l ISSN : 0030-5014 l Vol. 72 l No. 43 l April 25, 2021 l

OPINION 14 Stonewalling Saffron Tide 16 Hindutva, soul of Nation 20 Redemption for Temples 28 11th Round Also Ends in 06 COVER STORY/ WEST BENGAL ASSEMBLY POLLS a Stalemate Reshaping Political 44 Understanding Universe Through Vedas Paradigm

Ground Report ANALYSIS NAXALBARI 10 NISHANT KR AZAD 26 Keeping Kashmir & PRAN PRIYA On the Boil 34 A Jarring Note Turning Right 37 Watchdog or Predator?

COLUMN 04 Readers’ Forum 42 News Round Up 46 Defence Scan 24 REPORT/ JAMMU & KASHMIR 30 ANALYSIS/ UNSUNG HEROES 49 Indic Wisdom Now on, no Hindus will be driven out Revolt of Rani of Kashmir: Dattatreya Hosabale

Editor: Prafulla Ketkar l Asso Editor : G Sreedathan l Chief Copy Editor : Madhur Tankha l Sr Reporter : Nishant Kumar Azad l Web Consultant: Ganesh Krishnan R l Associate Art Director: Shashi Mohan Rawat l Sr Graphic Designer: Mukta Surma Kataria l DTP Operator: Manoj Kumar Singh l Cover Page Design : Shashi Mohan Rawat l E-mail: [email protected] l Website: www.organiser.org l Phones: 011-47642018, 20, 22

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a leadership failure. pressure emanating from the US MAJOR CHANDRAKANT SINGH, and many other important through web European Nations. The idea is to portray India as rigid and State should Act uncooperative and Pakistan as Decisively moderate and accommodating. If APROPOS (Islamists attack Shaji Pakistan initiates dialogue without Varghese for selling non-Halal putting the Kashmir on the priority meat in Kerala; forcefully feeds list and promises to leave terror - raw meat, lorry burnt down) ism, then only there is some Organiser , April 6, 2021. This is hope. Otherwise, the initiative will SP Sahibs, Wake Up preposterous; what is this so- be relegated as another example APROPOS (Ambush in Bijapur: Why called minority up to? of the ridiculous and abrasive aren't we still learning lessons?) Appeasement cannot be at the diplomacy being pursued by the Organiser , April 5, 2021. General cost of the majority’s sentiments neighbouring country. Katoch has rightly spoken of lead - and cultural lifestyle. Every citizen SAHIL MAGGO, ership deficit and lack of training has a right to exercise his style of Rohtak and coordination of police. The absence of officers of rank from APROPOS (Kashi the operational area is telling. The Vishwanath-Gyanvapi leadership has to be held account - mosque case petition - able, and heads need to roll not er receives death just by transfers but by sacking threat) Organiser , from service. If police rules are April 10, 2021. Protection of allowed in the army, then one-two whistleblowers and petitioners should be sentenced to a jail term should be a top for cowardice or negligence of duty priority for any government. Unless resulting in loss of lives. Statistics living, including food habits, within we build such an ecosystem, we speak for themselves. In the Army the statutory societal structures cannot encourage people to raise units deployed for operations, the framework. The state should send their voice against corruption human resource ratio is one officer a strong message to those sec - and ill doings. for fifty other ranks. Still, the per - tions of society who impose their @thalapatta centage for casualties is one offi - religion on those of other faiths. cer for 3.5 other ranks. Here KAMESWARA RAO YENDAMURI, APROPOS (Yogi despite the police suffering more through web Government to than fifty casualties, not one officer Honour Memory of was even around. SP Sahibs, Pakistan knows Kothari Brothers by wake up. You shame yourselves its Limitations Building a Road in and your service. In 1971 the BSF APROPOS (Resolving issues: myths Their Name in Ayodhya) Organiser , performed very well. Large num - and reality) Organiser , May 31, April 9, 2021. It's half justice rather a bers of their commanders were ex 2021. Pakistan knows well that it quarter of it; justice requires the per - Emergency, or Short Service com - cannot wrest Kashmir away from son who ordered the killing to be missioned officers. It is time, as India. The peace initiative has brought to face trials. Whatever his has been for a long time, for Short been engineered only to take the condition of power, health, old age, Service officers after completing public's attention away from the and political influence should not five years to the CAPF and ending socio-economic crisis that the come in between the IPS's monopoly. The tragedy is country is facing and counter the KOUSHIK MOHAN MISHRA

4 April 25, 2021

WEST BENGAL ASSEMBLY POLLS RESHAPING POLITICAL PARADIGM The Hindu anxiety has become a vital issue in this election in West Bengal. An election outcome in favour of BJP will have the potential to reshape Bengal’s political discourse

n JOYDEEP BHATTACHARYYA

s of now, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is 2011) in any state in India, only after Assam (34 arguably the biggest political party of the Indian per cent according to Census 2011); a State nation in terms of the highest number of seats where it was and is fiercely opposed by its polit - in the Parliament (300 in the Lok Sabha and 95 ical rivals cutting across the party lines. in the Rajya Sabha) and the maximum state Therefore, this West Bengal Assembly Election Assemblies under its rule and also its gigantic is not just another election for the BJP. The win register of 110 million party members. With 12 here can have serious ramifications in favour of states directly under its political sway and 6 the party throughout the country in years and other states in the hand of its political allies times to come. BJP knows the consequences A under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), quite well, and so do its political rivals, hence the BJP is currently at its mightiest moment of the concerted effort on its part to win Bengal glory. However, the party has a big challenge against its club of opponents bidding desper - before itself in 2021. It is fighting, for the first ately to resist it. time to win, the Assembly Election in West Bengal, a State which is historically considered Projecting Islamic Rule as Tolerant a Left-ideological bastion, even so under the West Bengal, alongside Kerala, has remained current dispensation of Mamata Banerjee. A the political-ideological fountainhead of Marxist State which has the second largest share of politics and thought in India. The reign of the Muslims (27 per cent according to Census Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI (M)

6 April 25, 2021 COVER STORY

A painting of Shri Ram on the wall of Jadavpur incredibly lasted for 34 years (1977- Hindus are fearful of The list of amendments attached to 2011) at a stretch. This factor the repeat of history the circular made it clear that history cemented the Communist grip on textbooks would remove all the reli - the Bengali society at large. All insti - and a dark future gious atrocities of the Muslim rulers tutions and bodies under the State under a possible on the Hindus and project the Government were occupied by the Muslim majority Islamic rule as tolerant and benevo - Left so as to exclusively shape pub - lent towards the Hindus. The ‘party lic discourses according to the Left (currently 27 per cent society’ of West Bengal, as it was ideology. In this respect, one can in the state and assessed in the past, was complete - recall the example Arun Shourie growing by 1.77 per ly under the ‘care’ and regulation of cited in his famous book Eminent the all-mighty ruling Communist Historians . The West Bengal Board cent against the Hindu party who used to intervene in every of Secondary Education had issued decline by 1.94 per sphere of the urban and rural life of a circular, bearing the number cent, according to the State. Its election success was ‘Syl/89/1’ and dated 28 April of largely attributed to its regimented 1989, explaining to all the schools Census 2011). To them, party cadres which often applied the the way the History textbooks rec - BJP appears to be the concept called ‘scientific rigging’ in ommended by the Board for Class last hope elections – something which was IX had been thoroughly amended. hard to prove but difficult to deny.

