be presented to the shall be no limitation whatever require, in addition to such ‘special President who shall give his on the constituent power of majority,’ ratification by at least assent to the Bill and thereupon Parliament to amend by way of one half of the State Legislatures. the Constitution shall stand addition, variation or repeal the These last two categories of amended in accordance with provisions of this Constitution amendments are governed by article the terms of the Bill: under this article. 368. Provided that if such amendment There is no provision for a joint Amendments under Article 368 seeks to make any change in – sitting in case of disagreement between the two Houses. Total Article 368 (1) [Part XX] of membership in this context has been the Constitution of India grants (a) article 54, article 55, article 73, defined to mean the total number constituent power to the Parliament article 162 or article 241, or of members comprising the House JANATA, February 11, 2018 9 irrespective of any vacancies or to make any further amendments of which amended Article 368 to absentees on any account vide the Bill. declare that “nothing in Article 13 Explanation to Rule 159 of the shall apply to any amendment of this Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Role of Union Territories Constitution.” Business in Lok Sabha. The Bill, Union territories have no say The Supreme Court, ruling in the passed by the required majority, is in constitutional amendments, case of Kesavananda Bharati v. The then presented to the President who including the ratification process State of Kerala, held that although shall give his assent to the Bill. If which is only open to States. Delhi no part of the Constitution, including the amendment seeks to make any and Puducherry are two union Fundamental Rights, was beyond the change in any of the provisions territories that are entitled, by special amending power of Parliament (thus mentioned in the proviso to article constitutional amendments, to have overruling the its judgement in the 368, it must be ratified by the an elected Legislative Assembly Golaknath case), the "basic structure legislatures of not less than one-half and a Cabinet of ministers, thereby of the Constitution could not be of the States. enjoying partial statehood powers. abrogated even by a constitutional Both of these territories can Ratification is done by amendment". Parliament attempted participate in the ratification process. a resolution passed by the State to remove this limitation by enacting legislatures. There is no specific Limitations of Parliament's the Forty-second Amendment (in time limit for the ratification of Powers 1976), which inserted clauses (4) an amending Bill by the State and (5) to Article 368, effectively legislatures. However, the The Constitution can be amended declaring, among other provisions, resolutions ratifying the proposed by the Parliament, and only in that “there shall be no limitation amendment must be passed before the manner provided. Although whatever on the constituent power the amending Bill is presented to the Parliament must preserve the basic of Parliament to amend . . . this President for his assent. framework of the Constitution, there Constitution.” But the Supreme is no other limitation placed upon the Court in the case of Minerva Mills Role of State Legislatures amending power, meaning that there v. Union of India struck down these is no provision of the Constitution The role of the States in clauses, on the grounds that these that cannot be amended. In the case constitutional amendment is clauses destroyed the essential of Abdul Rahiman Jamaluddin v. limited. State legislatures cannot feature of the basic structure of the Vithal Arjun (AIR 1958 Bombay, initiate any Bill or proposal for constitution. 94, (1957)), the Bombay High Court amendment of the Constitution. held that any attempt to amend the Conclusion They are associated in the process Constitution by a Legislature other of the amendment only through the To summarise, the Constitution of than Parliament, and in a manner ratification procedure laid down in India can be amended under article different from that provided for, will article 368, in case the amendment 368 by a two-thirds majority in each be void and inoperative. seeks to make any change in any House of the Parliament; however, of the provisions mentioned in the The Supreme Court first struck the Parliament must preserve the proviso to article 368. The only down a constitutional amendment basic framework of the Constitution; other provision for constitutional in 1967 on the basis that it violated and every such amendment is subject changes by State legislatures is to Article 13, ruling in the case of to the scrutiny of the Supreme initiate the process for creating or Golaknath vs. State of Punjab that Court. While trying to establish the abolishing Legislative Councils in Parliament had no power to amend authority of Parliament over the their respective legislatures, and any of the provisions of Part III Supreme Court, the Parliament has to give their views on a proposed of the Constitution, so as to take nullified the ruling of the Supreme Parliamentary bill seeking to affect away or abridge the fundamental Court twice: by Twenty-fourth the area, boundaries or name of rights enshrined therein. Parliament Amendment in 1971 and by Forty- any State or States which has been responded by enacting the Twenty- second Amendment in 1976. Both referred to them under the proviso fourth Amendment of the the times the then Prime Minister to Article 3. However, this referral Constitution of India (in 1971), Indira Gandhi had mustered more does not restrict Parliament's power 10 JANATA, February 11, 2018 than two-thirds majority in each house of the parliament. A Well-Kept Open Secret : Washington Is Behind India’s Brutal Therefore, although the method of amending the Constitution appears a Experiment of Abolishing simple one, it is not easy to tamper with the Constitution, unless an Dr. Norbert Haering Executive manages to gather a two-thirds majority in each house In early November, without cash-based. Thus, a severe shortage of the Parliament. Secondly, the warning, the Indian government of cash ensued. Those who suffered existing law forbids legislators declared the two largest denomination the most were the poorest and most to play around with the ‘basic bills invalid, abolishing over 80 vulnerable. They had additional framework of the Constitution.’ percent of circulating cash by value. difficulty earning their meager living Thirdly, having vested with the Amidst all the commotion and in the informal sector or paying power to interpret the Constitution, outrage this caused, nobody seems for essential goods and services the Supreme Court is the final to have taken note of the decisive like food, medicine or hospitals. custodian of the Constitution. Thus role that Washington played in this. Chaos and fraud reigned well into December. it is a check to maintain the balance. That is surprising, as Washington’s role has been disguised only very Four weeks earlier However, that does not mean that superficially. the citizens can rest in peace that the US-President Barack Obama has Not even four weeks before Constitution will never be tampered. declared the strategic partnership this assault on Indians, USAID They need to be vigilant to ensure with India a priority of his foreign had announced the establishment that no forces should even think of policy. China needs to be reigned of Catalyst: Inclusive Cashless Payment Partnership, with the playing around with the Constitution. in. In the context of this partnership, goal of effecting a quantum leap An ideal democracy needs a strong the US government’s development in cashless payment in India. The opposition. Therefore there is a need agency USAID has negotiated cooperation agreements with the press statement of October 14 says to enhance the awareness among the that Catalyst 'marks the next phase citizens regarding our Constitution Indian Ministry of Finance. One of these has the declared goal to of partnership between USAID and and the provisions thereof, including Ministry of Finance to facilitate its amendment procedure. push back the use of cash in favor of digital payments in India and universal financial inclusion.' The globally. statement does not show up in the list Email : [email protected] of press statements on the website On November 8, Indian Prime of USAID (anymore?). Not even Minster Narendra Modi announced filtering statements with the word that the two largest denominations “India” would bring it up. To find it, of banknotes could not be used for you seem to have to know it exists, payments any more with almost or stumble upon it in a web search. immediate effect. Owners could Indeed, this and other statements, only recoup their value by putting which seemed rather boring before, them into a bank account before the have become a lot more interesting short grace period expired, which and revealing after November 8. many people and businesses did not manage to do due to long lines Reading the statements with in front of banks. The amount of hindsight, it becomes obvious that cash that banks were allowed to Catalyst and the partnership of pay out to individual customers USAID and the Indian Ministry was severely restricted. Almost half of Finance, from which Catalyst the Indians have no bank account originated, are little more than fronts and many do not even have a bank which were used to be able to prepare nearby. The economy is largely the assault on all Indians using cash without arousing undue suspicion. JANATA, February 11, 2018 11

Even the name Catalyst sounds a lot trapped in cash ecosystems, which Jonathan Addleton, USAID Mission more ominous, once you know what inhibits their interest' in digital Director to India, with hindsight it happened on November 9. payments, it said in the report. Since becomes clear that he had stealthily few traders accept digital payments, announced this four weeks earlier: Catalyst’s Director of Project few consumers have an interest in Incubation is Alok Gupta, who it, and since few consumers use 'India is at the forefront of global used to be Chief Operating Officer digital payments, few traders have efforts to digitize economies and of the World Resources Institute in an interest in it. Given that banks and create new economic opportunities Washington, which has USAID as payment providers charge fees for that extend to hard-to-reach one of its main sponsors. He was also equipment to use or even just try out populations. Catalyst will support an original member of the team that digital payment, a strong external these efforts by focusing on the developed Aadhaar, the Big-Brother- impulse is needed to achieve a challenge of making everyday like biometric identification system. level of card penetration that would purchases cashless.' According to a report of the create mutual interest of both sides Veterans of the war on cash in Indian Economic Times, USAID has in digital payment options. action committed to finance Catalyst for It turned out in November that three years. Amounts are kept secret. Who are the institutions behind the declared 'holistic ecosystem this decisive attack on cash? Upon Badal Malick was Vice President approach' to create this impulse the presentation of the Beyond of India’s most important online consisted in destroying the cash- Cash report, USAID declared: marketplace Snapdeal, before he ecosystem for a limited time and to 'Over 35 key Indian, American was appointed as CEO of Catalyst. slowly dry it up later, by limiting and international organizations He commented: the availability of cash from banks have partnered with the Ministry for individual customers. Since of Finance and USAID on this 'Catalyst’s mission is to solve the assault had to be a surprise to initiative.' On the ominously named multiple coordination problems achieve its full catalytic effects, the website http://cashlesscatalyst. that have blocked the penetration of published Beyond Cash report and org/ one can see that they are digital payments among merchants the protagonists of Catalyst could mostly IT- and payment service and low-income consumers. We look not openly describe their plans. providers who want to make money forward to creating a sustainable and They used a clever trick to disguise from digital payments or from replicable model. (…) While there them and still be able to openly do the associated data generation on has been (…) a concerted push for the necessary preparations, even users. Many are veterans of what digital payments by the government, including expert hearings. They a high-ranking official of Deutsche there is still a last mile gap when it consistently talked of a regional field Bundesbank called the 'war of comes to merchant acceptance and experiment that they were ostensibly interested financial institutions on coordination issues. We want to planning. cash' (in German). They include bring a holistic ecosystem approach the Better Than Cash Alliance, to these problems.' 'The goal is to take one city and increase the digital payments 10x in the Gates Foundation (Microsoft), Ten months earlier six to 12 months,' said Malick less Omidyar Network (eBay), the Dell than four weeks before most cash Foundation, MasterCard, Visa and The multiple coordination Metlife Foundation. problem and the cash-ecosystem- was abolished in the whole of India. issue that Malick mentions had been To not be limited in their preparation The Better Than Cash Alliance analysed in a report that USAID on one city alone, the Beyond Cash report and Catalyst kept talking The Better Than Cash Alliance, commissioned in 2015 and presented which includes USAID as a member, in January 2016, in the context of about a range of regions they were examining, ostensibly in order to is mentioned first for a reason. It was the anti-cash partnership with the founded in 2012 to push back cash Indian Ministry of Finance. The later decide which was the best city or region for the field experiment. on a global scale. The secretariat is press release on this presentation housed at the United Nations Capital is also not in USAID’s list of press Only in November, did it become clear that the whole of India should Development Fund (UNCDF) in statements (anymore?). The title of New York, which might have its the study was Beyond Cash. be the guinea pig for a global drive to end the reliance on cash. reason in the fact that this rather poor 'Merchants, like consumers, are Reading a statement of Ambassador small UN organization was glad to 12 JANATA, February 11, 2018 have the Gates Foundation in one closed doors and with no minutes industrialists happy: of the two preceding years and the taken. It becomes increasingly MasterCard Foundation in the other clear that the Group of Thirty is one 'I certainly wanted him out, and I as its most generous donors. of the major coordination centers made it clear to the Prime Minister, as of the worldwide war on cash. clear as possible. (…) His audience The members of the Alliance are Its membership includes other was essentially Western, and his large US Institutions which would key warriors like Rogoff, Larry audience in India was transplanted benefit most from pushing back Summers and others. westernised society. People used to cash, i.e. credit card companies come in delegations to my house to MasterCard and Visa, and also some Raghuram Rajan has ample urge me to do something about it.' US institutions whose names come reason to expect to climb further up a lot in books on the history to the highest rungs in international A disaster that had to happen of the United States intelligence finance and thus had good reason If Rajan was involved in the services, namely Ford Foundation to play Washington’s game well. preparation of this assault to and USAID. A prominent member is He already was a President of the declare most of Indians’ banknotes also the Gates Foundation. Omidyar American Finance Association and illegal—and there should be little Network of eBay (founder Pierre inaugural recipient of its Fisher doubt about that, given his personal Omidyar) and Citi are important Black Prize in financial research. and institutional links and the contributors. Almost all of these He won highly endowed prizes of importance of Reserve Bank of are individually also partners in the Infosys for economic research and India in the provision of cash—he current USAID–India–Initiative to of Deutsche Bank for financial had ample reason to stay in the end the reliance on cash in India economics as well as the Financial background. After all, it cannot have and beyond. The initiative and the Times/Goldman Sachs Prize for surprised anyone closely involved Catalyst-program seem little more the best economics book. He was in the matter, that this would result than an extended Better Than Cash declared Indian of the Year by in chaos and extreme hardship, Alliance, augmented by Indian NASSCOM and Central Banker of especially for the majority of poor and Asian organizations with a the Year by Euromoney and by The and rural Indians, who were flagged strong business interest in a much Banker. He is considered a possible as the supposed beneficiaries of the decreased use of cash. successor of Christine Lagard at the badly misnamed drive for 'financial helm of the IMF, but can certainly inclusion'. USAID and partners had Reserve Bank of India’s IMF– also expect to be considered for other Chicago Boy analysed the situation extensively top jobs in international finance. and found in the Beyond-Cash report The partnership to prepare the As a Central Bank Governor, that 97% of transactions were done temporary banning of most cash Rajan was liked and well respected in cash and that only 55% of Indians in India coincides roughly with the by the financial sector, but very had a bank account. They also found tenure of Raghuram Rajan at the much disliked by company people that even of these bank accounts, helm of Reserve Bank of India from from the real (producing) sector, 'only 29% have been used in the last September 2013 to September 2016. despite his penchant for deregulation three months'. Rajan (53) had been, and is now and economic reform. The main again, economics professor at the All this was well known and reason was the restrictive monetary made it a certainty that suddenly University of Chicago. From 2003 to policy he introduced and staunchly 2006 he had been Chief Economist abolishing most cash would cause defended. After he was viciously severe and even existential problems of the International Monetary Fund criticised from the ranks of the (IMF) in Washington. (This is a to many small traders and producers governing party, he declared in June and to many people in remote CV item he shares with another that he would not seek a second term important warrior against cash, regions without banks. When it in September. Later he told the New did, it became obvious how false Ken Rogoff.) He is a member of York Times that he had wanted to the Group of Thirty, a rather shady the promise of financial inclusion stay on, but not for a whole term, by digitalisation of payments and organization, where high ranking and that premier Modi would not representatives of the world’s major pushing back cash has always been. have that. A former Minister for There simply is no other means of commercial financial institutions Commerce and Law, Mr. Swamy, share their thoughts and plans payment that can compete with cash said on the occasion of Rajan’s in allowing everybody with such low with the presidents of the most departure that it would make Indian important central banks, behind hurdles to participate in the market JANATA, February 11, 2018 13 local or international rules. German economy. newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine their orders, since revoking their Zeitung has recently run a chilling license to do business in the US However, for Visa, MasterCard story describing how that works or in dollars basically amounts to and the other payment service (German). shutting them down. Just think providers, who were not affected about Deutsche Bank, which had by these existential problems of 'Employees of a German factoring to negotiate with the US treasury the huddled masses, the assault on firm doing completely legal business for months on whether they would cash will most likely turn out a big with Iran were put on a US terror have to pay a fine of 14 billion success, 'scaling up' digital payments list, which meant that they were dollars and most likely go broke, in the 'trial region'. After this chaos shut off most of the financial system or get away with seven billion and and with all the losses that they had and even some logistics companies survive. If you have the power to to suffer, all business people who would not transport their furniture bankrupt the largest banks even of can afford it are likely to make sure any more. A major German bank large countries, you have power they can accept digital payments was forced to fire several employees over their governments too. This in the future. And consumers, who upon US request, who had not done power through dominance over the are restricted in the amount of anything improper or unlawful.' financial system and the associated cash they can get from banks now, There are many more such data is already there. The less cash will use opportunities to pay with there is in use, the more extensive cards, much to the benefit of Visa, examples. Every internationally active bank can be blackmailed by and secure it is, as the use of cash is a MasterCard and the other members major avenue for evading this power. of the extended Better Than Cash the US government into following Alliance. Why Washington is waging a Failing the Child won’t Revive the global war on cash Failed System The business interests of the US companies that dominate the gobal Ishu Gupta and Sandeep Pandey IT business and payment systems are an important reason for the zeal The system is again set to fail the stage. The high dropout rate in India of the US government in its push to children who were brought into the has been a major problem to which reduce cash use worldwide, but it is system without promising access to the government has not been able to not the only one and might not be the quality education. With hardly any find a solution yet. most important one. Another motive empirical evidence of the impact of is surveillance power that goes with no detention policy on degrading The purpose of NDP of not increased use of digital payment. learning outcomes and choosing to failing students till class VIII stage was to ensure better enrollment at US intelligence organisations and turn a blind eye to the continuous secondary stage. This is also the IT companies together can survey negligence of the state towards stage at which child is developing all international payments done public schools, 'No Detention Policy' (NDP) is going to be scrapped. interest in education and getting to through banks and can monitor most be more independent. Soon s(he) of the general stream of digital data. With no attention to associating learning with the assessments, our has to decide which subjects s(he) Financial data tends to be the most would choose for further study. A important and valuable. children will again be put to stressed examination process. A 2015 World child dropping out of school before Even more importantly, the Bank report shows there are 28.86 reaching the secondary stage is status of the dollar as the world's lakh children in India who are out most likely going to continue in currency of reference and the of school. Net enrollment rate in the labour job that her/his parents have traditionally been doing. The dominance of US companies in primary schools is 92.3% of relevant opportunity of breaking this vicious international finance provide the age group and same figure for secondary schools is 61.8%. This cycle is lost once the child is out of US government with tremendous school. power over all participants in the implies that in addition to the above formal non-cash financial system. mentioned children who don’t see A misunderstanding has been It can make everybody conform to the inside of a school there is a large created by a segment of society American law rather than to their number which doesn’t make the which intends to use the tool of transition from primary to secondary examination to block the passage 14 JANATA, February 11, 2018 of children of masses through the quality of its schools. In the past compared to other 72 countries education system to maintain the Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Himachal in which it is conducted, wants upper class-caste hegemony and Pradesh governments have exhibited to subject its own 6-14 years old hold over the benefits which come some significant advances in this children to examinations! with education for their children by direction. propagating the view that the NDP The BJP government has is responsible for falling standards The National Curriculum undone the progressive steps taken of learning. The present Bhartiya Framework (NCF), 2005, credited earlier to de-emphasise the role Janata Party government, which is a to a committee chaired by Professor of examinations in our education representative of this elite segment, Yashpal, recommended an internal system, including making the class is preparing to bring an amendment school based system of assessment X Central Board of Secondary to the Right of Children to Free and that could provide information on Education examination optional. a child’s overall development on Compulsory Education Act, 2009 Nowhere in the world such to remove this provision, thereby a continuous and comprehensive manner, which was included in large scale fraud is committed in exposing children to examinations the examination process as in our at elementary level, possibly the RTE Act. A number of states modified their assessment methods to country. In some states open use holding some of them back for of unfair means as mass copying poor performance. It is obvious that what they understood of ‘continuous and comprehensive evaluation’. with the collusion of education axe will fall on children, especially department officials and school more so on first generation learners But broadly everybody understood that cognitive skills alone are not management takes place that reduces - children from weaker socio- the activity to farce. The problem of economic backgrounds. Hence the important. Social and emotional skills too were to be included in little learning or no learning does not withdrawal of NDP is an anti-poor just exist at the elementary level. and retrogressive step which should the curriculum. Although for most states the non-scholastic aspect Most students completing their not be taken by any government class X or XII board examinations which gives priority to inclusive of education always took a back seat. For example, whereas all or sometimes even those completing development. The character of the their degree level education also BJP government which wants to evaluations were to be done in terms of grading, some states continued have very poor levels of learning. perpetuate the traditional caste- This goes to show that there is no class-religio-gender dominance is with the practice of allotting marks for scholastic subjects and grades guarantee of learning just by an again brought out by this proposed examination driven system. amendment. ASER 2017 highlights for others. the higher drop-out rate of girls, and Most took ‘continuous and It would have been better if the this move might further reduce the comprehensive evaluation’ to government instead of focusing on gender parity at the primary level. mean simply conducting tests withdrawing the NDP had instead continuously, thereby taxing the concentrated on implementing Are children responsible for poor the system of continuous and learning outcomes? If learning is students even more. The NCF recommended an evaluation system comprehensive evaluation. not taking place, and a recent World That would have produced the Bank Development report rightly integral to the teaching learning process to avoid any undue pain, desired result of improving the says that ‘Schooling without learning learning levels. Re-introducing is not just a wasted opportunity, but anxiety, harassment and humiliation to help children grow as social the examination system does not a great injustice’, it is because the guarantee that. teachers lack the motivation and beings. But the mindset behind skills. Effectively then, the children withdrawing ‘no detention policy’ If real learning has to take place in will pay the price for truant behavior makes the children the victims. the sense of acquiring knowledge, it of the teachers. The real problem It may not be out of context to can only take place when importance of our public education system, mention that the same government of examination is delinked from especially at school level, is how to which does not want to subject the process of education. And there make the teachers teach? If serious itself to Programme for International are schools in this country, like the teaching starts taking place, learning Student Assessment (PISA), an Krishnamurti Foundation schools will be an automatic outcome. international survey meant to test and other less known schools which Unfortunately, except for Delhi the skills and knowledge of 15 have accomplished this. government no other government years old students, to save itself the Email : [email protected] / in the country is at present actively embarrassment of poor performance [email protected] doing anything to improve the JANATA, February 11, 2018 15 R.N.I. 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Vol. 73 No. 4 If Modi Believes February 18, 2018 Palestine-Israel Problem Is Tractable

Economics of Politics Why Not India-Pakistan? Kuldip Nayar Sandeep Pandey How to Provide Universal Access to Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh apology to the British. Another Health and Education in India? chief Mohan Bhagwat has claimed person inspired by RSS ideology was Dr. Malika B. Mistry that their organisation can raise Nathuram Godse who assassinated a combatant force in three days Mahtma Gandhi, till date the most whereas it'll take the Indian Army popular Indian and with whom 'Thou need not pay', or, The Indian Republic and Chai-Pani about six to seven months to prepare India's identity is associated globally. Dr. Paresh R. Vaidya for a war. What can be better than In 1992, when the political wing of this? The country will save on its RSS, the Bhartiya Janata Party defence expenditure. The disciplined was in power in Uttar Pradesh its Failures of Democracy: India patriotic volunteers of RSS will serve volunteers demolished the Babri shining, Bharat suffering? to defend the country with great Masjid in Ayodhya which they Preeti Mahurkar commitment. The RSS should be had failed to do during Samajwadi given the task of making volunteers Party's rule three years earlier. available for this cause. Now it is People inspired by the RSS ideology The Fukushima Nuclear Meltdown their government so Mohan Bhagwat were behind five incidents of bomb Continues Unabated should make a formal proposal. blasts in the country in which Helen Caldicott Lieutenant Colonel Srikant Purohit We hear about the dedicated and retired Major Ramesh Upadhyay volunteers of RSS ever ready to were also invovled which shows Editor : sacrifice for the nation. However, RSS has already infiltrated the G. G. Parikh before they can be asked to defend Army. Now when the BJP is in the country we must verify their power at the centre various vigilante Managing Editor : Guddi credentials of bravery. Now there is groups motivated by the RSS thining no proof from the freedom struggle, attack and sometimes kill isolated D-15, Ganesh Prasad, as RSS chose not to participate in it. people who are suspected to have Naushir Bharucha Marg, Sole prominent person associated participated in cow slaughte, of Mumbai - 400 007. with RSS V.D. Savarkar who went having consumed beef, are accused Email : [email protected] to jail because of patriotic zeal of indulging in Love Jihad, or simply Website:www.janataweekly.org was released when he tendered an believe in an ideology which is 2 JANATA, February 18, 2018 critical of Hindutva. The common Pakistan has deteriorated. There are to have. If such a choice exists why victims are mostly Muslims and more infringements from across the not prefer friendship over enmity? dalits while some intellectuals have border. We were made to believe also been targetted. People inspired that India carried out some kind Narendra Modi has taken a by RSS ideology see bravery in of decisive 'surgical strike' but our commendable stand in favour of these acts and sometimes they soldiers contnue to be killed in Free Palestine during his recent think they are serving the cause of attacks by militants or Pakistani visit to West Asia. He has clearly nationalism when commiting these security forces even after that. All sent out a message to Israel that crimes. When one of the accused in we can do in resposne is kill some India may be the largest buyer of the case of murder by mass lynching Pakistani soldiers or terrorists. Israeli arms but it doesn't mean it'll of Mohammed Akhlaq in Dadri died Who benefits from these skirmishes give up its commitment towards his body was wrapped in tricolour. except for the countries which sell the idea of a free Palestine. He Now, these incidents do not inspire arms to both India and Pakistan? highlighted the need for a peaceful enough confidence that the security India's relationship with China is resolution to the Palestine-Israel of the country could be handed over also not very friendly. But at the conflict. India-Pakistan conflict is to the RSS. Chinese border both sides take care of a very similar nature as that of that no soldier or civilian is killed on Palestine-Israel. Incidentally both On the other hand, there was an either side. It almost seems to be an problems have a history of same occasion when Pakistani terrorists unspoken, unwritten understanding. duration and are the creation of the held the country hostage for three British. If Narendra Modi thinks days in Mumbai in Novermber 2008 It would have been better if that resolution of Palestine-Israel but RSS workers were conspicuous instead of exhibtion of aggression tangle is possible through dialogue by their absence. If all the RSS by the RSS-BJP combine India why is it not possible to adopt a volunteers along with the Shiva would have achieved a similar similar approach in the case of India- Sena workers, who demonstrate understanding with Pakistan. What Pakistan imbroglio? ample aggression otherwise against the Jammu and Kashmir Chief people from north Indian states and Minister Mehbooba Mufti is saying Email: [email protected] non-Marathi speaking individuals, about the need to talk to Pakistan is ready to take on anybody anytime, very common sensical. If the Modi had come out in large numbers government would not make it a Janata Subscription to storm the Taj Hotel the entire prestige issue and talk to Pakistani episode would have been over on the government it would save valuable Annual Rs. : 260/- first day itself. However, RSS-Shiva lives of soldiers and civilians on both Three Years : 750/- Sena lost their only chance to exhibit sides. When Narendra Modi wanted real valour. Considering that RSS he landed in Pakistan enroute from Demand Draft / Cheque headquarter is in Maharashtra, when Afghanistan. That didn't appear on the enemy invaded their home, it is to be any adversarial relationship inexplicable why the RSS workers between him and Nawaz Sharif. Mumbai Bank were mere spectators? The Army He participated in a private event in favour of which Mohan Bhagwat says will of Nawaz Sharif's family and even require six to seven months actually gifted a shawl to his mother. Now wound up the operation in three if Narendra Modi desires to have days including capturing one of the a friendly relationship with Nawaz JANATA TRUST terrorists alive. Sharif why should not our soldiers D-15, Ganesh Prasad, be given a similar opportunity? It The politics of RSS produces would be better to exchange gifts Naushir Bharucha Marg, unnecessary tension and violence rather than fire across the border. Grant Road (W), which is harmful to us. Since And it entirely depends on the Mumbai 400 007. Narendra Modi has become Prime leadership of the two countries as to Minister our relationship with what kind of relationship they want JANATA, February 18, 2018 3 Economics of Politics

Kuldip Nayar

It’sunderstandable that this year’s the Bhartiya Janata Party. percent of benefits for Hindus. budget should have an eye on rural India which constitutes some 70 This is a strange phenomenon in a In the circumstances, the percent of voters. Finance Minister secular India because the credentials ‘Modicare’ which assures health Arun Jaitley had no compunction in of BJP are too well known.A soft insurance to 50 crore individuals mixing politics with economics. In Hindutva has come to engulf the with coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh the past whenever the budget was country. This looks odd in India per family per year appears to be a mixed with electioneering, political where the constitution uses the masterstroke. Describing the scheme parties would protest against such word ‘secular’ in its preamble.One as “the world’s largest state-funded a practice. may blame Mohammad Ali Jinnah, healthcare programme” the Finance founder of Pakistan, for dividing Minister also announced one medical Over the years, economics has the country into two nations, but college in every parliamentary got mixed with politics. And, the resistance from the people was constituency. It would mean the unfortunately, there is no getting minimal. country would have approximately away from this. The emphasis is on 180 medical colleges and as many bettering the lot of those living in Not long ago when I discussed hospitals available to them. villages, the rural poor. The drubbing the subject with Lord Mountbatten, of BJP in Rajasthan by-polls shows the last Viceroy of India, he blamed To make it a successful that the voters are not convinced Jinnah for the partition. He said that proposition, the Centre is expected with the intent of the ruling party, in the then Prime Minister Clement to involve state-run hospitals in a all the three by-elections, including Richard Atlee was keen on having big way for smooth takeoff of the one for the assembly, the Congress some sort of unity between India and scheme. This is the third major has won. Whether the party would Pakistan. Lord Mountbatten told me insurance programme of the NDA continue to get the same results is so when I met him after many years. government after Prime Minister’s yet to be seen, but the climate is Fasal Bima Yojna for farmers and the pro-Congress. He said he had invited Mahatma Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Gandhi first to have a look at the Yojna. The crop insurance scheme A sort of pattern has come to partition formula. The Mahatma launched by the government a emerging. Where the Congress is in walked out of Mountbatten’s room couple of years ago has turned out to power, the BJP has won and it is the when he heard the word partition. be a success with business growing other way round in the BJP-ruled Jinnah welcomed the partition, when to around Rs 25,000 crore. states. The voters have no choice Mountbatten asked him if he would except choosing between the two have some connection with India, he The tragedy is that Muslims have parties. The third front has sought to categorically said no, adding “I don’t withdrawn instead of confronting be created but it is confined to some trust them.” That ended the dream Hindutva with all its force.When I states alone. The front does not seem of united India which Atlee wanted. asked a top Muslim leader the reason to go across the country. for such a move, he said: “We want To envisage a budget for united safety of our lives and properties. In fact, the third front is reduced India is a difficult proposition. No We are not interested in fighting the to the Trinamool Congress in West party, except the Congress, has its Hindutva forces.”Thus, the BJP is Bengal, the Janata United of Nitish presence in all the states. And the capturing the imagination of Hindu Kumar in Bihar and the Rashtriya Congress itself is losing its hold state population. Janta Dal of Lalu Prasad, however after state. The BJP is slowly filling limited in sway in the state. The the vacuum, but on communal lines. This means that if the Prime Congress which is spread all over Its pronounced tilt towards Hindutva Minister Narendra Modi could win the country has only one opponent: means that the budget would have 80 the next general election. It would 4 JANATA, February 18, 2018 be his personal victory and not that of the BJP. He has cast his spell How to Provide Universal Access to over the Hindu voters, particularly Health and Education in India? in rural India. Some respite is on the horizon. The assembly election in Gujarat, Modi’s stronghold, has Dr. Malika B. Mistry shown lessening of BJP’s strength because the Congress has increased Introduction and planning (CBMP) of health its tally in the state, although with services in Maharashtra represents Health and education are the the help of a few like-minded parties. an innovative participatory approach human rights of an individual. An to improving accountability and egalitarian society would aim at This must have come as a big health care delivery. jolt to the BJP, particularly Prime providing universal access to health and education to all its members. Minister Modi and party president The implementation of CBMP In fact an analysis of the historical Amit Shah. They had taken Gujarat includes awareness raising and experience of developed countries for granted. The Congress is jubilant preparatory activities, capacity reveals that the provision of access because it has bearded the lion in building and training of participants, to health and education enabled its own den. Whether the party can formation and functioning of these countries to achieve faster keep the winning trend in the future monitoring and planning committees, economic growth. In the current is difficult to say, but the Maha Front community based assessment of literature on economic development which Nitish Kumar is trying to health services, organisation of of developing countries, a great build with all non-BJP parties may pubic hearing, which is attended deal of emphasis is laid on human challenge Modi at the centre. by a large number of community development, the important members and diverse stake holders. components of which are education One drawback, however, is that One core strategy of CBMP is the and health. However, even after Nitish Kumar is siding with the public hearing which is attended seven decades of Independence, BJP to save his government in the by a large number of community Indian state has not been able to state after fissures appearing in members. In these hearings, people provide universal access to health Rashtriya Janata Dal of Lalu Yadav are invited to report their experience and education to its people, which and his own party. Of course, Lalu of health services in the presence is a shame. It reflects poorly on the is still popular and draws support of health officials and panelists from Indian government and the political from even unexpected quarters. He various fields. Around 450 such parties which have ruled and are has been imprisoned and lodged in public hearings have been organised ruling this country. Ranchi jail after he was found guilty in Maharashtra. in the fodder scam. Yet, he seems to The objectives of this paper are command support from the voters. India is a democratic country. : (1) To examine whether universal And Nitish is conscious of it. CBMP contributes to deepening of access to health and education can democracy by (a) creating fora for be made available to Indian people; Prime Minister Modi doesn’t direct democracy; (b) expanding (2) To undertake some case-studies seem too concerned about a fraction representative democracy and of successful stories of access to of his support going away because he ensuring participation of community health and education; and finally, stills commands influence over the based actors in local health planning; (3) To make recommendations based voters. But the real picture would (c) reclaiming representative on our study which will have policy emerge only after the results of state democracy; (d) promoting external implications to promote universal elections this year. Whether Modi accountability processes which access to health and education in goes for an early poll next year is in trigger internal accountability India. the realm of conjecture.At present mechanisms. any guess would be a shot in the Universal Access to Health: An dark. How did CBMP provide access Experiment in Maharashtra to health care in the villages of Email: [email protected] Community based monitoring Maharashtra? We list below some JANATA, February 18, 2018 5 achievements of this experiment: • The medical officers not ‘Community Participation and staying on the premises came Citizen Engagement', they have made 1) After a public hearing at Saswad back and started staying on the following recommendations, Rural Hospital in Pune, the the premises. which seem to be very similar to following action was taken. those of CBMP: • Frequency of ANMs’ visits to • A medical officer working villages and even to remote 1. Transform existing Village Level at the hospital who was hamlets, improved. Health Committees (or Health practicing illegally and and Sanitation Committees) into • A PHC in a tribal village denying proper treatment to participatory Health Councils. Moroshi in Thane district was patients was transferred. closed to political pressure. 2. Organise regular ealth Because of CBMP, the PHC • The physical condition of the Assemblies.Health Assemblies. hospital improved. was reopened and started functioning. 3. Enhance the role of elected • Staff behaviour significantly representatives as well as changed. • CBMP committee could protect women health workers Panchayat Raj institutions (in • Representatives from the from sexual harassment by rural areas) and local bodies (in PWD were included in the male health workers. urban areas). monitoring committee to 4. Institute a formal grievance ensure their accountability. • The scope of services was expanded. At the Malshiras redressal mechanism at the block 2) In Nasrapur PHC, the following village PHC, the treatment level. changes were effected. for diabetes and hypertension was started. Universal Access to Education: • The serious problem of The Case-Study of Finland Shukla and Sinha (2011) water supply was solved by Anu Partnen (2011) in the article who documented the CBMP in installing four water tanks, “What Americans Keep Ignoring Maharashtra conclude as follows: resulting into direct benefits to about Finland’s School Success” patients, cleaner premises and documented the universal access a fully functional laboratory. 'It is more likely that effective social accountability of public to education that Finns enjoy in Finland. Finland’s national education • A display board was installed services can be achieved when system has been receiving praise for easy location of the health the interventions are participatory, because in the Finnish students were facility. evidence-based and sustained, involving multiple actors and able to receiving some of the highest scores • A sanitary worker was build broad stakeholder coalitions. in the PISA Survey of the OECD in appointed to regularly clean There is probably no social context the world. Their scores were neck the premises. today where democracy is not a to neck with those of super achievers significant aspiration of ordinary in South Korea and Singapore. • A workshop on the role people; yet how to radically expand of adolscents for the What is so special about these democracy and make it real in the development of village health schools? Finnish schools assign less context of public services and other was conducted in which homework and engage children in spheres of life is a key challenge.' school youth participated. more creative play. Because of this (2011:29) many foreign delegations come to 3) Some more positive effects of Finland to visit schools and talk with CBMP are as follows : In the High Level Expert Group Report on Universal Health Coverage the nation’s education experts. for India (2011), the experts have • Several sub-health centers There are no private schools in given many recommendations to were reopened and started Finland. Only a small number of ensure universal access to health to functioning. independent schools exist. They too Indian people. Under the heading, 6 JANATA, February 18, 2018 are publicly funded. None is allowed resort to the policy of equity in expenditure on education must to charge tuition fees. Also there are the access to education? Because be increased to at least 6 (as many no private universities. This means it realised that it cannot rely on experts all over the world have that every person practically in manufacturing or its scant natural suggested.) Finland atteands public school right resources to be competitive in the from K.G. to Ph.D. world. So it decided to invest in 5. The mushrooming of international knowledge based economy. To schools and English medium In Finland, there are no achieve this, a country has to prepare schools must be discouraged. standardised tests. The only not just some of its population well exception is National Matriculation but all of its population well. To 6. The accountability and Exam which every one takes at the have some of the best schools in the transparency must be fixed on end of the upper-secondary school, world does not help if there are many teachers and management of which is equivalent to American children left behind. the schools. When government high school. is spending so much money on The Finnish school system the schools and the teachers What about the teachers? ensures that all children have access salaries, the value of money In Finland, all teachers and to good public education irrespective needs to be extracted. In fact administrators are given good of where they go to school or what the government schools, as the salary, prestige and responsibility. sort of families they come from. Kendriya Vidyalayas should For a teacher, master’s degree become centers of excellence. is a must. The teacher training What is the lesson for India? If programmes are conducted in best Finland canprovide universal access 7. The above is possible provided of the colleges. to education, India too can provide there is a strong political will. For this. For this a strong political will this voters have to become active. Finns believe in cooperation and is necessary. And voters need to The discourse of politics has to not in competition. There are no demand this. change. It should have health best schools or teachers in Finland. and education which are very The goal of education programme in Recommendations basic needs of humans, become Finland is equity and not excellence. the central focus of politics and On the basis of the above, here Finland believes and implements the politicians. For this political are some recommendations to idea that every child should have discourse has to change from provide universal access to health exactly the same opportunity to learn negative and communal politics and education: irrespective of family background, to positive and developmental income or geographic location.. 1. In case of health, all the politics. Education is not seen as a means recommendations made by the Conclusion to produce star performers but as High Level Expert Group Report an instrument to even out social on Universal Health Coverage for It is high time that India provides inequality. Schools must be healthy India should be implemented. universal access to health and and safe for children. It gives free education to all its citizens. It is school meals, easy access to health 2. The percentage of GDP possible provided there is a strong care, psychological counseling and expenditure on health must be political will. Health and education, individualised student guidance to all increased to at least 3 (as many which are very basic needs of its students. Thus Finland has been experts all over the world have humans, must becConclusionome producing academic excellence by suggested.) the central focus of politics and following the policy of equity. politicians. For this voters have 3. In case of education, all the to become active. The political According to some experts, Kothari Commission’s discourse has to change from education policy is more important recommendations should be fully negative and communal politics to the success of a country’s school put into practice. to positive and developmental system than the nation’s size or politics. If this can be done, India ethnic make-up. Why did Finland 4. The percentage of GDP can achieve even higher economic JANATA, February 18, 2018 7 growth rate and high level of economic development and truly 'Thou need not pay', or, The Indian become a shining example for all Republic and Chai-Pani the developing nations in the world.