April 25, 2021 7 WEST BENGAL ASSEMBLY POLLS

Stooping Too Low is Mamata’s Art

By mocking the BJP leaders, and even attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while they were democratically campaigning in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is trying to whip up regional sentiments to reap rich harvest in elections. Anti-Indian Statements The serving CM made an attempt to weaken the nation with her vitriolic anti-Bharat statements. Her narrow mindedness can be seen from her statement that those who come from other States to foment trouble in Bengal are outsiders. Does this mean that Mamata Baberjee staged a Dharna againt Election Commission of India a national party like the BJP should not campaign? On the contrary, PM recited lines from the nation - showcased paintings that she made in front of al anthem to convey to TMC leader that no Bhartiya Mahatma Gandhi's statue. Mamata Banerjee has is an outsider. shown scant regard for democracatic institutions by attacking the Election Commission and made the Dharna: An Election Stunt border state her fiefdom. Even COVID-19 that has A serving Chief Minister staging a dharna against united the entire country has been politicised by the the Election Commission is nothing but a ploy to TMC leader who alleged that the BJP leaders divert attention from her electoral malpractices brought outsiders for campaigning and contributed indulged by goons of Trinamool Congress. She even to the rise in Coronavirus cases in the State.

The Communist party had so mastered the election Safe Haven for Islamic Terrorism arithmetic, the intelligentsia and the public discourses In her regime, West Bengal has become the undisputed that it could easily normalise any notion of abnormality at topper in the national ranking of election-violence. The any stage of the governance. State, which once used to be in the news for its art and Mamata Banerjee has been credited with bringing the culture, now redefines the level and nature of violence downfall of the CPI(M) regime, though much of the credit during elections to the rest of the country. Besides elec - also goes to the CPI(M) itself as the party became inter - tion fiascos, the state has become a safe haven for nally rotten due to its oversize, infighting, and corruption. Islamic terrorism over the recent years. Several terror Although Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress modules, linked to even Al-Qaeda, have been busted by (TMC) party were supposed to be the political Right as the National Investigation Agency (NIA), but much have against the political Left, they gradually became the gone unheeded or remained unproven due to the lack of upgraded version of that Left itself over the years. She is political cooperation in the state where the ruling party often sarcastically regarded as the ‘best student’ of the crudely encashes the large Muslim vote-bank while the political school of Leftism. As against the high hopes of opposition parties such as the Left and the Congress the people of the state, Didi (as she likes to be called) equally greedily vie for it. and her party have only recast the Left style of politics of As a result, West Bengal has remained a state still the past in the present, in much more dreaded mould ruled by the so-called Left-liberal ideology. The essential and naked effectiveness. core of this ideology is, as it appears to be, to stand

8 April 25, 2021 COVER STORY against anything that is pro-Hindu, bandwagon, and thus oxygenate the pro-nationalistic, pro-Indic and, by Congress-Left bogie as the main ide - contrast, normalise Islamic radical - ological rival of the BJP by ensuring ism by projecting Islam as the reli - her win in West Bengal. The alliance gion of the poor, oppressed, and of the CPI (M) and Congress in the underprivileged in the Hindu (they state is working in this direction and would say, Brahmin or upper caste) splitting the Hindu votes wherever it dominated society. This ideology has is necessary to make sure that BJP been running unabated in Bengal loses. However, their alliance with since the Left-rule in 1977, due to the the Islamic force, Indian Secular political patronage of the so-called Front (ISF) of the controversial pirza - ‘secular’ parties who depend heavily da Abbas Siddiqui, done in the hope on the Muslim votes and the simulta - of winning Muslim votes, has only neous segregation of the Hindus on consolidated the numerically shrink - caste and party lines. Again, most of ing 70 per cent Hindus, most of the Left intelligentsia including writ - whom or whose ancestors are ers, artists, professors, and activists refugees fled from the erstwhile East have switched allegiance to the TMC Pakistan and also from the current after the change of power in 2011, Bangladesh for religious persecu - ensuring the continuation of this ide - The Hindu anxiety has, ology at institutional levels. As a direct result of the two fac - therefore, become a tors mentioned above, serious alle - vital issue in the State gations such as covert Islamisation election as never before of the school syllabuses and recruit - ment of Muslims to government jobs – an issue BJP must take on the merit of religion through a on boldly for the State, reservation-category called the the people, and itself OBC(A) have come to the fore. It is this ideology that still rules the roost in the academic campuses such as tion. They are fearful of the repeat of the notorious ‘tukde tukde gang ’ in history and a dark future under a some premier universities in the possible Muslim majority (currently State. The violent anti-CAA mayhem 27 per cent in the state and growing in the State was also engineered by 1.77 per cent against the Hindu allegedly by these forces, hand in decline by 1.94 per cent, according hand with the Islamic jihadis, with the to Census 2011). To them, BJP seemingly approving nod of the rul - appears to be the last hope. The ing TMC often dangerously provok - Hindu anxiety has, therefore, ing violence and lawlessness. become a vital issue in the State West Bengal is, therefore, an ide - election as never before – an issue ological block before the BJP. It has BJP must take on boldly for the to overcome this block as the win State, the people, and itself. The here is bound to have serious ramifi - party’s current stance and possible cations in other sectors of challenge. success, on the day of result i.e., BJP is not unaware of this reality. May 2, 2021, can reshape the politi - Opposition parties heavily bank on cal discourse of West Bengal forever. Mamata Banerjee, who dreams to be (The writer, a teacher by profession and the face of the national anti-BJP located at Siliguri in West Bengal, writes on contemporary affairs)