Email: [email protected] Dr. Paresh R. Vaidya

References :- This author was born barely time before anas left the stage. Anu Partnen “What Americans four months before the Constituent Soon after, the pound (ser) made Keep Ignoring about Finland’s Assembly adopted the Constitution way for the kilogram. The sound School Success” (www.theatlantic. in November 1949. Hence I realise of the band at the police parade com) (29/12/2011). Reproduced that my age is also almost exactly the on 15th August & 26th January in Jain Neeraj (2015), Education same as that of the Republic India. renewed our devotion for Mother under Globalisation : Burial of Due to this or any other reason, I India twice a year. The flag was then the Constitutional Dream, Aakar have been a keen observer of the hoisted not by a politician but by the Books, New Delhi. people of this country and their collector of the district (in the case of lives and internalised joys and Kutch, a ‘C’ State, it was the Chief Kingdom Geeta (2017), ‘A sorrows of India as a nation. The Commisioner.) Returning home we Scholarship for Everyone, Times of first few years of a child’s life are used to fill our compound and walls India, September 12. without comprehension ability and with pictures of national heroes and hence one could not have gathered the Tiranga with a desire in the heart High Level Expert Group Report the true impressions. But then a to measure up to them, at least to on Universal Health Coverage for general impression gathered from some extent. India (2011), Executive Summary, the literature of the period and Instituted by Planning Commission discussions in the family or school Nowhere in this landscape of of India, submitted to the Planning fills this small gap. In national matters golden sunrise filled with patriotism Commission of India, New Delhi. my memory begins with the curtain and hope was seen a dark cloud of raiser exhibition organised for the greed or corruption. That began a 'At 9 Lakh in 2016, India’s Under-5 first Five Year Plan. By today’s little later and blossomed further Mortality Rate World’s Worst' wisdom, I feel that it was indeed when expediency came to be (2017), Times of India, September thoughtful of the administration to considered as success during the 16. put up a large exhibition in a remote early 1970s. My first exposure to town (Bhuj) on the western border. corruption occurred when I set out Lokayat (2014), Is the Government The way this exhibition enthused the to begin my adult life. I was 19 years Really Poor? All India Shiksha rural and semi-urban visitors about and was going to Bombay (now Sangharsh series, Lokayat the programmes India intended to Mumbai) for pre-service training publication, Pune. have left a deep impression in my from Ahmedabad, where I was mind about the administration. In studying. It was a rainy evening in Phadke Anant (2013), the first decade of independence, the August, and there were not many 'Contradictions of the Health-Care administration was indeed filled with in the reserved coach of the night System in India and a Strategy for a nationalistic fervor and had shown train starting from Ahmedabad. I Health-Care for All', Indian Journal innovativeness in many ways. boarded and occupied a seat. One of Public Health, Volume 57, Issue is supposed to pay a reservation 4, October-December, pp. 231-235. Some time later, the currency charge when the TTE comes, which changed in 1957, when we were in was 50 paise for the seat. I gave him Shukla Abhay and Shelley Saha the primary school. Ana and old a rupee note. He pocketed the note Sinha (2014), Reclaiming Public paise made way for the so-called and gave a receipt for 50 paise and Health through Community Naya Paisa. We at school were walked away. I understood that he Based Monitoring: the Case of supposed to suddenly forget that meant to keep the change, but as a Maharashtra, India, Support for an anna was 4 paise and learn that lad of 19 years I just could not pick Advocacy and Training to Health it was 6 naye paise. It took some up the courage to protest. It hurt me Initiatives (SATHI), Pune. 8 JANATA, February 18, 2018 all night. There were two reasons for have travelled by train also several refunds piled up for 4 years, I wrote that. Firstly, the source of my money times. I have seen India from Kutch to the IT Commissioner quoting the was my father, who was earning Rs to Calcutta and from Kanyakumari episode of the then famous TV serial 255/- per month and was managing to Delhi or Lucknow. Six times I Rajani on IT officers, mentioning a large family including paying for have gone out of the country. We that they deserved the offensive the higher education of we siblings. have an electricity, gas and telephone episode. The next week the ITO Therefore, half a rupee was quite connections at home. Each one of called me and gave me the cheque. a lot to donate to a sly railway the above is a potential ‘corruption’ However he had the gumption to employee. The other reason was that hazard, some of them a sure case. request me to tip the peon standing it was the Gandhi centenary year But by the grace of God and by my at the door. I said, “I do not pay as and I happened to spend that year strong aversion to paying bribes, I a principle.” He had no defence (I in his city, Ahmedabad, for studies. could hold through. Kautilya has mean offence) available. I walked The influence was fresh and I could suggested four tricks for achieving out with a cheque of Rs. 3200/- in not excuse myself for not even one's goal—Saam, Daam, Dand a way a Delhiite may never even protesting the chai-pani which the & Bhed. Obviously the second dream of! The lesson is simple: TTE extricated from me. Gandhiji’s weapon (money) was not available resist if you can. Observing non- dictum that the willful sufferer of to me. The rest I did use inter alia. violence in the face of violence may injustice is equally responsible for Different situations demand different be difficult and the likes of Gandhi the injustice began crushing my approaches, but one thing required can only do that, but it is not so with conscience. This was a strange almost every time is a message that bribe. One-sided violence is possible feeling and I almost vowed that this you are not the one to pay. On rare but there cannot be a gratification will be the last time that I would pay occasions even a clear but polite (bribe) without a giver. Sadly, there like this. statement that ‘I do not pay’ makes are some who pay voluntarily; things easy. Some habitual ‘takers’ especially the trader class has It may look incredible, but I can know it without your saying so. It this habit. I often feel that if the say with satisfaction that after 40 is a different thing that some may punishment for those giving bribes years and considerable length of prepare their action in advance to test is made much more stringent than active life, I have been able to live your nerve. You must face it. for those taking bribes, the culture of up to this pledge to a great extent. paying for cornering someone else’s I can remember only one occasion I admit that my job became easy quota will soon disappear. A debate when someone paid a proxy bribe sometimes because of my being a whether corruption has come from for me. I had sold my flat and the government servant and at other top to down or vice-versa is only lawyer hired by my purchaser gave times because of my so-called social an academic exercise and escapism. a five rupee note to the chaprasi in status. Being in a place like Mumbai a sub-registrar’s office. I am yet is also an advantage because the next Let us realise that corruption to reason out why this deviation higher authority is accessible for deprives many of the benefits occurred. Otherwise, I have gone complaining against those creating reserved for them by government through several delicate as well as obstacles. This favourable factor is policies. This is a negation of dangerous situations and escaped not available to those in mofussil their democratic right in a way. without yielding. It is not to prove areas. I remember an occasion when Unfortunately those who miss out a bravado that I write this, but only I received an assessment order from on this are the poor, who can not to indicate that it is possible to resist the Income Tax department but the spare money for paying government a corrupt person if there is will. envelope did not contain the cheque staff or politicians. In other words, Do not also assume that I escaped for the refund. My friend in a similar those are the very people for whom corruption because I may be living situation went to the IT office, paid policies are framed. The romantic a life of a Sanyasi. Far from it. I Rs. 2/- (that was the going rate during vision of Gandhiji and Nehru about have lived in this megapolis and the the early 1980s!) and got the the free India does not touch those changed residences ten times. I cheque. On the other hand, for me, who get their rations only if the have transferred my ration cards once my file was missing, at another ration card is ‘purchased’ from at least 4 times. I purchased a flat, time it was ‘lunch time’, and so on. a petty inspector. (The irony is sold it, purchased another one. I I refused to take the clue. When the that constitutionally this inspector JANATA, February 18, 2018 9 represents the President of India.) If to resist this evil; at least on some kept me going against odds. At this at all we want poor people to rejoice occasions. Price can be time or effort; late age, I hope I am not forced to at these silver and golden jubilees of ironically sometimes money itself is give up my personal principle of not independence and the sovereignty the price for not paying money! But paying a bribe—it will not only be of this country, we must banish the cause of combating corruption my defeat but that of the republic corruption. Otherwise how can we is certainly a better avenue to spend, which failed to support me to support fault those who are nostalgic about than some other social occasions. If her. the British days, where welfare we can donate blood for our jawans, schemes were less, but worked why not some ‘effort’ or ‘time’ to But I must not end on a pessimistic impartially. The social environment rejuvenate our republic. Having said note. The last 10 years of my 40 was such that those who did not fit that, I must also admit that it is not years of adult life have been better into a welfare scheme were not only easy to hold fort. Looking back the than the first 10 years because of afraid but also ashamed to claim the past four decades, I relive various two factors. One is technology. benefits. That shame has gone once situations when the family peace and Arrival of computers has taken away the benefits went ‘on sale’. A buyer comfort were compromised. Details the discretionary power of many is never ashamed. Unfortunately can be omitted but someone may officers who otherwise harassed the management mantra now is say the mental agony or physical people. Telephones with audio success, and the successfuls have no discomfort were not worth the and video recording also have inhibition about this ‘convenience money in question. I always had contributed to instilling fear in the payment’. If a generation takes adequate personal money to buy minds of the unscrupulous. And it this as a way of life, the evil will those comforts. But it certainly has reduced fear in the minds of no more disturb anyone in the was worth giving the message to the new generation who are about coming generations. Such a loss those crooked and greedy souls to begin their foray in life. This of sensitivity should be of grave that there can be occasions when hopefully will result in a tectonic concern for the nation. Doomed their pressures would not work and change in the manner of interaction will be those whose empowerment they should expect that more often. that takes place between a citizen we have been talking of since the If they are rid of that feeling of and a government functionary. Let last 70 years. invincibility, or reconcile to hearing us wish good luck to those who do ‘no’ in some form, the poor people not want to pay. Like any crusade or good work, who are unable to afford will be one must be ready to pay a price benefited. That single motive has Email: [email protected]

Failures of Democracy: India shining, Bharat suffering?

Preeti Mahurkar

The miserable performance deliver the promise of democracy corruption and public ignorance. of India in every area of social to its citizens, that is being lost sector i.e. poverty and inequality amongst the hype and euphoria of Another failure is the neglect to eradication, healthcare, education or celebrating India's growth by the bring these issues out on the public gender justice even after 7 decades media, governments and privileged platform, in public understanding to of democracy shows that something section of society. It is alarming be discussed, debated and rectified. has gone awfully wrong in the path of since ignoring these failures or It has given rise to an apathetic development in India. Moreover, the brushing them off as the by-products society with democratic failure to rosy picture of India's achievements of rapid growth has already cost address the serious issues that are on the economic front does not give us heavily as the crucial years of critical to the national and social a balanced account of the multitude nation's development have been lost fabric of our country. of failures and shortcomings to in the game of communal politics, 10 JANATA, February 18, 2018

This brings us to another major while insignificant, trivial issues are the lowly, crawling, starving poors paradox that exists in our media blown out of proportion to divert the and slums don't exist for them. They and society, the culture of trivia, nation's attention. have invested heavily abroad and are sensationalism, negativism, TRP and least interested in what is happening reality shows that overtake crucial An example of this is the recent in India except for the gossip on issues like poverty, inequality, job losses and slow down in growth Bollywood or page 3 sections. This lack of national vision, corruption, rate which are the most explosive India is well connected and has a big communalism, misplaced concerns and crucial challenges our country clout too and sometimes manipulates and priorities of our power holders. is facing today. These unfortunately, things in their favour using the On one hand, we have Bollywood, could not find place in some so power of wealth. elites, the rich and powerful and their called nation’s highest TRP channels interesting lives, and on the other while insignificant, communal issues Then there is another section hand there are those unprivileged or scandals occupied the prime time that is not so rich yet a little richer ones who lead boring, insignificant debates. The fact remains that India than the rest. This India has created existence and hardly anyone is that is shown in our media today, a virtual universe of its own and interested in knowing their plight by and large, is the India of the lives in a bubble with social media, and woes. Though there are some affluent and privileged. We are a WhatsApp groups, TV soaps, highly motivated, uncompromising, nation of pretending and sensational foreign trips, kitty parties and gossip idealistic media professionals who reality shows that is ashamed to sessions occupying all its time and play fair and take great pains to acknowledge its own reality. We energy. This section is also out of keep the spirit and ethics of unbiased are a nation where a large section is the public system as it has access journalism alive, the majority more interested in watching celebrity to quality education, health and ignores the facts and is dictated by scandals, pretentious family soaps enjoys other services provided by TRP and sensationalism. The poor while the real cries and plights of our the private sector. Though there and their plight have no place in our lower sections are ignored. We, as a is a section that is socially aware, media space or even in our collective society, are ashamed to acknowledge responsible and eager to see changes awareness space. this suffering Bharat as the other in the society and quietly works hidden part of the shining India. towards that yet, a large section of The media, barring some this India has no time or inclination exceptions, serves the politicians, The champagne glass economic to learn about or empathise how the the rich and the powerful, and structure of India as it is called by other India survives. It is largely caters to the privileged sections. some experts is an interesting yet protected from political and market This is obvious in the coverage of somewhat disgusting observation fluctuations as it is given enough headlines, analyses and programs for its peculiarities and weirdness. subsidies, freebies and sops to be displayed on the channels today. The top ultra-rich elite has an occupied and interested in the great This is perhaps due to the 'political exciting, happening, shining India India rising and shining saga. and elite capture' as known in the that is full of wealth, fun, luxury world. It may be because media and opportunities. They live too high Not that they are at fault and today is an expensive field and in their ultra luxurious mansions should not enjoy their privileges for needs massive financial backup and and high-rises, travel in private they have worked hard for it. The advertisements to run the show. jets and yachts, and are largely problem is that the ignorance and Most of the channels and papers are disconnected from ground realities. lack of awareness of this section owned by the rich and powerful that This section is diverse though, cost our democracy heavily as they use money and power to influence where some are hardworking, full are used as pawns in the highly the elected and the electorate. It of ethics and compassion, socially politicised game of votes. This India has become a dangerous game as aware and responsible. They do is manipulated by various parties the power of media can be a game whatever they can for society and using minority or majority cards, changer and the power brokers know the country. On the other end of party ideologies; resulting in a highly how to make use of it to their benefit. the spectrum, we have a society diverse and fragmented society No wonder so many crucial news full of Marie Antoinettes’ who in that has divided and polarized the stories and analyses go unnoticed their ivory towers do not care for nation. The real issues like poverty, JANATA, February 18, 2018 11 inequality, unhygienic condition, better days ahead even as it damaged becomes important. These are corruption, pathetic public services their lives. the some of the most effective and overall public sector failures democratic tools that can bring the are sidetracked as trivial matters They are used to it you see. desired change in the country, but are while high political dramas and ignored or rendered useless. tactics occupy nation's attention and They have been ruled and exploited precious time. This India is blissfully by outer and inner invaders, kings, Unfortunately, in a large ignorant and insulated from outside zamindars, gora and brown sahibs democracy like India, where the realities. It does not bother that at and netas for too long to stand up for citizens are the primary stakeholder the other end of the spectrum, there their rights. Their passive resilience and have the power to elect or is a suffering Bharat—the bottom 40 has become a weakness that is reject, there is no move or effort to % as they are called by the World being routinely taken advantage of exercise that power and change the Bank—that has no access to quality by those in power. Their ignorance system. Those who are educated and education, basic health and other and unawareness of their own rights aware, choose to look the other way facilities and that is kept trapped and power make them easy game for or get caught in the never-ending in a vicious cycle that goes on for crooked politicians to manipulate petty party politics or communal generations. They have no lobby, and maneuver them for their selfish fundamentalism while those who are are not organised as they are busy motives. Every election, every party ignorant and unaware have no clue surviving and suffer quietly. tries to get their vote by misleading or support to stand for themselves them, bribing in cash or kind or and end up being used by various As seen during demonetisation, showing big dreams only to abandon parties for their personal agendas. this India living in its happy bubble them later. Regrettably, the potent power of was not really affected as it had voters is wasted and fails to bring access to credit cards, e-cash, They are being used as pawns any substantial change in the system. e-stores etc. and was blissfully by political parties, most of whom Instead, it becomes an impotent ignorant and insulated from the have no real empathy or compassion society that is ruled and manipulated outside fires and fumes. They had for their suffering or propose any by a few smart minds in power or minimum inconvenience, so there substantial long-term reforms. They religious miscreants. were hardly any complaints, their make their issues a game of passing jobs were secured and homes well the buck or gaining political mileage. In any democracy, the power stocked. Since they have their own But then it is nothing new as it is of its educated, intellectual and virtual universe of Facebook and an old game, played in turn by all socially aware citizens’ contribution social media, their opinions are successive parties; some win, some is invaluable as they form the critical taken as the common sentiments of lose but the real India pays the price! mass that can create a phase transition the whole Nation. However, those as seen time and again in various who lived at the bottom rung of The point is not about political parts of the world. It happened in the pyramid were severely affected parties manipulating the priorities our country during British rule when as millions of daily wagers lost and resources of the nation as per some aware, compassionate and their jobs and livelihoods and were their whims and fancies, which educated minds united and created thrown back into poverty. They had has been done for years by all a revolution to turn India’s destiny no money to eat and suffered quietly. successive parties in power. The around. They were not counted, as they did point here is that in a nation where not have the energy or time to protest the majority of the electorate is The extent to which the electorate or demonstrate. ignorant and easily manipulated is informed and aware of its rights by false promises, money power, and roles in national issues, policies Without raising any hue and cry, emotional or communal issues, the and priorities determines the role the they are quietly busy surviving, role and responsibility of its socially government would play in a nation. waiting for promised better days aware and educated citizenry to An ignorant electorate will only play to come and take things at face question and confront the misplaced into the hands of power brokers and value. They took the blow of motives and priorities through social will be repeatedly taken for a ride. demonetisation as a promise for accountability and participation This is seen today during election 12 JANATA, February 18, 2018 time, when votes are bought with services, are increasingly indulging us several crucial years of nation cash or kind from gullible, naive in games of accusation, mudslinging, building, that has been lost in petty rural and urban poor vote banks. name calling and eroding the sanctity politics, massive corruption and Free dinners, drinks, gifts and false of parliament. All the crucial issues communalism. promises are used as carrots to bring are hijacked by the politicians, them to polling booths. This results gullible and naive voters play into What's most obvious and in highly flawed electoral outcomes the hands of few smart people worth contemplating is that the as a large section of educated and in power; the media along with loss of missed opportunities and aware citizens don't feel the need the nation too gets distracted and resources was definitely not borne to participate in the process for instead of questioning and asking by politicians as they had their fill the sheer lack of motivation, lack for accountability, gets caught in in terms of money and power; it was of a deserving candidate or out political dramas and the show goes the citizens and the country that has of hopelessness about the state of on . . . had to pay the price! things in the country. This renders the power of democracy useless. Sadly, this is not a cynical take It is high time we woke up, but a reality check on the state of our rejected the politics of divide and Every party uses great, elaborated nation today. No matter how much rule and moved beyond silly trivial mandates and promises to come in we choose to ignore or brush it under communalism and fundamentalist power and every five years India is the carpet to project a happy shining issues that have already created taken on a hope ride only to come and growing India, we will have to so much damage in our country back on earth later to find little face and address these issues sooner and focus on the real issues for a or no significant changes. High- or later if we need real reforms and change! We cannot afford to lose level corruption and swindling of transformation. any more time as these crucial large amounts of nation's wealth issues of poverty, education, health, and resources and stashing away The role of media and citizens, unemployment, infrastructure and of black money in other countries therefore, is of the utmost importance communalism etc. demand urgent continues as usual. The leaked lists and is going to be catalytic in the action and we need all the resources of culprits and names given by future of India. We need to be to counter and overcome them as global agencies are never put out in awake, alert and proactive. After soon as possible. the public domain and brushed under all, governments and bureaucracy the carpet, no real long term actions are just parts of the system but we, The first step towards that would are taken against the powerful ones. the people of India, are the system! be to accept and acknowledge those In a true democracy that is of the unconscious, old destructive patterns And if that’s not enough, we find people, by the people and for the and paradigms that created these our country increasingly broken and people, we all are the primary issues and replace them with new, divided over caste and communal stakeholders and must play our vibrant systems and frameworks that politics, which are used to divert roles in nation building. We need would put India on the path of peace, attention from real burning issues to make sure that the objectives of progress and prosperity (inclusive and problems we are facing today. vibrant democracy and inclusive & and sustainable development). That Parliament is alarmingly becoming sustainable development are met is what we need today first and for the place for playing blame games successfully and most importantly. most, to counter and overcome all and passing the buck for missed We need to contemplate why has ills that exist in our society today. opportunities and actions, inadequate it not happened until now? What development, vote bank politics and is missing? What lessons should Let us all come together to cover up of scams and corruption. we learn? As a nation, what are identify those misguided beliefs and Political parties, instead of playing our strengths and weaknesses, destructive patterns that are pulling a constructive role in nation building opportunities and threats? India down and making it unable to by debating and finding solutions reach its full potential. for prevalent critical issues like It is time we took stock of things massive unemployment, inequality, in our country as our ignorance Email: [email protected] communalism, poor infrastructure or and negligence have already cost JANATA, February 18, 2018 13 The Fukushima Nuclear Meltdown Continues Unabated

Helen Caldicott

Background to this article : The fact of the matter is, nuclear changes in human behavior to stop energy is inherently unsafe. No environmental destruction. In the On March 11, 2011, a massive amount of safety devices can article below, she explains recent earthquake followed by a tsunami completely eliminate the possibility robot photos taken of Fukushima’s devastated the Fukushima Daiichi of a nuclear accident. Unless all Daiichi nuclear reactors: radiation Nuclear Plant in Japan. It initiated a nuclear reactors operating around levels have not peaked, but have complex series of events, ultimately the world are shut down, sooner or continued to spill toxic waste into resulting in the meltdown of the later, another catastrophic nuclear the Pacific Ocean—but it’s only now nuclear fuel in three of the four accident is bound to happen in the damage has been photographed. reactors of the plant, resulting in one of these reactors. And when massive release of radioactivity into Recent reporting of a huge that happens, its consequences the environment. The accident also radiation measurement at Unit 2 are going to affect entire humanity damaged the reactor buildings, as in the Fukushima Daichi reactor for the rest of time. This is what well as the cooling systems of the complex by robots does not signify has happened with Chernobyl—it spent fuel pools located at the top that there is a peak in radiation in the not only led to the downfall of the of these reactor buildings. reactor building. Soviet Union (as Mikhail Gorbachev The Fukushima accident is at writes in his memoirs), the radiation All that it indicates is that, for the least as big, if not bigger, than leakage from it is going to cause the first time, the Japanese have been the Chernobyl nuclear accident. deaths of lakhs of people, especially able to measure the intense radiation Chernobyl stopped releasing across the Northern Hemisphere, given off by the molten fuel, as each radiation into the atmosphere from cancer and other diseases previous attempt has led to failure after about 2 weeks; while, we are for thousands of years. And this is because the radiation is so intense now nearly seven years into the what is happening with Fukushima the robotic parts were functionally Fukushima accident and it is still too—here its consequences are destroyed. releasing radioactive material into even worse, as the following article The radiation measurement the atmosphere. The radiation from points out. was 530 sieverts, or 53,000 rems this plant continues to impact not The multi-trillion dollar nuclear (Roentgen Equivalent for Man). just Japan, but the whole world. industry knows that if the full scale of The dose at which half an exposed Till before Fukushima happened, the tragedy at Fukushima becomes population would die is 250 to in the intervening 25 years after known to the people of the world, 500 rems, so this is a massive the Chernobyl accident, the global it could lead to such an outcry measurement. It is quite likely had the nuclear industry and its apologists that it could well sound the death- robot been able to penetrate deeper were arguing that lessons had knell for the industry. And so from into the inner cavern containing the been learnt from Chernobyl, the the beginning of the accident, the molten corium, the measurement necessary design modifications had global nuclear industry and its would have been much greater. been made in nuclear reactors, and accomplices—the governments These facts illustrate why no major nuclear accident will occur of pro-nuclear countries from the it will be almost impossible to in the future. Now after Fukushima, USA to India—in collusion with “decommission” units 1, 2 and 3 as they are arguing that this was a one- the global media, have tried to no human could ever be exposed to in-a-million chance occurrence, and downplay its potential impact. This such extreme radiation. This fact there is no need to worry. On the is the reason why news about the means that Fukushima Daichi will whole, the essence of the argument continuing tragedy at Fukushima is remain a diabolical blot upon Japan of these nuclear cheerleaders is simply not appearing in the media. and the world for the rest of time, that the other nuclear reactors Dr Helen Caldicott has devoted sitting as it does on active earthquake worldwide are safe. This is the claim the last forty two years to an zones. of India’s nuclear establishment too, international campaign to educate that our nuclear reactors are very What the photos taken by the the public about the medical hazards very safe. robot did reveal was that some of the nuclear age and the necessary of the structural supports of Unit 14 JANATA, February 18, 2018

2 have been damaged. It is also concentrate in various organs, qualify to be buried in a radioactive true that all four buildings were irradiating adjacent cells for many waste facility in the U.S.. structurally damaged by the original years. The cancer cycle is initiated As previously explained, these earthquake some five years ago by a single mutation in a single radioactive elements concentrate and by the subsequent hydrogen regulatory gene in a single cell and in the food chain. The Fukushima explosions so, should there be an the incubation time for cancer is Prefecture has always been a food earthquake greater than seven on any time from 2 to 90 years. And no bowl for Japan and, although much the Richter scale, it is very possible cancer defines its origin. of the rice, vegetables and fruit now that one or more of these structures We could be catching radioactive grown here is radioactive, there is could collapse, leading to a massive fish in Australia or the fish that are a big push to sell this food both in release of radiation as the building imported could contain radioactive the Japanese market and overseas. fell on the molten core beneath. isotopes, but unless they are Taiwan has banned the sale of But units 1, 2 and 3 also contain consistently tested we will never Japanese food, but Australia and the cooling pools with very radioactive know. U.S. have not. fuel rods—numbering 392 in Unit 1, 615 in Unit 2, and 566 in Unit 3; As well as the mountain water Prime Minister Abe recently if an earthquake were to breach a reaching the Pacific Ocean, since passed a law that any reporter who pool, the gamma rays would be so the accident, TEPCO has daily told the truth about the situation intense that the site would have to pumped over 300 tons of sea water could be gaoled for ten years. In be permanently evacuated. The fuel into the damaged reactors to keep addition, doctors who tell their from Unit 4 and its cooling pool has them cool. It becomes intensely patients their disease could be been removed. radioactive and is pumped out radiation related will not be paid, again and stored in over 1,200 so there is an immense cover-up in But there is more to fear. huge storage tanks scattered over Japan as well as the global media. The reactor complex was built the Daichi site. These tanks could The Prefectural Oversite adjacent to a mountain range and not withstand a large earthquake Committee for Fukushima Health millions of gallons of water emanate and could rupture releasing their is only looking at thyroid cancer from the mountains daily beneath the contents into the ocean. among the population and by June reactor complex, causing some of But even if that does not happen, 2016, 172 people who were under the earth below the reactor buildings TEPCO is rapidly running out the age of 18 at the time of the to partially liquefy. As the water of storage space and is trying to accident have developed, or have flows beneath the damaged reactors, convince the local fishermen that it suspected, thyroid cancer; the it immerses the three molten cores would be okay to empty the tanks normal incidence in this population and becomes extremely radioactive into the sea. The Bremsstrahlung is 1 to 2 per million. as it continues its journey into the radiation like x-rays given off by adjacent Pacific Ocean. However, other cancers and these tanks is quite high—measuring leukemia that are caused by radiation Every day since the accident 10 milirems —presenting a danger are not being routinely documented, began, 300 to 400 tons of water to the workers. There are over nor are congenital malformations, has poured into the Pacific where 4,000 workers on site each day, which were, and are, still rife among numerous isotopes—including many recruited by the Yakuza (the the exposed Chernobyl population. cesium 137, 134, strontium 90, Japanese Mafia) and include men tritium, plutonium, americium and who are homeless, drug addicts and Bottom line, these reactors up to 100 more—enter the ocean those who are mentally unstable. will never be cleaned up nor and bio-concentrate by orders of decommissioned because such a There’s another problem. Because magnitude at each step of the food task is not humanly possible. Hence, the molten cores are continuously chain—algae, crustaceans, little fish, they will continue to pour water generating hydrogen, which is big fish then us. into the Pacific for the rest of time explosive, TEPCO has been pumping and threaten Japan and the northern Fish swim thousands of miles and nitrogen into the reactors to dilute hemisphere with massive releases tuna, salmon and other species found the hydrogen dangers. of radiation should there be another on the American west coast now Vast areas of Japan are now large earthquake. contain some of these radioactive contaminated, including some areas elements, which are tasteless, (This article has been republished of Tokyo, which are so radioactive odourless and invisible. Entering here from Greenmedinfo.com.) that roadside soil measuring 7,000 the human body by ingestion they becquerels (bc) per kilo would JANATA, February 18, 2018 15 R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, February 18, 2018 Postal Registration No. MCW/275/2018-2020. License to Post without prepayment WPP License No. MR/Tech/WPP-210/West/2018 Published on Sunday, February 18, 2018 & Posted on Wedenesday, February 21, 2018 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

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Vol. 73 No. 5 In Memory of Asma Jehangir February 25, 2018 Kuldip Nayar

Acharya Narendra Deva : Asma Jehangir, who kicked the that they had no alternative except The Vision of a bucket last week, was a popular to sit across the table and discuss the Socialist Society human rights lawyer and social reasons why the two could not bury activist of Pakistan. Although her their hatchets. Although New Delhi Naveen Tewari work was confined to Pakistan, her had decided that it would have no example was followed throughout talks with Pakistan until it stopped the subcontinent. The place from giving shelter to terrorists, Asma where she announced the foundation believed that there was still some Anxiety and Hope of Human Rights Commission, an room for a patch-up. organisation to protect individual Varughese George rights, also became the venue for However, Foreign Minister meetings to normalise relations Sushma Swaraj was unequivocal in between India and Pakistan. her statement that New Delhi would have no discussion with Islamabad Only a few days ago, she rang me until it realised that terrorism and Devastation Caused up from Lahore to say that she would talks did not go together. Asma by now have more time to work for felt that Islamabad faced certain Alcohol Should Receive normalisation of relations between problems with the military which Serious Attention India and Pakistan after marrying had to be sorted out before any off her daughter. Maybe, this was meaningful meeting could take Bharat Dogra her way of telling that she had miles place. She was very positive about to go to change a religious-oriented the possibility of such a meeting and society into a secular one. She put in she could somehow persuade the Editor : enormous efforts to change religion's powers-that-be to see reason. G. G. Parikh influence on society. The bane of problems was because of the mixing But my disappointment is that Managing Editor : Guddi of religion with politics. there was little response in India on the death of Asma even though she D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Asma can have the satisfaction had dared her country’s military, Naushir Bharucha Marg, of having India and Pakistan on the sworn enemy of India. It was Mumbai - 400 007. the same page even though their heartening to see her devotion to Email : [email protected] reluctance to come nearer to each the cause of improving relations Website:www.janataweekly.org other was apparent. Asma made between India and Pakistan. I always Islamabad and New Delhi realise supported her efforts. 2 JANATA, February 25, 2018

I was allotted a bungalow as might of martial law administrator including from the Palestine and a member of the Rajya Sabha in Zia-ul-Haq in the early eighties the struggles that people faced Lodhi Estate where Asma would when she was in the thick of the elsewhere. No doubt, she made a lot bring girls and boys from Pakistan movement to restore democracy. of enemies at home because of the to meet their counterparts in India. She was imprisoned for leading battles she chose but she viewed the Asma named that place 'Pakistan the protest movement. Asma soon challenges as something that cannot House'. The boys and girls from became a champion activist. There be ignored. That speaks volumes of Pakistan would shed tears as they were occasions when her life was Asma. would bid farewell to the boys and on the block but undeterred she girls in India. Categorising them as braved those threats and continued Asma, who was a popular activist Pakistanis would be unfair because to stand up against dictators. In around the world, won several they looked very much a part of the the process, she helped establish national and international awards, secular society in India. She would the Human Rights Commission of including the Ramon Magsaysay also take Indian youth to Pakistan Pakistan, which she also chaired Award, the Right Livelihood Award to learn from a society which was later. She would often say that (also known as the Alternative Nobel tilting towards a particular religion. it was the Commission’s duty to Prize), the Martin Ennals Award defend all religious minorities. for Human Rights Defenders, and Asma, a symbol of Pakistan’s The Commission during her the UNESCO/Bilbao Prize for the human rights and resistance, was chairmanship also successfully Promotion of a Culture of Human also a fierce opponent of military tackled highly charged blasphemy Rights. But for Asma the awards dictators for over four decades. accusations along with cases of hardly meant anything. Her sole She was also a strong advocate of honour killings. aim was to restore democracy in the India–Pakistan peace and was part country because of her unwavering of several Track-2 delegations to Asma also pioneered the women’s belief in it. India. Not only that, she also became rights movement in her country at a a very prominent lawyer of Pakistan time when human rights were not Email: [email protected] after beginning her career as an considered an issue in Pakistan. advocate at the judiciary. She was Thanks to Asma, today people, also the chief of the Supreme Court particularly women, talk about their Janata Subscription Bar Association of Pakistan which rights and even the political parties, indicates her popularity. including religious parties, realise Annual Rs. : 260/- the importance of women’s rights. Even today the Pakistani The credit for this goes to Asma. Three Years : 750/- judiciary remembers her fight for the restoration of honour to Iftikhar One particular issue that Asma Demand Draft / Cheque Chaudhry, who was the Chief Justice stoutly defended was Christians on of Pakistan. The lawyers’ movement charged with blasphemy. Several ultimately achieved its goal and the people from the minority community Mumbai Bank movement even led to the downfall faced death penalty as blasphemy is in favour of of President Gen. Pervez Musharraf. an offence that attracted the severest That unpreceded movement which punishment in Pakistan. She was saw the lawyers marching in 2007 also instrumental in fighting cases had given a glimmer of hope that relating to the recovery of missing Pakistan was indeed understanding persons free of cost. A kind-hearted the importance and restoration of person that Asma was, she would not JANATA TRUST democracy. But then every ruler yield any kind of pressure, including D-15, Ganesh Prasad, in Pakistan always looked over the threats from fanatic groups. shoulders of the military and it is Naushir Bharucha Marg, true even today. Asma not just fought for the Grant Road (W), people of Pakistan but also for Mumbai 400 007. I remember Asma taking on the people from all over the world, JANATA, February 25, 2018 3 Acharya Narendra Deva : The Vision of a Socialist Society