April 25, 2021 9 Ground Report NAXALBARI TURNING RIGHT NISHANT KR AZAD Once a Left stronghold, Naxalbari is witnessing a & PRAN PRIYA political transformation. RSS’s work at the grassroots level has helped BJP gain foothold in rural Bengal

o get the pulse of North Bengal for the ongoing historic place. It’s historic for bloodshed. Bengal polls, we planned to move to Siliguri from While moving towards Naxalbari, we saw hun - Kolkata. After reaching the commercial hub of North dreds of Saffron flags (BJP flags) on the roadside. Bengal in the second week of April, we embarked Trinamool flags were also fluttering but one colour upon to Naxalbari the next day. It is barely 25 km that was prominently missing was ‘Red’. After some from Siliguri. Since childhood, we read name of this distance, we did manage to see few Red flags; dreaded place in textbooks and heard about it in which were on top of dilapidated houses. The drastic T news, but finally we got the opportunity to visit this reduction in number of flags clearly highlighted the

10 April 25, 2021 LOTUS BLOOM: BJP has made dep inroads in Naxalbari

fact that Red has lost its sheen in its violent past. its bastion. As we were discussing about Naxalbari, suddenly the Situated in the Siliguri subdivi - driver interrupted, “ Dada, ye dekho, sab waampanthiyon sion of the Darjeeling district of ki murti bani hai (Dada, see the statues of Leftists)”. I West Bengal, Naxalbari is a asked him to stop the car. We approached the seven red small village. The village was the podiums of Lenin, Stalin, Mao Zedong, Lin Piao, Charu site of a revolt in 1967 that ulti - Majumdar, Saroj Dutta and Mahadeb Mukherjee — mately led to the Naxalite-Maoist standing right beside the Bengai Jot Primary School. The insurgency. driver said, “ yahi se Naxalbari movement shuru hua tha A desolate memorial of The area was once the epi - (Naxalbari Movement started from this place only”. Communists stalwarts centre of Left politics and was We stayed near statues for a few minutes and then speaks volumes of the state the home to the founder of CPI moved on to a hut nearby where we met two persons in of Left ideology in Bengal (ML), Charu Majumdar, a Maoist their 40s. One of them was sitting on a bench and anoth - who led the Naxalbari move - er on ground. Sambhu, the man sitting on the bench who ment. It was in 1967, when a group of Communist Party was a resident of Naxalbari, told Organiser , “ BJP hi jitega of India (Marxist) leaders led by Charu Majumdar decid - (BJP will only win)” when we casually asked him which ed to break away and launch armed struggle against party was winning in Bengal. landowners. Majumdar was of the opinion that the situa - When I asked him to explain the reason, Sambhu tion was suitable for establishing an armed protracted said, “ Poribortan hoga (change will happen this time). people's war in India following the Chinese Revolution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doing a good job, and Vietnam War and Cuban Revolution. Also, Charu this time we also want a change in Bengal.” Majumdar was highly influenced and inspired by the “Mamata Didi kaam accha karta hai lekin unka neta Chinese-Communist leader Mao Zedong, who spear - log sab gadbad kar deta hai .”(Mamata does good work headed the Communist Movement in China. Charu was but TMC leaders do wrong things), Sambhu told the mag - the first to call for an armed peasant revolution in India. azine. When asked why the people of Naxalbari are leav - In 1969, Charu launched CPI(ML). ing the Left ideology, he replied, “We have seen the rule With the passing of time, Naxalbari, the cradle of an of the Left Government for over 30 years.We also saw over 50-year-old Maoist movement, has been witnessing Mamata’srule but now we want to give a chance to BJP a transition from a Red bastion to a Saffron zone. The vil - too. Nobody here is interested in violent politics of Left lage had been the hotbed of the violent movement but and TMC.” one can easily see that the Red belt has moved on from While reaching out to the people to understand the

April 25, 2021 11 WEST BENGAL ASSEMBLY POLLS issues concerning Naxalbari, we met a first-time voter, MD Abdul. Whenever we talk about Muslim voters in Bengal, almost every political observer considers them as a votebank of Trinamool Congress or some other party except BJP.But in Naxalbari, things are different. Abdul categorically replied that he will vote for BJP as the states where the Saffron party is in power are doing well. “I am hugely disappointed with the law and order situa - tion in the State. Mamata Banerjee hasn't done basic work for the welfare of people of Naxalbari,” he said. For Abdul, Rohingyas and Bangladeshi Muslims need to be sent back home, as they are depriving Indian nationals of their rights. “Outsiders are buying land in our area and they are being funded for this illegal work by Mamata Didi. TMC people are helping them in getting voter-ID cards, ration cards and many more documents. Due to outsiders settling down, the cost of land is getting higher,” he said. According to Abdul, the Mamata Government is sup - Mamata Governmentover the past four decades.This is porting illegal migrants to buy land in Bengal. “While TMC the prime reason behind BJP emerging as an ideal is helping them to settledown here, the BJP is the only choice for voters. We are reaching out to every section of party that can send them back,” he said. the society.We don’t see ideology of voters.” Unemployment is another issue confronting the locals. He exuded optimism on BJP reaping rich electoral Abdul went a step fusrther by alleging that the Chief harvest in the elections. “You should take a look on voting Minister had given jobs to her relatives during her eight percentage in favour of BJP during 2019 Lok Sabha polls year rule. in this region,” said the Darjeeling MP, to hint that the party would win by a bigger margin this time round. Winds of Change “The people of Naxalbari are now concerned about In the Left hub, we tried to find out the reason behind the lack of development, educational institutions, jobs and socio-political changes in their area. We spoke to a num - many other things which are needed by people to earn ber of voters, who were earlier sympathisers of the Left. livelihood. The people of Naxalbari are not only upset But they are now praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi. with Left but also with Mamata Banerjee because of ram - Decimation of Left support base is the biggest reason for pant corruption and appeasement politics,” he said. people’s decision to vote en masse to the Saffron in the Assembly elections. Saffron School in Red Belt A student of electronic engineering in Naxalbari said, One can't deny the fact that Rashtriya Swayamsevak “Bengal has been a land of great personas and rich in Sangh (RSS) is the key factor behind this change in the many senses. But now it has fallen back due to lack of Left bastion. When we were exploring different areas of industrialisation”. He gave the example of Tata Motors Naxalbari, we came across Sarada Vidya Mandir, the who had moved out of Singur after Mamata Banerjee’s biggest school in the area run by the RSS. The school agitation over land acquisition for an automobile factory. imparts modern curriculum along with naitik shiksha Naxalbari is part of the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat, (moral education) and nationalistic values. Established in where BJP’s Raju Bista (who replaced sitting MP SS 1999, the school has now 753 students. Ahluwalia) in 2019 by defeatingTrinamool Congress’s The corridor, on the school’s ground floor, was candidate Amar Singh Rai by a big margin. adorned with boards inscribed with quotes of While talking to Organiser, MP from Darjeeling, Raju Vivekananda and other famous personalities. Outside Bista, said, “We are doing politics based on developmen - every classroom, portraits of the likes of Chanakya, tal agenda. Our only aim is to work for each and every Madan Mohan Malviya, S Radhakrishnanand section of the society.People are fed up with the Left and Vivekananda share space with Bhagat Singh and