Naveen Tewari

Acharyaji was a unique exponent collectively developing the whole only not be at peace with himself of socialism in the sense that he does society. The culture clubs envisaged but will also create a discord around not limit the ideology to a classless by Acharyaji in the universities show him. He may acquire his share in and economically and politically a conscious effort on his part to the wealth of the country, but his equal society. His vision was based initiate a movement in that direction. contribution to society and the on and for the specific context of country remains limited. He may India and the conditions prevailing Acharyaji realized that culture fulfill all his material needs, but fails in the country. The great cultural is the most important ingredient to find fulfillment in life. gulf between the educated upper of an evolving society. All other classes and castes, and the simple privileges and securities of life A cultured person may enjoy uneducated masses of the deprived may make a person much worse life in its various forms but the classes–castes cannot be filled in character if he is not growing joy he pursues doesn't leave him merely with economic, political inwardly. He may suffer from a impoverished and hungry. It enriches and social empowerment. He could false sense of empowerment and him and makes him a healthier see that in the absence of cultural security. He may become healthier person in body and mind. It's a joy upliftment, the dream of a just in body but weaker in mind. He one can share with others and the society would be only half-fulfilled. may become intolerant and arrogant, sharing of which would enhance may end up being less considerate and accentuate happiness rather than It is easier to share food and towards his fellow human beings. diminish or fade it. shelter with people according to their His sense of responsibility towards needs. It is also feasible to share jobs his surroundings may not grow and Acharyaji's emphasis on cultural and wealth with the underprivileged he may destroy his health and well- revolution is founded on very sound according to their needs. Free college being by overindulgence. reasoning. A socialist society is and university education can also be not only a society based on social, made available to those who cannot An individual would be a lesser economical and political equality but afford it. Even jobs can be reserved human being if he is not exposed is also anchored in an equilibrium for the deprived. But culture is a to the higher dimensions of life. of a common cultural ethos and much subtler and intangible form What if he does not sacrifice the shared social values. For, economic of education and it would take temptation of sensuous gratification, upliftment may raise the level of a generations to get transferred to does not willingly choose a path plumber to that of a professor in the those who have not been born in of discipline? What if he does not material sense, but bereft of cultural an advanced cultural milieu. It will channelise his energies and reach an refinement, a plumber can not lift require sustained efforts under a equilibrium in mind? himself psychologically, inwardly. well-designed program to bring This would invariably result in the about a cultural revolution. If he does not develop a taste in continuance of the class system and fine arts and music, he remains only social differences would remain, The collective culture of a given half-educated. if he doesn't grow in albeit with some difference. society creates a milieu, an oasis curiosity and quest for learning and of values and virtues. A social if his scientific temper is not honed These differences in the ways of movement to educate people in the by constant observation, his growth life and conditioning of minds would true sense of the word would result gets stunted. If he fails to form a cause friction between different in removing the invisible barriers of reasonably clear world view and a classes and keep the society in a state class and caste and truly empower the meaningful interpretation of life in of constant unrest. hitherto deprived masses. It will set its myriad forms and expressions, free the creative spirit of the society, he fails to evolve as a harmonious Although we cannot imagine enabling it to soar and culturally and human being. Such a person will not a state of perfect equality in this 4 JANATA, February 25, 2018 matter, but the gap between the Also, the leaders emerging education and cultural grooming culturally emancipated and culturally out of unprivileged and socially that we may bring down the walls deprived should be narrowed as backward classes may not be able separating classes. far as possible. Acharyaji himself to handle the sudden empowerment argued on the basis of a more bestowed upon them, and the deep Acharyaji gives utmost emphasis practical and pragmatic reason. In down insecurity and inferiority to education and cultural evolution of the absence of a cultural revolution, complex may lead to a reckless use all. This is the true spirit of socialism. political power will be shared with of power and privilege. Acharyaji, This is a holistic movement towards hitherto unprivileged people who while talking about culture in his socialism. Evolution from the would form an incongruous alliance famous ‘message’, takes a cue from present state of deprivation and with those coming from a better Ravindranath Tagore and gives a depravity to a higher human level background. Of course the political very deep and meaningful definition is the real revolution, and that alone empowerment ushered in by a of ‘culture’. The culture he talks can bring about true fraternity in democratic system would uplift the about is as much an essential element society and result in social harmony. economically and socially backward for the privileged class as it is for the This harmony and order can’t be class, but that alone would not be unprivileged. The former needs it established by force or legislation. enough to ensure a government for a renewal while the latter needs Nor can just political or economic each member of which represents it as an initiation. Mere academic revolution pave the way to this a progressive and emancipated progress and distribution of wealth ideal state. society. can not lead to a homogeneous social structure. It is only by holistic Email : [email protected] Anxiety and Hope

Varughese George

On 27th December 2017 I was whether the world is returning to India, a government initiated survey, listening to an interview on BBC the period of tyrants like in the 18th says that 40% women and children with the Nobel Prize novelist, century or is the present civilisation are malnourished in the country. Orhan Pamuk, about the political showing signs of decay. A liberal But with the passage of time, the and cultural crisis in his country, humanistic and pluralistic society corporates have amassed huge Turkey. The state apparatus had was the fundamental character of wealth due to a liberalised economic become repressive and the pluralistic global society since the French regime. The annual income of some character of state and society Revolution. Sartre wrote, 'As corporate houses is larger than in Turkey was on the wane, he democracy tolerated all opinions, the national income of a dozen opined. On the previous day, news even those which aimed expressly at countries together. The UN had came in from the central election destroying it, republican humanism appointed a commission to look commission of Russia that the which was taught in schools made into the causes and background of only valid nomination for the post tolerance the primary virtue.' Now the global recession that occurred in of presidency is of Putin and the this character is being questioned 2007–09. This commission mainly lone rival candidate is disqualified. by the white-only American days of consisted of social scientists. The On Christmas day, a Member of President Trump. theologian Francois Houtart was Parliament in India suggested that also nominated by the President of the word secularism should be The second concern is about the the General Assembly as special deleted from the Indian Constitution. growing inequality in global society. representative to this commission. President Trump a fortnight ago The Human Development Report of The commission opined that the suggested Jerusalem to be the capital the United Nations says that 20% belief that the market will regulate of Israel, thus repudiating the equal of the world population appropriate and correct itself was a great claim of Palestine for the holy 80% of the world`s resources. The mistake. 'The belief that economic city. The question that arises is National Family Health Survey of agents are rational, that governments JANATA, February 25, 2018 5 are inherently less informed and difficult. War, ethnic and racist level resistance is increasing. The less motivated by sound economic violence has created millions of group named ICAN was awarded principles and their interventions are refugees, and women and children the Nobel Prize for Peace this year likely to distort market allocations, are the worst affected. Reconciliation for their consistent campaign against and that markets are efficient is considered a weakness. During nuclear arms. The land grab by and stable with a strong ability the Indo-China and Indo-Pak war the state from the farmers is being to absorb shocks' affected macro periods, Acharya K.K. Chandy fiercely resisted in many regions of economic policies. It suggested that used to invite citizens to Manganam the world. When the state deserts governments should strengthen key Ashram in Kerala to deliberate on its social responsibility, self-help sectors of economy by more capital the idea of reconciliation. The people groups and sharing communities investment and increased public of these countries have no hostility are growing in large numbers so that expenditure. Inequality is growing against each other, the nations may poor are taken care of. within nations also. To make the have. His movement was known as life of the millions living in poverty Fellowship of Reconciliation. Many Let us have the courage to dignified and decent, the state should years later, the senior journalist face the challenges ahead. Last adopt protective welfare policies and Kuldip Nayyar, taking a cue from year marked the centenary of the put a ceiling on the accumulation such ideas, established the forum Champaran Struggle of farmers in of assets. Indo-Pak Peoples' Friendship. Bihar. It was Mahatma Gandhi`s Citizen representatives from both first experiment with truth in India. The third concern is about countries regularly interacted and His constant effort in Champaran technological rationalism that arranged exchange visits. This was to purge fear from the minds of considers that progress in technology helped build confidence measures people. The people were afraid of the will automatically lead to progress in among the people of both countries indigo plantation owners, the British human life. But experience proves to initiate dialogues. After years of government, the Magistracy and the that in an unequal global order, racist violence, when South Africa police. When they rid themselves assimilation and application of became free, the Constitution began of fear, people became courageous. technology will also be asymmetrical. with this proclamation, 'South Africa Derrida once wrote that the most The Trade and Development Report belongs to all, black and white.' agonising search in his life was of the UN says that India and Brazil Can we build a non-violent and to understand how one man can spend only 0.8% of their GDP on reconciled society in the near future? establish his authority over another. R&D and there is a technological lag with other developed countries and The final aspect is the alienation Fr. Kappen asks to us affirm it reflects in trade and investment of of the cultural place. Man or woman the forces of life, such as love, these two countries. Contemporary has become more individualistic and friendship, co-operation and the society is known as knowledge his/her alienation from society is solidarity of all, and to fight the society. Unlike in the past, the future exacerbated by new technologies. forces of death-illness, poverty, is in the hands of those who possess Chris Hedges calls this 'narcissistic egoism, hatred, injustice, inequality knowledge. But the digital divide escapist individualism' in an 'Empire and oppression. Rabindra Nath is ever on the increase. Though of Illusion'. Tagore always taught us to celebrate food production has increased due life, not negate it. to new technologies, malnutrition Thus, politics of authoritarianism and poverty is also in the increase. and economics of neoliberalism Email : [email protected] Medical technologies are expensive join hands with violence and because of which the poor are depoliticising cultural elements to Spectre of Fascism sidelined and destined to their fate. create fascism in a refashioned way. Contribution Rs. 20/- The new technology is geared to the The fourth problem is the violence needs of the rich who form the social Published by in societies. Society has become base of the new subtle fascism. Janata Trust & Lokayat more violent and the untold misery Dissent is no longer endured. The D-15, Ganesh Prasad, in Syria aided by the war machine hope of the New Year is that amidst Naushir Bharucha Marg, has made international peacekeeping despondency, individual and micro- Grant Road (W), Mumbai 400 007 6 JANATA, February 25, 2018 What Gandhi Said in Ayodhya: Violence Is a Mark of Cowardice, and the Sword Is a Coward’s Weapon

Krishna Pratap Singh

Gandhi visited Ayodhya on the Congress had chosen the venue Khilafat Movement, had set out on February 10, 1921, the first of his precisely for that reason—to show a joint tour with Gandhiji. two visits to the place associated with the British the difference between Rama. He had just two messages to them and Gandhiji’s way. However, as Gandhiji sat in give—on Hindu–Muslim unity and the car and the procession started non-violence. As the train trundled into moving, he came face to face with a the station, two local Congress group of Khilafat supporters waiting It would take anybody by surprise leaders, Acharya Narendra Dev and to welcome him, naked swords in to know that Mahatma Gandhi, who Mahashay Kedarnath, holding the hand. He decided then and there that was inspired to ceaselessly strive Congress flag aloft, made their way he was not going to mince words in for Ram Rajya throughout his life, to Gandhiji’s compartment. They reprimanding the violent farmers as visited Ayodhya, the birthplace of were totally unprepared for the scene well as the men with swords in their Rama, just twice. However, through that met their eyes. It turned out hands in his speech. the messages he communicated that as soon as the train had entered on both occasions, he underlined Faizabad district, Gandhiji had asked At sundown, the crowds surged the enormous significance of those for all the windows in and around his to the maidan which was neither visits. train compartment to be shuttered. well-lit nor had an efficient public Moreover, he had refused to meet or address system. His first message to The news of Gandhiji’s first speak to anyone. He was upset about them was that instead of taking to the visit to Ayodhya, on February 10, the fact that the farmers’ movement path of violence, they should learn 1921, sent an unparalleled wave of in Awadh, attuned more to the battle to bear the hardships of struggle. excitement through the twin cities cry of aggression than to ideals and Then, in severe words brooking of Ayodhya and Faizabad, say those principles, had turned violent. Those no ambiguity, he condemned the who have kept track of local history. in the movement did not see much farmers’ violence as well as the Hours before his train arrived, huge value in ahimsa. The farmers of procession of sword-bearers, saying crowds had lined the roads and Faizabad in particular were on the that violence was an attribute not of terraces all the way from the railway warpath—in Bidahar, events had bravery but cowardice and that the station to the meeting ground where taken a violent turn, with the farmers sword was a coward’s weapon. he was to speak. Everybody had setting fire to and looting the houses but one desire—to be blessed by a of talukdars and zamindars. It is worth noting that Gandhiji mere glimpse of him. The historic chose to deliver these two mantras clock-tower gracing the magnificent The situation was intolerable to his fellow Indians in Ayodhya— Faizabad chowk was resonating with for Gandhiji, but he eventually the Ayodhya of King Rama, whose the strains of shehnai. The words gave in to entreaties that he should rajya remained an ideal for him on everybody’s lips were these: address the meeting even if it was throughout his life. His stay had Gandhiji is coming to set us free. to make his displeasure known. been arranged in such a manner that He was accompanied by Maulana allowed him to take rest and made it The venue of the meeting was a Abul Kalam Azad and also the possible for an unending procession maidan located to the west of the Khilafat leader Maulana Shaukat of people to file into the room for Jalpa nallah which lies between Ali. The latter, following the his darshan. Ayodhya and Faizabad. In 1918, the Lucknow Congress resolution of British had celebrated their World Hindu–Muslim unity as well as That night, thousands of farmers, War One victory at this maidan, and the coming together of the Non- with tears of repentance in their eyes, Cooperation Movement and the made a silent plea to their liberator JANATA, February 25, 2018 7 for forgiveness. The following opportunity to promote Hindu– to them: 'It is said there are 56 lakh morning, after bathing in the Sarayu Muslim unity had started bearing sadhus in India. If all 56 lakh of them river, Gandhiji set out for his next fruit. (The Khilafat movement was are ready to sacrifice their lives, then halt. But the pain caused by the started to influence the British prime I am confident that with the power farmers’ violence, which had not minister to refrain from abolishing of their tapasya and prayer they can only dealt a blow to the movement the Turkish caliphate, a move seen liberate India. But they have strayed but was cause for shame, refused as a threat to Islam and hence to the from their path. So have the maulvis. to leave him. He urged Jawaharlal religious freedom of Muslims under If at all the sadhus and maulvis have Nehru to guide the farmers who had British rule.) achieved anything, it is to make wandered off the right path. the Hindus and Muslims fight with At that time, Gandhiji was not one another. I say this to both . . . Some days later, Nehru addressed only engaged in moulding the even in circumstances where you a gathering of the rebellious farmers Khilafat movement in accordance are rendered devoid of your faith, and got them to publicly accept with his principles, he was also become heretics or obliterate your collective blame for their misdeeds. trying to remove the obstacles religion, there is no such command So much so that many of them the British were placing in the of god that permits you to create who admitted to their wrong-doing way of Hindu–Muslim unity. The enmity between two individuals who said they were prepared to give biggest obstacle was the issue of have committed no wrong against themselves up and serve long jail cow slaughter which the British were one another.' terms as well. busy giving a communal colour. It was only natural that he would want Gandhi did not stop there. He This episode tells us something to speak frankly on this issue in continued: 'I said to the sadhus of about the force of conviction that Ayodhya. The way he put the British Haridwar that if they want to protect propelled Gandhiji’s advocacy of government in the dock on this issue the cow, they should be ready to give a freedom struggle based on the and made Hindu–Muslim unity an their lives up for the Muslims. Had moral and principled yardsticks of imperative for cow protection, only the British been our neighbours, I satya and ahimsa. The manner in he could have accomplished it. would have advised you to request which he suspended the entire Non- them that although their religion does Cooperation Movement in the wake It was telling that Gandhiji, who not prohibit them from slaughtering of the Chauri Chaura incident is well did not take his eyes off other cows and consuming their meat, known. concerns of the freedom struggle they should consider stopping the while focusing on this issue, did not practice for our sake. . . . But they ● ● ● take any cognizance whatsoever of raise their hand [against us] and say the so-called Ram Janmabhoomi– they are the rulers and that their It is noteworthy that by the time Babri Masjid issue. No matter rule is like Ram Rajya for us. My Bapu visited Ayodhya for the first that this was his first visit to the appeal to the sadhus is that if you time, Tilak, the leader who gave the birthplace and kingdom of his Rama. want to protect the cow, give your resounding slogan ‘Freedom is our lives up for Khilafat. . . . Those birthright’, was no more. The mantle Physically exhausted by the who kill Muslims for slaughtering of steering the freedom struggle, previous evening’s long meeting, cows should abdicate their religion. giving it a new momentum, now when Gandhiji reached the Sarayu There are no such directives given rested on Gandhiji. ghat the following morning to attend to Hindus anywhere.' a meeting of sadhus being headed One of the aims of Gandhiji's by Pandit Chandiram, he found Gandhiji continued to give advice visit to Ayodhya on February 10, it difficult to speak standing. He in this vein. He said: 'These days 1921 was to meet the sadhus of began by asking the gathered sadhus the Hindus want the municipality Ayodhya and persuade them to join to forgive him for his physical to put an end to cow slaughter. I the freedom movement. Gandhiji’s weakness which forced him to be call it stupidity. On this issue, some decision to meet them was significant seated as he addressed them. Then Marwari friends in Calcutta were considering that his attempt to turn he proceeded to hold up a mirror misled by thoughtless advisors into the Khilafat Movement into an 8 JANATA, February 25, 2018 asking me to save 200 cows from idol here, which receives offerings rupee note with him. Offering it, he being slaughtered by butchers. I told of foreign cloth. If you do not want stood there to get fifty rupees back. them point-blank I would not save foreign cloth for yourself, then Gandhiji left him speechless with a a single cow until such time as the you must end this practice. Adopt comment that he was a baniya after butchers were not told which other swadeshi. Use the thread spun by all; a baniya never parted with the occupation to adopt because they do your brothers and sisters. I am money that came his way—all the not do the work they do to hurt the hoping that the sadhus will give me more so if it was a donation. The sentiments of the Hindus. . . . What a part of what they have. . . . Sadhus gathering burst into laughter and the happened in Bombay? The butchers are considered to be pious; let them gentleman made his way back in a had hundreds of cows but no Hindu give within their means. It will come happy frame of mind. approached them. The members of in useful in the struggle for swaraj.' the Khilafat committee went to them During this visit, Gandhiji visited and said what they were doing was The English translation of this the first Gandhi ashram in the not right; they should let the cows go speech is preserved in the Uttar country, which had been established and buy goats instead. The butchers Pradesh state archives in Lucknow. in Akbarpur by Dhirendra bhai gave up all the cows. . . . This is It was placed in the category of Majumdar. It was on that occasion called protecting the cow.' confidential documents at the time. that he delivered his famous message The previous evening too, after ‘Hate the sin and not the sinner’, He clarified that the object of throwing light on his South Africa exemplifying his statement by cow protection was not animal satyagraha, he had given a call to staying in the house of an English protection: 'The concern was for the people to engage in peaceful priest called Sweetman. In the the protection of the weak and the non-cooperation against the British ashram meeting, he urged the people helpless—only by doing this do we government, boycott government- gathered there to get organised, give get the right to pray to god for our aided schools, give up wearing up wearing foreign cloth, spin the protection. Praying to god for our foreign cloth and spin yarn on the charkha, confront the oppression own protection is a sin as long as we charkha instead. He refrained from of zamindars with non-violent do not protect the weak. . . . We need giving the same call in his Ayodhya resistance, dedicate themselves to to learn to love the way Rama loved meeting saying he did not want to the cause of liquor prohibition and Sita. As long as we do not observe merely repeat what he had said the boycott government schools. our dharma conscientiously and previous evening. with utmost faith and steadfastness, Thereafter, even Awadh’s we shall not be able to destroy this ● ● ● rebellious farmers gave up the demonic government. Neither shall path of violence. Not just that, by we attain swaraj nor will the rule In 1929, Gandhiji came to his facing police atrocities and excesses of our dharma prevail. It is beyond Rama’s capital Ayodhya for the resolutely, they no longer provided the power of Hindus to bring back second time to seek contributions an excuse for the British government Ram Rajya.' for his Harijan Fund. In a meeting to unleash its army’s oppressive held in Faizabad’s Motibagh locality force on them on the grounds that it He concluded his address by he was given a silver ring for the was justified. saying this: 'I do not want to say fund. He decided to auction it there too much. I see students of Sanskrit and then. Courtesy : The Wire here. I urge them to sacrifice their lives for Muslim brothers. . . . Every To provide an incentive for high student who is desirous of obtaining bids, he announced that he would knowledge for a livelihood should personally put the ring on the finger Janata realise that acquiring knowledge of the individual who bid the highest. from the British is akin to drinking One gentleman bid fifty rupees and is available at from a poisoned cup. Do not drink the auction ended with him. Gandhiji from the poisoned cup. Come back kept his word and put the ring on his www.lohiatoday.com to the right path. . . . There is an finger. The gentleman had a hundred JANATA, February 25, 2018 9 Is it Possible for Gandhians and Ambedkarites to Engage in a Dialogue?

Yogesh S. The third national convention of constitutional and violent ideology legislature. The differences between Dakshinayan Abhiyan, called Samas, of the BJP and RSS. The government, the two, along with the hunger strike took place on 29 and 30 January which has been cracking down on the that led to the signing of the Poona 2018. On the opening day, Ganesh spaces of dissent in universities has Pact, is widely cited to highlight Devy, the founder of Dakshinayan to go back in history to look at the the differences and disagreements Abhiyan, explained the relevance role of Sangh Parivar in the freedom between the two. of the chosen name, ‘[Samas means struggle and their contribution to] connect units of meaning to (or the lack of it) in building a Debates around caste based produce new meaning; and, since democratic India. Those who discrimination today seem to begin [this] Nagpur convention is [about] opposed Ambedkar’s Constitution and end on the question of the bringing [various] thoughts together, and those who celebrated the death provision of reservation of seats it is called Samas.’ of Gandhi are now ruling the state, for certain sections, as if caste only openly attacking constitutional extends to reservation policy and the Prakash Yashwant Ambedkar, rights and killing the democratic and resulting job opportunities. Prakash grandson of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, secular spirit of this country. Ambedkar said that even if Gandhi and Rajmohan Gandhi, grandson had agreed to Ambedkar’s terms, of Mahatma Gandhi, addressed Caught up in the debates and the VHP would have opposed it the convention in Gandhi’s differences between them, we often vehemently. In agreement with this Sewagram Ashram in Wardha forget to notice that despite their statement, Rajmohan Gandhi said, and in Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur differences, Gandhi and Ambedkar ‘With the guidance of the leadership respectively. The convention was a continued to engage in a dialogue of both Gandhi and Ambedkar, the coming together of writers, activists with each other and did not resort Constitution of India took a shape . and artists from across the country, to violence. It is extremely crucial . . the Constitution that guarantees all of them united under the banner for us to remember this legacy of freedom of speech and expression ‘Where the Mind is without Fear’, dialogue between differing opinions is under threat today because of this taken from the poem Chitto Jetha that existed in this country. It is dispensation whose ideologues were Bhoyshunno (Where the Mind is crucial because it helps us be more active in the 1920s and 1930s.’ without Fear) by Rabindranath reflective about the systematic attack Tagore. on this legacy of dialogue today. Prakash Ambedkar, in his opening address, said that Gandhi was not Both the historical figures, Gandhi’s and Ambedkar’s against reservation; he was against Ambedkar and Gandhi, are being approach to fighting the oppression separate electorate for Dalits that appropriated by the current of the caste system, both politically had been proposed by Ambedkar. BJP government. As Ali Khan and socially, was different. Gandhi He also acknowledged that they Mahudabad says, ‘Political icons opposed Ambedkar’s proposal— held differing views on the manner are easily appropriated . . . For some provision for a separate electorate in which reservations must be time now, and over the last two years for Dalits—and he declared that he implemented. But he went on to in particular, a noticeable feature would go on an indefinite hunger point out that this difference between of the BJP's political rhetoric has strike to protest against a separate the two—Gandhi and Ambedkar—is been its appropriation of political electorate. This resulted in the Poona increasingly being used to place the figures whose views would sit Pact, which was signed by Ambedkar politics governed by their respective uncomfortably with those of its and Gandhi on 24 September 1932 in ideologies in opposition to each own.’ The ideologies and works of Poona (now Pune). The Pact denied other. both these figures are a vehement a separate electorate but guaranteed critique of the anti-secular, anti- reservation of seats for Dalits in the He admitted that it is true that Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi 10 JANATA, February 25, 2018 represented the views of different mentioned the things that they condemned by writers, activists, sections of the Indian populace. agreed on. He said, ‘Freedom scholars and artists from across the Ambedkar was a strong voice against of speech, freedom to believe, country. They have joined together the structural violence ingrained in freedom to be an atheist, to believe to resist these attacks on the freedom Hindu society in the form of its in non-violence; these were certain of speech and expression. Even as Varna Ashram, and the associated things that both of them would not these protests have been going on, discriminatory caste practices. He compromise.’ Reflecting on the Gauri Lankesh, an activist-journalist led the fight against the inhumane increase in violence today in the in Karnataka—she was actively practice of untouchability. Then there country, Rajmohan Gandhi pointed involved in organising protests was Gandhi, a leader of the freedom out that Ambedkar always spoke against these political murders, and struggle in India, who, based on about asserting oneself through the failure of the police in nabbing the the principles of nonviolence, led struggle, debate, and fighting, and perpetrators in all the three cases— a powerful mass movement against not through the ‘use of lathis and was assassinated on 5 September the British colonial rule in the guns, but through nonviolent modes.’ 2017. Gauri’s murder added to the country. Both were important leaders sense of urgency among citizens, with a mass following; but they were Applauding the success of Samas who saw these killings as a threat to standing on very different planes. in bringing together people with democracy and the constitutionally They had differing world views and different ideas and opinions under guaranteed fundamental rights. politics. one roof, he said, ‘Wherever the Protesting the killings, a number of spirits of Gandhi and Ambedkar protest marches and events are being Prakash Ambedkar said, while are, they must be celebrating today.’ organised across the country. addressing the gathering in Gandhi’s He added that such events, which Sevagram Ashram on 30 January, bring together people with diverse These political murders are not the death anniversary of Gandhi, ideas, are very crucial, especially in merely the killings of people who ‘Ambedkar was from a downtrodden the current political scenario where dared to oppose and question the and the exploited caste. Mobilising people are being attacked and killed ideology of the ruling government. people for a movement against the for differing views. They are also an attack on the caste was possible.’ Ambedkar also constitutional values, secular highlighted Gandhi and Ambedkar’s Samas, by having both ideology and the democratic fabric of differing opinions on the Hindu Ambedkarite and Gandhian figures this country that Dabholkar, Pansare, religion. The latter called on all addressing the gathering from Kalburgi and Gauri represented and Dalits to reject Hinduism all together, the same platform, succeeded in strove to protect. They nurtured the and converted himself, along with reminding us of India’s rich history democratic belief system which lakhs of Dalits, to Buddhism. Having of respecting differences in opinions stood directly in opposition to that highlighted these differences, and ideas, the legacy of nurturing the of the Sangh Parivar. They did not Prakash Ambedkar then made an diversity in our country. believe in uniformity but in diversity, important observation about the two they struggled to provoke and leaders’ relationship with each other. Dakshinayan Abhiyan was enable the oppressed to think and ‘Both Ambedkar and Gandhi were founded by Ganesh Devy, a linguist question. And it is this, the ability not in agreement with each other. scholar and an activist, in the to think, to question and dissent, They were on very different planes. wake of the killings of rationalist that is perceived as a threat by the But they never let their differences Narendra Dabholkar, activist Govind fundamentalist right wing advocates. stop the conversation between their Pansare, and scholar M.M. Kalburgi. ideas.’ It was this dialogue that All three of them, through their Samas, in bringing the has enabled us today to observe, scholarship and activism, opposed Ambedkarite and Gandhian politics understand, analyse and fight forms the communal and sectarian politics in dialogue with each other, has given of oppressions. of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), birth to a space for dialogue at a time and its think tanks, the Rashtriya when such spaces are becoming Rajmohan Gandhi, in his turn, Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the increasingly scarce, making it all the also talked about the debates and Sangh Parivar. more significant. The question that differences of opinions between we should be asking now is, how do Ambedkar and Gandhi, but also Dabholkar, Pansare and Kalburgi’s we create more such spaces? murders have been strongly JANATA, February 25, 2018 11 Onus is on CPI(M) to Put an End to Competitive Political Violence in Kerala

Apoorvanand The Communist Party of India that it remains etched in collective A report by Firstpost says: (Marxist) needs to answer the charge memory, and recalled by succeeding The CPM activists, who of its involvement in the murder of generations. The aim is to show how traditionally nurse hostility against S.P. Shuaib, a 30-year-old man, also brutal the killing can be and why the workers of rival parties, have been a youth leader of the Congress party killer needs to be feared. Probably, trying to settle scores every time in Kannur. Merely condemning it the idea is to unleash brutality to the party comes to power. Political and claiming that it had nothing to do establish supremacy. But history analysts say this is because they with the killing does not wash. It will shows that instead of acting as a are confident that the party-led have to face the question raised by deterrent, brutality has produced the governments will protect them. An Shuaib’s father, Muhammad, ‘Why same level of brutality from the other analysis of the official statistics did they kill my son over a destroyed side. Killings have been responded related to the incidents of political flag in a school? What crime did my to by killings and this has become violence since 1991 obtained from the son do to die with 37 wounds on his an endless saga. Kannur district police headquarters legs?’ It is a fact that members of both show an increase in the reported Who is this ‘they’ Muhammad is the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh cases of political violence during talking about? Is it true that a band (RSS) as well as the CPI(M) have every term of the Left Democratic of CPI(M) workers faced resistance been murdered. Other parties are Front (LDF) government led by from Shuaib and his party colleagues also involved in this game of death. the CPM compared to that of the when the office of the Congress The CPI(M) has demanded a ban Congress-led United Democratic was raided by it? Is the media lying on the Popular Front of India (PFI), Front (UDF). when it reports that following the blaming it for violence. But statistics For example, the number of scuffle, CPI(M) workers took out a show that it is mainly a battle of political murders went up from a violent procession predicting death supremacy between the RSS and the mere eight, during the 1991–96 term for Shuaib? Is it only a coincidence CPI(M). Both are ruthlessly causing of the UDF government, to 28 during that after this open threat, Shuaib the death of their members to fulfil the 1996–2001 when LDF was in was attacked and hacked to death? the ambitions of their party bosses. power. The number of murders came The CPI(M) knows that what it All organisations—starting with down to six during the subsequent is saying now is simply not true. the CPI(M) and the RSS—must term of the UDF government from Kannur has been a battlefield in first acknowledge that they have 2001 to 2006. This shot up to 27 Kerala with a unique history of inter- been involved in this competitive during the 2006–11 LDF term and party rivalry, fought with all kinds violence. This was recognised came down to 11 during the last of weapons. Crude bombs, swords, indirectly when a peace meeting UDF government term. machetes and guns are freely used. was called by none other than Chief Will the CPI(M) face these facts? The idea is not merely to kill, but to Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The prolong the death of the enemy and collector of Kannur also held a peace It has also been noted that make it painful. meeting where all parties promised political parties, CPI(M) included, to eschew violence. Where was the hire professional criminals to settle In Kannur, political organisations need to take such a pledge if the scores with rivals. They can then have practised and mastered the art CPI(M) has never taken recourse to claim that it was a criminal act and of murder. They make a spectacle murderous violence? the party had no involvement in it. of it. Each act of murder is carried This is clever but cowardly. The RSS out in a manner so as to ensure has also been found indulging in the same practice. 12 JANATA, February 25, 2018

There was a time when the CPI(M) general secretary Prakash different, even for the CPI(M). By CPI(M) looked invincible in West Karat’s statement. Justifying the voting out parties from power at Bengal. It practised and cultivated violence, he said that such had been regular intervals, the people of the a political culture of violence, the political culture of the state that state have not allowed them to be not only to intimidate its rivals he and his party were helpless and arrogant. There is a lot that CPI(M) like the Trinamool Congress but had no option but to use it to maintain can be praised for in the state, but for also its partners. I remember my their hold on the state. We also recall its desire to dominate all aspects of conversation with the late A.B the infamous call of another CPI(M) life and taking recourse to violence. Bardhan, then the general secretary leader, Brinda Karat, who said that of the Communist Party of India, after the opponents have to be given dam The CPI(M) must understand—as the CPI(M) and state government dam davai. This was an open call to should other organisations—that sponsored violence in Singur and beat up party rivals. violence legitimises violence. You Nandigram. We were pleading with cannot criticise the violence of your him to listen to his state unit and This arrogance could not save rival if you yourself practise it. By come out of the Left Front to oppose the CPI(M) in West Bengal, where eliminating its opponents in Kannur, this violence. He agreed that the power had become a second name by murdering them, the CPI(M) can CPI(M) was behind it and added that for the party. The TMC and the no longer claim political superiority. his party workers had also braved Bharatiya Janata Party picked this It is not using party ideology but violence from their ‘big brother,’ but up from CPI(M) very fast and both mastery of weapons to ensure the he refused to talk about it publicly. are now masters of the game. The loyalty of the people. These are the The question of criticising it openly CPI(M) seems to have fallen into same weapons that its rivals are did not arise, he said. an abyss and is finding it difficult to using. So, where is its politics? emerge from it. We also remember the then Email: [email protected] Fortunately, Kerala has been

Devastation Caused by Alcohol Should Receive Serious Attention

Bharat Dogra

The many-sided devastation of way out of this morass is available to include social movements with a health and social relations as well only a few who need this desperately. larger agenda which have also felt as the huge number of injuries and Thirdly, the gender equation is such the need for fighting liquor related violent episodes caused by alcohol that despite very low levels of liquor problems and also very specific anti- consumption and addiction, as also consumption by women, it is women liquor movements focusing mainly the huge economic and ecological and children who end up bearing the or only on this issue. Women have costs associated with this have heaviest burden of increasing liquor played the most important role in been well documented at the world consumption in terms of denial of most of these movements and have level. In developing countries like basic needs and increasing domestic brought a strong sense of urgency India there are three factors that and sexual violence. and passion into these movements. accentuate this loss. Firstly, many One important specific demand of of the families affected are already It is in this context that the several of these movements has so poor or economically stressed demands for curbs on increasing been to remove the liquor vend or that the recurring expenditure on liquor sale and consumption have shop from their village so that easy liquor simply ruins them. Secondly, been raised by several anti-liquor availability of liquor very near to the the poor availability of medical and movements in various parts of village can be checked. de-addiction facilities means that the India, particularly rural India. These JANATA, February 25, 2018 13

While most governments Press Release have paid lip sympathy to anti- liquor sentiments, in reality most governments have been happy to It’s Not the Question of EVMs collect their massive earnings from Alone But Democracy Is at Stake : sale of liquor. In addition, several politicians have close links with Unanimous Call for #Back2Ballot liquor mafias and some of them have themselves entered liquor New Delhi, February 19: 'Today spokesperson of JD(S). He further production and trade. Despite all it is no more the question of going added that there is an atmosphere this, several governments have back to ballot papers in elections, being created through television been forced to respond to growing but it’s a must that 2019 elections be studios that one nation and one public sentiments against liquor, conducted through the ballot papers. election should be brought in particularly in the context of women EVM machines are destroying the because multiple elections hamper voters. They have responded to the trust between the voter and the development work. This completely anti-liquor sentiments of people, democratic system. Democracy is unfounded view is being promoted particularly women, in various ways. too precious to be left to machines. by an organised lobby and its aim is Prohibition has been in existence in To ensure the democratic nature of to pave way for one party and one Gujarat for a very long time and was the country, the 2019 election should leader rule, a dangerous trend for more recently introduced in Bihar. be done through the ballot system', the nation. Tamil Nadu and Kerala are likely to said Manish Tiwari, spokesperson, The process of elections should move towards phased prohibition. Indian National Congress. He was be something the citizens of a Other state governments have agreed speaking at a meeting organised by Anhad, CPA, Delhi Solidarity country have complete faith in. at times to removing liquor vends in Group, National Aliiance of EVM machines have been found specific areas if certain conditions People’s Movements, Peace and to be faulty innumerable times; the such as opposition by more than 50 Sabka Bharat on the question of democratic nature of the country percent local population are satisfied EVMs in elections, held at the is challenged every time an EVM and proved. Others have withdrawn Constitution Club of India. Other machine fails. Given the fact that specific vends following opposition. prominent political leaders and powerful democracies across the intellectuals who were present and country have chosen to stay with On the whole, however, these who spoke at the meeting included the ballot system, India should rid official responses have been Ali Anwar (MP, Rajya Sabha), itself of the many complications of inadequate and the massive, many- Amarjeet Kaur (CPI), D.P. Tripathi the EVM system and simplify its sided damage caused by alcohol has (NCP), Dr. Sunilam (Ex-MLA, procedures. 'The electoral process been increasing. The time has now National Convener, NAPM), Gauhar should be so simple that anyone come to give much more serious Raza (scientist), Kavita Krishnan and everyone is able to vote and attention to this issue. On the one [CPI(ML)], Kunwar Danish Ali is also aware of the entire process hand, well planned government (JDS), Naval Kishore Yadav (RJD), of elections. The process of voting policies keeping in view local Nikhil Dey (MKSS), Nilotpal Basu should be simplified to the bare conditions are needed, and on the (CPM), Ravi Verma (SP), S. Srinath minimum. In a democracy, every other hand there is even greater (expert), Saurabh Bhardwaj (AAP), vote should be accounted for and need for sustained public campaigns Uvesh Mallik (Advocate) and Seema there should be no talks of average against liquor on a continuing basis Mustafa (senior journalist). numbers and/or rounding off of involving respected community votes,' said Kavita Krishnan of leaders, with women playing a 'JD(S) will not contest the CPI-ML. Mr Nilotpal Basu (CPM) leading role. Karnataka Assembly elections later reiterated the need to use the VVPAT this year, if VVPAT are not counted system and make the entire process Email: [email protected] 100% and that’s a decision we as transparent as possible, keeping have made', stated Danish Ali, the in mind the satisfaction of the voter. 14 JANATA, February 25, 2018