12 April 25, 2021 COVER STORY sending their children to the school but things have changed now. We are now saying no to parents as we do not have the capacity to accommodate more students.” Commenting on the comparison of RSS schools with Pakistan’s madrasas by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Tapos told us, “Rahul Gandhi accused RSS for running its propaganda through its schools. He should make a visit to our school, spend a day here and analyse how we are preparing our youth in nation-building with own cul - ture as basic strength.” RSS Behind BJP’s Rise When we talk about elections in Bengal, one can't ignore the planned strategy of BJP. Apart from massive rallies and roadshows of political figures, the tireless work grassroots level work of RSS is visible. The organisation always prefers to work from behind the curtains. It is the Sarada Vidya Mandir, run by an RSS-inspired organisation, is one of the work of RSS on the ground that made the party increase most sought-after institutions in Naxalbari its footprint in West Bengal, especially in North Bengal. Even the Left parties concede that the RSS has been Rabindranath Tagore. In the prayer hall of the school, gaining ground. one can prominently see the portraits of RSS founderDr When we had a talk with Abhijit Majumdar, CPI-ML KB Hedgewar along with second Sarsanghchalak of RSS leader and son of Naxal leader Charu Majumdar, he also MS Golwalkar, famously called Guruji. agreed that RSS workers have worked very hard for The school was closed due to the corona pandemic propagating their ideology among the people of but few students were there to submit their assignments. Naxalbari, although he doesn’t agree with the ideology of We had a conversation with them on nationalism. RSS. He said that the organisation has concentrated its A girl of Tenth Standard, said, “We don't believe in any activities in tribal areas. ideology which leads to violence. After completing educa - Asked about Naxalbari’s transformation, a TMC lead - tion, we want to contribute to the society.” er, on request of anonymity, said, “Red to saffron did not The school bears a dynamic infrastructure and has happen in one day, one week or one month. It is result of modern day amenities like computer lab, library and hard work of many years. It is the RSS that has put a lot many more for students. The school has more than 300 of effort in this direction. The BJP could not have done girl students. Teachers Surodeep Dutta and Tapos told us this alone.” that the Bengali medium school began in a rented house The former Rajya Sabha member also said that Chief with just a handful of students in 1999. “We have come a Minister Mamata Banerjee's misrule was the reason long way— with classes up to Class 10, the school today behind BJP’s emergence in this area. “For this situation, has its own building and 753 students on its rolls,” said close associates of Mamata Banerjee are responsible. Tapos. The RSS has been present in North Bengal for the last Though the school follows the curriculum of the West two decades but it is only in the last few years, it has Bengal Board of Secondary Education, Surodeep Dutta become more active not only in Naxalbari but across said there are separate classes where the Ramayana North Bengal.” and Mahabharata are also taught. “Our motto is simple “The presence of RSS has helped BJP to expand its — Shiksha (education), Sanskar (culture) and Seva Bhav base here and strengthen the party’s almost non-existent (selfless work),” said Surodeep Dutta. He disclosed that structure in Bengal,” said the TMC leader. the school does Seva as itsendeavor is to help all needy In 2016, Sankar Malakar of Congress won from persons in this region. “Even in the pandemic, we Matigara-Naxalbari but the BJP garnered 21.31 per cent reached out to the people to help them,” he added. of the vote-share, a huge leap from the 4.47 per cent it Tapos said, “Earlier parents were apprehensive about managed in the 2011 Assembly elections. n

April 25, 2021 13 OPINION/ Politics Stonewalling Saffron Tide Being consistent with its Hindutva agenda, BJP has managed to expose the pseudo-secular policies of opposition parties, which are now facing existential crisis. Despite their efforts to hoodwink Hindus DR DUGGARAJU SRINIVASA RAO through half-baked pro-Hindu policies, a crisis of credibility haunts the opposition camp

n the political heat generated in the high decibel election campaign in five states which went to polls recently, the desperate calls for unity of parties to stop Bharatiya Janata Party has come from more than one state. The leaders are Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin and Pinirayi Vijayan. While Mamata Banerjee of Bengal is facing serious challenge from BJP and has Iwritten letter for unity to all most all parties, including the Congress acting president Sonia Gandhi, DMK leader MK Stalin gave not only a call for unity but he even sug - gested Rahul Gandhi to lead such a united front. The current political situation in the country is domi - nated by BJP. Now, BJP is the agenda setter for the Nation and also the consistent winner through its elec - toral agenda. BJP has better agenda and is consistent and insistent with its agenda forcing the opponents to recalibrate their strategy for survival. Hindutva is the agenda of BJP and it never hides this. It was through successful exposure of the pseudo-sec - Mamata Banerjee, a wholesale dealer of Muslim vote bank, was forced to announce her Hindu identity by visiting temples ular policies of Congress and high level corruption of UPA 2 that led to BJP winning the elections in 2014 and increasing its seat number and vote share in 2019 elec - The unthinkable statement that “Sabarimala Ayyappa tions. After its success it went ahead with the core ideo - and all deities are with LDF” came from the self-con - logical issues such as abrogation of Article 370 and con - firmed Marxist and atheist Kerala CM Pinirayi Vijayan on struction of Ayodhya Ram temple. The opposition failed the beginning of polling hour and it was obviously to send to convince the nation as it took the special status to a pro-Hindu message to voter. The rationalist from the J&K as a Muslim issue and not as a national issue. This neighbouring Tamil Nadu and DMK president MK Stalin gave the BJP courage to challenge the opposition on announced that “we are not against Hindus and even secularism versus Hindutva issue. The questioning was their party cadre are Hindus and temple goers”. The sec - so intense that the opposition blinked. ond concession DMK forced to exhibit is mentioning of The agenda of BJP was so intense and tactical that protecting the properties of Hindu temples and allot even the known atheist and rationalist parties and lead - development fund of Rs 1,000 crore for temples and ers are forced to leave their pseudo secular credentials offering subsidies to Hindu pilgrims. This is certainly a and embrace the soft Hindutva as was done earlier by step down for DMK from the high rational pedestal. That Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi without success. the cadre was asked not to talk against the Hindu beliefs

14 April 25, 2021 After its success, BJP went ahead by the top DMK brass is also a victory for BJP. Mamata Banerjee, an established wholesale dealer of with the core ideological issues such Muslim vote bank, was forced to announce her Hindu as abrogation of Article 370 and identity by visiting as many temples as possible on the construction of Ayodhya temple. The nomination filing day in Nandigram. Publicly announced her caste identity and presented herself as true Hindu by opposition failed to convince the chanting of ‘Durga strotram and announcing that she nation as they took the special status was in the habit of chanting that ‘strotram’ before leaving to J&K as a Muslim issue and not as the house every day. All the three leaders are winning their respective national issue states as per the pre-poll surveys but still they preferred to counter BJP agenda only through a pro-Hindu stance. ous young are leaving for foreign shores depriving the Indian society of huge human potentiality. This genera - tion is not against the social justice but they believe that social justice is never to be obtained under the existing political dispensation as that slogan is used to mobilise caste groups as a political vote bank rather than actual establishment of new social order. The current genera - tion wants to take away that caste scaffolding and permit them to grow on their knowledge and skill. They could see, at least in two fields like sports and defense where there is no caste consideration, growth of people with hard work and merit. To preserve their self-interests the political parties are giving a call for unity. Their leaders have fully exposed their corrupt, family centric party rulings. Even though these parties have given a call for unity there are sepa - rate castes and religious preferential groups. Therefore they can’t exhibit unity in politics. The Congress is not for such political unity as that party’s top priority is the continuation of Nehru family dominance and nothing else. For all other regional parties like SP, RJD, JDS, TRS, TDP, TMC and their chiefs the hidden agenda is the continued family grip on the party. For NCP, which That was the level of desperation and the unity call for claims to be a national party, the preferred agenda is opposition coming from all those three leaders is also a Sharad Pawar’s dream of being in PM’s seat. At least desperate call. the anti-Congress platform demand of late sixties are The Indian voter has changed, more so the post-eco - not on caste and family centric but based on the ideolo - nomic generation. This educated neo-liberal class is not gy. Then there were leaders with better, honest political clamored by the established narrative of Nehruvian sec - track record compared to the present regional and ularism and Congress and Left propagated socialism. national parties which are doing politics utilising the This generation demands recognition for merit. They all wealth and cash amassed through money laundering understood how the talented, like Satya Nadella and scams. This bunch of leaders whose desperate call for Sundar Pitchai, both heading tech giants, were lost by unity was not taken seriously by other parties are no India to the ‘merit honoured American society’. Like Har desperate to get votes. Till the fight is built on ideological Gobind Khorana of late sixties, who was denied a place issue these calls may remain like five-time prayer calls in Indian university under the social justice policy, blaring through mikes. migrated to USA and won the Nobel Prize. The meritori - (The writer is a retired Professor and political columnist based in Vijayawada)

April 25, 2021 15 OPINION RSS

Hindutva, soul of Nation

RSS represents the cumulative effect of the history of entire course of operational Hindutva. Successive augmentation of Hindutva accentuates the nationalist cause while realisng Hindu as the nationality. Anything short of either Bharatvarsh or Hindu would remain deficient of assessing the legitimacy of this Nation

o nomenclature has been sub - institutional and no prisoner of any creed as jected to intensive subterfuge, of organised Church. Religion itself is a even leading to pejorative con - Semitic phenomenon which is strange to notation, as Hindutva. Hence it Indian ethico-spiritual life. Rather India is imperative to comprehend unleashed a kind of sublime way of life which the underlying esoteric signification in proper was tantamount to that of a cultured national perspective. Mere indicating the suffix ‘tva’ community. N(ness) to the noun Hindu is inadequate since Hindutva carries aloft definite thought-struc - Shankaracharya’s Seminal Role ture in the driving force of history. DR DD PATTANAIK However, complications cropped up when Often we feel proud that Hinduism is non- alien religions made their entry to Indian soil

16 April 25, 2021 SANGH IDEOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK: Dr Hedgewar (right) was sure that by strengthening Bharat Rashtra Hindu Dharma could be protected and defended with certainty. Above a shakha being conducted besides emergence of certain indigenous creeds pro - Dr Hedgewar was sure that mere fessed by certain great savants. With this kind of sce - dwelling in theoretical acrobatic nario it became necessary to delineate the people would lead nowhere and he upholding the Vedas , epics, Bhagvat Gita and the vast array of literature containing Bharat’s philosophical her - plunged into the herculean task of itage since ages. At this juncture, Adi Shankaracharya Hindu consolidation. His thought- surfaced and named this stream as Sanatana Dharma. structure could well be noticed in the But it did not serve the whole purpose. Unless a given Sangh prayer, ‘Ekatmata Stotra’ idea gets shaped in visible manifestation it could hardly thrive on the face of contemporary prosylitising streams. (morning hymn) and adoration to So what was needed was to provide some kind of con - Vande Mataram, other Sangh songs gregational posture to keep the society intact. Keeping and Sangh lectures. this objective in mind, Shankaracharya founded four holy shrines in four remote places of India, organised Kumbh Mela, composed hymns like “Gangecha Yamune With kaleidoscopic advancement of history, the chaiva….” recalling seven sacred rivers, seven holy Greeks, Hebrews and the Persians while envisioning the places, seven sacred mountains and such other phe - river Sindh named the entire landscape as Hindustan nomena which would constantly strike the mind of the (pronouncing Sindhustan) and the people of the land as people recalling entirety of Bharatvarsh. Further, there Hindus. This term is of course descernible in certain had already been 51 ‘Shakti Pithas’, 12 Shaiva Pithas, Puranas of later days but in no place of the two great and innumerable Vishnu and Ganesh temples reinforc - epics it could be probed out crystally. Of course, it ing Bharat’s cultural integration. The two epics used to seems elusively visible in Rig Veda as Sapta Sindhu. serve the same. But it needed to recall all these phe - Anyway, those who called us Hindus had great adoration nomena in nationalist perspective. The defining point is for us and we internalised it without mincing word. that whole Bharatvarsh had been attuned to a living spir - Omer-bin Hassan, elder brother of Prophet Mahammed, itual entity around which entire religious life of Sanatana composed, “Oh Lord! Bestow me a day’s life in Hindu Dharma revolved. Desh…..”. Even the Chinese called us ‘Intu’, ‘Sintu’,