It is important to continue the machines to them. In the countless process is foolproof and that their debate in India because if EVMs number of technicians they hire voices matter. That faith has to be are not tamper-proof, it makes locally, what is the guarantee that rebuilt and enabled, and for that the the vote valueless, endangering they are free from being politically ballot system is the most appropriate. Indian democracy. Furthermore, manipulated? it is important to take this issue In the light of the presentations ahead from the stage of a debate; it The need for the ballot system made and similar opinions and is the responsibility of all political stems from the fact that voters concerns expressed by all the leaders parties, civil bodies and the public can physically witness their vote of political parties and eminent to carry it forward and turn it into being submitted; the chance of members of civil society present at a movement to demand the return the votes being tampered with are the meeting, all those unanimously of the ballot system. Gauhar Raza, minimum as the entire process is agreed that it’s high time the ECI the well-known scientist and film very simple and there can be no took urgent action to restore faith maker, also made an impassioned glitches. The only concern here, as in the election process. This can’t plea for the ballot system: 'The Mr Sunilam (Ex MLA and National be left to machines; the only way it constitution gave us the right to Convener,NAPM) pointed out, will can be done is by ensuring that the vote and it gave that right to every be that the election process will have 2019 elections and for that matter single citizen. That is commendable to be extended by a few more days. every election in this country from because other countries had to fight For clean and transparent elections, the local self-government elections to achieve it, our country adopted surely this minor delay can be to the national election be held universal suffrage right at the start. undertaken and managed. on ballots. For this, a citizens’ The tampering of EVM machines movement is needed today, and this is an attack on our right to choose S. Srinath from Karnataka and can only be achieved if everyone and our right to vote. The Election Yogesh Malik from Gujarat both joins in. Commission of India (ECI) has presented detailed accounts of stated 6 technical ways which tampering and of voting fraud, and Anhad, CPA, Delhi Solidarity prevent it from being tampered also of their efforts to complain to the Group, National Alliance of People’s with, but there is no machine in this Election Commission and judiciary Movements, Peace, Sabka Bharat world that is impenetrable. That is and seek justice, but unfortunately the driving factor in the universal in the name of the sanctity of the For more details, contact: rejection of EVM machines.' election process they couldn’t make 9811807558, 9818905316 any headway. ECI is not sacrosanct What is even more important is and influence proof from those in to demand that the ECI dive head power. first into electoral reforms. The The Unemployment Commission is losing its credibility Amarjeet Kaur of CPI and Nikhil Crisis: as it continues to deny that EVM Dey of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Reasons and machines can be tampered with. In Sangathan said that unless every the wards where the EVM machines single voter is confident about Solutions had been tampered with, the ECI their vote and its destination in the made no outright moves to penalise counting process, democracy will Contribution Rs. 25/- those who manipulated the system. have failed. To ensure the same, we have to go back to the ballot system. Ankit Lal of Aam Aadmi Party added Published by Political parties should have raised that EVM machines are produced Janata Trust & Lokayat by companies like the ECIL and commotion about electoral reforms the BEL, and these companies in 2014 itself, no one did so, and D-15, Ganesh Prasad, are incapable of maintaining the thereby they failed in their duty to Naushir Bharucha Marg, machines on their own; therein lies change the system for the better. To Grant Road (W), the problem because they have to hire make sure that the country doesn’t Mumbai 400 007 external technicians, train them and veer towards fascism, people have outsource the task of maintaining the to be convinced that the electoral JANATA, February 25, 2018 15 R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, February 25, 2018 Postal Registration No. MCW/275/2018-2020. License to Post without prepayment WPP License No. MR/Tech/WPP-210/West/2018 Published on Sunday, February 25, 2018 & Posted on Wedenesday, February 28, 2018 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

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Vol. 73 No. 6 Both Nehru and Patel Were the Need March 4, 2018 of the Hour in 1947–48

BJP Ideology and Future of Rajindar Sachar Scientific Enterprise in India Ram Puniyani Prime Minister Modi while myself had this personal experience speaking on the Budget expressed in 1955. I was the chairperson of Sectarian Politics and the the grievance that Congress did the Socialist Party (Punjab) and Partition of India : not make Patel the Prime Minister. the general secretary of the Punjab Unfortunately no one had advised High Court Bar Association then. The Targeting of Nehru Modi that Nehru was Gandhiji’s The Punjab High Court was shifting and the Congress choice. He had equal respect for both from Simla to Chandigarh. It was Anil Nauriya Nehru and Patel. to be inaugurated by Nehru and he had come to Chandigarh the evening The fact actually is, there was before. My father, who was then the Why Were Budgets of Critical no rivalry between Nehru and Patel Chief Minister of Punjab, invited Farming and Food Security as both realised that India can only Nehru for an informal breakfast at Schemes Revised Downwards prosper if there was good relation our residence. I was staying with Bharat Dogra and mutual respect for each other. my father, though my office was in Patel even when he could muster another sector. I had admired Nehru majority in Parliament did not try to a lot during the freedom struggle, supplant Nehru. Let me give some Meaning of Education but by 1955, my views on Nehru instances of the respect which Nehru Sandeep Pandey had considerably changed. Our party and Patel had for each other. was convinced (rightly or wrongly, time alone will tell) that Nehru, who In 1952, the Congress returned had shown the vision of socialism Editor : to power with a clear majority in G. G. Parikh to us, had abandoned that vision the Punjab Assembly elections. My and was following wrong policies. Managing Editor : Guddi father became the Chief Minister of Our differences with his policies Punjab, which then comprised of were deep. Though I was a nobody D-15, Ganesh Prasad, present-day Haryana and Himachal in those days, I told my father that Naushir Bharucha Marg, Pradesh. I will not be at the breakfast table Mumbai - 400 007. to receive Nehru. My father and I I had in 1946 become an active had a beautiful understanding and Email : [email protected] member of the Socialist Party founded respected each other’s view. He Website:www.janataweekly.org by J.P. and Dr. Lohia and others. I realised my reluctance, even though 2 JANATA, March 4, 2018 he mentioned that I was being idea and thought underlying them moving in, Nehru came to know childish. to spread further. Therefore, I would about it and telephoned N.V. Gadgil, rather have a completely free Press Minister of State for Home, and told I went to my office before Nehru with all the dangers involved in the him that he immediately wanted arrived because I could not think of wrong use of that freedom than a to talk to Patel about this action. being at home and being rude by suppressed or regulated Press. Gadgil phoned Patel and told him not joining him for breakfast. Of about what Nehru had said. Patel course, we received Nehru with all Let me give a few instances naturally sensed that Nehru would the dignity and deference due to him where, even when they differed want to stop action against Nizam. when he came to the High Court for on State policy, Nehru and Patel So he told Gadgil to tell Nehru that inauguration. accepted the other’s point of view. he had not been able to contact Patel. In 1947, the Maharaja of Jammu The result was that the security Today, I laugh at my and Kashmir realised, after the forces moved in, and the Nizam presumptuousness – a chit of boy, tribal attack from Pakistan, that it immediately signed the latter of whom Nehru probably did not was no longer possible to remain accession to India. even notice, beating his chest by Independent. So he sent his Prime not attending and denying himself Minister Justice Mahajan with a Nizam realised and understood a rare close breakfast meeting with letter to Pt. Nehru agreeing to accede the working of Nehru and Patel. This one of the greatest leaders of India J & K to India, so that India could is shown by the fact that soon after, and who had been a hero of our send military assistance to J & K. when Nehru went to Hyderabad, time. Nevertheless, looking back, Nizam did not show the courtesy I still feel that my conduct was not Mahajan was finding it difficult to of receiving him at the airport. But demeaning, because at that time it convince Nehru about immediately when Patel went to Hyderabad, represented a youthful, genuine and accepting accession of Kashmir, he realised the consequence of unshakeable faith in socialism— even though Patel agreed with repeating his foolishness, and quietly something which fortunately I still Mahajan. A heated debate ensued, went to the airport to receive Patel, have not lost. but Nehru still showed reluctance. which was the correct protocol. At this time Sheikh Abdullah, Whatever little was left of who in the adjacent room and was Email: [email protected] democracy vanished when Indira listening to this debate, came out Gandhi imposed Emergency and to tell Nehru to accept the view of Janata Subscription stifled the press violating Nehru’s Patel and Mahajan. It was in these warning, My father, an old circumstances of mutual respect for Annual Rs. : 260/- Congressman, wrote a letter to each other that accession of J & K Indira Gandhi during the Emergency Three Years : 750/- to India took peace. reminding her of what Nehru had Demand Draft / Cheque said: Another important event concerned the accession of on To my mind, the freedom of the Hyderabad. It is well known Press is not just a slogan from the Mumbai Bank that while Patel was for taking larger point of view but it is an in favour of strong action against the Nizam of essential attribute of the democratic Hyderabad who was wanting to process. I have no doubt that even if remain independent and not accede the Government dislikes the liberties to India (even when his boundaries JANATA TRUST taken by the Press and considers had no direct linkage with Pakistan), them dangerous, it is wrong to Nehru was against military action. D-15, Ganesh Prasad, interfere with the freedom of the Finding that the conditions would Press. By imposing restrictions you Naushir Bharucha Marg, become irredeemable, Patel decided do not change anything; you merely on his own to send security forces. Grant Road (W), suppress the public manifestation of Mumbai 400 007. certain things, thereby causing the While the security forces were JANATA, March 4, 2018 3 BJP Ideology and Future of Scientific Enterprise in India

Ram Puniyani

With Indian independence and In continuation with this, Dr. Satya minister’s statement was simplistic framing of the Indian Constitution, Pal Singh, currently minister of state and misleading: 'There is plentiful the foundations for progress in in the MHRD, recently stated that and undeniable scientific evidence society were laid. This was to Darwin’s theory is wrong as our to the fact that humans and the be multifaceted progress, and an ancestors did not mention that they other great apes and monkeys had a important basis of this was the saw ape turning into man in our common ancestor.' The letter further principle of scientific temper. This scriptures. He was duly backed up says that the minister’s claim that process was guided by the architect by RSS ideologue turned BJP leader the Vedas contain answers to all of modern India, Jawaharlal Ram Madhav. questions is exaggerated and 'is Nehru. There was a massive surge an insult to the genuine research in the establishment of scientific The latter himself stated a while work on history of Indian scientific institutions, accompanied by great ago that Wright brothers were not the traditions.' contributions by Indian scientists, first to invent the aeroplane, it was an which contributed to the progress Indian, Shivkar Bapuji Talpade, who 'When a minister working for the of the country. There were flaws first invented it. He emphasised that human resource development in the and weaknesses of course, but school text books should highlight country makes such claims, it harms the direction was clearly that of the likes of Talpade. The theory of the scientific community’s efforts rational and scientific approach. evolution has been one of the turning to propagate scientific thoughts and This fulfilled clause Article 51a of point discoveries of science, based rationality through critical education the Indian Constitution that enjoins on painfully collected evidence and modern scientific research,' upon citizens the 'fundamental duty' by Darwin over several decades. reads the letter. 'It also diminishes to develop 'scientific temper'. As science is not based on faith, the image of the country at the there is always scope to fill the global level and reduces faith of The Bharatiya Janata Party gaps of knowledge of the original the international historical research and its leaders, who are currently discoverer, and that’s how science community in the genuine research ruling the country and dictating the develops. In contrast to the methods by the Indian researchers.' direction of scientific research and of science, the fundamentalists harp development, seem to have different that all knowledge is already there At another level there are claims ideas. During the last seventy odd in the Holy Scriptures, the word of that Kauravas were born through years of the development of our the almighty. The Joshis–Singhs– the techniques mentioned in our scientific institutions, foundations Ram Madhavs are not the only holy scriptures, based on which have been laid for development in ones in such retrograde thinking; Balkrishan Ganpat Matapurkar all areas of science and technology, the Christian fundamentalists too has patented the technique for including the areas of basic science counter the theory of Darwin by body part generation, inspired by and technology, health, atomic putting together what they call Gandhari’s giving birth to 100 sons energy, space science and what have ‘Creation science’, and Islamic and Karna taking birth from the ear you; now, the ruling dispensation is fundamentalists like Zakir Naik of Kunti. At an equally bizarre level putting things in reverse gear. too dismiss this theory on frivolous is the understanding of the Chief grounds. of the Indian Council of Historical The inkling of this retrograde Research, Y. Sudarshan. According direction can be seen during the Singh’s statement has been to him, a reading of the Hindu epic previous BJP-led NDA Government, very disturbing for the scientific Mahabharata leads to the inference when Murali Manohar Joshi, the community in India. A large number that the weapons described in them then MHRD minister, introduced of them expressed their anguish were the result of atomic fission and/ courses like astrology and in a letter, which they sent to the or fusion. He also claims that stem Paurohitya (rituals) in universities. minister. The letter says that the cell research was there in the Iron 4 JANATA, March 4, 2018 Age in India. Sectarian Politics and the It is not difficult to imagine that with such a pattern of thinking Partition of India : The Targeting of among policy makers, our science Nehru and the Congress policy will get a strong jolt. The government is encouraging research and funding on topics which Anil Nauriya are based purely on figments of imagination. Huge top level funding Decades after the assassination There have also been some has recently been announced for of Mahatma Gandhi, the Hindu gradual changes in the rhetoric of Panchgavya, a mixture of cow urine, Mahasabha workers have in recent the BJP as compared, on the one dung, ghee, curd and milk. Efforts years become emboldened enough hand, with that of the Jan Sangh, its are being made to prove that Ram to publicly glorify his assassins. pre-1977 predecessor, and on the Setu (Adam’s bridge), a mythical On January 30, 2016, precisely 68 other hand, with that of its natural bridge between India and Srilanka, years after the assassination, some of allies such as the Hindu Mahasabha, was for real and was built by Lord them reportedly distributed sweets the Shiv Sena and similar parties. Ram with the help of his monkey to mark the killing as they continue The Hindu law reform conducted army. In the field of history, efforts to hold Gandhi responsible for the in the 1950s during Jawaharlal are on to prove the existence of River Partition of India in 1947. Nehru’s tenure as Prime Minister Sarswati and the historicity of epics had not gone down well with the like Ramayana and Mahabharata, to On the same day, an intellectual sections of society prone to support name a few of the current research associated with the Rashtriya the Jan Sangh, and the momentous topics. Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) churning of a near-stagnant social sought, on the electronic media, to milieu provided a further point There are two unscientific dissociate the RSS from the prime for conservative Hindu bitterness processes involved here. One is the assassin. However, the RSS and towards the country’s first Premier. claim that all knowledge is already its various offshoots, including the It was some two decades later, there in our scriptures and that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have with the Jan Sangh’s involvement research and development in science seldom dissociated themselves in the political movement led by and technology should be along from holding the Indian National Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) in the mid- those lines. The second is claiming Congress (Congress) responsible 1970s, that the Sangh found itself that all discoveries have their roots for Partition. On the contrary, this having to engage with Gandhians, in India, more so the India before the has been a major plank in their Sarvodaya workers, socialists and coming of Christians and Muslims. propaganda offensive against the others. This seems to be running in parallel Congress. Many BJP leaders have with identifying India with Hindus resorted to such rhetoric, especially The targeting of Nehru at election time. and Hinduism alone. With the Thus, when the Jan Sangh re- foundation for good development of These attacks became especially emerged in 1980 as the BJP, its scientific enterprise having been laid traditional doctrinal positions gave during the last many decades, the marked since 2013, in the run-up to the General Elections of 2014.1 way to some modified formulations. question is whether this community In the new conditions, it became of scientists and Indian society at Some of the Hindutva organizations have also become less covert than necessary to reshuffle the punching large will be able to resist these bags that the new party would target impositions on the direction in which before in their glorification of the assassins of Mahatma Gandhi. in its political practice. It is in this our science has been advancing so phase that its fire came to focus more far? Will our next generations be Simultaneously, other sections of Hindutva forces have sought to exclusively on Nehru and his family. able to benefit from rational thinking This did not mean that the BJP quite and achievements of science, or will disclaim responsibility for Gandhi’s assassination and have attempted discarded its previous antagonism they be taken backward to medieval toward Gandhi. age thinking ? to shift the focus of their attack on Jawaharlal Nehru.2 By the 1990s, the BJP under Lal Email: [email protected] JANATA, March 4, 2018 5

Krishna Advani had internalised son, power within the party came articulation, Savarkar said: Hindutva, the ideological position to be wielded also by her elder son of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the who would, after her assassination For the last 30 years we have Hindu Mahasabha leader. In 2003, in 1984, succeed her as Prime been accustomed to the ideology the BJP-led National Democratic Minister and remain in office till of geographical unity of India and Alliance (NDA) government even 1989. Finally, after the death of all the Congress has been the strongest installed, in the Central Hall of three, the Congress came gradually advocate of that unity but suddenly Parliament, a portrait of Savarkar to be identified at its apex with Sonia the Muslim minority, which has been who had directly inspired Gandhi’s Gandhi and also, in due course, her asking one concession after another, assassin. JP was long dead, and in children. In this scenario, attacks on has, after the Communal Award, any case, for the BJP, he had served Nehru and his dynasty have received come forward with the claim that it is his purpose. The BJP (and the Shiv new traction. A very substantive a separate nation. I have no quarrel Sena) felt enabled to show closer part of the Hindutva attack involves with Mr Jinnah’s two nation theory. affinities with the Hindu Mahasabha popularising the thesis that the We Hindus are a nation by ourselves without directly attacking Gandhi Congress in general, and Nehru and it is a historical fact that Hindus himself. in particular, were responsible for and Muslims are two nations.4 Partition. The BJP strategy of not directly There are three noteworthy points attacking Gandhi coupled with a There have been two tactical about this statement. First, in spite selective utilisation of his name features of the Hindutva attack on of his earlier 1939 speech, Savarkar continues. Given the great respect the Congress in relation to Partition. now affects surprise at the Muslim in which Gandhi is widely held, it First, Hindutva forces consciously League demand. Second, even he would have perhaps been inexpedient eschewed any reflective analysis concedes that the Congress has for the BJP, both domestically and of the pre-independence politics of been the strongest advocate of the internationally, to adopt a course the Hindu Mahasabha and, second, unity of India. Third, he endorses that a party with no immediate with respect to British imperial Jinnah’s two-nation theory. It is quite prospect of wielding—or continuing objectives, they either passed them amazing that even after Savarkar to wield—power might have felt free over sub silentio or treated them as took the position that Hindus and to do. For that reason, despite the not being of adequate importance in Muslims were separate nations, celebration and sweets distribution causing Partition. Hindutva-oriented circles could organised by Hindu Mahasabha claim to raise the banner of Akhand workers on the anniversary of The silence over Savarkar Bharat (and even murder Gandhi in its name). Indeed, the Akhand Bharat Gandhi’s assassination in 2016, the For example, the consequences slogan was again raised by an RSS main focus of the Hindutva–BJP of V.D. Savarkar’s adoption of the spokesman on August 15, 2016.5 attacks in the immediate future is two-nation theory have not been likely to be not on Gandhi as such reflected upon, let alone honestly A leading political figure like but on the Congress, in particular on analysed in Hindutva historiography Nehru and his family. Savarkar would, it must be assumed, and propaganda. In his presidential have been fully aware of the speech at the Calcutta session of The functioning of the post- demographic composition of the the Hindu Mahasabha in December 1969 Congress too facilitated various regions of undivided India. 1939, Savarkar declared that 'We this concentrated fire on Nehru’s When he spoke of Hindus and Hindus are a nation by ourselves.'3 family by the BJP. As the Congress Muslims being two separate nations, In this speech he pointedly excluded began increasingly to be identified surely he must have known, or Muslims from this definition of personally with Nehru’s daughter, would have been expected to know, nation. Significantly, this was a Indira Gandhi, power within the that this could serve to legitimise the few months before Jinnah and the party came to be centralised in her demand for separation of the regions Muslim League formally adopted and her younger son during the where there was a majority of the the two-nation theory. emergency (1975–77). After her people who he argued constituted a separate nation. return to power in 1980, and the On August 15, 1943, four years death later in the year of the younger after the ‘Hindus are a nation’ Obviously, Savarkar was aware 6 JANATA, March 4, 2018 of the implications of what he was The hypothesis has been put The opposite was in fact the case. saying. He knew, as even a person across from time to time that in the The resolution passed on June 6, of the meanest intelligence would 1940s, Nehru stood in the way of 1946 by the Council of the Muslim have been expected to know, that a federal structure which Jinnah League, which is supposed to have such a formulation could involve supposedly desired.9 The notion, 'accepted' the Plan, made it clear that geographical Partition. Even though which has in recent years received Pakistan remained its 'unalterable they may raise the slogan of Akhand some traction, seems to be that objective'.11 Curiously, this part of Bharat, the Hindutva-oriented critics’ Jinnah stood for a more inclusive, the resolution was not emphasised real grievance against Gandhi, broader Union which was not either by Ayesha Jalal in her work Nehru and the Congress therefore acceptable to the Congress leaders. on Jinnah published by Cambridge was not, and is not, that the country Generally, the 'loose federal Union' University Press or by H.M. Seervai got divided. Their real grievance argument is made in the context of in his work on Partition.12 Jalal and obviously is that Gandhi, Nehru and the British Cabinet Mission Plan Seervai did not also deal with the the Congress continued to believe in of May 1946. The Cabinet Mission League’s Madras session (1941), a composite culture and a concept of Plan, in paragraphs 6 and 7, rejected where it had been made clear by nation that did not accord with theirs. the ‘larger’ and ‘smaller’ versions an amendment to the League’s That is why Gandhi lost his life and of Pakistan that had been placed for Constitution that its Pakistan demand that is why Nehru is under attack consideration, and overtly envisaged was not a ‘bargaining counter’. Both today. Such matters are not analysed an undivided India. The Plan was to these writers were the principal or even mentioned in writings by be subject to re-consideration at the propagators, after Wavell, of the persons belonging to organisations instance of any Province after 10 idea that the League had 'accepted' like the RSS, Jana Sangh or the years, and every 10 years thereafter. the Cabinet Mission Plan which had, Bharatiya Janata Party.6 It envisaged three Groups A, B, prima facie, rejected the Pakistan and C; Group B would consist of idea. As it happened, the vigorous the Muslim-majority Provinces in renewal of the Hindutva propaganda the north-west and Group C of the The second and third paragraphs holding the Congress responsible eastern Provinces of Bengal and of the League’s resolution of June for Partition began even as a similar Assam. The Groups would come 6, 1946, reiterated that Pakistan critique of the party, albeit from a together at the Centre in respect of remained 'the unalterable objective' diametrically opposite perspective, specified subjects. of the League and that the Cabinet was being developed in some Mission Plan was for it only a step academic writings, especially The fallacy of a federal Cabinet towards Pakistan, which it saw as at Cambridge University. From Mission Plan 'inherent in the Mission’s Plan'.13 It the early 1980s, this would gain is not as if the League had 'accepted' The two underpinnings of the appreciable circulation and also the Cabinet Mission Plan and the 'loose federal structure' argument feed into the Hindutva attack. It is, Congress and Nehru simply came are: first, that this is an adequate therefore, necessary to deal with this and torpedoed it. The League’s description of the character of the particular academic critique, as it options with respect to the Cabinet Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946 and, appears in spite of its many errors to Mission Plan were restricted as the second, that Jinnah had 'accepted' be not infrequently repeated.7 Labour Government in Britain at this this Plan. The view, first expressed stage was not willing overtly to go by the then Viceroy Wavell, and As in the case of the Hindutva further by way of a direct Pakistan later popularised by Cambridge positions, discussion here too commitment. The Mission’s Plan scholars as well as some Bombay- proceeds without recognition of the ostensibly rejected the Pakistan based lawyers, was that the Cabinet existence of any British colonial concept; however, as the League Mission Plan was 'accepted' by strategic objectives regarding noticed, an alternative route to Jinnah and the League and that this Partition. This is strange considering Pakistan was implicit in the Plan. implied that the Pakistan demand had the attention given by the British In the third paragraph of the League been given up. This view has been to retaining control in areas in Council’s resolution of June 6, 1946, widely circulated, sometimes with undivided India’s north-west and the it was observed that 'it will keep in the qualification that the demand for north-east.8 view the opportunity and right of Pakistan was effectively given up.10 JANATA, March 4, 2018 7 secession of Provinces or Groups have known that they were including deliberations. Sikhs were left out on a from the Union, which have been in the Plan a 'deal-breaker'. The limb in Group B. Jinnah also resisted provided in the Mission’s Plan by statement issued by the Cabinet a role for non-League Muslims in implication.'14 There was on the Mission on May 16, 1946 required the Executive Council envisaged League’s part no intention to work under Paragraph 19 (iv) that the under the Cabinet Mission Plan. the Plan except as a route to attain provincial representatives to the Thus he sought to determine not only Pakistan. Constituent Assembly would divide the League’s representation on the up into three Sections (corresponding Council but also the composition of Later, while withdrawing its respectively to Groups A, B, and C). the Congress representation. In this 'acceptance' of the Cabinet Mission Paragraph 19 (v) of the Statement context, Zakir Husain was to Jinnah Plan, the Muslim League had cited, further required that these 'Sections a 'Quisling'.17 To describe such inter alia, a statement by Nehru on shall proceed to settle Provincial positions as federalist or inclusive July 10, 1946, at a press conference Constitutions for the Provinces in any way is hardly tenable. in which he had declared that the included in each Section and shall Constituent Assembly would be also decide whether any Group Speech-making apart, Jinnah had sovereign.15 Yet, given the fact Constitution shall be set up for those difficulty not only with the federal that the League had just a month Provinces'. Maulana Azad pointed principle but also with a pluralist earlier, on June 6, 1946, reiterated out in the letter (drafted by Nehru) approach on Pakistan. In the course the Pakistan objective, it is hardly to the Cabinet Mission on May 20, of his talks with Jinnah in 1944, fair to blame Nehru’s statement for a 1946 that Bengal would thus play Gandhi had suggested a referendum withdrawal of a League 'acceptance' a dominating role over Assam as in the Muslim-majority areas to that did not really exist in the first the Plan required the Provincial ascertain by adult suffrage of 'all place. Constitution to be 'settled' not by of the inhabitants of the Pakistan the Province but by the Section, that area' whether they wished to be Besides, the Congress had already is Constituent Assembly members part of a separate state. The offer made it clear through Maulana belonging to Group C, comprising is recorded in Gandhi’s letter of Azad’s letter of May 20, 1946 to Bengal and Assam. Rules framed September 22, 1944 to Jinnah. He Lord Pethick-Lawrence, who led the by Group C could thus nullify also suggested in the letter that a Cabinet Mission, that it would look the theoretical option given to a 'third party or parties' be called in upon the Constituent Assembly as a Province to opt out of a Group at 'to guide or even arbitrate between sovereign body for the purpose of a later stage. Azad pointed out that us'. Jinnah responded on September drafting the Constitution 'unhindered similarly, in Group B, Punjab would 25, 1944 demanding that the voting by any external authority'. This letter dominate over Sind and the NWFP. in such a referendum be confined to was drafted by Nehru. What Nehru Incidentally, those familiar with the Muslims in the area.18 Thus he said on July 10, 1946 was therefore the workings of politics in Pakistan was not inclined to permit the Sikhs, not entirely new. today would readily endorse the Hindus, Christians and others in the validity of this apprehension. In so-called Pakistan area to have a say A federal structure requires that the form in which it was presented, in the future of the area that was their the Provinces have some control the Cabinet Mission Plan could not home. Such positions sit ill with civil over themselves and their fate. In be treated as coterminous with or libertarian claims. their submission to the Cabinet equivalent to setting up a 'federal Mission four days before the Plan structure'. In actual fact, it had Throughout the relevant period, was announced, the League had the effect of covertly throttling the British resisted suggestions for somewhat brazenly referred to provincial federalism at the Group resolution of the inter-communal Assam as a 'Muslim Province'.16 The level. question which did not involve Cabinet Mission obliged the League a key role for themselves. They by placing Assam in Group C, along There were other features saw themselves as arbiters in an with Muslim-majority Bengal. There militating against inclusiveness. inter-communal dispute. Gandhi was hardly any upholding of the Some of these were immediately and Maulana Azad had called this federal principle here. In placing obvious. Others unfolded in the particular bluff more than once in Assam in Group C the British would course of the Cabinet Mission’s statements usually neglected by historians. 8 JANATA, March 4, 2018

On August 8, 1942, a few hours envisaged in the Plan between four paramountcy over the princely States before his arrest on the next day, future events and processes: (i) would not be transferred to the new Gandhi dictated a letter to a citizen the lengthy Constitution-making Indian government on attainment of Bombay, backing Azad’s offer process required under the Plan; (ii) of Indian independence. Thus, even to the League that if it cooperated the transfer of power and sovereignty while expressing the hope that the fully in the demand for Indian in the form of independence to India; princely States would co-operate, independence, the Congress would (iii) the condition relating to the the Cabinet Mission Plan offered the have no objection 'to the British formulation of a treaty between the States the enticing prospect of their Government transferring all the United Kingdom and the Constituent own independence if they did not powers it today exercises to the Assembly; and (iv) the stationing co-operate in the making of a Union Muslim League on behalf of the of British troops in India and the Constitution. whole of India, including the so- terms on which these troops would called Indian India.'19 On May 8, be withdrawn. Second, it is not generally 1946 also, Gandhi suggested that known that the matter of transfer of an 'impartial non-British tribunal' An examination of these intricate sovereignty was deferred under the go into the points of dispute.20 But inter-relationships indicates that Cabinet Mission Plan. The Secretary it was difficult to get the British to the Cabinet Mission Plan was not a of State for India, Pethick-Lawrence, agree. In fact, the provision in the document simply offering a ‘loose as leader of the Cabinet Mission, Cabinet Mission Plan regarding federal Union’. Let us consider these wrote in his letter dated May 22, review after every 10 years also features seriatim. 1946 to Azad that 'independence contained within it the likelihood cannot precede the bringing into of continued British supervisory First, on the length of the operation of a new Constitution'.23 presence. Constitution-making process He added: envisaged under the Plan, for it Parenthetically, we may note was only after this process was When the Constituent Assembly that within independent Pakistan complete that sovereignty was to has completed its labours, His too, Jinnah was not enamoured be transferred under the Plan. In a Majesty’s Government will of federalism or its implications. statement issued on the same day as recommend to Parliament such Although Bengalis constituted the Plan was announced, Stafford action as may be necessary for the a majority in Pakistan after its Cripps declared: cession of sovereignty to the Indian formation, Jinnah, in a speech people . . . 24 [emphasis added] at Dhaka on March 21, 1948, So the three Sections will declared that Urdu and 'no other formulate the Provincial and Group Even at that stage this transfer language' would be Pakistan’s Constitutions and when that is of sovereignty was to be subject state language.21 It was this early done they work together with the to certain provisos. Oddly enough, disinclination to grant a due place States representatives to make the these vital issues have often escaped to the Bengali language in Pakistan Union Constitution. This is the final attention. 22 that contributed to the movement for phase. secession of its eastern wing. A third aspect concerns the Treaty Thus, as per the Cabinet Mission’s envisaged under the Plan. Paragraph The oft-heard lament for the Plan, work on the Union Constitution 22 of the Cabinet Mission Plan made Cabinet Mission Plan and the would start only after Provincial and it necessary to negotiate a treaty attempt by diverse forces to pin Group Constitutions were ready. between the Union Constituent its ‘failure’ upon the Congress That meant that each Group could Assembly and the UK, to provide and Nehru is especially surprising take its own time settling its own for certain matters arising out of the 25 considering some other particularly Constitution and the constitutions of transfer of power. obscure features of the Plan. These the Provinces comprising the Group. features associated with the Cabinet Then work would start on the Union The Cabinet Mission did not Mission Plan have historically not Constitution in association with the envisage any transfer of sovereignty received adequate attention. These (princely) States. Paradoxically, the in the form of independence without relate to the complicated tie-up Cabinet Mission Plan simultaneously the Union Constitution having been declared [in Paragraph 14] that British drafted and in the absence of such a JANATA, March 4, 2018 9

Treaty having been negotiated. The 'interim period' was meant the entire to a larger Pakistan and even the inevitably long-drawn Constitution- elongated period leading up to the prospect, under colonial auspices making process intrinsic to the framing of the Union Constitution and under the watch of British Plan also implied the possibility under the Plan, which would be troops, of the separate independence of continued British supervisory a sequel to the framing of the of various Princely states. presence. What shape would this Provincial and Group Constitutions, take? Moreover, what was there to and finally the formulation of a Looked at from any angle, prevent this supervisory presence Treaty between the Constituent therefore, it appears that attempts from telescoping into the review Assembly and the UK. to shift the primary responsibility envisaged in the Plan after 10 years? for failure of the Cabinet Mission [It may be noted parenthetically that Not surprisingly, in his letter dated Plan and consequently for Partition it was only on February 20, 1947, May 20, 1946 to Pethick-Lawrence, upon Nehru individually or upon by when it had become fairly clear Gandhi had also observed that with the Congress collectively, whether that the Cabinet Mission Plan was British troops in India, 'independence these attempts be made on behalf of not working, that the British Prime would in fact be a farce' and that 'it Hindutva or on behalf of the League Minister announced a 'definite can in no way be contended that in or by colonialist historiography, are intention' to hand over power to the face of the troops, there would be less than convincing and historically Indian hands 'not later than June natural behaviour in the Constituent dubious. This is more so because 1948'.] Assembly.'29 each one of the forces involved in or associated with such targeting There is finally the inter-related Thus in the obviously long- usually excludes its own role from matter of the stationing of British drawn Constitution-making process the analysis. It is necessary that this troops. In the Nehru-drafted letter envisaged under the Plan, with no record be set straight as the sectarian of May 20, 1946, Azad had pointed transfer of power or sovereignty in accounts tend to become elements out to the Cabinet Mission that its the form of Indian independence, in the contemporary political and notion of British troops remaining and with one political party still electoral arena. in India 'till after the establishment committed to its objective of of the government in accordance Pakistan, the continued British Email: [email protected] with the instrument produced by the presence, including the presence Constituent Assembly' would be 'a of British troops, had the distinct References: negation of India’s independence'.26 prospect of playing off Groups, 1. See, for example: ‘Modi Blames Nehru made this point several times. Provinces and Princely States Congress for Partition and For example, on August 20, 1946, against one another. Changing India's Geography’, he observed: November 10, 2013, https:// The Cabinet Mission Plan was www.indiatoday.in. I am sure that when British quite different from the current armed might is removed from perception of it in sections of the 2. See, for example, the report India, it will be easier for all of us academic community and among about an article published to face the realities in India and sections of the intelligentsia. That on October 17, 2014 by the arrive at mutually advantageous this perception has acquired an mouthpiece of the RSS in the agreements.27 appreciable hold is, in part, to be southern state of Kerala: ‘Nehru accounted for by the resources Solely Responsible for Partition; The Cabinet Mission, while still available to colonialist Godse Chose Wrong Target: confirming in its statement on May historiography. Far from being RSS Mouthpiece in Kerala’, 25, 1946 that there was 'no intention the blueprint of a loose federal October 25, 2014, https://www. of retaining British troops in India Union, the Cabinet Mission Plan outlookindia.com. against the wish of an independent contained within it no early, clear India under the new Constitution', and definite prospect of Indian 3. Indian Annual Register, 1939, maintained that 'during the interim independence as such; instead it Vol. 2, p. 317. period' it was 'necessary' that set out a Constitutional route for 4. Indian Annual Register, 1943, 'British troops should remain'.28 By dissolution, a possible prelude Vol. 2, p. 10. 10 JANATA, March 4, 2018

5. ‘RSS Leader Asks Youths to said that he 'had considered this India to be,’ Mr Singh went on. Make “Akhand Bharat” a possibility in consultation with ‘Jinnah wanted a federal polity. Reality’, August 15, 2016, http:// the Commander-in-Chief, and That even Gandhi accepted. indianexpress.com. thought that we might have to Nehru didn't. Consistently he contemplate something of the stood in the way of a federal 6. See, for example, Jaswant sort . . .' (The Transfer of Power, India until 1947 when it became Singh, Jinnah: India–Partition– ibid., Vol. VII). At the meeting a partitioned India.’ (‘Search Independence, Rupa and Co., of the Cabinet Delegation with for the Real Villain of Partition New Delhi, 2009. Incidentally, Wavell on May 31, 1946 the Divides India Again’, August 17, the silences on the Hindu Viceroy said that 'he did not feel 2009, http://www.independent. Mahasabha and its post-Malaviya that there were final grounds co.uk.) leadership in Jaswant Singh’s for rejecting the possibility book become more deafening that we might remain in North- See also: ‘Nehru was as Much to as Partition approaches. Eastern and North-Western India Blame as Jinnah for Partition’, The last mention in it of the for an indefinite period' (The Rediff interview with Nisid Mahasabha is with reference Transfer of Power, ibid., Vol Hajari (author of Midnight’s to the Gandhi–Jinnah talks of VII, Document 415). This line Furies: The Deadly Legacy 1944 about which it is observed of thinking was understandable of India’s Partition, Viking/ on p. 312: ‘The announcement also because, so far as British Penguin, Gurgaon, 2015), of the impending meeting also control of India was concerned, January 28, 2016, http://www. angered the members of the Wavell, his administration and rediff.com. In the interview, Hindu Mahasabha.’ provincial Governors were Hajari asserts: 'Up until the spring of 1946, a political 7. For an earlier critique of such naturally more in sync with policies maintained by the compromise that would have perspectives, see Anil Nauriya, preserved a united India was ‘Some Portrayals of Jinnah previous British Government headed by Winston Churchill still possible. The Congress – : A Critique’, in D.L. Sheth Nehru in particular – would and Gurpreet Mahajan (ed.), than with the post-war Labour Government. Earlier, when on have had to grant the Muslim Minority Identities and the areas that (eventually) became Nation-State, Oxford University a visit to England soon after the change in Government, Wavell Pakistan more autonomy than Press, New Delhi, 1999, pp. he was willing to grant, and have 73–112. had on August 31, 1945 called on Churchill, the former Prime had to accept a weaker Central 8. We may cite one of the Minister. The latter’s parting government than he wanted.' several indications of a British advice had been to ‘Keep a bit 10. See, for example, Aijaz expectation of a foothold in of India’ (Wavell, The Viceroy’s Ahmad, '“Tryst with destiny” the so-called ‘Pakistan’ areas. Journal, Oxford University – free but divided', The Hindu, On April 25, 1946, a few days Press, Delhi, 1973, p. 168). Independence Day Supplement, before the Cabinet Mission August 15, 1997, pp. 22–23. Plan was announced, one of the 9. In an article published on August contingency arrangements put 18, 2009, Jaswant Singh says: 11. For text, see Maurice Gwyer forward by Sir William Croft, the He said Jinnah envisaged that and A. Appadorai, Speeches Deputy Under Secretary of State, some areas of the new country and Documents on the Indian India Office, was 'that we should would have Muslim majority Constitution, 1921–47, Vol. withdraw from Hindustan and areas and some Hindu majority II, Oxford University Press, leave it to its own devices while areas and believed a federal Bombay, 1957, p. 601. staying in Pakistan by agreement system that kept the country as which he estimated would be one was desirable. Nehru, by 12. Ayesha, Jalal, The Sole forthcoming . . .' (The Transfer contrast, demanded a system Spokesman: Jinnah, The Muslim of Power, 1942–7, HMSO, that was centralised. ‘Nehru League and the Demand for London, Vol. VII, Document believed in a highly centralised Pakistan, Cambridge University 138). Upon this Viceroy Wavell policy. That's what he wanted Press, Cambridge, 1985 and JANATA, March 4, 2018 11