April 25, 2021 17 OPINION Big Bang Theory

Adi Shankaracharya depicted by Raja Ravi Varma symbolising lighting the whole planet as rendered by the The emergence of modern renaissance witnessed Hindus. What is significant is that the term Hindu etymo - realisation of this fact. Raj Narain Bose and Nabagopal logically refers to nationality of Bharatvarsh rather than Mitra organised Mitra Mela in Bengal and for the first any religion. Yet since the people inherited the ‘dharmic’ time employed the words Hindu Rashtra and Hindutva. heritage on this land since dawn, the given ‘sanatanis’ Dayananda Saraswati did not use these words; but his were made known as Hindus, and with the snowballing narration of Vedic Swaraj moves in the same direction. of history other indigeneous people even with certain dif - Bankim Chandra’s composition ‘ Vande Mataram ’ goes a ferences were also included within the fold of the long way to this end. He venerated Mother India as Hindus. Kamala, Vimala and Vidyadayini. Swami Vivekananda stated, “Right from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, whole Essence of Hindutva Bharatvarsh is exact incarnation of Goddess Durga”. At Fusion of Hindu and Bharat could hardly be manufac - the same time, he exhorted to keep aside all the Gods tured; both emerged as the Siamese twins. Realising and Goddesses for next 50 years and exclusively wor - this fact constitutes the essence of Hindutva in theoreti - ship Mother India. The term Hindutva found space in his cal approach. From this angle, Adi Shankaracharya lectures as well as in the prolific writings of Bipin emerged as the foremost activist of Hindutva. Without Chandra Pal. Aurobindo Ghose in his famous ‘Uttarpara’ Bharat Rashtra, Hindu could hardly be conjectured and speech expressed Indian nationalism in terms of vice versa; which is unique in global wavelength. Annie Sanatana Dharma . Swami Shraddhananda asked the Besant in her Convocation Address to Kashi Hindu people to raise Bharat Mata Mandirs all across the coun - Vishvavidyala (later known as BHU) in 1918 stated, try. All these moves were assiduously directed to ass - “Chritianity entered India and may leave. Zoroastrianism similate Bharatvash and Hindu. also came to India and may go away…..Simlilar is the case with Islam. But if Hinduism perishes India would Savarkar Delineates Hindutva remain a dead corpse”. Four year later when Ramsay However, the term Hindutva gained modern currency in Macdonald (British Prime Minsiter from 1929 to 1934) the writing of VD Savarkar in 1923. He ventured to visited India penned the Foreword of Radhakumud define Hindu to buttress his point. He wrote, “Any person Mukherjee’s “Fundamental Unity of India” he compared who conceives the land stretched from Sindhu to Sindhu India as the body and Hindu as the soul. (means, from river Sindhu up to southern sea) as ‘pitrub -

18 April 25, 2021 hu’ (fatherland) and ‘poonyabhu’ (holy land) qualifies to be Hindu. Such a person claims to inherit the blood of the race what is echoed by incorporation, from the ancient Sindhu, can be said to possess the most essen - tial requisites of Hindutva”. “Hindustan is our fatherland and holyland not because it is a land like any other land in the world, but because it is associated with our history and has been the home of our forefathers who craddled on their knees from generation to generation”. Therfore, Savarkar emphasised, “Hinduism is part of Hindutva, and Hindutva is History in Full” in Indian context. Hindu Consolidation through RSS When Mahatma Gandhi querried at Sanghastan of Wardha on 24 Sharing this perception, Dr. Hedgewar named his organ - isation Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh albeit he aimed December 1934 as to how a photo at consolidating the Hindus. Out of his perusal of history, of Mahadev was not there, one he arrived at well founded basis to conclude that che - activist present there explained that quered march of Indian history eventually had been cor - Bharat Mata was the exclusive god responding to the waxing and waning of the Hindus so much so that Hindus constituted the veritable nationals (dess) of Sangh. Bharat Rashtra is the of this land. However, he was sure that mere dwelling in focal rallying point of Sangh theoretical acrobatic would lead nowhere and he ideological framework plunged into the Herculean task of Hindu consolidation. His thought-structure could well be noticed in the Sangh prayer, ‘Ekatmata Stotra’ (morning hymn) and adoration upsurge. In modern times we find the Swadeshi move - to Vande Mataram , other Sangh songs and Sangh lec - ment which phenomenally incorporated Hindu symbols tures. and idioms; and the outcome of nationalistic fervour was When Mahatma Gandhi querried at Sanghastan of superb. In the last decade of the same century, we find Wardha on 24 December 1934 as to how a photo of the upsurge of Ram Janmabhoomi supplantig all other Mahadev was not there, one activist present there narrow consideration generating phenomenal patriotic explained that Bharat Mata was the exclusive god (dess) fervour. This kind of Hindutva represents history in full. of Sangh. Bharat Rashtra is the focal rallying point of To conclude, Bharat Rashtra added with Hindu phe - Sangh ideological framework. Dr. Hedgewar was sure nomenon constitutes Hindutva. This is ingrained verily in that by strengthening Bharat Rashtra Hinduism could be Hindu practice and customs. It is evident that 95 per cent protected and defended with certainty. It is evident that of the hymns recited by the Hindus evoke patriotism. Yet Thakur Anukul Chandra had to flee to Indian territory in the task of meticulous consolidation could hardly be 1947 when East Pakistan came into existence. The taken for granted and this Herculean task has been Hindus must have a base and that base is obviously undertaken by RSS. Thus RSS represents the cumula - Bharatvarsh. So Hindu consolidation is must and it could tive effect of the history of entire course of operational be materialised by means of adoring Bharat Mata. This Hindutva. Successive augmentation of Hindutva accen - is behavioural Hindutva. Increasing Hindu consolidation tuates the nationalist cause while realisng Hindu as the is operational dimension of Hindutva. Finally, Hindutva nationality. Anything short of either Bharatvarsh or Hindu serves as the kinetic energy to propel Hinduism along would remain deficient of assessing the legitimacy of with veritable Indian nationalism. Hindutva accentuates this Nation. This is Hindutva – the identification of the Hindu consolidation in action. soul of this Nation. Entire panorama of Indian history illustrates that inter - (The writer is a Member of Indian Council mittent Hindu dynamism has preceded a kind of national of Social Science Research)