H.M. Seervai, Constitutional 2, 1946 presaged this change in needs close evaluation. The Law of India, Vol. 1, N.M. the manner the Mission would arrangements devised by them Tripathi Private Ltd., Bombay, treat Assam. [The Transfer of appear to have been programmed 1991 (4th edition). Power, 1942–7, ibid., Vol. VII, to ensure the failure of the Documents 140 (enclosure) and Cabinet Mission even before 13. Gwyer and Appadorai, op. cit. 179]. While these documents the publication of its Plan. How 14. Ibid. were not as such 'accepted', they these arrangements could be clearly affected the evolution of projected in scholarship and 15. Ibid., p. 619. the Cabinet Mission proposals. in ‘popular’ writing as loose Besides, a further rigidity was federal arrangements, and Nehru 16. For Terms of Offer made by the introduced in terms of restricting accused of opposing them Muslim League as a basis of the possibility of any Province without justification, remains agreement, May 12, 1946, see opting out of the particular quite inexplicable. Gwyer and Appadorai, ibid., Group in which it had been p. 573. Earlier, on February placed. After initially suggesting 17. Wavell, The Viceroy’s Journal, 7, 1946, Viceroy Wavell, in a that 'Provinces should be free p. 296. cable to Pethick-Lawrence had to form groups', a formulation accepted that Assam (apart 18. Sharifuddin Pirzada, Quaid-e- that still remained in Paragraph Azam Jinnah’s Correspondence, from Sylhet district) was not a 15 of the Cabinet Mission Plan, Province to which there could East and West Publishing the same document went on Company, Karachi, 1977, p. 124. be 'a reasonable claim' on behalf to nullify this by specifying in of the projected Pakistan. (The Paragraph 19 (viii) that 'opting 19. Collected Works of Mahatma Transfer of Power, 1942–7, out' by a Province from the Gandhi, Vol. 76, p. 382. HMSO, London, Vol. VI, Group could only be after 'the Document 406). When the new Constitutional arrangements 20. Ibid., Vol. 84, p. 123. Cabinet Mission Plan was yet in come into operation' and 21. Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali the making, the Mission offered 'after the first general election to Jinnah on April 16, 1946 the Jinnah, Speeches & Statements under the new Constitution'. as Governor General of possibility of a Union Centre The change in Paragraph 19 limited to essential subjects and Pakistan 1947–48, Ministry of occurred primarily as a sequel Information & Broadcasting, envisaging also 'in one federation to a cable on May 9, 1946 from the whole of the Provinces of Government of Pakistan, F. Burrows, the Governor of Islamabad, 1989, p. 183. Sind, Baluchistan, North-West Bengal whose views had also Frontier Province, the Punjab been sought by Wavell (The 22. Gwyer and Appadorai, op. cit., and Bengal plus perhaps the Transfer of Power, 1942–7, p. 585; italics added. Sylhet district of Assam'. (The ibid., Vol VII, Document 231). Transfer of Power, 1942–7, ibid., Burrows wanted also to ensure 23. Ibid., p. 591. Vol VII, Document 116). By the that the voting system within 24. Ibid. time the Cabinet Mission Plan the Group, for formulation of was announced in the following the Constitutional arrangements, 25. Gwyer and Appadorai, ibid., p. month, Assam as a whole was be such that decisions would be 583. to be added to Group C. The by simple majority. The inherent Mission was fully aware of the unjustness of this was marked 26. Selected Works of Jawaharlal unfairness of this, particularly also in relation to the NWFP Nehru, Vol. 15, Orient Longman, when the Group was to frame and similarly placed Provinces. New Delhi, 1982, p. 177. the Provincial Constitution as In any explanation of partition 27. Ibid., p. 303. well. A note by W. Croft and and analysis of sectarian politics, F.F. Turnbull, secretary to the the role of officials like Croft, 28. Gwyer and Appadorai, op. cit., Mission, circulated on April Turnbull, Abell and Burrows p. 595. 25, 1946, and by these two men who pointedly introduced and and G.E.B. Abell, the private encouraged sectarian demands 29. Collected Works of Mahatma secretary to the Viceroy, on May Gandhi, Vol. 84, pp. 173–174. 12 JANATA, March 4, 2018 Why Were Budgets of Critical Farming and Food Security Schemes Revised Downwards

Bharat Dogra When the budget is announced crore to an actual expenditure of Rs Land Resources, its BE of Rs 2,310 the common and understandable 153 crore, a cut of nearly 50 percent crore was cut even more heavily tendency is to compare this year’s at a time when there is such an acute to RE of Rs 1,832 crore. The RE budget with the previous year’s need to save traditional seeds and under other components of the revised estimate (RE) so that one can traditional wisdom in farming. So scheme increased compared to the know the extent to which allocation for both these years, the modest BE. However if all the components has changed in the new financial allocated funds for this scheme have are taken together, there is still a year compared to the previous faced heavy cuts. marginal decline in RE compared to year. However it can be very BE. Again, if we go back one year, Similar has been the experience useful also to compare the revised we find that in the financial year of the budget allocation for National budget (RE) of the previous year 2016–17, the BE for all the various Food Security Mission (NFSM). The with the original budget estimate components of this scheme taken budget allocation in 2017–18 for this (BE) of the previous year to gain a together was Rs 5,767 crore, and this was Rs 1,720 crore, but this was later complete understanding of how any was cut later to RE of Rs 5,182 crore. cut in the RE to Rs 1,400 crore. The important scheme or program has estimate for this scheme for 2018–19 Similar is the story of some other been budgeted . is Rs 1,691 crore. This appears to be schemes like the National Mission To give an example, in the budget higher than the previous year’s RE, on Oilseeds. In fact, during 2017–18 speech and in other policy statements but is actually lower than the BE of even the overall RE of Ministry of the government has highlighted the previous year. Here again, if we Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare its commitment to spread organic go back one year, then again we see is moderately less than the BE. farming and eco-friendly farming. that the allocation for this mission Incidentally, in the case of another But in reality we see that the budget was cut from Rs 1,700 crore in the ministry which is important from the for a very important scheme meant BE to Rs 1,280 crore in the RE. point of view of vulnerable people, for this and related works such as namely the Ministry of Labour In the case of Rashtriya Krishi protecting traditional seeds and and Employment, for this too the Vikas Yojana, the original allocation time-honored practices of tribal original allocation in the BE of of Rs 4,750 crore in 2017–18 was farmers has been repeatedly revised 2017–18 of Rs 7,188 crore was later later cut drastically to RE of just downwards. This scheme is called reduced to Rs 6,581 crore in the RE. Rs 3,050 crore. The allocation for Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana 2018–19 is Rs 3,600 crore. This Hence it is important to keep (PKVY). Originally an allocation of remains much below the BE for track of budget of schemes and Rs 350 crore was made for this in the the previous year even though it is sectors which are crucial for public budget for 2017–18 BE, but this was higher than the RE. welfare throughout the year to find later cut very drastically to Rs 250 out if any cuts are being planned or crore in the RE for the year. Now in Such a downward reduction made so that such tendencies can the new budget an allocation of Rs appears even more shocking when be opposed on the basis of reliable 360 crore has been provided for this it takes place in the context of a information. We can ignore marginal scheme. If we compare with the RE scheme that has been proclaimed changes, but if substantial cuts are of the previous year, the increase is to be of very high priority for the made, particularly in the case of significant, but if we compare with government. This is the case with public welfare schemes and sectors, 2017–18 BE, then even the impact the flagship irrigation scheme called then these should be placed before of inflation is not covered. the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai the Parliament and people so that Yojana (PMKSY). In the case of If we go back one more year to the reasons for such cuts can be its component under the Ministry 2016–17, then we see that during this debated, and if these are found to be of Agriculture, during 2017–18 the year also the budget for this scheme unreasonable, then these should be BE of Rs 3,400 was cut to RE of Rs was cut. In fact, it was cut even more opposed and withdrawn. 3,000 crore, while in the case of its drastically from the BE of Rs 297 component under the Department of Email: [email protected] JANATA, March 4, 2018 13 Meaning of Education

Sandeep Pandey

Prime Minister Narendra Modi never be able to develop a liking of evaluation before that would be recently gave tips to students on for the subject or make use of the against the very idea of education. how to clear the Board examinations knowledge in real life. Somebody can understand a topic with flying colours. Students of only in one reading whereas another Jawaharlal Nehru University are Education must be linked to person may require several readings. protesting against a newly introduced social concerns. There should be all The important thing is understanding, policy of making attendance in round development of students. The not the time taken to learn. Hence the classes compulsory. Do these things students should acquire knowledge, idea of conducting examinations have anything to do with education? skills and experience which they at a particular location within a think will be useful in their lives. If stipulated time and that too in a Educationists today globally adults start defining the objectives competitive setting is meaningless. agree that the system of conducting for children and also tell them It is inexplicable why the educated collective written examinations how to achieve those, then the class likes to create an unnecessary is not the best method to evaluate formal process of education may be artificial competitive atmosphere students' learning. In fact, learning completed but it would have lost all for evaluation of learning of their a subject in the sense of becoming its relevance. children which doesn't resemble any knowledgable, and scoring good real life situation. marks in written examination in If we make attendance in that subject, are two totally different classrooms compulsory, education Ideally no student should fail. things. In a country where tuition will seem like tedium. The quality If a student fails, it should be and coaching classes are given more of teaching should be so exemplary considered the failure of the teacher importance than school education that students get drawn to the class. and not that of the student. The by not only students and parents This demands competency from student has come to the teacher but teachers as well, we are only teachers. It is only when the teacher as an ignorant individual. It is the preparing students to score high is not capable or the administrators teacher's responsibility to impart marks in examinations. Narendra have no confidence in themselves knowledge. If the teacher is unable Modi is only strengthening this (and, as an extension, in the students) to make the student learn, it means viewpoint. It is another matter that that they think of making atendance the teacher doesn't know how to there are experts in this country than in class compulsory. If the student impart knowledge to the student. Narendra Modi to guide students doesn't understand the subject in in this. class, it is better that s(he) goes to The big question is also to what the library or takes the help of some use we're putting our education to. Education means developing a other teacher or students outside the If we're using our education to serve comprehensive understanding of the class to learn. our individual or at most familial subject being learned. Ideally the interests, facilitate corruption, work students should select the subjects The evaluation should be only against nature and other human accoding to their interest and then of whether the student has learnt beings or to cause disrespect to them, learn it at their pace and through a the subject. If the student has not then our education has no purpose. method which they are comfortable understood the subject s(he) should with. The role of a teacher should be get another chance. If s(he) doesn't Recently, I got an opportunity to only that of a facilitator. If we foist learn even in the second chance then teach a short course on 'development a subject upon a student against her/ s(he) should get a third chance. This studies' at the National Academy his wishes, s(he) may score good process should continue until the of Legal Studies And Research marks under some pressure, but will student learns. To close the process (NALSAR) Univeristy in Hyderabad. 14 JANATA, March 4, 2018

In addition to classroom discussions, discussed in the class was done studies or research that were required the students were expected to visit a by them. All the work done by the on their own. local Anganwadi centre and measure students was to be presented in the the height and weight of one child last class before other students and Which will be the process in each to determine whether the child then a report was to be submitted which the learning for the students was malnourished. To understand based on their presentation. Now, will be greater? One where they the background of the child, they since every student was studying a make their own choices of the were also expected to meet the different child and different family, subject of study and do it their own family and study how it meets its the element of competition was way, or the other where they study various needs within a limited low eliminated from the evaluation books and restrict themselves to income, given that only the children process. Some students asked classroom discussions, get their of this category would attend the whether they could work collectively. presence recorded in the class akin to Anganwadi. For any problem They were given the freedom to incarcerated prisoners of a jail, have related to their situation like lack work together, provided they did the feeling of being continuously of sanitation facilities or drinking the same amount of work as they monitored by their teachers and water, they were to file an application would have done individually. So if invigilators, and perform under under the Right to Information Act two students were working together, pressure to score high marks in before the appropriate authorities. they would study two children and examinations? The answer is easy During the eight-day period of the two families. Presentations were to to guess. course, they were also expected to be made separately by each of them. scan some newspapers to see how In the process of preparing their Email: [email protected] much coverage of the issues being presentations, they did whatever

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Vol. 73 No. 7 When Has The Bureaucracy Treated March 11, 2018 People With Respect ?

Where Did We Go Wrong ? Sandeep Pandey Kuldip Nayar There is pressure from the but nothing changed. The resulting Let us have Opposition government officials in Delhi that frustration and a sense of having Unity on the basis of Common Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal no control over the bureaucracy Minimum Programme should apologize for the alleged probably created an emergency assault on Chief Secretary Anshu where CS was called to a late night Pannalal Surana Prakash inside the CM's residence meeting at the CM's residence. by Aam Admi Party Members of Whatever happened with the CS Why This Neglect Legislative Assembly. Two MLAs was unfortunate and should not have of Indigenous Technology ? Prakash Jarwal and Amanatullah happened but the bureaucracy has to Bharat Dogra Khan have been arrested whereas introspect why such a situation was there has been no action against created in the first place? The origin employees who beat up minister of the problem is the supremacy given Modi goes Wrong with Right Imran Husain and Delhi Dialogue to the position of LG over the Delhi Mrinal Biswas Commission chairperson Ashish government which is incongruous Khetan inside Delhi Secretariat in a democracy. Democracy is a earlier. Quite clearly this is yet rule of the people, by the people How Far Have We Deviated another attempt in a series embarked and for the people. Who is a more From the Ideology of Our upon by the Central government authentic representative of the Constitution? to discredit the AAP government. people - the political executive or the S. V. Narayanan It appears that the Bhartiya Janata bureaucrats? Unless this anomaly is Party is not able to swallow the not corrected the problem in Delhi comprehensive drubbing it received will persist. Editor : at the hands of AAP in Delhi elections G. G. Parikh till now. In the present tussle in Delhi the bureaucrats are being painted as Managing Editor : Guddi It appears that such an unpleasant victims and the politicians as villain. situation arose because the officials But let us examine the character of D-15, Ganesh Prasad, of the Delhi government were two classes. Politician is there in his/ Naushir Bharucha Marg, not paying heed to the ministers, her position for five years and then Mumbai - 400 007. skipping their meetings and sitting has to seek relection if s(he) wants on their files. Lieutenant Governor to continue. Bureaucrat holds a Email : [email protected] was requested to intervene as permanent position with tremendous Website:www.janataweekly.org services were a matter in his control immunity. If the benefits enjoyed by 2 JANATA, March 11, 2018 the bureaucrats are compared with charges of hate speech, attempt to and people or between bureaucracy those of elected representatives a murder and rioting. The then UP and people in normal times? clear imbalance will be seen in CS Alok Ranjan chose to ignore a favour of bureaucrats. Just compare High Court order in 2015 making it The CS before attending a the housing and the attendant staff compulsory for officials, ministers meeting of the cabinet after the given to bureaucrats and elected and judges receiving salaries from alleged assault incident, amid heavy representatives. While it is easier to the government to send their children police deployment, wrote to the CM meet politicians even at their homes, to government schools. He was that he would attend the meeting the bureaucrats normally don't supposed to file a compliance report based on the asumption that the meet people at home. They always within 6 months. The IAS officers, CM 'will ensure there there is no maintain a distance from people. It is against all democratic norms, want physical attack and verbal abuse much difficult to hold a government a separate school for their children. on the officers.' Further he said official accountable than a politician 'It is hoped that proper decorum towards people. Politician gets chance LG Anil Baijal has advised CM will be maintained and dignity of for corruption for limited period to reach out directly to the officer officers will be protected.' Common whereas government employees are who are protesting and seeking people are afraid of police because ensconced comfortably benefitting Arvind Kejriwal's apology in order of the abuse they can be subjected from corruption for longer periods to resolve the crisis. He has said that to at their hands. The government of time. In fact, it is the government the unfortunate incident of alleged officials who will not even offer an officials who have institutionalised misbehaviour and physical assault empty chair to common people in corruption. A very elaborate on the CS' was 'unprecendented' and their offices and humiliate them in system of commissions in terms of had had a 'demoralising effect' on every possible way from making precentages is in place to get work the bureaucracy. How many times them run unnecessarily or seeking done in the government. It is the the bureaucrats or magistrates order bribe to do their genuine work or bureaucrats who educate the new lathi charge and firing on people file false cases to take revenge have politicians in positions of power where it could be avoided? Dr. Ram a desire to be treated with respect. about this. The bureaucrats teach Manohar Lohia was of the view that the politicians about how to scuttle in a democracy a government cannot As Arvind Kejriwal entered the rules/laws to manipulate their way resort to such extreme measures. Secretariat for the cabinet meeting or to stall decision making. In Thousands and lakhs of people several top officials stood in the fact most of the time bureaucrats are left demoralised because of lobby wearing black bands as a are busy (ab)using the system for (in)actions of bureaucracy every mark of solidarity with the CS. the powerful against the common day in this country. People can be They have every right to do so people's interests. seen sitting on dharnas outside in a democracy. But they should government offices, tehsils, district also realise that only a CM like A few examples are, in Uttar headquarters and in state and national Arvind Kejriwal or Mamta Banerjee Pradesh the government has capitals merely because bureaucrats may allow this. They wouldn't embarked on an anti-encroachment are not listening to them. Sometimes have dared to do this in front of drive and is demolishing mostly they have to inflict torture on self Narendra Modi or Yogi Adityanath. settlements of underprivileged by sitting on fast or self immolating In UP Bareilly District Magistrate population but it is not touching themselves just so that they can be Raghvendra Vikram Singh has been powerful corporate schools like heard. chargesheeted for merely raising a the City Montessori School which rational question - why Hindtuva has illegally built a school building Baijal has also said that in groups raise anti-Pakistan slogans in against which a demolition order is the course of his long career in Muslim localities? More shockingly pending for the last 21 years. The government he did not recall there Ashok Kumar Shukla posted as Sub- UP government is on a spree having being such a wide rift between Divisional Magistrate in Amethi was committed more than thousand the elected government and the reprimanded for simply questioning encounters and killed over 30 bureaucracy. Can the LG tell which the marathon meetings at the state alleged criminals since the Yogi distance is greater - between a capital which seemed unnecessary government came to power but government and bureaucracy in to him. has not given permission for cases strained times like at present in to be tried against Yogi on serious Delhi, between elected government Email: [email protected] JANATA, March 11, 2018 3 Where Did We Go Wrong ?

Kuldip Nayar

I HAVE always wondered where Qaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali centre is depended on the monolithic we went wrong. After adopting a Jinnah reportedly wanted more Hindu voters of the two states. constitution which was secular in and more concessions for Muslims letter and spirit, we have strayed but not separation. But somewhere The RSS chief has been into the territory where every pebble along, the demand for Pakistan came unequivocal while addressing is an impediment to the journey to be raised. It swept the Muslims the large crowd recently as he towards pluralism. India’s first Prime off their feet. exhorted the Hindus to overcome Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, said on the differences of caste. His remark the night of 14-15 August, 1947, Lord Mountbatten whom I have was sharp and pointed when he said: in parliament and what became interviewed at length at Broadlands, “Hindus should be united. Division popularly known as ‘Tryst with near London, where he lived told me in society over caste and violence Destiny’ speech. that Clement Atlee, the then Prime over the issues are the biggest Minister, asked him to see if the two hurdles in achieving this unity and “The future beckons to us… countries could have something in there are forces that take advantage We have hard work ahead. There common. Jinnah categorically said of it.” is no resting for any one of us till no to the suggestion. He said he did we redeem our pledge in full, till not trust them now because after Apparently, the RSS chief had the we make all the people of India accepting the Cabinet Mission Plan, non-Hindu voters in mind. Probably, what destiny intended them to be. which provided a weak Centre, they his renewed push for consolidation We are citizens of a great country had gone back on the arrangement of had also something to do with the on the verge of bold advance, and grouping where the Hindu-majority emergence of political entities like we have to live up to that high Assam was a part. Subsequently, Jignesh Mevani after the attack standard. All of us, to whatever they came to accept the Plan but on a Dalit family in Una and the religion we may belong, are equally Jinnah had lost confidence. rise of the Bhim Army, following the children of India with equal clashes between Dalits and Rajputs rights, privileges and obligations. I was one of those fortunate in UP’s Saharanpur. The RSS is said We cannot encourage communalism people to be in parliament, sitting to believe that these are the groups or narrow-mindedness, for no nation in the press gallery, and listening that are covertly supported by the can be great whose people are to Nehru making the ‘Tryst with ‘ultra’ Left. narrow in thought or in action…” Destiny’ speech. That was 70 years ago. Today, when the head Bhagwat during his speech also The Muslim leaders who spoke of a fanatic organization, Rashtriya tried to stem the rot that has set in after Nehru were so emotionally Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is after the central government’s recent surcharged that they out-rightly looking to ‘consolidate’ Hindu vote economic policies, which affected rejected the proposal of reservations in state elections and in the coming the farmers, and small and medium in employment and educational general election in 2019, I ask enterprises which are against the institutions as were discussed in myself: Where did we go wrong? BJP-led NDA. Though the RSS the Constitution Assembly which spokesman put up a brave front Sardar Patel, then Home Minister, Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS chief, saying that the visit of the RSS chief was offering. The Muslim leaders spent nearly a fortnight, travelling was meant to meet the functionaries, said in both houses of parliament that to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the two it was reportedly to appease the they did not want anything separate most populous states of the country, voters as there is a sense of concern or special. They regretted that they where caste fissures run deep and within the Sangh parivar over the were misled and unwittingly sowed caste and religion arithmetic decides possibility of caste groupings that the seeds of partition. the fate of candidates. In other could jeopardize the BJP chances at words, the political outcome at the the Centre. 4 JANATA, March 11, 2018

Its deep anxiety on the possibility of a Dalit-Muslim combine emerging Let us have Opposition Unity on the in Bihar is understandable because it basis of Common Minimum Programme could cobble together a formidable opposition to upstage the BJP. Hence the RSS is seen building bridges and Pannalal Surana reaching out to the economically backward classes, particularly the As Lok Sabha elections of 2019 and levels as possible. FDI not to Kurmi and Kori communities, from are approaching, there is the talk of be allowed in defence and retail which it did not get support. opposition unity in the air. Taking trade. into consideration the experience The visits of Bhagwat to Bihar and of the days of Congress Hatao 2. Fifty per cent reservation for UP are meant to garner the support (1967) and SVD governments in a women in Lok Sabha and Vidhan the BJP needs to renew their tenure number of States and of Janata party Sabhas. at the Centre, apart from its plans government (1977), it is desirable to to have the RSS presence in every adopt a positive approach and not 3. Speedy implementation of village as the Sangh is planning to of this or that Hatao. No party may recommendations of Sachar attract more people to its fold. The be treated as untouchable. Politics Committee so as to enable concerted efforts of RSS to woo the of the country needs to be moulded minority communities to Hindus, with help coming from the in the direction of elimination of participate in mainstream Janata Dal (United) of Sharad Yadav, social and economic inequality and economic, social and political are very much a part of the push to communal hatred. All progressive activities of the nation. sustain its hold. and regional parties are urged to enter into a dialogue and try to forge 4. Faithful implementation of tribal The role of Bihar chief minister a United Front based on Common sub-plans and SC-sub plans. Nitish Kumar is deplorable. For the Minimum Programme. Regular payment of scholarship sake of protecting his government, he and stipend amounts to SC and has accepted the support of divisive Discussion may be initiated on the ST students. elements which he has fought against basis of following points :- all his life. He has tried to defend his 5. Common, free and quality move to have the BJP along but it 1. Today’s model of development education to all children looks like a tamasha. A person who which tries to emulate capitalistic be provided by the State. has categorical secular credentials, structure of West European and Privatisation of education be which was lauded by even the American countries will have to totally debarred. extreme left, has compromised his be given up and an alternative stand to stay in power. model of the egalitarian and 6. Public health facilities to be eco-friendly development buttressed more in rural and hilly The fact is that the secular forces with full employment as the areas. have not been able to stem the tide main objectives be developed. 7. Railway network be so of Hindutva. The Congress is too Agriculture, forestry, livestock expanded as to cover all district weak to get people to rededicate and fishery be accorded headquarters in the country. themselves to the Idea of India: A high priority. Production of Priority be accorded to the State democratic and secular country. The consumer goods be organise in a of Jammu-Kashmir and those of BJP with Narendra Modi as Prime decentralised manner so that all North-East. Minister looks formidable because regions get adequate opportunity the magic of Modi has not waned to develop in a balanced manner. 8. AFSPA to be withdrawn from yet. Probably, the next election in Heavy industries to remain in 2019 may go his way. I only hope the Northeastern States and public sector, as also banking, also from Jammu-Kashmir. and pray that the nation would get insurance, passenger transport, back to the secular track. Meaningful dialogue at official Cooperative institutions to be as well as popular level to be strengthened in as many sectors Email: [email protected] encouraged so as to promote JANATA, March 11, 2018 5

liberal political activity and amity. Why This Neglect of Indigenous Technology ? 9. Fundamental rights of all citizens, irrespective of religion, caste or gender, to be safeguarded Bharat Dogra scrupulously. It is time and again stated by unutilised. According to the CAG 10. With a view to minimizing the the government that it wants to report, out of the Rs 7,885 crore influence of money power on encourage indigenous technology collected in two decades, only Rs elections and to enable poor but is this rhetoric matched by 609 crore were actually disbursed to citizens\ activists to participate reality? One way of examining this the TDB. In other words less than 10 effectively in elections, public is to see how some of the funds percent of the collected funds could opinion to be mobilized for available for this very specific be utilised while over 90 percent of suitable electoral reforms, purpose have been utilised. the RDC funds remained unutilised including substitution of present as these were not even disbursed to first-past-the-post system by one About three decades back a the TDB. of proportional representation to decision was taken to raise a special political parties. fund for the promotion of indigenous Considering that the promotion technology. For this purpose a cess of indigenous technology is such 11. All-out efforts to be made to called Research and Development a high priority objective and funds expedite hearings and disposal Cess (RDC) was imposed on all are so badly needed for this purpose of crores of cases pending in imports of technology. The amount in several important areas and various law courts. collected from this was to be sectors, it is shocking to know deposited with a board called the that for two decades 90 percent of This proposition needs to be Technology Development Board the TDC-related funds available discussed in various groups and (TDB).The TDB was given the specifically for this purpose were not parties. Public campaigning on the responsibility to use this money for utilised for the stated objective. This basis of the above propositions to promoting indigenous technology in tells us something about the actual be run so that attention is focused the best possible ways. commitment to the promotion of on issues and policies instead of indigenous technology. One can only personalities. All this appears to be a very hope that after being reminded by the good idea but we need to ask how it Email : [email protected] CAG of this sorry state of affairs in has worked in actual practice. In a a crucial area, the government will report placed before the Parliament take some effective remedial action Janata Subscription in December 2017, the Comptroller with a sense of urgency so that RDC Annual Rs. : 260/- and Auditor General (CAG) pointed funds are utilised effectively for Three Years : 750/- out that in the two decades from their stated objective of promoting 1996–97 to 2016–17 only Rs.7,885 indigenous technology. Demand Draft / Cheque crore were collected from this on cess. Keeping in view the massive Email: [email protected] Mumbai Bank import of technology by India, it appears that several possibilities in favour of of collection of this cess are being missed out and due to this reason Janata JANATA TRUST adequate funds have not become D-15, Ganesh Prasad, available from this cess. is available at Naushir Bharucha Marg, However what is even more Grant Road (W), shocking is the extent to which www.lohiatoday.com Mumbai 400 007. this cess has been underutilised or 6 JANATA, March 11, 2018 Modi goes Wrong with Right

Mrinal Biswas

The recent far right political in a newspaper article harshly imposed variable taxes to give challenge to the Right-inclined commented that its reemergence government protection to indigenous Modi government is not yet off the has “resurrected a policy that had enterprises. Critisizing not only the political scene. Its trio architects - been consigned to the dustbin of advent of closed economy once Subramaniam Swamy, Arun Shourie history and economics.” Indeed, again Panagariya felt domestic and Yashvant Sinha – belonging to India refused to beat the beaten consumers would be priced out on a the BJP fold itself are still continuing track when in a historical moment wide scale of modern products from with their forays whenever it suits its economy was opened up shedding footwear to cellular phones. them. The parallel development of aside highly restrictive policies rising dissenting members around pursued through licenses, permits Even RBI Governor Urjit Patel the government whose decrying and the like. That was considered warned of some taxes on capital of return of protectionism in Arun the best policy performance in 1991 and said these would inhibit capital Jaitley’s budget proposals has posed initiated by the then finance minister investment, Other government a different kind of a challenge to Manmohan Singh under ex-Prime insiders like Dr Rathin Roy and Dr Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Minister Narasimha Rao. Indian Surjit Bhalla, members of Prime economy since then has been largely Minister Economic Advisory Only BJP’s fraternal Swadeshi integrated with world economy. Committee (PMEAC), demurred Jagran Manch, unlike in the past, on long-term capital gains tax. It is came out strongly in support of Modi The Left was not happy a moot question whether they will government’s economic policy as with downsizing of the public enjoy their present positions if Modi reflected in the budget. “When the sector and strengthening of the decides to stave off this challenge whole world is moving towards private enterprises. But economic from his own Right affiliation. protectionism why India should prosperity that followed put an end be different,” Manch convener to protectionist policy for good, The Modi government’s intense Ashwani Mahajan asserted. Of the economists like Panagaria felt. desire to project a pro-poor image different Right tendencies in the Their hope lifted further with Modi with large allocation of funds for economic field protectionism is government’s stress on growth the rural sector and approaching a one which comes handy to Left economy, as propounded by Jagdish universal health insurance scheme politicians too. Bhagwati, keeping at bay Amartya giving a cover to 50 crore of Sen’s prescription of redistribution disadvantaged people are seen to Arvind Panagariya, the first Niti which would have returned the have hardly enthused the people. vice-chairman under Prime Minister government’s commanding heights The disappointment of his retinue Modi and now a US Professor, is of the economy. Left-Right divide of economists has not augured well known for his rightist credentials. struck at the very time when a for the government. Whether his lashsing out of current fundamental shift in the political Modi policy will block out that firmament dawned on India. The Modi government has decided section of the people who are Right to take field operations to gather thinkers and are his natural resource When it became clear that there support for the budget proposals as a base so far for economic policy would be a thrust on growth with an new policy initiative on economics. formulations are concerned is to be open economy Jagdish Bhagwati’s Ministers and Party faithfuls apart, seen. follower Panagariya joined the journalists and economists are being government. He left at the first sight engaged on the budget economics. Protectionism is a scar and that of Modi government wavering on has returned through this budget, economic policy. He has come down Email: [email protected] according to Panagariya, who heavily when Arun Jaitley’s budget JANATA, March 11, 2018 7 Socialist Party (India) National Executive Meeting, Kozhikode, Kerala 3 - 4 February 2018

Political Resolution The Indian Constitution is passing In such a challenging situation • to waive all loans given to farmers/ through the crisis of a serious threat every Indian citizen who believes fishermen/artisans; from the ruling establishment of the in the Indian Constitution must give • to stop privatisation/ country. The present government a serious thought to the dangerous commercialisation of health is not only destroying the basic developments taking place in the services; values of socialism, secularism country. and democracy embedded in the • to stop election funding by the Constitution, but its leaders are The Socialist Party condemns corporate sector, even in the guise also openly declaring that they this unconstitutional, inhuman of separate electoral trusts formed they have come to power to make and undemocratic attitude of the by corporate houses; government in strongest terms. The changes in the Constitution. They • to revive the Women Reservation Socialist Party demands that the are openly advocating for a pro- Bill in the State Legislatures and government should make efforts: corporate, theocratic and dictatorial the Parliament; India which is against the very nature of the Constitution that • to withdraw the decisions of FDI • to publicly disclose the names of calls for a socialist, secular and in retail and in defense sectors the big defaulters of public sector democratic India. The right to life immediately; banks, whose total bad loans have crossed more than Rs 8 lakh crore; and dignity of not just the Muslim • to withdraw all decisions related minority, but other minorities and to the handing over of the PSUs • to disclose the names of all vulnerable sections of society such to the private sector; Indians who have accounts in as Dalits, Adivasis and women too, Swiss Banks and other tax havens • to withdraw all decisions is under threat. Those who oppose without delay, and to bring back pertaining to labour laws which this anti-Constitutional design of black money as promised by dilute the rights of labour; the government are killed in broad Narendra Modi in his election daylight and no action is taken • to ensure that government jobs campaign; against the killers. will not be reduced, scrapped or • to introduce a minimum of 30% made contractual, and fill up all income tax on the higher income The Modi government is vacant government jobs/posts groups and the corporate sector; promoting the private sector without delay; at the cost of public sector and • to introduce an inheritance tax • to stop privatisation/ diluting the labour laws in favour and thus reduce gross inequality commercialisation of education; of industrialists. The Government in society. is determined to dismantle the • to introduce a common school With these immediate demands, public sector, the basic anchor for a system in the medium of mother the Socialist Party appeals to the socialist society. The centralisation tongues; of power in the Prime Minister's citizens of India, particularly to Office (PMO) is another example • to ensure a Minimum Support the youth, and to all the political of ignoring the Constitutional spirit Price of at least one and half times parties to come together to protect of democracy and decentralisation. the cost of production (including the Constitution of India in order to This government has now launched a cost of inputs, cost of family built a self-reliant, prosperous and campaign to promote the concept of labour and cost of working capital civilised nation. 'one country one election'. This idea plus imputed cost of land, called is against the federal and democratic C2 price) for all crops, and ensure Thus Stands the Socialist Party spirit of the Constitution. that farmers get this cost for their Upholding Brotherhood and produce; Equality 8 JANATA, March 11, 2018 Remembering Jawaharlal Today

C.N. Chitta Ranjan

The following article, by the first editor of Mainstream, appeared six years after Jawaharlal Nehru’s death in Mainstream’s May 23, 1970 issue. Although the situation in 1970 in the country was quite different from the one prevailing today, the similarity of the contents of this article with the present scenario in India is indeed striking.

When last week Prime Minister to all cherished values of the country also desires to preserve the vested Indira Gandhi on behalf of the enshrined in the Constitution in these interests of a group of big Hindu people of India squarely accepted the gestures and the diabolical words landlords and the princes”. He firmly grim challenge posed by communal that accompanied them. held that the activities of the Hindu reaction and declared that these communal organisations “have enemies of the nation would be Jawaharlal Nehru was among the been communal, anti-national and relentlessly fought at every level, first of the national leaders during reactionary”. history was repeating itself; for, the years of the freedom struggle to she was speaking the language of understand the true character and It is a fact of history that Nehru did Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal aims of the parties of communal not spare the Muslim communalists Nehru whose uncompromising reaction among both Hindus and who supplemented the work of commitment to secularism and Muslims. He often underestimated the Hindu communalists. “Most democracy is her own heritage as their strength, no doubt, but he was of them,” he declared once, “are much as the nation’s. never in doubt about what precisely definitly anti-national and political they stood for, whose interests they reactionaries of the worst kind.” When the Prime Minister referred were frantically trying to protect to the “naked fascism” visible at the cost of national unity and In the early thirties he noted that behind Jana Sangh President Atal cohesion. the Hindu reactionaries as well as the Behari Vajpayee’s provocative and Muslim communalists represented mischievous speech which could Vested Interests no more than a handful of vested interests subservient to the colonial only be interpreted as a green signal He saw clearly enough that both for communal gangs to continue and power, and that neither had much Hindu and Muslim communalists in hold over the masses of the country intensify their inhuman activities those years were in fact henchmen against the minority communities, despite their obvious capacity of British imperialism whose game to foment trouble taking sinister chiefly the Muslims, she was they were playing to further the petty unconsciously echoing words used advantage of religious differences. interests of a handful of affluent He was indeed categorical that “there by her great father over two decades persons in either community. ago. is no essential difference” between Communalism to him was the most the two types of communalism. Cherished Values obnoxious expression of the struggle of vested interests in collusion One important difference he Not long after the murder of the with the alien power to prevent did note, however. This was that Mahatma, Jawaharlal described awakening among the masses of “the communalism of a majority the dark forces of communalism India to which the National Congress community must of necessity bear as “the Indian version of fascism”, under the leadership of Gandhiji had a close resemblance to nationalism and expressed his determination to directed all its energies. than the communalism of a minority prevent them from attacking the group”. This was especially true of secular base of Indian democracy. In the early thirties, Hindu India, for the Hindus are largely When Smt. Indira Gandhi compared communalism was represented confined to this country and in Sri Vajpayee’s gesticulations to by the Hindu Mahasabha whose religious terms they have little those of Hitler, she obviously had offspring is the present Jana Sangh. affinity with the world outside—a much more in mind than the Jana Of the Mahasabha, Nehru said proposition which is obviously not Sangh leader’s waving of arms. Like that it “not only hides the rankest true of minorities like the Muslims, her father, she saw clearly the threat and narrowest communalism but the Christians and others. JANATA, March 11, 2018 9

It is easy for the Hindu the majority of Muslims which the It is no accident that there was no communalists to pretend that they Muslim League was able to exploit parallel in Pakistan to the healing are genuine nationalists taking to the full and in the most cynical missions undertaken by Mahatma advantage of the fact that the roots manner. It was only when partition Gandhi in areas where minorities of other religions lie outside the actually took place accompanied by were under attack by organised country. This point is of importance the most unprecedented bloodletting hooligans, or to the great personal in the present context, for today’s and misery for millions of families, risks that Jawaharlal took by rushing Hindu communalists, led by the both Hindu and Muslim, that the into the midst of frenzied, armed Jana Sangh and RSS, are precisely grim consequences of a communal mobs to prevent the butchery of making this claim to nationalism for attitude etched themselves on the innocent members of the minority themselves and constantly casting minds of both Hindus and Muslims. community. The difference in doubts on the loyalty to the country attitude stemmed from the difference of the minorities on the strength of At the time of partition the leaders in purpose in establishing a free the wider association of the religions of India more than the leaders of state. of the latter. Pakistan were on trial; Pakistan had been carved out on foundations of Secular Forces The purpose of the Hindu hatred, and religion was used as a communalists now, as it was before cloak to build a state whose sole In the years before freedom it was independence, is to prevent the purpose then was to satisfy the Mahatma Gandhi who led the secular socio-economic status quo from enormous vanity of a handful of forces in the country despite his erosion by the modern ideas of arrogant individuals led by Jinnah. preference for communicating with equality and democracy. While this India, however, had different the Hindu masses in the language was equally true of the Muslim traditions imbibed over a far longer of the shastras and the epics which communalists, whose symbol period. the ignorant and the illiterate could paradoxically enough came to be the comprehend easily. His concern irreligious and ultra-modern Jinnah, The national leadership and the for the safety of all minorities and Nehru and some other national people as a whole were firmly for all the oppressed sections even leaders realised that the greater committed to establishing a secular within Hindu society was manifest danger to national purpose was democratic state in which all not merely in his words but in his posed by the communalism of the citizens would have equal rights actions. and all religions would have their majority community. They realised But, after the attainment that minority communalism could be place without any one of them being permitted to influence the of independence, it was left to effectively curbed only if majority Jawaharlal Nehru to lead the secular communalism was eliminated. administration. To the rulers of Pakistan the killing of the Hindu democratic forces in the struggle Hence the leadership Gandhiji minority was not something against communal reaction. This he and Jawaharlal gave in the altogether abominable; at any rate the had to do in the face of sniping from struggle against the dark forces of philosphy on which they had chosen his own ranks often: for example, it communalism beginning with the to found their new state precluded is no secret that Sardar Vallabhbhai ones entrenched in the upper classes violent reaction to communal orgies. Patel, whom the Hindu communalists of the majority community. There is of today appear to have adopted as no doubt that they did succeed to a Not so India; to the leaders of one of their apostles, thought in great extent in reducing the strength this country, the message of hatred terms of packing off Muslims from of Hindu communalism despite and murder that the vast numbers of this country in retaliation for the the consistent efforts of the British Hindu refugess brought from across misdeeds of the Muslim majority in administrators to encourage it. the border was something that had Pakistan against the Hindu minority to be fought fiercely and subdued. there. Grim Consequences It did not, rightly, occur to them that the Hindu refugees or their friends Jawaharlal put his foot down In the case of Muslim this side of the border were justified against such tendencies and insisted communalism, however, the efforts in wreaking vengeance on innocent that it was the sacred duty of the of the national leaders were not so Muslims, men, women and children, majority community to protect successful, the main reason being the living their own lives here as citizens and look after the interests of the backwardness and utter poverty of of free India. minorities who had become citizens 10 JANATA, March 11, 2018 of this country, irrespective of the the communal organisations whose unless the administrative machinery behaviour of the neighbouring echo was heard in the Lok Sabha is purged of the communal elements country. The people were with the other day from Srimati Indira that have infiltrated over the years, Jawaharlal and he succeeded in Gandhi; Nehru said: “So far as I am firm action is taken to put down isolating the communalists in concerned and the Government I poisonous propaganda by the his own camp and establishing lead is concerned, I want to make it communal organisations and their understanding with secular forces perfectly clear that communal forces publicity sheets, and all forward- outside his party. will not be given the slightest quarter looking parties and individuals are to sow seeds of dissensions among swiftly moblised at all levels to give A little after independence, Nehru the people.” a determined fight to reaction in all said: its forms. It is no accident that during We in India have suffered from the fifties, although there were Let us remember Nehru’s warning communalism. It began in a big engineered communal incidents which is as relevant today as it was way from the Muslim League. here and there, the communal when it was uttered. “Communalism The result was the partition of organisations were more or less bears a striking resemblance to the India. The Muslim League type of ineffective. It is no accident either various forms of fascism that we communalism is now more or less that the minorities in the country have seen in other countries. It is in outside India. Some odd, foolish came to look upon Nehru as their fact the Indian version of fascism. individual may indulge in it here, greatest protector. We know the evils that have flown but that does not count and nothing from fascism. In India we have can happen in India today from It was only during the last years of known also the evils and disasters that source. But that poison has, by his life, when his powers were waning that have resulted from communal some reverse process, entered other and opportunists in power were able conflict. A combination of these people’s minds and we have Hindu to strike deals behind his back, two is thus something that can only and Sikh communal organisations that the communal organisations, bring grave perils and disasters in as communal as the Muslim League notably the Jana Sangh and RSS, its train.” ever was . . . began to gain strength once again. Since his death these forces have The warning is timely in the If you examine the gospel of become increasingly arrogant and wake of Ahmedabad, Chaibasa and communalism even under the cloak violent. And they have been joined Bhiwandi. But the struggle against of nationalism you will find that it is by organisations like the Shiv Sena the fascist threat posed by the Jana the most dangerous thing and breaks which owe their growth to tolerance Sangh, RSS, Shiv Sena and the rest up that essential and fundamental and even encouragement from has now to be much more broadbased unity of India without which we certain Congressmen in office and than it ever was in Nehru’s time; the cannot progress. from vested interests which see in roots of the poison tree have to be Non-Communal Approach such groups effective instruments cut and destroyed, and this calls for to mount an offensive against the a dedicated national effort. At that time he noted, too, that progressive policies and attack communal elements had infiltrated parties and individuals wedded to In this task, the Prime Minister the Congress and pleaded that socialist ideas. obviously has the capacity to provide Congress candidates “must be the leadership, but what we need chosen with particular care so that It is not just by chance that in are leaders in every village and they might represent fully the non- Bombay, Ranchi and elsewhere the every mohalla who will make the communal character and approach of communal orgainsations have been elimination of the communalists the Congress”. As for the Jana Sangh making open attempts to divide the their first task. Let this battle and other communal organisations, working class on communal lines against communalism be turned they were trying “to frighten the and destroy trade union solidarity. into a massive national crusade as Muslims and exploit the vast number the nation pays its homage to the Smt. Indira Gandhi’s chin-up memory of Jawaharlal Nehru this of refugees who had suffered so acceptance of the challenge of much already”. week on the sixth anniversary of his communalism is undoubtedly passing away. He uttered a clear warning to heartenng, but it will amount to little JANATA, March 11, 2018 11 How Far Have We Deviated From the Ideology of Our Constitution?

S. V. Narayanan Constitution day on November differences and strengthening social LIBERTY of thought, expression, 26, similar to other days of national justice in the newly independent belief, faith and worship; importance, has become another nation. day of ritualistic celebration without EQUALITY of status and of much critical introspection. Even Ideology of the Indian Constitution opportunity; though the Indian Constitution Ideology could be defined as a set And to promote among them all was adopted in principle on of ideals or beliefs, which forms the November 26, 1949, the majority basis of the economic or political FRATERNITY assuring the of its provisions were formally system. Ideological beliefs not only adopted on January 26, 1950, to dignity of the individual and the give hope for a better society, but unity and integrity of the Nation; commemorate the declaration of also recognise / accept the existing complete independence or purna inequalities in society for its people IN OUR CONSTITUENT swaraj by the Indian National to introspect about their progress in ASSEMBLY this 26th day of Congress on January 26, 1930. the future. November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE The significance of Constitution Even though our Constitution is Day is not in the explicit ritualistic TO OURSELVES THIS a lengthy document, its ideology CONSTITUTION.” reverence to the supreme legal is well entrenched in its preamble, document, but in critical introspection revealing the nature of the newly * words’ Socialist and Secular of our progress in fulfilling the independent nation. The ideology in were inserted by the 42nd basic ideology of our Constitution. the preamble not only declares our amendment in 1976. The constitution makers’ clarity of freedom, but lays a strong foundation thought in creating a just society for a society based on equality, The Constitution adheres to is clearly reflected in the founding justice and liberty. The Objectives principles of social justice with a philosophy of our Constitution. Resolution moved by Jawaharlal strong moral foundation. These Nehru in 1946, which was adopted foundations lay down the contours The Constituent Assembly by the Constituent Assembly in for all objective legal codes to debates show the commitment 1947, is almost reflected in the be enacted and followed by the of its members in giving life to preamble of the Indian Constitution. independent state. The Constitution the idea of India in an inclusive It clearly lays down the path to be weaved a fine balance between social manner based on the principles of taken by the future Indian state to justice and liberalism by following social justice and democracy. The create a strong, united and inclusive the path of social liberalism as its unique nature of Indian nationalism, country, eliminating all forms of ideology. as highlighted by historian discrimination. Ramachandra Guha, is not based Social Liberalism on any single religion or language, WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, Classical liberalism, which insists as in European counterparts. That having solemnly resolved on minimum interference by the shows the inclusive nature of to constitute India into a government, considers protecting the Indian nationalism overcoming the SOVEREIGN, SOCIALIST, freedom of the individual as a core conflicting social identities to create SECULAR, DEMOCRATIC political value. Limited government, a political citizenship for the overall REPUBLIC and to secure to all following the laissez-faire economic development of the nation. The its citizens: Constitution and its ideology have policy which emerged after the laid a strong foundation for such JUSTICE, social, economic and industrial revolution, played a vital an inclusive nation respecting the political; role in the development of capitalism in Western countries. 12 JANATA, March 11, 2018

Based on the ideas of John Locke, for all positive discrimination 77% of households did not have Adam Smith, David Ricardo and intervention by the government. The a single regular / salaried person. others, classical liberalism was protection of individual rights along More than 67% of households had critical of the welfare state, as it with social justice can be understood an average monthly earning that interferes with the functioning of clearly from the preamble of the did not exceed Rs 10,000. Within free market. The economic downturn Constitution. the labour force, more than 71% in capitalism in the beginning of were not eligible for any social 20th century led many Western Inequality security benefits. Only 1.8% of the governments to move towards social Persistent and increasing labour force in India earned more liberalism, where the government inequality in a society shows that than Rs 50,000 a month and 0.2% plays an important role in addressing the principle of economic justice earned more than Rs 1,00,000 a the economic and social evils of has failed to realise its objectives. month. This data shows the extent of the society as a consequence of Further, the denial of economic vulnerability and inequality among the development of capitalism in justice extends its influence in the working population of India. areas such as health, education and denying justice in the political Global Hunger Index poverty alleviation. and social domain as witnessed in contemporary India. India occupied the 100th position Social liberalism as an ideology in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) acknowledges the market economy, According to Thomas Piketty 2017, out of 119 countries. In Asia, but at the same time expands the and Lucas Chancel in their research only Afghanistan and Pakistan are role of government in reducing paper titled Indian income inequality, behind us. The report further stated: social inequities based on principles 1922-2014: From British Raj to of social justice, for the smooth Billionaire Raj, income inequality At 31.4, India’s 2017 GHI score functioning of capitalism. in India is at its highest in the is at the high end of the ‘serious’ last 100 years. The top 1% had category, and is one of the main Thus, the principles of justice, around 21% of total income in the factors pushing South Asia to the equality, and liberty, along with 1930s, which reduced to 6% in category of worst performing region secularism, form the core components the 1980s and again reached 22% on the GHI this year, followed of the constitutional ideology of by 2014—the highest ever level. closely by Africa south of the Sahara. social liberalism in India. The Since the 1980s, when we first founding fathers of our Constitution began adopting a neoliberal political The shocking aspect of the hunger envisaged an egalitarian society economy (officially in 1991), the index is that we were at the 55th based on such ideal principles, but income share of the bottom 50% has position in 2014 and now we are does our contemporary reality really considerably reduced and the top 1% at the 100th position within three reflect these values? has increased. years. The worrying aspect is that the totalitarian regime of North Reality Check Further, according to Anand and Korea and war-ravaged Iraq are The founding principles of our Thampi, in Recent trends in Wealth ahead of India in the index. The high constitutional ideology are mutually Inequality in India, the top 1% of malnutrition level among children, interdependent, making them India had 28% of the country’s women and other vulnerable groups indivisible and inalienable rights wealth by 2012, which was an contribute towards our declining of every citizen. Justice—social, increase of 11 percentage points position in the GHI. This further economic and political—lay the since 1991. The same period saw shows how economic and social foundation for other principles of the decline in the share of the bottom justice is being denied to a majority equality and liberty to be realised in 40% from 5% to less than 4%. of the population, violating the basic an effective manner. Justice not only ideology of our Constitution. gives equal opportunities but also The Report on Fifth Annual means positively treating unequals Employment-Unemployment Discrimination against Minorities Survey (2015-16) by the Ministry in an unequal manner to create The Sachar Committee report of Labour and Employment showed equality. This basic social liberal (2006) on the social, economic and ideology laid a strong foundation that at the all-India level, around JANATA, March 11, 2018 13 educational status of the Muslim hitherto deprived communities from The whole ideology of social community in India revealed the the benefits of social justice. justice has been defeated by the institutional discrimination Muslims privatisation of higher education face in India. The literacy rate of The table below shows the surge institutions, as we see lower Muslims was far below the national in private institutions of higher participation of vulnerable groups as average and only one out of 25 learning in India between 2011 and teachers in these institutions. Instead students in undergraduate courses 2017. Since private educational of the welfare state envisaged and and one out of 50 in postgraduate institutions do not follow the established by the constitution courses in ‘premier colleges’ were system of reservations, a majority makers, the old society based on found to be Muslim. Muslim of minority, SC/ST and Muslim hierarchical division has become representation in Civil Services students are excluded from any dominant. was only around 3%. Muslim meaningful participation. children are at greater risk of being Percentage of Private Institutions of Higher Education : All India underweight or stunted compared to Year University Colleges/ Stand-alone All other communities. Recognised Institutes Institutions Institute Banks in Muslim areas are marked as ‘negative’ or ‘red’ zones indicating 2011-12 29.25 72.58 78.73 60.19 that giving loans is not advisable— 2012-13 31.86 73.77 76.91 60.85 limiting their institutional support. 2013-14 33.19 74.59 75.66 61.15 Poverty among Muslims is high 2014-15 35.36 76.09 75.07 62.17 and even basic facilities like post offices were not operational in 2015-16 36.47 76.69 75.18 62.78 Muslim areas. Such institutional 2016-17 38.74 76.86 74.44 63.35 discrimination has kept the Muslim Source: All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) – 2011 to 2017 community vulnerable, causing them to turn to religious support Percentage of Teachers in Higher Education Institutions : All India systems. Year SC ST OBC Muslim The professor Amitabh Kundu Teachers Teachers Teachers Teachers committee, formed in 2014 to 2011-12 7.07 2.01 23.65 3.07 review the implementation of Sachar 2012-13 6.71 1.92 23.28 2.95 Committee recommendations, did 2013-14 6.81 2.01 23.64 3.17 not find much improvement in the institutional support system 2014-15 7.12 2.1 24.16 3.3 for Muslims. This is against the 2015-16 7.43 2.09 25.53 3.36 foundational ideology of justice in 2016-17 8.35 2.2 32.16 5.09 the Indian Constitution. Source: All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) – 2011 to 2017 Privatisation of Educational Need for Course Correction Critical introspection clearly shows Institutions how we have failed miserably The founding ideology of the to live up to the expectations of The constitutional ideology Constitution, combining liberalism our founding fathers. The further mixing social justice with individual and social justice in the form of social weakening of constitutional values liberties came under threat after liberalism, is slowly being defeated is going to threaten the idea of India we formally adopted the neoliberal as we have already deviated from it that evolved from a complex mix of political economy in 1991. The considerably. The ‘justice’, ‘liberty’ cultures, religions, regions etc, with state slowly started moving away and ‘equality’ in the preamble are social justice, secularism, liberty and from positive intervention through slowly losing relevance and have equality as its core principles. the creation of support systems for become mere ritualistic words for vulnerable groups. Privatisation of the ruling class during times of Courtesy : The Wire the public sector has excluded the celebrations like Constitution Day. 14 JANATA, March 11, 2018 India-Pak Ties Can Get Worse

A. G. Noorani The current stand-off between This is a reckless charter. True, in Kashmir”. Successive Srinagar- India and Pakistan is highly neither the United States nor the based 15 corps commanders have troublesome, and needs to be stopped European Union is as involved in said precisely that. — at once. For, it is accompanied South Asia as it was 15 years ago, Recently, the national security by gruesome violations of the when they issued a joint statement advisers of India and Pakistan, Ajit ceasefire on the Line of Control in in March 2003 laying down a Doval and retired Lt. Gen. Nasser Kashmir as well as the International programme for a ceasefire followed Khan Janjua, met in Bangkok and Working Border. The language used by a summit; hence the ceasefire Russia. But the directors-general of in the verbal spat itself is menacing understanding in November 2003. military operations of both countries enough. Things can get out of hand. It is easy to begin an armed conflict last met in December 2013. The On February 12, India’s defence of whatever dimension. It is difficult need of the hour is a formalisation, minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, to predict, however, how it will end. in writing, of the ceasefire “I wouldn’t certainly set a timeline Gen. Rawat should read Barbara understanding of November 2003. (for action against Pakistan). But Tuchman’s classic on the origins of Given the will, the problems will say this; Pakistan will pay for the First World War, The Guns of are not insoluble — provided that this misadventure. I repeat; Pakistan August, published in the same year the Doval doctrine is discarded. will pay for it.” She was referring as the Cuban Missile Crisis. In July Pakistan’s lapses should be discussed to a militant attack two days prior 1964, Henry Kissinger annoyed at the conference table. It cannot at the Sunjuwan military station in the strategist Herman Kahn as he be “brought to heel” by mindless Jammu, in which five soldiers and unfolded to a seminar at Harvard confrontation and attempts to isolate one civilian were killed, and 11 his elaborate theory of escalation, it internationally. None of the other persons including an Army major which formed the subject of a huge states joins in this sport. were injured. and useless tome. “Herman, you know our leaders. Will they have the Meanwhile, an all-time low is The very next day, Pakistan’s time or capacity to understand that reached in the refusal of visas to defence minister Khurram Dastgir steps of the (escalation) ladder you pilgrims who wish to go to the warned, “Any Indian aggression, describe?” Kahn was speechless. Do dargahs of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz strategic miscalculation or our leaders understand better? in Ajmer and Hazrat Nizamuddin misadventure, regardless of its Auliya in New Delhi. What about scale, mode or location, will not go On January 21, a former Indian the Pakistan-India agreement on the unpunished and shall be met with an intelligence agency chief said, maintenance of places of religious equal and proportionate response.” “There seems to be no strategy at all. worship signed in Karachi on The precision in the language reflects The situation is getting out of hand. August 4, 1953? The demolition deliberation. Home minister Rajnath The ceasefire is as good as over.” of Babri Masjid violated paragraph Singh and Indian Army Chief Gen. Shelling across the LoC exacts a 1.i (protecting, maintaining and Bipin Rawat are as belligerent. huge toll on lives; almost entirely preserving the sanctity of places The home minister said on of the poor. Since 2016, when the of worship), while the refusal to January 21, “India’s image in the militant leader Burhanuddin Wani grant visas to pilgrims violates world has become that of a strong was killed, there has been a steep rise paragraph 1.ii (increased facilitation nation and we have given a strong in the young joining the militancy. for pilgrims on auspicious days). message to the world that we can “The number of local terrorists in This is apart from the 1974 Protocol attack our enemies not only on our Kashmir is at an all-time high,” one on Visits to Holy Shrines. Last soil, but also in their territory.” A correspondent reported. December, 192 pilgrims were few days earlier, Gen. Rawat said, refused a visa to attend the urs of On January 14, Gen. Rawat made “If we will have to really confront Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. a pertinent point when he stated, the Pakistanis, and a task is given to “The political initiative and all other Can things get worse than this? Of us, we are not going to say we cannot initiatives must go simultaneously course they can — which is why we cross the border because they have hand-in-hand, and only if all must stop the drift now. nuclear weapons. We will have to (emphasis added) of us function in call their nuclear bluff.” Courtesy : The Asian Age synergy can we bring lasting peace JANATA, March 11, 2018 15 R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, March 11, 2018 Postal Registration No. MCW/275/2018-2020. License to Post without prepayment WPP License No. MR/Tech/WPP-210/West/2018 Published on Sunday, March 11, 2018 & Posted on Wedenesday, March 14, 2018 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

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Vol. 73 No. 8 How Significant is Change in Tripura March 18, 2018 Mrinal Biswas

An Avoidable Operation Kuldip Nayar The theme song for Bharatiya of Tripura’s sons of the soil tribal Janata Party in Tripura election population turned minority in the Wild Advocates of campaign was “Let’s change” (Chalo face of ever increasing Bengali Privatization of PSBs paltai) and massive victory for the Hindus. Pannalal Surana party prompted its leaders to attain But then this north-east State “golden age” through poll victories became another haven for Bengali in States where the people will go linguals the tribals speaking the Freedom of Expression to the hustings this year itself. same language with a different and Values When the political observers accent , though. What is important is Perumalmurugan appear confused as to the factors that Bengalis came to dominate the contributing to the rout of the Tripura politics in course of time and The Tiranga of the Hindutva formidable ruling Communist Party more importantly politics of West Bikers in of India (Marxist) in the Tripura Bengal became the standard bearer Kasganj is Not Mine poll and the total collapse of the of Tripura’s political life. After Apoorvanand grand old party of Congress along parts of India became Pakistan and with Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamul emergence of East Pakistan Tripura Gandhiji and Socialist Congress it is a moot point whether was inherited by Congress from Conversations between there is a tectonic shift in the voters the British Raj. Tripura Congress D. S. Nagabhushana and preferential treatment in this remote though dictated by Congress High Ramchandra Guha eastern part of the country. Command was more inclined Tripura has only Assam and towards Congress leadership of Editor : Mizoram as State neighbours and West Bengal. As the Communist is part of Seven Sisters of north- Left’s incessant challenge ultimately G. G. Parikh east India it is mostly surrounded overturned West Bengal’s Congress Managing Editor : Guddi by India’s neighbouring country of rulers Tripura soon became another Bangladesh. Since independence Left bastion which has now been, D-15, Ganesh Prasad, Tripura’s mostly tribal population unexpectedly if not unimaginably, Naushir Bharucha Marg, was overwhelmed by influx of hit out by BJP whose negligible Mumbai - 400 007. Bengali Hindus post-partition presence in the east was broken quite from East Pakistan which trend recently by its Assam poll victory. Email : [email protected] continued even after the latter It is a matter of conjecture Website:www.janataweekly.org became Bangladesh. Princely State whether the tide is turned enough to 2 JANATA, March 18, 2018 have a reverse influence of Tripura shown BJP is steadily occupying the juggernaut however the stigma of politics that will take over West opposition space to the discomfiture it being a reactionary force stuck Bengal to such an extent as to upset of opponents of Mamata Banerjee’s to BJP. prospects and calculations of grand ruling Trinamul Congress BJP by propagating programmes old party, Left and regional forces. government .This and the Tripura of good governance and development BJP’s stunning Tripura victory will results have encouraged BJP chief is careful to remove this stigma. have encouraged its leadership to see Amit Shah, with explicit support of But its tendency to look back for a wave in favour in Bengal but it is Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to inspirations with Hinduvta, ancient not exactly the position that Bengal take a stake in the electoral battles Hindu science and the like will is up for grab by the saffronites. ahead in West Bengal. keep it in the reactionary bracket BJP successfully cultivated the idea The Bengali mindset strongly of political dispensation. As Asoka of change in the Tripura election embedded in Left politics Mehta said in his Democratic time. But people were not told has seen eclipse of proclaimed Socialism “you can divide them whether change would bring the progressive political combination (political forces) into reactionary State forward or harp on old values at the emergence the phenomenon and progressive movements from and practices. one-person, one-party of Mamata the fact the former have their golden How far Tripura will come out Banerjee’s Trinamul Congress . age in the past, the latter place their of the shadow of West Bengal will The Left had been dethroned in this golden age in the future.” It rests depend on whether the Bengalis decade and a right-wing tendency, with Modi-Shah duo to clarify what are becoming inclined towards BJP however insipid, has set in. BJP kind of golden age they want to bring more than their long-developed will definitely try to capitalize the in to West Bengal and India. secular and Left orientation. Recent situation. BJP’s golden period will byelection results in Bengal have come if Bengal falls in to the saffron Email: [email protected]

An Avoidable Operation

Kuldip Nayar

THE British government has in handy to the Indian army when it Minister Indira Gandhi was woken rejected a petition by the Sikh launched the attack on the militants up at midnight because the first community in London to make holed up at the Golden Temple. It is batch of Indian forces had to retreat public all papers concerning to now realized that the Operation was in the face of well-planned gunfire Operation Bluestar. Mrs Margaret not necessary and that Bhindranwale by Bhindranwale and his followers. Thatcher, then British Prime could have been removed from the Even today, one can see the bullet Minister, was close to the then Akal Thakt through some other marks on the walls of Harmandir Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi methods. Sahib. The military action by the and reportedly helped her to plan But even after 34 years, the Indian government annoyed the the Indian military action at the public does not know why the liberal Sikhs who consider the Golden Temple in Amritsar between Operation was undertaken. True, Golden Temple as their Vatican. In June 1 and 8, 1984, to oust militant Bhindranwale had converted the the absence of information which the religious leader Jarnail Singh entire Golden Temple complex, British government has, it is difficult Bhindrawale and his followers from including the Akal Thakt, into a to know why the Indian forces had the Harmandir Sahib Complex. state within the state and fortified it. to enter the Harmandir Sahib at the It has now come to be known He became an authority and issued first instance. that one British officer had visited orders to the Sikh community. The The military action led to an Amritsar on a reconnaissance and Operation which followed led to the uproar amongst the Sikhs worldwide collected all the data which came use of tanks. I recall the then Prime and the increased tension following JANATA, March 18, 2018 3 the action led to assaults on members police or the army to intervene. He foreign secretary believes that the of the Sikh community in India. reportedly remarked that the riots Indian government may put the Many Sikh soldiers in the Indian were spontaneous. He even reacted plan into operation shortly," the army mutinied while many Sikhs by saying that when a big tree falls, letter said. resigned from the armed and civil the earth is bound to shake. The letter went on to say that if administrative office. In fact, some Now three decades after the the British advice were to emerge Sikhs even returned the awards and army stormed the Golden Temple, in public, it could increase tension honours they had received from the the freshly declassified British in the Indian community in Britain. government. documents show that the UK However, there is no evidence in any Mrs. Indira Gandhi was gave military advice to India on of the communication if the British conscious that the Sikh community retaking the temporal seat of Sikhs, plan was finally used for the June would retaliate. She said in a public kicking off political storms in both 1984 operation. meeting in Bhubaneswar that she London and New Delhi. The British In London, the UK government had an intuition that she could be government has ordered an inquiry said it will investigate its killed. But what she contemplated into the revelations and the BJP has involvement. “These events led to a was necessary in the interests of demanded an explanation. tragic loss of life and we understand government’s authority. What However, intelligence officials the very legitimate concerns that happened to her four months later involved in operations against Sikh these papers will raise. The prime was tragic. She was assassinated by extremists in Punjab during the minister has asked the cabinet Sikh security guards in what was period and military commanders secretary to look into this case viewed as an act of vengeance. And who led Operation Blue Star have urgently and establish the facts,” a it did not stop there. More than 3,000 denied using any British plan. They UK government spokesperson said Sikhs were killed in the ensuing anti- said as far as they were concerned, in a statement. Sikh riots in Delhi alone according the entire operation was planned and Operation Blue star papers have to an official statement. executed by the Indian Army. to be thrown open to the public I was a part of the team which The revelation is contained because as the time passes, one feels comprised General Jagjit Singh in a series of letters declassified that it was an operation which should Aurora, Air Marshal Arjun Singh recently by the National Archives not have taken place. and Inder Gujral, who subsequently of UK after the 30-year secrecy became Prime Minister. Our finding rule. In an official communication Email: [email protected] was that the army operation was not dated February 23, 1984 titled ‘Sikh necessary and that Bhindranwale Community’, an official with the could have been dealt with otherwise. foreign secretary told the private The Unemployment We said so in our report to the secretary to the home secretary that Punjabi Group which had deputed “the foreign secretary wishes him to Crisis: us to probe into anti-Sikh riots. be made aware of some background Reasons and P.V. Narasimha Rao was the which could increase the possibility Solutions then Home Minister and he was of repercussions among the Sikh equivocal when our team met him communities in this country.” to appraise of the government “The Indian authorities recently Contribution Rs. 25/- action. All other people including sought British advice over a plan the witnesses whom we spoke to to remove Sikh extremists from the Published by made a case where it was clear that Golden Temple in Amritsar. The Janata Trust & Lokayat the government had overreacted. foreign secretary decided to respond D-15, Ganesh Prasad, The anti-Sikh riots in Delhi and favourably to the Indian request and, Naushir Bharucha Marg, neighbouring areas could have been with the prime minister's agreement, Grant Road (W), suppressed immediately. But the a SAS officer has visited India and Mumbai 400 007 then Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, drawn up a plan which has been did not deliberately ask either the approved by Mrs..Gandhi. The 4 JANATA, March 18, 2018 Wild Advocates of Privatization of PSBs

Pannalal Surana

After the PNB scam of over 2008 to be précise, five private valid. But why did the pious private Rs 11,000 crores perpetrated by financial institutions went down. enterprisers join hands with those Nirav Modi came to light, a high A few days after, 158- years old bank sinful officers to commit frauds pitch chorus is being sung by a few called Lehman Brothers pulled down and cheat the poor depositors of industrialists and columnists like shutters. Next in line was the A.G. the banks? Admittedly the corrupt Tavleen Singh and Meghnad Desai. Insurance that declared bankruptcy. officers excrete dung , but why (vide Indian Express, 25-2-2018). The whole world was thrown into the highly educated and religious- The former can be taken as a whirlwind What those first five minded enterprisers stoop so low representative of the protagonists banks did? They had lent large to eat it? of Free Trade. It is worthwhile to sums for house building. Then, Tavleen’s inference that officers discuss her arguments in detail. they traded the mortgage deeds in serving only in public sector are In the first place, she says, when the money market. A huge balloon prone to become corrupt but such exposures come to light, of credit made up of innumerable not those in the private sector is only concerned minister or the “bubbles” flooded the economy. ridiculous. Does she not know that government as a whole is taken When purchasers of the derivatives a number of officers of Satyam, to task while the officers, who are tried to get real money from the Sahara and Kingfisher had indulged real authors of the misdeed remain mortgagors, the latter expressed in bad practices? faceless. Why does she say so? inability to pay. Consequently , One may say that it is easier to Generally, in such matters, names of all those mountains of derivatives fire a corrupt official in private sector, the officers also appear in the press. became trash. Banks could not but very difficult in public sector It is true that frauds are committed pay back money to the legitimate .Difficult yes, but not impossible. because some officers collaborate. depositors. So many people lost their Public sector undertakings are more But the fact remains that the prime lifelong savings. The banks, in their exposed to public scrutiny. There is movers are the industrialists. Those turn , stopped cash credit advances to CAG. There are stake-holders like who want to make quick money the industries which had to lower or depositors and the workers. There is conceptualise an illegal deal and lure altogether stop production .Workers Parliament, And there is the Media. greedy officials in the establishment. lost jobs and income. So the demand Any day PS are more accountable Advocates of free trade should for goods in the markets slumped. than the private ones. ponder over the problem of how Imports were cut. Many European Friends like Tavleen Singh and to tame greedy and unscrupulous and Asian countries, including China Meghnad Desai should take note enterprisers and persuade them to and India, lost export market. So the of the fact that it was only after follow rules of the game and abide workers there lost jobs. Does not the nationalization that a large number by law. veteran journalist like Tavleen Singh of bank branches were opened in Furher she says that such know all this? rural areas and agriculture and small misdeeds are committed because Any person can realize how industries started getting credit the banks happen to be public sector important it is to regulate the from the banks. And that has helped undertakings. This is wrong and financial system which is, by nature, the nation to accelerate economic a sweeping statement not borne frail. It is cashless. So it can be easily development in a more balanced by the facts. A few years back one manipulated. That is why regulating manner. private bank in the South had to be authority has to remain vigilant all wound up. Examples from the U.S., the time. Email: [email protected] the Mecca of Free Trade, abound Tavleen’s statement that some in number. Just a decade back, in bank officers are corrupt is obviously JANATA, March 18, 2018 5 Freedom of Expression and Values

Perumalmurugan

In recent times, I have been and the ways of nature. There is a Not even a small branch of the tree thinking and talking about the issue widespread belief that you should will be cut. If a big tree falls, people of freedom of expression in the not insult time. Time here means the congregate and cry as if someone context of our traditional society. sun. Sun is the basis of all life. So in from their family has died. Death of Our society has been constructed all regions, worshipping sun as a god cattle is also mourned and relatives within strict caste divisions and is a traditional value. Living beings come to express condolence. The Varna seclusions. I would like to function only when the sun rises and values around sparrow, crow, share some of my thoughts on the gives light. So from very ancient tree, cattle, etc. establish the bond freedom expression in a society so time, this value has remained. between mankind and nature. rigidly and conservatively bound by The sparrow comes and builds These values are based on the traditional/conservative values. its nest in the roofing at the front of five elements, namely land, water, To be frank, I am not fully our house. House owners happily air, fire and sky. There are many aware of the philosophy, studies and welcome it. They don’t chase it changes, destructions, new creations, explanations about social values. away. It brings in and throws sticks, etc. in such values. But they don’t Are customs and kahawats different leaves and garbage. They clean create much disturbance in human from social values? A bit tough to them happily. It lays eggs there. relationships. These changes are by answer. But customs and proverbs Young sparrows are born. Till the and large accepted by people. But are certainly influenced by social sparrow family leaves on its own, the values around which human values. That much I am sure. If we they are allowed to live there safely. beings are supposed to live in society are asked to follow the footsteps of Why? There is a belief that if the are entirely different. Even a small our ancestors without criticism, there sparrow comes and makes its nest, violation creates great tension / lies the centrality of social values. the family also will get a child. It is disturbance among the stake holders. It is difficult to define what is also believed that if the sparrow’s Questions against these values are social value. Values are known to nest is disturbed, the family also will fiercely detested. Values are treated be transferred from parents and get disintegrated. as more important than human elders to the next generation. This There is a belief if the crow beings. There is no question of only explains how values have makes noise near the house, guests questioning these values. When been protected; it certainly does not may arrive. The wife separated from there is no space for questioning, define or codify what are values. the husband requests the crow to there is little space for freedom of Even though I am unable to define come and make noise near her home. expression. strictly the concept of value, I am She hopes that the crow’s cry may One such value is the value able to grasp what is this value. On bring her husband back. Crow is based on the mother. There are whichever matter you are forbidden the best companion for humankind hundreds of films made centering to raise questions, they are values. as compared to any other bird. Not around the mother. They all treat the Wherever there is a prohibition for a day passes without one noticing a mother as goddess. Mother’s word questioning—there lies some part crow. We don’t sleep without hearing is Almighty’s word. Aathichoodi of the value. a crow’s noise. The food we offer to in Tamil is a collection of social I would like to divide values the crows is considered to be eaten values. The first value listed in that into two types, one based on nature, by our ancestors. booklet is: “Mother and father are and the other based on unnatural or Such values provide protection your first gods.” Values like “Don’t artificial concepts. to the sparrow and establish disobey mother’s words and there Nature-based values describe relationship with the crow. In some is no better mantra than father’s the relationship between human life places, trees are worshipped as god. instructions” come from the concept 6 JANATA, March 18, 2018 of divine status for parents. by persistent abuses and intermittent have earned enough experience in We should never disobey cries. The plight of my mother at that life; their advice will help the youth. parents. They are our creators. time was really pitiable. My plight But there are various types of people. Therefore, they have every right to to face my mother and win her over Only a few observe the different guide us or dictate us. Mother and was equally pathetic. experiences properly and learn from father are our first gods. We cannot I used to save my pocket money them. Many people learn very little argue with them. Such are the values and purchased books via the postal even if they live for 100 years. By regarding parents. I have a very services. My mother opposed it and large, the elderly people feel simple question over this. The world severely. Relatives and fellow proud of their younger days. They of my grandparents was around ten villagers gave multiple warnings to have utter contempt for the youth. miles, and that of my parents was my mother: “If he reads too much, They don’t recognise that times are about 20 miles. But being the first the boy will be spoiled. And he may changing. What can the youth learn generation to get education, I have go mad also.” Another complaint from such people? But our society to travel hundreds of miles. was: “He wants to avoid farm work. insists that we must listen to elderly My mother was ignorant and Hence he finds an escape route advice and follow it. afraid of the outer world. If the through books.” I struggled a lot to The values give an authority son travels to far off places, some purchase books clandestinely. To to the elders. That authority is to untoward thing may happen to him; keep them away from my mother’s impose their views on youngsters. he may not return; without taking my watch was an equally big challenge. The way this authority is imposed permission, he may love and marry Under these circumstances, if on the youngsters by the elders an outsider; etc. Such were her fears. someone advised me not to disobey is regressive and contemptuous. She expected the son to cultivate the mother’s dictates, what should I Elders have the right to address the their small piece of land and live do? After several fights and cries, she youth singularly. The elders think before their eyesight. Mother was gave in and very reluctantly, with a the youngsters know nothing. And afraid of anything new. That may heavy heart, allowed me to pursue hence they indulge in long lectures destroy their life. So be content with my way. compulsorily. We routinely see the walking dowm the path known to us. She knows nothing about my youth desperately trying to escape In my time, plenty of schools education, college or the town where from such ordeals. How many were created to impart education for I stayed to study. So she has to listen elders have the patience to listen all the oppressed people. The new to what I am telling about them. Only for a few minutes about what the generation from the centuries-old a person who knows something can youth think on an issue? Youngsters uneducated communities got the tell it to another person who does not just bend themselves before the opportunity to read and write. But know. This is applicable in all fields. elders to receive their sermons. the parents were least interested to But our value saviours insist that the How many youngsters have the educate their children. Their doubts: mother and father are the primary freedom to express their opinion ‘’What is the use of education for the gods and we have to obey whatever without hesitation before the elders? toilers and tillers; are they going to they say blindly. Is this right? Now- Freedom of expression stands before work as Collectors after education.’’ a-days, private schools in Tamil the elders with bent knees, folded Above all, the lurking fear is that the Nadu glorify parents as gods. In the hands and closed mouth. educated ward may not obey their name of honouring parents, children Apart from the parents and words. are encouraged to wash their feet. In elders, we have constructed similar If the social value demands of which age are we living? Is washing values with regards to the teacher, me to obey the words of such a the feet of parents the way to show the guru. Most of the castes were mother, it is but natural for me to our respect to our parents? illiterates; hence the teacher who raise questions on the said value. Similarly, there is a value: imparted education was kept on par I did raise questions; a bit tougher “Words of the elders are like amrut with god. Our educational system questions. This ended up in several (nectar).” So the youngsters have also tells us that whatever is told disputes between me and my mother. to accept the words of the elders— by the teacher is Veda. Even if the She tried to keep me under her thumb whatever they may be. The elders teacher tells false tales, we have JANATA, March 18, 2018 7 to accept them. You cannot point says is Veda. You have to be a ‘Yes place our questions before them. out mistakes. If you do so, you are Man’ before your boss. Only the Natural debate must take the front branded as indisciplined and labelled officer’s words will stand in a sabha. space. Time-barred and outmoded an outcaste. Ours, perhaps, is the It is immaterial whether the opinion values must be challenged and only educational system in the world is right or wrong; who is telling it disobeyed. We must be prepared to which thrives without questioning. is very relevant. We have very little change those sick and moth-eaten I wrote a few articles highlighting space for expressing contrarian values. Then only can we create a the unprincipled conduct prevailing views. Even if you differ with minimum acceptable platform for among teachers. But the reaction I another’s opinion, you can’t express the freedom of expression, the very got was not about the conduct of it. You have to keep it within you. If root of equality. the teachers. Many asked, “How you dare to express a differing view, can you write such bad things about you are disrespecting the strong and (English version of the teachers?” When we can write on mighty. In the guise of giving respect speech delivered at Lohia Academy, every other section of the society, to a fellow being, the value system Bhubaneswar on February 24, 2018) why should teachers be exempted? prevents even a normal exchange A few others questioned, ”You of views among people. Only the are a teacher. Yet how can you free exchange of views can bring write such damaging things about out different opinions. Differing teachers?” I could write about bad opinions are the mark of a healthy Janata things prevailing among teachers debate. because I am a teacher and observe As far as our society is concerned, is available at them closely. But till today, I am there is no equality in expressing neither appreciated by the teaching one’s views. Dialogue between www.lohiatoday.com fraternity nor by the general public. fellow beings is not possible. Because the value has constructed a There is no issue-based debate. demigod status for the teacher. Logical debates are existing only in We have been given no freedom books, and are absolutely lacking of expression by the parents, elders in everyday life. Whenever the and teachers. This extends to many question of freedom of expression Janata Subscription other fields. A dominating caste is raised, the value system brings person might be very idiotic. But in words like prestige, honour Annual Rs. : 260/- you are bound to listen to his words. and respect to choke the throat of Three Years : 750/- With the master–slave relationship freedom of expression. All men are prevailing in the caste system, equal—this is the basic philosophy Demand Draft / where is the scope for freedom of of democracy. But this philosophy is Cheque expression? Similarly, if you are a new to us. For generations, we have wealthy person, your words carry treated people unequally. And the on weight. But the words of the poor corresponding values manufactured Mumbai Bank don’t carry any worth. This extends by us have sanctioned this inequality. to the persons holding power in the Our talk about democracy is only in in favour of government. So our value system is books. We practice just the opposite full of upper stages and lower stages of democracy. JANATA TRUST right through. When we discuss about freedom Our values do not allow a person of expression, we must first deal with D-15, Ganesh Prasad, to communicate normally / naturally the existing inequalities in practical Naushir Bharucha Marg, with another person. Expression life and the social values which Grant Road (W), is only one way traffic. You can’t sanctify such grinding and glaring Mumbai 400 007. object to parental advice. You have inequalities. We should re-examine to listen to the elders. What teacher and re-investigate them. We should 8 JANATA, March 18, 2018 The Tiranga of the Hindutva Bikers in Kasganj is Not Mine