April 25, 2021 19 OPINION #FreeHinduTemples Redemption for Temples Our temples, originally built as custodians and propagators of dharma, are now looked upon as generators of wealth by our State Governments. This wealth is used for the benefit of people who are not part of Sanatan Dharma

hat is the #FreeHinduTemples are looked upon as generators of wealth by movement all about? Why should our State Governments. This wealth is any Hindu support it? Is it a because of the donations by the devotees of mWovement by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak the Temples, but unfortunately the same Sangh or by Bharatiya Janata Party or is it a wealth is used for purposes other than movement by private parties interested in propagating Dharma. In fact it is used for the lording over the Temples of Bharat? Ever benefit of people who are not part of Sanatan since Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev spoke up Dharma at all. This has happened because about freeing the Temples of Tamil Nadu from our Government and our Constitution claim Government control, the movement has seen RATI HEDGE that they are “Secular” with no relationship to a swirl of activity. Let us see how this Sanatan Dharma. When they explicitly state movement came about to be … that they are not followers of Dharma, how then can they If memory serves me right a lot of Sadhus, Sanyasis, serve Dharma? And when they cannot serve Dharma, Dharma Gurus and Mathadeeshas have been arguing for why should they run or administer any religious institution freeing the Temples from Government Control since the at all? This simple question is at the basis of the time of Independence. The movement got a lot of support #FreeHinduTemples movement. The Government, from Swami Dayanand Saraswati of the Arsha Vidya especially a Secular Government has no business to be Foundation too, who exhorted the Dharmaacharyas to involved in running a Hindu Temple at all. It is the Deity fight for freeing the Temples from “Secular” management. and the Devotee who should be looking after the Temple. In 2018, the Hindu Charter of Demands also placed this Now, one of the most important questions that arise is as one of their core demands, along with creating a as to what will happen if the Government exits the Jeernodhar Trust with Rupees 10k crores as seed funding Temple. Who will administer it? What will be the role of to revive our decaying Temples. In 2019, this demand the Temple administration with respect to the funds of the was intensified when the Equal Rights for Hindus was Temple? Will it bring about a rise in casteism again? Will demanded by the Hindu Charter Trust, along with demand for equal standing with the Minorities in the interpretation of the Constitution (especially Articles 25 to 30) of the Nation. The ex-CBI chief M Nageswara Rao (who is the person behind the Equal Rights for Hindus movement) has presented his version of the movement to various Government heads, also to Dharmaacharyas and on various forums from then on. Devotees should Manage Temple To give a basic understanding of the movement, it would suffice to say that while our Temples were originally built Meenakshi Temple Tamil Nadu as custodians and propagators of Dharma, today, they

20 April 25, 2021 the funds become the private property of the administrators or the Priests of the Temple? Etc, etc. Before answering the questions I would like to draw the readers’ attention to some facts … n There was no concept of a Hundi in more than 95 per cent of the Temples before. The Temples were managed by and all expenses of the Temples were borne by the kings or prominent families of a region or by a community. n The salaries of the employees of the Temples too were borne by these people. Sometimes, the various Akshardham Temple, New Delhi communities in the employ of the Temple were given land for cultivation and the produce of the land was The families which have been considered as salaries for the work done. n The Priests would receive “Dakshina” by the Bhakta, managing the day-to-day affairs of for their services rendered. the Temples will manage it n Every community had their well-defined role to play in completely especially since they are the daily running of the Temple, in the daily/periodic the ones who have saved it from the Pujas, in the upkeep of the Temple. For example, the Priest (of most Temples) would be from certain onslaught of the invaders and have families of the Brahmin community, only the traditional kept the Sampradaya intact goldsmith could make the ornaments for the Deity. The appointed washerman was the only one who would wash/provide cloth for the use of the Deity or into two camps: the Priest, each dhol/musical instrument played for n The families which have been managing the day-to- the Deity was played only by the Bhandaris or the day affairs of the Temples will manage it completely respective community, the flowers and flower garlands especially since they are the ones who have saved it were made by a particular community, the from the onslaught of the invaders and have kept the leaves/fruits/vegetables used for the ‘Bali’ would be Sampradaya intact. cut only by the Gowdas (in N Karnataka), and so on n A central body should be created to manage and …. There was no overlapping of roles and this administer the Temples subject to certain guidelines, guaranteed that every single community would be a and this body should be based on modern democratic part of the adoration and worship of the Deity. principles. n It is pertinent to note that not all Temples had Brahmin Equal Rights for Hindus believe that there is a third priests. There are thousands of Temples which have way around this. Before discussing this, I would like priests who are from other communities and Tribes. to draw attention to some roles that our Hindu n Copious amounts of money started flowing into big Temples must embrace, which they are probably not Temples after the Hundis made their appearances doing right now … and later, after the administration started charging n Play an active role in propagation of Dharma and an fees for Darshan, Sevas and Prasad, all of which was equally active role in preventing conversion. Not all free earlier. This system of earning money from big Temples are under the control of the State Temples gained popularity after Bharat got Governments, but can anyone list out any Temple Independence from the British rule. which is working towards preventing Conversion to Now when talk about freeing Temples from any Abrahamic Faith? If one were to take a look at Government control is spoken about, one raging Google maps listing out the Churches or Masjids debate that is going on is “Who will manage our around any famous Temple, one would be shocked. Temples?” The opinion seems to be divided mainly Why is it that any of our famous Temples, including