Apoorvanand

Their tiranga is not mine. The question their right, their move. arrested in Bangalore, Uma Bharati, tiranga that the bikers in Kasganj This is what the BJP did in MP, managed to sneak into Hubli carried in order to thrust it in the Karnataka in 1994. Their attempt and declared that “the flag will be faces of the Muslims who had to hoist the tricolour at the Idgah unfurled at any cost”. assembled at Shaheed Abdul Hamid Maidan in Hubli that year cost six On August 15, violence erupted Chowk to unfurl the national flag on people their lives. You have to read as BJP supporters tried to march to Republic Day is alien to me. This is this report by Saritha Rai, published the Idgah Maidan, defying curfew not the flag I have grown up with. I in India Today on September 15, orders, to hoist the flag. State BJP do not know it and it does not look 1994 to see how what is happening leader B.S. Yeddyurappa and Uma friendly to me. It is being wielded today in Kasganj is part of a pattern. Bharati were arrested, and the mob as a threat, a weapon of goons, the It is not new. It is a tried and tested ran amuck. flag of a gang out to annex my very strategy of the BJP to provoke The police opened fire killing being. India belongs to its people. It violence and polarise Hindus against five people and injuring about a does not annex them and I refuse to Muslims. hundred. Four days later, the BJP be annexed by any party or ideology. For the BJP in Karnataka, organised ‘Moily Hatao’ meetings The tricolour is now being used starved of an election plank, the all over Hubli. Violence broke out to mark territory and annex people Hubli Idgah Maidan dispute couldn’t again when the police over reacted who are already a part of the country. have come at a more opportune time. and opened fire, killing a woman. Just see the faces of those who wield The controversy stems from a Moily, seeing that his this flag. They look like marauders. dispute over the ownership of the 1.5- administration’s image was taking Assault units out to capture new acre plot, with the Anjuman-e-Islam a beating, threatened to invoke territories and vanquish people. laying claim to it and the BJP saying the dreaded TADA if the violence To make them submit to the diktat it is municipal property. Actually, was not curbed. Tension spread to of those who claim that this flag its current status, determined after the communally-sensitive town of belongs naturally and only to them prolonged legal action, is that Bhadravati nearby, which witnessed and that others will be made to bow the land has been licensed to the group clashes a week later. before it. Anjuman, and that it is permitted Meanwhile, BJP leader L.K. This misuse of the national flag to hold only prayer meetings there, Advani predicted: “Moily’s fate has been going on for at least the past twice a year. was sealed when his administration 20 years, that too by those who once The right of anybody to use the ordered firing on innocent patriots warned that the three colours of the maidan for public purposes is still in Hubli.”….. tiranga were inauspicious for India. under consideration by the Supreme Although the Anjuman has But then they decided to hide Court. But the BJP planned to hoist refused to comment on the issue, behind its universality and attack the tri-colour there on Independence the BJP is doing all it can to keep their enemies using it as cover. Their Day its sixth attempt to do so. the Hubli issue alive. Says Girish enemies are known. They are mainly On August 14, Hubli was sealed, Karnad, noted actor and a member Muslims and Christians. a curfew clamped and police and of the Citizens For Democracy They think that once they hold Rapid Action Force personnel group, which has prepared a report this flag, they have a right to passage: deployed. Said Chief Minister on the situation: “The Sangh Parivar they can ask you to make way for Veerappa Moily: “I’m not Kalyan has failed to communalise the issue their gang, ask you to vacate your Singh to close my eyes and allow only because the Muslims have been shared spaces by planting the flag violence to carry on.” But although restrained.” over it. You are not allowed to BJP leader Sikander Bakht was This is largely true. A.M. JANATA, March 18, 2018 9

Hindasgeri, the Muslim legislator Because with its second yatra— tiranga in schools. It is again part from Hubli city and minister of called ekta yatra this time round—in of their campaign to expand and small scale industries in the Moily less than two years, the BJP aims to capture new political territory. Government, says Muslims in Hubli establish its credentials as a party We have seen young men in our have refused to be provoked by the concerned about the unity and mohallas speeding on roads without BJP. “They know what the BJP is integrity of the country. helmets, two or three crammed all about, it lost in the north and At one stroke, the party aims on the pillion, holding giant-size is now trying its luck in the south. not only to usurp the Congress(I)’s tirangas on roaring motorcycles. The Muslims have decided that permanent tenancy on national This was a common sight during the matter will be decided in the integration, but also provide gainful the 2012 anti-corruption movement. Supreme Court.” employment to those in the RSS It was a heady mix of aggressive The BJP, however, is not content parivar who are concentrating crowd instinct and nationalism. to leave it at that. It has announced their muscle and lung-power on the Nationalism, of course, was only programmes in various districts to temple construction. an excuse. attract membership to the party. The By travelling through 14 states I also remember the ugly, BJP’s parliamentary committee is and unfurling the tricolour at obscene tiranga rally that the student also planning to visit the affected the yatra’s last stop, Srinagar, wing of the RSS took out in the areas. With assembly elections on January 26, Joshi feels he University of Delhi after attacking barely three months away, the impact will underline the “Centre’s total students and teachers at Ramjas of these efforts on the BJP’s future inability to handle the problem of College in February 2017. They in Karnataka will soon be known. terrorism and secessionism”. made a huge, unending tiranga Why did BJP leaders like Uma About two lakh volunteers are canopy and marched under it, raising Bharti come all the way from Madhya supposed to join Joshi when he threatening slogans. The tricolour Pradesh to lead the march to hoist reaches Srinagar, and in Madhya had never looked so uninviting to the tricolour at the Idgah Maidan? Pradesh, the party is enrolling me before. Why this insistence on having it at members for a ‘saffron brigade’ to Now this tricolour nationalism a place which was the subject of a storm Kashmir . . . Advani highlights has been decentralised. After the property dispute involving a Muslim the importance of the event, saying: experiments of Murli Manohar Joshi organisation? The matter was in the “The issue at stake is national and Uma Bharati, the BJP and other Supreme Court. Even then, they unity.” And once the yatra is on affiliates of the RSS know how to thought it fit to lead a ‘tiranga’ march course and the hysteria spreads, the use it. to wrest the ownership of the land BJP prays the temple will be a thing Many of us feel that we also from the Anjuman. of the past.” need to take the national flag in our People have forgotten another Then, as now, the aim is to hands, to not let the RSS usurp it. yatra by another BJP stalwart of bolster the fortunes of the BJP by But we don’t need to do this. We those days, now himself a forgotten generating aggressive nationalism don’t need to legitimise all our acts man. It was in 1991 that Murli among Hindus by fanning anti- by giving them a nationalist colour. Manohar Joshi led a yatra with the Muslim sentiments. When students protest for their rights aim of hoisting the flag at Lal Chowk The most recent drive to use the or farmers fight for their claims, they in Srinagar. Read these extracts of a tricolour for sectarian purposes was need not do it in the shadow of the report about that yatra—again from when the present prime minister tiranga. the archives, published by India planned tiranga yatras all over Not that we have not loved it. Today—to understand what these India. Ministers, MPs and MLAs I recall my childhood when we new tiranga yatras signify: were ordered to tie a huge flag over eagerly waited for January 26 or When BJP president Murli a pole which was to be at least eight August 15. We used to make tirangas Manohar Joshi rolls out from feet high on motorcycles and other of our own or get one from the khadi Kanyakumari in a DCM-Toyota motor vehicles. shop. The khadi one was considered van on December 11, he hopes the For the last two years, we have to be more authentic. It was of wheel will turn full circle on the been reading about the chief of the human dimensions. Now, when I Ayodhya issue. RSS going to Kerala to unfurl the see tricolours of giant proportions 10 JANATA, March 18, 2018 dwarfing me, I cannot bring myself over anybody, but a Flag of freedom be a terrible ending to our struggle to like it. I look away. not only for ourselves but a symbol for freedom. Suppose a gang comes with the of freedom to all people who may But there is that danger and, tiranga and demands it be planted see it. therefore, I venture to remind this on my roof, would I like it or allow And wherever it may go—and I House of it—although this House it? Definitely not. The tiranga is hope it will go far—not only where needs no reminder—there is this only superficially our national flag Indians dwell as our ambassadors danger in a country suddenly when used to embarrass, frighten or and ministers but across the far unshackled in stretching out its subdue an individual or community. seas where it may be carried by arms and legs and trying to hit out When used in this way, it loses its Indian ships, wherever it may go at other people. And if we do that we essence. This is what the tiranga it will bring a message, I hope, of become just like other nations who yatra in Kasganj was doing. freedom to those people, a message seem to live in a kind of succession We need to say emphatically that of comradeship, a message that of conflicts and preparation for the tiranga the RSS and its affiliates India wants to be friends with every conflict. That is the world today are shoving down our throats is not country of the world and India wants unfortunately. the tiranga which was given to us to help any people who seek freedom. Those who are stretching out by our leaders in the constituent That I hope will be the message their arms and legs and trying to assembly. of this Flag everywhere and I hope hit out at Muslims and Christians Let us recall the words of Nehru that in the freedom that is coming should hear this message clearly. when he proposed the tricolour as to us, we will not do what many The flag they carry in their hands our national flag: other people or some other people with so much aggression is not the This Flag that I have the honour have unfortunately done, that is, flag we Indians adopted. We will not to present to you is not, I hope and in a newfound strength suddenly to submit to them. trust, a Flag of Empire, a Flag of expand and become imperialistic in Imperialism, a Flag of domination design. If that happened that would Email: [email protected] Sridevi's Tragic Death Draws Attention to Role of Alcohol in Millions of Accidents

Bharat Dogra

Sridevi's extremely untimely Regarding non-fatal accidents, lower and/or higher frequency death has again drawn attention this encyclopedia tells us that alcohol of driving under the influence of to the role of alcohol in causing is involved in 23 to 30 per cent of alcohol. Evidence for increased use millions of tragic accidents every these accidents. In the case of fatal of alcohol comes from a hospital year. In the USA one person dies on fire and burn accidents, alcohol was study in Delhi where 29 per cent of an average every day in a bathtub found to have a role in 46 per cent the riders of motorized two-wheelers or spa accident, and many of these of such accidents. admitted to alcohol consumption accidents are related to alcohol. In India researcher Dinesh before the crash. In Bangalore, a According to the Encyclopedia Mohan has presented evidence hospital-based study showed that of Drugs, Alcohol and Addictive showing that the role of drunken alcohol was involved in 22 per cent Behavior, alcohol has been found driving in road accidents may be of night-time crashes, and that 35 to have a role in 44 per cent of fatal much higher than what is revealed per cent of randomly checked drivers road accidents. The possibility of a by the routine statistics. He writes, on the road at night were under the road accident increases by 3 to 15 “In the absence of more detailed influence of alcohol.” per cent if the driver is drunk. Up epidemiological data we can only In addition alcohol related to 50 per cent of motorcyclists who surmise that the high rates at night accidents are known to be high at crash to death are likely to have been could be due to higher speeds of several entertainment events and on under the influence of alcohol. vehicles when traffic volumes are several festive occasions. Email: [email protected] JANATA, March 18, 2018 11 Gandhiji and Socialist Conversations between D. S. Nagabhushana and Ramchandra Guha

From D.S. Nagabhushana, conversations Gandhi had with opposition to Modi cannot Shivamogga (Karnataka) himself on so many subjects stand alone on the fatigued and October 9, 2017 are more important than those rusted legs of Secularism. It he had with others. As such, needs a more robust political Dear Sri Ramachandra Guha, I mentioned the following as explanation. I am D.S. Nagabhushana, the one my selection of four important But you choose to reply who asked you a bunch of questions conversations of Gandhi’s life: extensively only on my question in Kannada in the beginning of the (i) The conversation he had with on conversations with Congress afternoon session of your Neenasam the texts of Ruskin, Thoreau, Socialists. You started praising (Heggodu) programme. You did Tolstoy, which moulded the basic the contributions of Socialists to not answer all of my questions, foundations of Gandhi’s mind in modern Indian literary and cultural may be because they were not terms of his reinterpretation tradition and you also regretted that fully and properly translated to of equations between religion this Socialist stream should not have you. You did answer my question and politics. (ii) The life long disappeared, as that stream of no on Gandhi’s conversations with conversation he had with the extremes would have served a useful Congress Socialists, but your answer traditional edition of Hinduism, role in the present political scenario I found was not based on facts. You which I always thought will of extremes. But this presentation by said that Socialists were not even serve as a strong basis for you of this stream/movement which in the outside of the outside circle any attempt of reconciliation started in Gandhi’s time and was of Gandhi and hence Gandhi could between Gandhi and Ambedkar. continued by his followers should not have had any conversation worth (iii) The conversations he had have prompted you to re-explore the noting. To rebut your argument, I with Congress Socialists, kind of relations it had with Gandhi. asked you if you know that Gandhi particularly with JP, Lohia and I should say that your assertion that had proposed JP for Presidentship of Kamaladevi Chattopadhyaya Socialists were not in outside of the the Congress party. But you asked at different points of time, on outside circles of Gandhi is only for evidence! I could have also asked subjects of varied interests. (iv) a reflection of your squint-eyed in turn for evidence for all the points The conversation he had with Dr. reading of history. you made in your talk delivered in Ambedkar. You said that you have gone the morning. But I did not do so, 3. My last question to you was through all the thousands of pages of because you were our guest and as to on what (philosophical) Collected works of Gandhi and you I did not want to embarrass you. basis you argue or plead (in did not find even a shred of evidence More over, I did not want to occupy the absence of enunciation of in it of Gandhi’s conversations with a large chunk of the question-answer Gandhi’s rediscovery of ‘true Socialists. But I can give you at session with my animated argument Hinduism’, which he called least some evidence of this, even if with you. As we saw, others also had Sanatana Dharma and which has it is not much. Please see the entry a lot of questions. been utterly misinterpreted as to of May 27th of 1947. There is a big Let me start with my questions I mean ‘puritanical’ Hinduism) conversation (of about 3-4 pages) asked you that afternoon. Questions for a reconciliation between between a team of Socialists headed were: Gandhi and Ambedkar. That by JP with Gandhi. This is only one 1. Are there any particular too after a reading of latter’s example that I, a very casual reader reasons for choosing the four last argument against Gandhi of history, have come across. But conversations you chose to entitled ‘What Congress and you being a professional, I hope you introduce Gandhi for that Gandhi did to Untouchables?’ will find more of it. At the same time, audience? in which he has made a vicious may I remind you that the Collected 2. Do you consider these four personal attack on Gandhi. My Works of Gandhi cannot be the sole conversations as the most last objection to your talk was basis for understanding Gandhi’s important conversations in that your opposition to Modi history. In particular, if you want to Gandhi’s life? I thought that the was very simplistic and I thought reassess and re-explore his relations 12 JANATA, March 18, 2018 with Socialists, you will have to go conversations Gandhi had during the his arm on Lohia’s shoulder on 28th through other literature also, like freedom struggle on a host of issues January 1948 as to how the latter had biographies and complete works of national importance such as non- to prepare for a new role in national of Socialist leaders like JP, Lohia, violence, truth and God, the role of politics and invited him for further Ashok Mehta, Achyut Patwardhan the state, technology, modern war talks in this regard on that fateful day etc. and armament, partition, constitution of 30th January. When the Congress Socialist of Constituent Assembly etc., were I decided to write all this in party was established in 1934, with the Socialists, as they were the detail to you, because you are a Gandhi welcomed it as he wanted only people who were intellectually leading public intellectual today a new fermentation in Congress equipped for such dialogues. and people trust what you write movement and he had developed a Otherwise, most of his Congress and say and I don’t want you to fascination for the word ‘Socialism’. disciples including Nehru were yes- spread half truths, said perhaps not He called it a beautiful word and men most of the time. To understand deliberately, but as result of selective said that he was a Socialist well what kind of relationship Lohia reading because of one’s social before the Socialist Party was born. had with Gandhi you have to go background and political leanings. Yes, he had many a differences through the old issues of Harijan in May I also inform you here that your with socialists as long as they which Gandhi republished many of definition of history, as it heavily, were following Marxism, mainly Lohia’s articles in Congress Socialist if not wholly, depends on ‘official’ because of its non-acceptance of magazine, of which the Lohia was documents, suffers from its Western non-violence as a principle. But the editor. He even published the preoccupations and Gandhi did not no sooner than the Socialist Party texts of arguments of Lohia in court like this way of history writing. abandoned Marxism as a party rooms whenever he was tried for He called it a bane of modern creed (after its heavy defeat in the sedition and or for other activities civilisation as it always tended to first General elections) Gandhi like the Goa liberation struggle. keep the wounds of history open gradually developed a personal After all, Lohia was the son of and unhealed, with its hunger for and a philosophical affection for Hiralal, one of his close followers. excavating and publishing ‘official’ Socialists, especially for JP and Likewise JP was the son-in-law of or authenticated documents. Lohia. It was in this context and with Brij Kishore Prasad, another close I also made a remark about increasing disillusionment with the follower of him. your inability to speak in Kannada senior leadership of the Congress You should go through the even after about three decades that Gandhi in 1947 proposed to letters Gandhi has written and also of your living in Bengaluru, the Nehru to appoint JP as the Congress published in ‘Harijan’ whenever capital of Kannada speaking State President for 1948. But Nehru, it is Socialists were arrested and tortured. of Karnataka. Your alibi that you said, did not like the proposal and Especially, the letters in which came to Bengaluru after the age of instead proposed Acharya Narendra he has described Lohia and JP as 40 and the luxury you mentioned Deva and ultimately settled for assets of the Nation and men of that a man can live in Bengaluru Babu Rajendra Prasad. For all the great intellectual ability, character without knowing Kannada are evidence you want in this regard and courage. I suggest you should unbecoming of a public intellectual. you may go through the relevant go through some chapters of Please don’t mistake this remark for pages of JP’s biographies like Marx, Gandhi and Socialism by language fanaticism, which I don’t Unfinished Revolution: A Political Rammanohar Lohia, if not all the endorse. It is a question of social Biography of Jayaprakash Narayan pages of the complete works of connectivity and cultural rooting. by Ajit Bhattacharjea, Jayaprakash Dr. Rammanohar Lohia edited by The lack of these in your case is well Narayan: Prophet of People’s Power Mastram Kapoor and selected works reflected in your limited knowledge by Sudhanshu Ranjan (an official of Jayaprakash Narayan by Bimal of Kannada intellectual tradition, biography, which I am sure you Prasad (ed.). May I also add here that which you fluant many a times will take as a source of ‘official / it was Lohia whom Gandhi asked with authority in the middle of your authenticated evidence’ to tell your to accompany him for his Noakhali general discourses. That is why the official history, published by NBT), Yatra and his visits to refugee camps only figures you can quote are U.R. Is J.P. the Answer by Minoo Masani in Delhi which were like a warfronts Ananthamurthy, Girish Karnad and and and J.P.: His Biography by Allan during those days. May I also inform D.R. Nagaraj in this regard. and Wendy Scarfe. you that it was Lohia with whom Please remember that there are In fact most of the rigorous Gandhi had a long personal talk with a quite a few others, many of them JANATA, March 18, 2018 13 excelling the three you mention, Indian political thought—JP/Lohia movements of the 1920s, 1930s in their contributions to Modern and Kamaladevi—while including and 1940s. However, when you Kannada intellectual tradition. Let no Marxist should I hope persuade look at Gandhi's life in the round, alone the doyens Kuvempu and you of the high regard I hold the and the entirety of his contacts and Shivaram Karanth, the exclusion of P. socialists in. conversations he had, the four sets Lankesh, K.P. Purnachandra Tejaswi, I am sorry that in your letter you or circles I have outlined above were K.V. Subbanna, Chandrashekhara resort to hyperbole and exaggeration. far, far, closer to Gandhi while he Kambara, Devnura Mahadeva and You claim that I said ‘that Socialists lived than any or all of the socialists. H.S. Shivaprakash in any reference were not even in the outside of the Incidentally, in your letter, you to modern Kannada intellectual outside circle of Gandhi and hence write: ‘But no sooner than the tradition is a cultural offence! People Gandhi could not have had any Socialist party abandoned Marxism like you whom I tend to call as conversation worth noting with as a party creed, after its heavy defeat pampered frogs of English dare to them.' I would never make such an in the first General elections, Gandhi commit this ‘offence’ again and absurd statement. What I did say was gradually developed a personal again with all the English diction this: that as far as personal proximity and a philosophical affection for at your command as your tool of to Gandhi per se is concerned, the Socialists, especially for JP and dazzling and authority. According socialists were not in his inner circle. Lohia.’ The first General Elections to me, an Indian who is not well These are the facts: were in 1952; Gandhi died in 1948. versed with any one of the Indian • Gandhi's inner-most circle What are we talking about here? languages cannot be a credible or consisted of the ashramites, I think being petty or pedantic a genuine intellectual. No doubt, such as Mahadev, Mira, Vinoba, is not necessary in this context. Goddess Saraswati, as you said, has Kumarappa, etc. The facts are that Gandhi had many delivered English child also. But • Gandhi's second closest circle people who were far, far closer to that child was delivered in England. consisted of Nehru, Patel, and him personally as well as politically As such English is an inorganic Rajaji, referred to as his heart, than JP or Lohia. language for us and it can only be hand, and head respectively, and That said, the socialists have used for public purposes with the indisputably his closest political often interpreted Gandhi creatively live support of cultural sensibilities associates. and constructively, both when he of an Indian language. • Gandhi's third closest circle was alive and long after he was I don’t know how far I have consisted of his personal friends dead. The contributions of socialism succeeded in communicating my who were not in politics or in to India, past, present, or future, do views and thoughts to you on your ashram life, such as Tagore, not depend on rewriting history to talk on that day with my limited CF Andrews, Pranjivan Mehta, make them Gandhi's most intimate knowledge of English. I hope you Polak, Kallenbach, etc. associates, which they were not. read this long letter of mine with the • Gandhi's fourth closest With best wishes, empathy it deserves. If you feel like circle consisted of the other R. Guha writing back, please do. leading Congressmen and With regards, Congresswomen of the day, such PS: I have deliberately restricted D.S. Nagabhushana, as Azad, Rajen babu, Kripalani, myself here to historical facts. Shivamogga Pant, CR Das, Sarojini Naidu The question of what my personal aetc. commitment is to Karnataka and Reply by Ramachandra Guha The socialists may be placed, to India is between me and my October 9, 2017 with other such groups, in perhaps the conscience, just as it would be for fifth such circle. He had interactions you, too. Dear Professor Nagabhushana, with them, of course, as he did with Thank you for your mail. I am, as so many others. I spoke in my talk Reply by DSN I noted at some length in my response of his closeness to Kamaladevi. In October 9, 2017 to your questions at Heggodu, a great 1934 he debated with Masani on admirer of the socialist tradition, and the Congress Socialist Party. In the Dear Sri Guha, mourn everyday its disappearance 1940s he praises JP and Lohia, and Thanks for your reply. At the from public life in contemporary has personal affection for them, very outset let me tell you that I India. The fact that I included three as indeed he does for hundreds have no illusions about the grade of socialists in my anthology of modern of others who went to jail in the proximity that Socialists had with 14 JANATA, March 18, 2018

Gandhi. Whether they were inside It was only in this context that I talk and reply to me that day. So the innermost circle of proximity or asked you as to whether you know your praises and recognitions, that on the periphery of outer most circle that Gandhi once proposed JP for you list in your mail, of Socialists, is of least interest to me. The point I the Presidentship of Congress party. particularly of Lohia and JP look just was trying to make on that day was But you asked for evidence for that academic. that Gandhi had conversations of and I was perplexed at your (lack Yes, there is a technical mistake substantial nature with Socialists, of ) knowledge of history of the in my argument as pointed out by particularly with JP and Lohia. Congress of which, I thought, you you. It was my absentmindedness Imagining or creating circles of were a champion. It was for this in that sentence formation that has proximity around Gandhi, I think, purpose also—giving the evidence caused it. What I meant there was is too amateurish for an historian you demanded—that I wrote the that Gandhi moved more towards like you and it does not help in letter. But you are silent on this. Socialists as they started realising understanding the importance of May be you are checking it up. the inefficacy of Marxism and that conversations Gandhi had with I hope you will change at least realisation was more pronounced others in his life. Because, such your assessment of the quality of after their defeat in 1952 elections, graphics—real or imaginary— proximity of Socialists with Gandhi, which found expression in the form mislead us in understanding Gandhi if not your assessment of the quality of Lohia’s address (titled later as personality in all its contours. I have of conversations they had with him. Doctrinal Foundations of Socialism) heard and read many stories to the No use in regretting now at in Panchmadi meet. I think this effect that every man or woman who the disappearance of Socialist mistake in no way affects the validity went to Gandhi felt as if he or she stream in India. It was half suicide of my argument. was the most important person for and half a killing from outside by I would have loved to hear your Gandhi. And also Gandhi himself the protagonists of double-faced responses to some other points I has not betrayed anywhere any Nehruvian politics. They are still had raised in my letter. Sad that you sense gradation in the quality of his there in our midst in new avatars! have chosen to either neglect them relationships with others. In fact, nobody wanted Socialists in or called them as petty and pedantic. But that day you insisted post-Independence India, because I wonder if they really are! However again and again that Gandhi had nobody wanted the real Gandhi, as I respect your assertion that your no conversations of any kind or creatively interpreted by Socialists, commitment to Karnataka and substance with Socialists (except particularly Lohia. Lohia was a India is a matter between you and with Mrs. Chattopadhyaya on non- lone fighter and he died a sad man. your conscience; but with a remark political issues). The two reasons No gain in calling him names now. that Kannada and Karnataka are you gave for that were that Socialists He was what he was and he has to inherently inseparable. were not even in outside of the be acknowledged as such. He is I am not a professor as addressed outside circle of Gandhi and there is liked by many intellectuals now by you. I am a (volunt.) retired no evidence of it in Collected Works because he is no more, but he still Station Director of All India Radio. of Gandhi. I have given you an is intellectually fascinating! That is For your additional information: evidence. But you now say that you an Indian intellectual for you now! I was in New Delhi during the did not say it. In fact you repeated JP, the hero till Independence, turned Emergency years and was working the phrase, ‘outside of the outside out to be too good a man for anti- in the News section! I translated JP’s circle’, second time with a vocal Nehru Opposition politics and he prison dairy in to Kannada and got emphasis! If you want evidence, you went away after 1952 elections only it published it by a publisher friend may get a copy of the recording of to come back in 1975 as saviour of in Mysuru. Dr. Nagaraj was my your talk from Sri K.V. Akshara. I Indian democracy. But as a political close friend (so also is Devanuru have got it confirmed from my side, philosopher he was neither here or Mahadeva) and he was junior to from two of my friends who were there. The Janata Party he helped to me in my college days. He was there at Heggodu. Anyway it is not form was a fine example of this. But doing his BA (Hon.) in Kannada that phrase per se that disturbed me, everybody amongst our intellectuals literature when I was doing my MSc it was the vehemence with which adores JP and has something or the in Mathematics in Central College, it was uttered. Through that you other against Lohia! It seems, Nehru, Bengaluru. were saying, I thought, nobody can father of Indian intellectual ‘class’ as With regards, question my authority on Gandhi and such, still rules the Indian political D.S. Nagabhushana his history. mind! That was very evident in your (To be concluded) JANATA, March 18, 2018 15 R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, March 18, 2018 Postal Registration No. MCW/275/2018-2020. License to Post without prepayment WPP License No. MR/Tech/WPP-210/West/2018 Published on Sunday, March 18, 2018 & Posted on Wedenesday, March 21, 2018 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

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Vol. 73 No. 9 Rahul in New Avatar? March 25, 2018 Kuldip Nayar

RAHUL Gandhi is the new star released. The attitude of the West is Worrying Silence Over on the Congress firmament. His not understandable. None of these Threats and Post-Poll mother Sonia Gandhi has passed has bemoaned the massacre. This Violence in Tripura on the baton to him and he is the underlined the contempt the whites Apoorvanand party president. Rahul is the great have for the third world where the grandson of Jawaharlal Nehru. Thus black and the brown live. Two Year Battle Fought the office of Prime Minister, if and Similarly, the Congress From Prison : How Handcuffed when the party is voted to power, has singled out the BJP for the Prisoners Defeated Biggest remains with the dynasty. It has, massacre. Congress leaders blamed Imperial Power naturally, given a sense of unity, the government for the delay in Bharat Dogra, Jagmohan Singh important for a country of division announcing the killing. Shashi and Madhu Dogra and diversity. Tharoor, a Congress leader, criticised Rahul Gandhi is not that young. the government for giving “false At 48, he is the youngest president hope” to the families of the hostages. Gandhiji and Socialist of the Congress so far. Whether he “This is saddening for every Indian, Conversations between has answers to problems plaguing rest I would ask why this information D. S. Nagabhushana and the country is yet to be seen. But was delayed by the government, they Ramchandra Guha he is considered very blunt. He has should tell how it happened and rightly attacked the ruling Bhartiya when did they die. Also, the way Janata Party and its mentor RSS for government gave high hopes to the dividing the people. A combative families was not right,” he said. Editor : Rahul specifically targeted the So far, parliament’s stand too Prime Minister, taking on the issue is prosaic. Its debate reflects the G. G. Parikh of corruption. division between the Congress Managing Editor : Guddi However, the parties joining and the BJP. Granted that they hands to attack the government are polls apart, they should have D-15, Ganesh Prasad, on the killing of 39 Indians in come together for the action on Naushir Bharucha Marg, Iraq is misplaced. These people the massacre. Sushma Swaraj’s Mumbai - 400 007. were kidnapped four years ago. explanation that they wanted to be One wishes that Foreign Minister sure does not condone the inordinate Email : [email protected] Sushma Swaraj had used pressure delay. To condone this, she should Website:www.janataweekly.org by the West to have the Indians have announced the government’s 2 JANATA, March 25, 2018 action. At present it looks as if it farmers’ unrest,” he said after the Rahul, in his concluding has pocketed the normal anger over dinner. remarks, said that the Congress the killings. Surjewala said at a time when will take the country forward. “To She was, however, right when the Congress was not allowing every youngster in India, we are she said that without concrete Parliament to function, it was obvious your instrument. The Congress party evidence, the government could that leaders of various parties would belongs to you. We want to open our not have announced the killings. get together to discuss the current doors to your talent, your bravery “It is the duty of any responsible political situation. Sonia Gandhi and your energy. This country is government to not declare anyone has consistently been pushing for struggling and it needs you,” he dead without confirmation. I have broader opposition unity, urging added. said earlier that I won’t declare political parties to set aside their How far Rahul can remove the them dead without evidence, and local differences and get together in ills within the Congress is yet to be won’t wait for even a day once it’s the larger national interest to keep seen. People in the country await his confirmed” Sushma Swaraj said. the BJP out of power in 2019. In action or functioning. The foremost “Are we going to play politics fact, Sonia categorically said that thing is employment. Can he create over dead bodies? I want to ask Narendra Modi would not return to two lakh jobs a year and increase the the Congress, why did they disrupt power. GDP to 11 percent to stave off the the House today?” Swaraj said. “I Apparently, this is just the economic backwardness ? went to Lok Sabha with a heavy beginning of all parties coming heart today and came out even more together to oust the BJP. CPI(M)’s Email: [email protected] disappointed,” she said in a press Mohammad Salim said more conference after her speech was comprehensive meetings will soon disrupted in parliament. follow. Pawar has called another Janata Rahul Gandhi, I think, should meeting of opposition parties later open a new chapter. Unity or even a this month. However, the BJP hit out is available at semblance of it is necessary to blunt at the Congress after Sonia’s dinner. the criticism on late announcement “It seems Sonia and Rahul Gandhi www.lohiatoday.com over the killings. Still there is no doesn’t believe in democracy. They action. The Muslim countries could speak outside on democracy but Janata Subscription have been marshalled to condemn don’t practise it in Parliament. the massacre. We should have been Congress doesn’t have democracy Annual Rs. : 260/- able to convince our neighbouring in its genes,” Parliamentary Affairs countries, Pakistan and Bangladesh, Minister Ananth Kumar said. Three Years : 750/- to come out on the killings. At the plenary session, the In the meanwhile, Sonia Congress president did not leave a Demand Draft / Gandhi’s dinner meeting with the chance to attack the BJP claiming Cheque opposition leaders was a step in that the Modi government colluded the right direction to bring all non- with India's biggest crony capitalists. on BJP parties together to see that the He also accused the BJP saying Mumbai Bank BJP does not return to power in that party was the voice of an 2019. Congress chief spokesperson organisation, while the Congress in favour of Surjewala, however, said the dinner was the voice of a country. Yet was not organised for politics but he admitted that the Manmohan JANATA TRUST for amity and friendship among Singh government didn’t meet the D-15, Ganesh Prasad, opposition parties. “The intention is expectations of the people in its not political, but to hold discussions last few years. He said, “We are Naushir Bharucha Marg, in a family-like setting at a time humans, we make mistakes. (But) Grant Road (W), when the nation is confronted with PM Modi thinks he is not human but Mumbai 400 007. a number of issues, including the an incarnation of God.” JANATA, March 25, 2018 3 Worrying Silence Over Threats and Post-Poll Violence in Tripura

Apoorvanand

In view of the ‘violent’ language even verify the claims of the CPI(M) The violence taking place against used during the Tripura campaign regarding the violence against it, the CPI(M) should be a concern of by BJP, post-poll violence comes as leave alone report the acts of arson, all political parties and not only the no surprise. What is worrying is the violence and vandalism on their one which is being targeted. Ideally, deafening silence of political parties, own, shows the depth to which the the parties should raise this matter in media and civil society. media have fallen. Is the violence Parliament and take it up with the Should it have been left to the so insignificant as to be ignored? President of India and make it an all Communist Party of India (Marxist) Or, does the media think that it is party issue. alone to condemn the violence that natural? Is it not its duty to see if The way the police in Tripura the ‘conquering army’ of the BJP and the CPI(M) is exaggerating or do is treating the attacks also shows its allies is unleashing on the defeated its allegations have some truth? Or, that like their counterparts in the CPI(M) in Tripura? Should it have does it think that the violence of the other states, they are only slaves been only the CPI(M) communique winners is justified to a certain extent of the masters of the day. Till that should have informed us about and should therefore be tolerated? yesterday, they were servants of the the attacks, burning and destruction The CPI(M), which has ruled CPI(M); today they are on the side of its offices and brutalisation of its the state for 25 years, has become of its oppressors. It seems that the members by the victorious BJP? so helpless that it can only appeal police lacks a sense of it being an Why did political parties, media to the BJP not to indulge in violence instrument of the state, with the duty and our liberal intellectuals maintain in the wake of its sweeping victory. to uphold the law and maintain order a stoic silence in the face of the Its inability to even resist the attacks and harmony. mocking threat of the BJP leadership effectively shows that the party had The election campaign of the to the former Chief Minister of no strength of its own, all it had was BJP was, right from the beginning, Tripura Manik Sarkar, asking him the power of the state machinery. violent in its form. Its threat to throw to look for shelter in West Bengal, The way it has given way to the the CPI(M) into the Bay of Bengal Kerala or Bangladesh? violence proves that the party was and its call to the people of Tripura The media, however, have nothing but a pack of cards and to throw away Manik for Hira was reported with barely concealed glee its cadre lacked conviction in their symbolically violent. that a statue of Lenin was bulldozed much trumpeted people’s ideology. We need to be concerned that by the rampaging hordes of the Its record in West Bengal also shows elections are now being fought as jubilant members of the BJP. The that all it could achieve in its days wars and the BJP does not hesitate to BJP, on its part, has issued a terse of power was to mobilise around it employ violent imagery to energise statement asking its members to a mass of lumpens, who deserted its cadre. It is as if it is on a ‘capture maintain restraint, failing which they the party once power went out of its India’ drive, determined to use all would risk expulsion from the party. hands and it no longer had the fruits means, fair or foul, to achieve this Is this warning only for the sake of of power to distribute among the end. public consumption? If not, why is loyal folks. The silence of the civil society, the party justifying the demolition Secondly, the fact that the CPI(M) media and political class against the of the statue of Lenin and the attacks has also indulged in violence in the symbolic and physical violence of on the offices of the CPI(M) as past cannot be a justification for the BJP would prove to be costly for outpouring of popular anger against violence against it now. Democracy everyone and not just the CPI(M). the CPI(M)? cannot survive revengeful and The reluctance of the media to competitive violence. Email: [email protected] 4 JANATA, March 25, 2018 Two Year Battle Fought From Prison : How Handcuffed Prisoners Defeated Biggest Imperial Power

Bharat Dogra, Jagmohan Singh and Madhu Dogra

Despite many limitations and beyond the punishment to which for which they were willing to make adversities, after their imprisonment they were sentenced by the legal any sacrifice and bear any hardship. in 1929, Bhagat Singh and his system. Bhagat Singh and his close This became apparent from the comrades were able to inspire and comrades went on fasts ranging from courage and nobility with which mobilise millions of people for a 60 to 95 days to demand the essential they faced torture and beatings. greater participation in freedom rights of all political prisoners. They endured fasting for very long movement by their courage and Secondly, despite the fact periods. Even as they saw their own noble conduct. This period of the that the colonial government was health and the health of their dearest imprisonment of Bhagat Singh and violating all norms of justice to friends collapsing before their eyes, his close comrades thus became one rush up the case against Bhagat they did not surrender. Paralysis of the most glorious chapters in the Singh and his close comrades, gradually spread from one part of freedom movement of India and denying various essential rights to the body of fasting freedom fighter indeed in all liberation struggles. the accused, Bhagat Singh and his Yatindranath Das to another part, During these two years April 1929– colleagues worked very hard to and yet he did not break his fast. March 1931, Bhagat Singh and present their views and idealogy in Prison authorities used to mix milk his close comrades can justly be careful, well-thought-out ways. As a in the water, so that when they drink credited with not only defying result it became increasingly clear to water the fast of the revolutionaries but even defeating the world's people that these revolutionaries had would automatically break. Instead biggest imperial power from behind actually taken all care to save human of drinking this milk-mixed water, the bars. The more the colonial lives in the Assembly Bombing the thirsty prisoners simply broke the government tried to repress and Case. A terrorist generally tries to pitchers containing this water. When torture them, the more reverence and take the maximum number of human the authorities tried to force feed affection they received in the entire lives, whereas these freedom fighters them in a cruel way, the prisoners country because of the courage had taken the maximum precaution resisted so much that they were and determination with which they to ensure that there was no loss to injured. Ultimately, fearing loss of faced the onslaught. This is how human life. This was evident in the life due to force feeding, the jail the colonial power, despite its vast way the bombs were prepared, and officials had to discontinue these reach and strength, was defeated by the way in which these were used. efforts. its handcuffed prisoners. They had also given away their As news of such acts of courage Much more than their own revolvers on their own to security- and determination spread, the defence, Bhagat Singh along with men, although they could have used support for these revolutionaries B.K. Dutt and other comrades these weapons to make good their grew rapidly in the country, just as concentrated on focusing attention escape. these young freedom fighters had on rights of all political prisoners It was becoming increasingly hoped. and issues concerning this. In the clear to the people from the In a paper ‘Bhagat Singh course of the various struggles of conduct and statements made by as Satyagrahi’, (Modern Asian the freedom movement, a large the revolutionary prisoners that far Studies 43, 3-2009) Neeti Nair number of political prisoners (mostly from indulging in any indiscriminate has summarised the impact on the freedom fighters) were all the time violence, they had planned their nation: being imprisoned, and the terrible activities very carefully keeping “Soon after news of the hunger conditions in jails posed a serious in view only the interests of their strike spread, 30 June (1929) was threat to their life and health, much country and the freedom movement observed as Bhagat Singh-Dutt JANATA, March 25, 2018 5

Day in a majority of districts in the Central Legislative Assembly in this case were not only tried Punjab. In Lahore, 10,000 people passed a motion of adjournment without a jury but by the special attended a meeting organised by to censure the government for personal instructions of the Viceroy. the City Congress Committee . . . their policy regarding the hunger Extraordinary regulations were The Tribune reported that thousands striking prisoners in the Lahore adopted to conclude the trial without of Lahorians had expressed their Conspiracy Case. . . . In the Punjab, regard to the usual procedure. solidarity with the hunger-striking Drs Muhammad Alam and Gopi "We regard the sentences passed prisoners by fasting that day. . Chand Bhargava resigned from under these circumstances as a . . Bhagat Singh and Dutt were the Punjab Legislative Assembly. violation of justice and demand that hailed as the honour of Punjab and Subhas Bose led the miles-long they should be disallowed by you. Bengal. . . . Volunteers from the funeral procession in Calcutta; . . . If the three death sentences are put Congress and the youth leagues Rabindranath Tagore was inspired to into operation, we shall hold you marched in procession with red compose a song.” and your Government responsible banners carrying photographs of the Later, “when Bhagat Singh, for sanctioning what amounts to hunger-striking prisoners bearing Sukhdev and Rajguru were sentenced the murder of political opponents the inscription ‘Dutt is at the point to death, Bhagat Singh Appeal under the guise of official judicial of death, all for country's honour Committees were established in sentences. sixteen young men are starving every district of the Punjab. At a "Without entering into the to death in your Lahore’. When Bhagat Singh day on 17 February question whether there was any the success of these processions 1931, colleges emptied out into justification at all for the trial of unnerved the administration and streets, 15,000 people met in Lahore. the accused men at Lahore, whose Section 144 was suddenly imposed, Over 138,000 signatures seeking the conviction could only be obtained by Congress, Ahrar and Akali leaders commutation of the death sentence such extraordinary means, we desire including Sardar Mangal Singh were sent by the All Punjab Bhagat as strongly as possible to press our and Zafar Ali Khan courted arrest Singh Appeal Committee to the views upon you that there should be by shouting the newly banned Viceroy. In Amritsar, a public in all cases, without exception, an slogan Inquilab Zindabad along meeting organised by the Workers open, normal trial by a jury of the with members of the newly banned and Peasants Party demanded the countrymen of the accused persons." Naujawan Bharat Sabha. . . . The immediate release of all political Satyagraha Committee won its first prisoners. The Tamil Nadu Congress Email: [email protected] victory when the District Magistrate Committee insisted that commuting was forced to modify his order and the death sentence was an essential release the defiant demonstrators. condition for peace.” The Unemployment The Naujawan Bharat Sabha Indeed the protest against celebrated its victory by announcing the glaring unjust trial and death Crisis: that 21 July l be celebrated as All sentence even reached Britain where Reasons and India Bhagat Singh–Dutt Day. The an appeal titled Stop the Lahore Solutions proposed programme included Executions! was signed by thousands fasting, processions, the collection of people. This appeal stated, of funds for the Conspiracy Case “We, the undersigned electors in Contribution Rs. 25/- Defence Committee and meetings Great Britain, emphatically protest to explain the purpose of the hunger against your sanction being given to Published by strike and protest the treatment of the sentences, including three death Janata Trust & Lokayat political prisoners.” penalties, passed by the judge in the D-15, Ganesh Prasad, When fasting freedom fighter Conspiracy Case at Lahore, India, Naushir Bharucha Marg, Yatindra Nath Das died on September after a trial, the character of which Grant Road (W), 13, 1929 after a continuous fast of 63 arouses the gravest misgivings. Mumbai 400 007 days, “50,000 funeral processionists "We are aware that the twenty- marched through Lahore. The seven Indian youths accused 6 JANATA, March 25, 2018 JANATA, March 25, 2018 7 Hindutva’s Desperate Attempt to Use Bhagat Singh Against Love

Saurav Kumar

Love always elevates the government on February 14. during the freedom movement. character of man. It never lowers The zealots went on to spread this What lies behind their zeal to oppose him, wrote the young revolutionary misinformation through Wikipedia. ‘westernised love’ by distorting in a letter to his comrade in 1929. As The Hindu reported , “The history is an attempt to plug their Come Valentine’s Day, and the Wikipedia page on Bhagat Singh own ideological and political deficit. Hindutva brigade—comprising of underwent many editing changes This is why they have devised a new organisations such as the Bajrang on February 13 and 14, Valentine’s game plan since the past decade—to Dal, Hindu Vahini Sena, Shiv Sena, Day.” The date of his hanging had misinform people and instigate in etc.—start gearing up to unleash been changed from March 23, 1931, them hatred against open-minded violence on young couples. In the to February 14, 1931. On Twitter, youth. In this process, the Hindutva past few years, hooliganism has this misinformation spread like fire. forces are distorting history to hijack marked this day in every big city The attempts to change history the heroes of the freedom struggle, and town. The main reason for did not end there. The Shiv Sena particularly, young revolutionaries this is the Hindutva brigade’s view (Punjab) demanded the day be like Bhagat Singh, by portraying that Valentine’s Day is against ‘our marked as a ‘Black Day’because them as agents of Hindu Rashtra. culture and tradition’. However, this freedom fighter Bhagat Singh was The whole world knows that vicious campaign is not limited to hanged on this day. the death warrant for Bhagat Singh ‘tradition’. Fresh efforts are being Last year, this propaganda was issued on October 7, 1930, and made by these organisations to reached a crescendo when an he was hanged on March 23, 1931. stop Valentine’s Day celebrations education officer in Pune passed an There is, of course, a wider by conducting an orchestrated order in a school, asking it to observe irony to the Hindutva groups’ propaganda linking Valentine’s Day February 14 as the martyrdom day disinformation campaign. In a letter with revolutionary freedom fighter of Bhagat Singh and his comrades. to Sukhdev dated April 5, 1929, Bhagat Singh’s martyrdom day. The Solapur zilla parishad education Bhagat Singh wrote, “Love elevates It is well known that when it officer (primary) Tanaji Ghadge also the character of an individual”. comes to twisting facts, appropriating issued a letter to all block education You asked me one thing, whether icons of India’s freedom movement and administrative officers, asking love ever proved helpful to any man. such as Bhagat Singh, and even them to organise a programme in Yes, I answer that question today. circulating fake news on social all schools under their jurisdiction To Mazzini it was. You must have media, none can beat the Hindutva on February 14 paying tribute to read that after the utter failure groups. For, playing around with the martyrs of the freedom struggle, and crushing defeat of his first historical dates and their significance Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru, rising he could not bear the misery to whip up hatred mainly works stating that this was because they and haunting ideas of his dead to the advantage of the divisive were hanged on this day. comrades. He would have gone mad Hindutva agenda. The self-proclaimed nationalists or committed suicide but for one Take the case of Valentine’s of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak letter of a girl he loved. He would Day, which falls on February 14. Sangh (RSS), Bajrang Dal and other become as strong as any one, nay On the eve of Valentine’s Day in Hindutva groups (followers of Veer stronger than all . . . 2011, some people spread a rumour Savarkar and M.S. Golwalkar), are As regards the moral status of that the revolutionary freedom in a state of pain as they don’t have love I may say that it in itself is fighters Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and an icon of their own who gave up nothing but passion, not an animal Rajguru were hanged by the British his or her life or made sacrifices passion, but a human one – and very 8 JANATA, March 25, 2018 sweet too. Love in itself can never be an animal passion. Love always Bhagat Singh: Destroy My Statues elevates the character of man. It Now the Regime and its cohorts axe—much like Bertolt Brecht, in never lowers him, provided love have started on the job of destroying the following lines, demanded of the be love. statues of Lenin (these exemplars of book-burning Nazis: But the insane hatred against Sangh Parivar culture at one place The Burning of the Books Valentine’s Day being whipped even kicked around the head of one When the Regime commanded that up by Hindu fundamentalists is such statue like a football). the books with harmful knowledge spreading misinformation among the Soon, on March 23, these very Should be publicly burned and on people with regard to the country’s gentlemen will be observing the 87th all sides proud legacy of sacrifice for love. anniversary of the hanging of Bhagat Oxen were forced to drag cartloads Bhagat Singh and his comrades Singh—a profoundly committed of books logically advocated the idea of an supporter of the man whose statues To the bonfires, a banished independent India which was to they are destroying. For Bhagat Writer, one of the best, was shocked be inclusive in nature, with strong Singh to be paid homage by the to find that his bonds of commonality and rejection likes of them is indeed a second, Books had been passed over. He of religion in matters related to the and worse, hanging of him and of rushed to his desk state. In simple terms, they were his comrades. On wings of wrath, and wrote a letter against the formation of any Hindu Indeed, he would certainly have to those in power rashtra or an Islamic state. been deeply insulted that he has been Burn me! he wrote with flying pen, The distortion of history and exempted by these hoodlums from burn me! Haven’t my books facts by religious zealots, therefore, the same treatment they have given Always reported the truth? And here reposes a greater responsibility on to Lenin. Perhaps he would have you are us to keep alive the ideals for which demanded that, rather than being Treating me like a liar! I command these revolutionaries lived and died. garlanded by them, they bring his you portraits and statues too under the Burn me! Courtesy: The Wire Courtesy : RUPE, India

Gandhiji and Socialist Conversations between D. S. Nagabhushana and Ramchandra Guha - II

Reply by Ramachandra Guha On the issue of JP as Congress been the case—that Nehru wanted October 9, 2017 President, at Heggodu you mentioned JP as Congress President. But this that this was proposed in the year is not reflected in Gandhi's Collected Dear Shri Nagabhushana, 1940. Now you say it was 1948. Let's Works. Besides, in the last months With due apologies, you have in assume you erred the first time (we of his life, all Gandhi was concerned your last mail misrepresented what I all do); in 1940-2, since it was vital with was Hindu-Muslim harmony— said about Gandhi and Kamaladevi. that the Congress have a Muslim the issue of who was to be Congress I said clearly and emphatically that President in answer to Jinnah's President would have been of far less (a) she compelled Gandhi to change challenge, it was inconceivable significance to him. his mind about women in the Salt for JP to be President—only Azad You wonder why some people March; (b) she took Gandhi's ideas could have been. By 1948 it may today might prefer Nehru and JP to of satyagraha to the racist American indeed have possible. By 1948 JP's Lohia. One reason may be that JP and South. And now you say I claimed heroism was well established; and Nehru both were usually courteous Gandhi and she interacted on 'non he was very close to Nehru too. in their language, even with their political issues'! So what you say may indeed have political opponents, whereas Lohia JANATA, March 25, 2018 9 was often unnecessarily personal Sorry, you have missed again But he was a lovely man too I was and abusive. In your first mail you the point I was trying to make told by some of his close associates referred to me as a "pampered frog that day and in my last two letters. like S/s Madhu limaye, Kishen of English"; I do not think Nehru That is, whether Gandhi had any Patnaik, Mrs. Roma Mitra and so or JP (or Gandhi or Kamaladevi) conversations of any substance with many others whom I met in Delhi would have used such language in Socialists or not. Your answer that day during late seventies and early intellectual or political debate— was an emphatic no. You defended eighties. According to them, it had though Lohia perhaps might have. your answer through construction of become necessary on his part to be This vicious streak in Lohia often circles of proximity around Gandhi. pungent selectively at least, in the obscured and did disservice to his Yes, you did say that Kamaladevi face of all pervading ‘middle class’ brilliance and originality. had some conversations with Gandhi pleasing Nehruism of those days. Your last paragraph, on the other about participation of women in After all he was not a bad man and he hand, reinforced what I have missed Satyagraha and such other things; was in fact a great soldier of freedom by not knowing Kannada. I wish I but at the same time you asserted struggle. But you see how badly he would know more about Devanur that except for this, there is no trace was treated by Nehru’s policemen Mahadeva and read people like him of conversations of any substantial during his protests. in their own language. But even nature that Socialists had with You should go through the on this matter, allow me to please Gamdhi. And all this was said by you indecent letter correspondence correct one of your misperceptions. only as a response to my argument between PM Nehru and HM Sardar You claim that I fling the names through my bunch of questions Patel (See Collected Works of of Nagaraj, Ananathamurthy and that implied that conversations of Lohia by Mastram Kapoor) which Karnad with arrogance and authority. Gandhi with Socialists were as discusses the pros and cons of To the contrary—I have merely said important, if not more, as the four releasing Lohia from Prison to that I was fortunate to have known conversations you spoke of that day. attend an International meet. Lohia them as friends. I have stressed the More importantly, I was trying to deserved a better treatment and personal debt and never anything make a comment on our historians engagement by the English speaking more. I have never claimed any deep by questioning your selection of class of his time, I always thought. knowledge of Kannada scholarship those four conversations as the Please remember that people like or literature on the basis of a few most important ones of Gandhi’s Nehru and JP will always be a part friendships. I am not so foolish, life. Whether Sri Guha or somebody of history and people like Lohia will or so arrogant. In the course of considers the conversations of always live on and kicking inside us. my life across India I have had the Gandhi with Socialists as important It was in this context that I called great good luck to have known, or not was not of much concern to people like you as ‘pampered frogs often quite closely, remarkable me, then. of English well’. If it is offending, writers who write in Hindi, Bengali, I did term the subjects of so was your assertion that you did Gujarati, Malayalam, Tamil, and conversations that Kamaladevi had not learn Kannada because you Oriya. These encounters have made with Gandhi as non-political, in the can afford to live without it in me slightly less ignorant of those strictest sense of the term political, Bengaluru, Karnataka. literary traditions. Likewise with as they were not directly concerned With regards, my Kannada friends. I am sure I with the State and its policies. But D.S. Nagabhushana would be able to learn a great deal I tend to concede, if you insist, that from you too. they were political. Believe me, there PS : I forgot to write about With best wishes, was no intention of misrepresenting what you have said regarding the R.Guha you in this regard. proposal of Gandhi to make JP the Regarding the language of Lohia, Congress President. You say that it Reply by DSN yes he was pungent in his remarks was Nehru’s proposal, even though October 9, 2017 many a times. More pungent than you are not even sure whether that necessary sometimes, I too think. kind of proposal was ever made, Dear Sri Guha, 10 JANATA, March 25, 2018 which according to my reading was your limited interaction with only a Congress, in 1948; the Congress a proposal by Gandhi. I do not know selected few, that through English. President in fact being that right- what made you to turn that proposal Even Mr. Sheldon Pollack does not wing Patel favourite Pattabhi of Gandhi into Nehru’s! You say flaunt his knowledge of Kannada Sitaramayya. that by that time JP’s heroism was literary tradition in public, like you. In my correspondence with well established and he had come DSN Uday Dandavate, back in April, I closer to Nehru. It is this kind of said: interpretation of history on your part REPLY FROM GUHA ‘One of the more significant of the that I object to. JP was enough of a October 10, 2017 multiple tragedies of contemporary hero in the eyes of the Nation well India is the death/degradation of before 1948 with many examples of Dear Shri Nagabhushana, the Socialist movement. Unlike the gallantry, the last one connected with Our correspondence reminded Communists, the Socialists were his escape from Hazaribag Prison in me of some correspondence I had patriots; unlike the Congress, the 1942 November. And JP was always exchanged earlier this year with Socialists genuinely believed in favourably disposed towards Nehru. Uday Dandavate, son of Madhu and and fought for social and economic He never antagonised Nehru. Pramilla. Do see below. You will see (including gender) equality. There My reading of history of that there my manifest admiration for the is a major book waiting to be time tells me that Gandhi was Socialists and my wish that proper researched and written on their disillusioned with the working of justice be done to their contributions. contributions both to the freedom most of the leadership of Congress Please also see this piece I wrote struggle and to political life after and also wanted to push the on Madhu Dandavate in 2005: Independence.’ Socialists, towards whom he had http://www.thehindu.com/ I do not know whether you started moving then, to join the thehindu/mag/2005/11/20/ are inclined to write such a book mainstream to take responsibility stories/2005112000240300.htm yourself. It would certainly be a in Nation building process. And Here I wrote: ‘Dandavate worthwhile task. If not, perhaps you hence it was Gandhi’s proposal was a remarkable product of a know someone who might. which Nehru could not implement remarkable political tradition. This With best wishes citing opposition to it from rightist was the socialist movement, from R. Guha elements in Congress. Thus the whose ranks came some of the most appointment of Babu Rajendra talented, and certainly the most REPLY FROM DSN Prasad. I hope I need not tell you honest, politicians of modern India.’ October 10, 2017 that there is enough history beyond Once more, let me emphasize the Collected Works of Mahatma that the importance of the socialists Dear Sri Guha, Gandhi. is independent of how close they Thanks for your response. Once were or were not to Gandhi while again, I would like to inform you PS-2 : Regarding your the Mahatma was alive. Incidentally, that my objection to your talk on assertions about my comments on I checked with a colleague who that day was as to why you did your seemingly limited knowledge knows far more than me about the not include conversations with of Kannada literary tradition, I subject, and he confirmed that he too Socialists in your selection of four submit that they were based on some had never found any evidence that important conversations of Gandhi. press reports about your address at Gandhi would have recommended My objection becomes more relevant Karnataka Sangha, Shivamogga. JP for the Congress Presidency. He now after you have given such a Howeever I feel even now that you further pointed out that even if JP's big account of your admiration for should resist from talking about name had been proposed, Sardar Socialists. If you can include Bhagat Kannada literary tradition since Patel (not Nehru) would have vetoed Singh, who had no personal rapport your knowledge of it is patently very it at once! I should further note that with Gandhi, in your selection of limited and whatever knowledge Rajen babu was President of the conversations, why not Socialists, you has come to you only through a Constituent Assembly, not of the with whom Gandhi had so much JANATA, March 25, 2018 11 of personal rapport and love and evidence. It seems you recognise The problem with historians admiration? Again I should say only that document which is and political commentators like that it is not of much concern to me sanctified by one authority or the you seems to be that you don’t want whether according to Ram Guha other. That way your history can to believe or recognise anything Socialists were very proximate to only be categorized as ‘sanctified’ that goes even slightly against Gandhi or not. history. I hope you don’t suspect Nehru. It has been the bane of Yes the Nation has forgotten the integrity of late Minoo Masani, post-Independence history writing Socialists. But why are historians who—I think you concede—was and Socialist history has been one also forgetting Socialists? They— nearer (in fact, a witness) than you of its victims. It is for the same that too only honest among them— and me to the theatre of events of reason, though for a more dangerous seem to remember them only when the last forties. He in his book Is JP political purpose, that Sangh Parivar they are questioned on that count? the Answer? (Macmillan, year of has been doing a propaganda It is like our U.R. Ananthamurthy publication not mentioned!) writes : campaign against this kind of tilted praising some of us (who admired A little later on the eve of the history writing. This way, I should most of his writings but questioned transfer of power , Gandhi—who as say, historians of this ilk are also his personal integrity regarding is well known was not happy about responsible for the rise of Hindutva some of his social enterprises) in the line taken by Nehru and Patel— forces in recent history. private but never in public or in his sought to create a new balance in the You have suggested that I may writings! I may also record here Congress by thinking of JP as as the think of writing Socialist history. In my dismay at your appreciation new President of Congress so that he fact I have written extensively about (praising it to the hilt) of URA’s last might be a countervailing force and a it in Kannada; it may not exactly be book on Swaraj, a poor attempt of check on Nehru and Patel who were history as such. For your information, URA to use Gandhi for his dishonest to head the new Government. Nehru I have written brief biographies of tirade against Modi. I am calling it did not repond when Gandhi put the JP and Lohia and subtitled all my dishonest because he did not utter a idea to him. He in turn suggested (volumes of) social—including word against the Gujarat genocide of Acharya Narendra Deva who was some of my literary criticisms, with 2002 when it happened or soon after, close to him. Narendra Deva was in which I started my writing career— may be because he was occupying a turn vetoed by Sardar Patel. Finally and political writings as socialist cozy seat of some power offered by Dr. Rajendra Prasad was nominated discourses. I am not inclined to the then NDA govt. I have personally President. write in English as I am not good in questioned URA about this in an It is not only Minoo Masani who it. You can find a lot of evidence of interview, perhaps the last one of his has recorded this proposal of Gandhi, it in my correspondence with you. life. This very long interview, which but also all the biographers of JP that I am so tired of writing to you in stretches from his early writings to I mentioned in my first letter. It is for English. In fact that is why I expect his last public dialogue on Modi’s you to believe them or not. For your people like you to learn at least to candidature for Pmship, was done additional information, even Google speak a local language so that we can for the Socialist monthly ‘Hosa provides this information! Further converse with you freely and clearly Manushya’ (meaning ‘The New you say that Pattabhi Seetharamaiah and mutually learn. Man) which I edited for six long was the President of Congress Party I think I should close my years till 2016 (stopped because of in 1948 and not Rajendra Prasad. Yes arguments with you now, at least my failing health, and to be restarted indeed, Pattabhi was the President for the time being. I should say that in next November). in 1948, but he occupied that seat I learnt and also unlearnt quite a bit Again, regarding your doubt only after Rajendra Prasad, who was through this correspondence. You about Gandhi’s proposal to make made President of Congress party in may please excuse me if my faulty JP the President of Congress party, November 1947 after the resignation English has troubled you. I should say that you have failed to of J.B. Kripalani, relinquished it With regards, find any evidence for it because of to become the President of the D.S. Nagabhushana your problem with the definition of Constituent Assembly. 12 JANATA, March 25, 2018

REPLY FROM GUHA in English because you have been fresh threats against me in October 10, 2017 incapacitated to write in an Indian Malleshwaram police station. language is pathetic. Please see the The BJP and the RSS certainly Dear Sri Nagabhushana, conversation Gandhi had with his do not consider me an ally or From being merely a pampered friend Mr. Polak in the former's friend of Hindutva-- to the frog I notice that I have now become autobiography on learning English contrary, they threaten and a historian who helped the rise vis a vis the mother tongue. intimidate me regularly! of Hindutva. Your penchant for With regards, But again, I urge you, let's get personalised polemic does not DSN beyond these polemics and think become a scholar of your passion, of aiding something both of us courage and great intelligence. REPLY BY GUHA want. Both you and I would Your English is admirably fluent like our younger compatriots to and evocative. Like Lohia, JP, Dear Sri Nagabhushana, know of the history, heritage, and Gandhi, Ambedkar and Tagore, you 1. Thanks-- yes, I know the Gandhi/ possible contemporary relevance have the capacity to express yourself Polak debate, and wrote about it of the Indian socialist traditions. extremely lucidly in your mother here, in 2011: So please do sympathetically tongue as well as in the language of http://ramachandraguha.in/ consider the two proposals I our erstwhile conquerors. Lohia, JP, archives/a-question-of-english- made in my last mail. Gandhi, Ambedkar, Tagore, all chose the-telegraph.html 2. Do see this mail below. Can I to write in English when they wanted Those Indians who are genuinely put this young scholar in touch to reach out beyond their cultural bilingual (such as yourself) with you please? I am sure your universe. If you were to distill your can surely (like Gandhi and advice and encouragement will knowledge and learning into a book Lohia) communicate in both go a long way in motivating on India’s socialist traditions in their languages! So please do him to take up this vital and English you would do a service to not disregard my plea.... important project. your fellow Indians. Please don’t let On the rise of Hindutva and who 3. Prompted by your your pride get in the way. may have contributed to it, how correspondence, I went back With regards would you react to my saying: to Gandhi's Collected Works. R. Guha i) That Lohia's obsessive anti- It turns out that you were right, Congressism and the coalitions and that JP's name was indeed REPLY BY DSN he forged between Socialists and discussed for the Congress Jana Sangh in 1967 helped the Presidency in January 1948. But Sorry Sir, my English is so rise of Hindutva; it also turns out that my hunch poor that I am unable to make out ii) That JP's inclusion of the RSS was correct, namely that if this what you are saying in the second in his anti-Indira movement had indeed happened Nehru sentence of your above mail. If and the certificate of patriotism would have encouraged it. It you are saying that I cannot make he gave them helped the rise of seems that when Nehru resigned a scholar of myself by any means, Hindutva. from the Presidency, he wanted you are right! Surely these two acts by a socialist to succeed him, and Yes I have said what I have said massively influential politicians proposed Narendra Deva. To about historians of your type who you admire are far more worthy which Gandhi responded that if have helped the raise of Hindutva of critical scrutiny than the mere he wished he could even have forces in this country. It is for you writings of a mere scholar, and JP to succeed him (JP of course to dismiss it outright or mull over it that too in an elite language, being even closer to Nehru for its worth. English. than ND was). This proposal of I have never said that writing But since you press the point, Nehru's, as amended by Gandhi, in English is bad or unacceptable. do read the papers of today-- was then taken forward, and, as What I have said is that writing the Hindutvawadis have issued anticipated by both you and me, JANATA, March 25, 2018 13

the Congress Old Guard (led by close or continuous contact with of 2017, there is a real romance Patel) nixed the proposal to have them. On the other hand, you among the youth about Bhagat any socialist, whether ND or JP. were right in calling attention to Singh and the Maoists and their From the sources, it appears the fact (which had escaped me) methods, and it is vitally important that Gandhi himself, being busy that JP was, in the last month of to defend nonviolence against this with Hindu-Muslim unity, was MKG's life, indeed a candidate misguided and dangerous faith in not attending the crucial CWC for the Congress Presidency. violent politics. meetings which decided this. Thanks for giving me a chance I still wish you would get over But their proceedings were to explore this fascinating issue, and your hurt and injured pride. I am as reported back to him. In a letter with best wishes, keen as you are to have the (non and to Premaben Kantak, Gandhi R. Guha often anti-Marxist) socialists treated says of the matter: ‘As far as fairly and fully in our current and I know, Jayaprakash's views REPLY BY DSN future political discourse. And I seek and policies are not harmful your help in this regard. Will you to the country's interests, but Congratulations Guhaji! At please think of consolidating your his method is. If, however, he last you have found a shred of extensive writings in Kannada in becomes President, he must evidence at least regarding Gandhi's the form of a short book on Indian follow the Congress policy. proposal to make JP the president of socialism in English for a wider Anyway, he was wise enough Congress party. Congratulations also audience? And will you also talk to to decline to be President in for ultimately proving to yourself the young scholar who is keen to the prevailing atmosphere of through that shred of evidence that pursue a history of Indian socialism? opposition to him. When a Socialists were not very proximate If not the first, at least the second, person who has opposed the to Gandhi to have conversations I hope, though of course ideally official policies from outside with him! both.... becomes the leader of the whole So, now it is for you to fix With regards country, he would if he has the proximity gradings of S/s R. Guha any touch of patriotism in him Bhagat Singh/Savarkar, Jinnah and give up this opposition’. In Ambedkar with respect to Gandhi REPLY BY DSN other words, JP would have who according to you on that day October 11, 2017 had to abandon or modify his had some important conversations radical Socialism if he wanted with him. Dear Sri Guha, to become President of the Regards, Please don’t imagine all kinds Congress. DSN of reasons for my elaborate (ably In this letter to Prema Kantak, assisted by you) correspondence Gandhi also says: ‘About the REPLY BY GUHA with you. As my primary questions Socialists, I believe that they October 11, 2017 to you on that day indicated, I was are self-sacrificing, studious and only curious to know if there were courageous men’. But then he Dear Sri Nagabhushana ji, any particular reasons for you to adds: ‘I do not know what they I don't believe that you can chose only those four conversations have been doing. If it is enough or will dispute that Gandhi's and if you consider those four only to know what appears in the conversations with Jinnah and as the most important conversations newspapers about them, then Ambedkar were definitive for India of Gandhi’s life. As a sympathiser that much I know, though not in and for him. I think the real cause of the Socialist movement, I also great detail.’ This rather seems to of your upset is that I spoke that wanted to know as to why you don’t prove my point which so upset day of Gandhi's arguments with consider conversations of Gandhi you, namely, that while Gandhi the armed revolutionaries and not with Socialists as important. But admired and had affection for the with the socialists. The reasons for instead of replying objectively to socialists, he was not really in this were simply that, in the India me, it appeared to me and some 14 JANATA, March 25, 2018 friends there that you took my for the English knowing Kannadigas REPLY BY Guha questions as a challenge to your interested in the subject to take the October 12, 2017 authority on modern Indian history. initiative if they feel it is worth And you started bulldozing me with taking. I am just not interested. Dear Sri Nagabhushana, all kinds of explanations as to why I am a Swarajist in that way. My I want to thank you for our you don’t consider Socialists were ‘neighbourhood’ is enough for me! exchange, which has educated anywhere near Gandhi to have It seems, as a last resort of me a great deal, not just about the conversations with him, which I confrontation with me, you have JP Presidency idea which I was don’t accept even now. Because, chosen to repeat the rusted arguments ignorant about, but about much else. my reading of history of Indian of our tired secularists and Marxists In the days of Twitter and Facebook Independence tells a different story. to defame Lohia and JP. Lohia’s such exchanges are rare, if not So where is the question of getting anti-Congressism or JP’s inclusion impossible. hurt or injured here? of Jansangh and RSS in his total I also wanted to apologize for I also read authors who write in revolution movement are to be any arrogance or insolence I may English only, like H. Rajarao, R.K. understood in the political context have displayed that day in Heggodu Narayan, Mulkraj Anand, Vikram and political compulsions of their while replying to your interventions. Seth, Arundhati Roy etc., and you time, when Jansangh and RSS With regards too, but I don’t look at them in high were no forces at all. You should R. Guha esteem only because they write in also note that neither Lohia nor JP English and pity them when get compromised in any way with their PS: I hope you don't mind arrogant with the power of their political values. It may be of some if I fill in a little detail about my English language. You may note interest to you to go through the last personal background. My parents that I did not choose to continue interview of Lohia’s life with Prof. spoke English at home, but since my arguments with you there after Bross, a foreign journalist (August I grew up in Dehradun I learned you asked for evidence for Gandhi;s 1967), in which Lohia has spoken Hindi as a second language. I used proposal with regard to JP. After all about his relations with different a great deal of Hindi sources in my you were the honored guest for us on political streams (published in Lohia early research, and have also done that day and I was only a layman in Special issue of Janata, 2010). Have some small translations from Hindi, the audience. ( It is also a fact that you forgotten the fact that post-JP including one of JP’s remarkable you did not allow me to continue my Jansangh, soon after its reincarnation essays Nagaland mein shanti ka arguments, with waterfalls of your as BJP, was reduced to 2 seats in prayas. Inspired and encouraged English diction!) the 1980 elections? It was from by our correspondence, I shall now I wrote to you only to fulfill my there that they built the party and actively pursue a project I have obligation to you to provide some Sangh parivar to reach where they long wanted to do—this is to help evidence of Gandhi’s conversations are today! On the other hand these edit and refine the translation into with Socialists from your Bible so called secularists only tried to English of a major social history of called ‘Collected Works of Gandhi’ grow on anti-Hindu communalism modern Uttarakhand by a remarkable and of Gandhi’s proposal regarding (and social justice) sloganeering Kumauni scholar named Shekhar JP. But this correspondence got without doing any hard work at the Pathak. elaborated for so many allied ground level to build their parties. reasons! Now to save their faces in the face RREPLY BY DSN As you rightly judged, I am not of drubbing they have got in people’s October 12, 2017 a scholar and also cannot become court, they have resorted to Lohia Dear Sri Guha, one to associate myself with any and JP bashing! Good luck to them Thanks for your mail and I academic or University projects. and you too. should say that I am really touched In fact I am damn afraid of them! Regards, and humbled by its contents. Regarding your suggestion to bring D.S. Nagabhushana With regards, out the English version of my D.S. Nagabhushana writings on Socialist history, it is (Concluded) JANATA, March 25, 2018 15 R.N.I. NO. 1855/1957 16 JANATA, March 25, 2018 Postal Registration No. MCW/275/2018-2020. License to Post without prepayment WPP License No. MR/Tech/WPP-210/West/2018 Published on Sunday, March 25, 2018 & Posted on Wedenesday, March 28, 2018 at Mumbai Patrika Channel, Mumbai GPO-1

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