April 25, 2021 21 OPINION #FreeHinduTemples

Mafia which interferes in our rituals and stops our festivals. Have we heard of any major Temple administration lobbying for bursting of Diwali crackers, Jallikattu or against the school syllabus where all Hindu festivals are condemned? If not, why not? Could the Temples of Delhi not have donated crackers/ clothes/sweets to poor Hindu children during Diwali? n Play an active role in rebuilding and reigniting the flames in those Temples which have been destroyed in the past. Why should Archeological Survey of India Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Tirupati handle our worn-out Temples? Bring them back to life! Fillip to #FreeHinduTemples Temples can play an active role in The fact is that our emotional and spiritual connect with helping those families which are our Temples has systematically gone down. We go to the victims of hate crimes. For example Temples not to be a part of it, but to do our part in did any temple in Delhi help the performing any Puja or Mannat and just getting back family of Rinku Sharma or IB officer home immediately after. If we want to face the challenges facing Sanatan Dharma today, this has to change. People Ankit Sharma, both of who were from all communities of Sanatan Sanskriti have to actively victims of religious hate crimes? participate in running the day to day affairs of our Temples and feel that it is their own Temple and that the Deity owns them completely. Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, which is not under To do any/all of the above, the administration of the the control of “Secular” authorities not able to prevent Temple has to run in two parts: proliferation of these ever mushrooming Evangelist n The ritualistic aspect (Pujas, Prasada, Festivals, etc.) churches? Just having Ved-paathshalas for scholarly has to be looked after totally as per the Agama studies is not enough any more … having Dharma Shastras and by those with Adhikara and complete classes for regular children should also be a role knowledge of the tradition. actively played by our Temples. n The administrative aspect has to be inclusive of all n Play an active role in preventing slaughter or any communities and a board can be formed with active animal and especially gou-hatya in the periphery of participation of every community which wants to be any Temple upto at least 2 kms radius. represented in the board. It could have people not just n Play an active role in securing the structures, from that region, but also devotees from other regions vigrahas, wealth of all Temples big and small, near as per the understanding and consensus of the board every big Temple which can afford to partake in the members. expenses of maintaining security. If this were done, Over and above this, an independent team can audit we would not hear of smuggling of our Vigrahas to the functions and financial handling of the Temple in a foreign shores. transparent manner. All this will definitely help in making n Play an active role in helping those families which are our Temples as places of spiritual and social activities victims of hate crimes. For example did any Temple in working for the welfare of the entire Hindu samaj, once Delhi help the family of Rinku Sharma or IB officer again. Come, be a part of the #FreeHinduTemples from Ankit Sharma, both of who were victims of religious Government Control campaign. Gather information about hate crimes? Is it not the duty of Temples to help Hindu your nearby Temples, see if you can be a part of their victims of religious hate crimes or love jihads? activities, work towards a robust revival of Sanatan n Play an active role in continuing of rituals, festivals and Dharma again. celebrations. Also play a very active role in fighting PIL (The writer is a Mumbai-based columnist)

22 April 25, 2021 OPINION Mandir Economics Temples Sustained Cities Hindu temples have always been centres of economic activities, besides being centres of culture and art. Ist’s time mandirs get their due place in the Hindu mind

n April-May 2020, when lakhs of being constructed at a frantic pace all over labourers who had made Metro cities Bharat. I wonder why no one asks money from their temporary home started walking those religious places. Why money is always back to their rural homesteads on asked from Dharmic places i.e. Mandirs. account of COVID-19 lockdown, a Last, I calculated more than Rs 100 crore chorus of seculars (like many times in the have been donated by the mandirs for relief of past) started about taking money from people affected by COVID-19. But I couldn’t mIandirs. It was surprising because neither the find a single instance of money being donated Central Government nor any State by any other religious place. (There is a big Government had said that they face financial SANDEEP SINGH difference between Dharma and Religion, but crunch. more on that some other time. What I have The above scenario raises two questions: 1) From noted here is just one of the differences). where did the migrant labourers get the confidence to Mandirs have always been the centres of economic walk hundreds of kilometres with the members of their activities, apart from being centres of culture and art. families and luggages? 2). Why always money is asked Economics revolves around the mandirs since their from mandirs? establishment. Apart from religious bigotry it was the First, tirthyatra is an integral part of Hindu Dharma. wealth in the mandirs which always attracted invaders Think of a rough terrain of Amarnath Yatra to Sabarimala, towards it. Vaishno Devi to Ganga Sagar, Kanwar Yatra to The economic impact of the mandir can be best Pandharpur Wari, a Hindu walks all the way, carrying understood by this example: The oldest living cities of the some weight, sometime with family and sometime without world are Varanasi, Ujjain, Puskar and Rameshwaram. family. Hindus have been doing it since time immemorial. None of them have any industry. They all are Dharmic Hindu does not fear in walking in his own country. It is his places. While when one searches for “Rust Belt”, the own country and that is why he does not destroy internet throws up the name of Detroit. Once, a city of Government or private property unlike followers of a modern industry, the hub of car manufacturing in the particular religion, to show anger or frustration on the lack world is today part of rust belt of USA. Once it was of support from the Government. Hindu just walks and he cheaper to produce car in Asia, the production shifted to knows fellow Hindus will help him. And it happened this Asian countries and Detroit converted into a ghost town time also. All the way on the road side, several Hindus and became part of rust belt of USA. got together, in many places under the aegis of a Mandir, Every time there is a man-made calamity like war or to provide food to the migrant labour who was walking nature made calamity like flood or cyclone, mandirs have home. So the source of confidence of the migrant worker always stood up and supported the Hindus and non- was his dharma. Hindus alike. It’s time mandirs gets their due place in the Second, it is always claimed that Bharat has at least Hindu mind to begin with. one oldest church and a mosque in the world. There are (The writer is an author of many books. He is writing a book on lakhs of churches and mosques in Bharat. New ones are Temple Economics)

April 25, 2021 23 REPORT/ Jammu & Kashmir

Jews were driven out of their motherland— they were scat - tered in many countries of the world. However, every generation took a pledge that they would celebrate the next Easter in Israel and finally they succeeded in their struggle — Shri Dattatreya Hosabale

Shri Dattatreya Hosabale addressing the concluding session of the three-day conclave organised by Jammu-based Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra Now on, no Hindus will be driven out of Kashmir: Dattatreya Hosabale

Kashmiri Hindus were forced leave their homeland several times in the past. In 1989-90, it was seventh displacement of Kashmiri Hindus.The resolve to celebrate Navareh in Kashmir shows the community’s resilience

n ORGANISER BUREAU

his year the Navratri or April 12, as Tyag Divas, commemo - Navareh to Kashmiri Hindus in Hindu New Year in the rating the supreme sacrifice of Jammu and Kashmir, at home and Chaitra month, known Shirya Bhatt on April 13 as Sankalp abroad, Shri Dattatreya Hosabale as Navareh in Kashmiri Diwas or Day of Reconciliation and said that there is power in resolu - parlance, is special for concluded on April 14, to celebrate tion and when the resolution is for displaced the Kashmiri Hindu com - the victory of Emperor Lalitaditya’s Rashtra Dharma, for one’s duty munity. For the first time, after three as Shaurya Divas. The three-day towards his nation and society, its Tdecades of displacement, the long festival ended with an address power increases a hundred times. Kashmiri Hindu Displaced Society of RSS Sarkaryavah Shri He said that our ancestors fought celebrated Navareh Utsav as a day Dattatreya Hosabale. The Navareh against foreign invaders for cen - of sacrifice and dedication, resolve Mahotsav was supported by more turies but they never gave up. Just and valour. The festival organised than 150 social and religious organ - as Shirya Bhatt ji had set the exam - by Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra, in isations of the Union Territory. ple of renunciation and dedication Jammu and Kashmir, celebrated In his address, while wishing and Lalitaditya ji had set the exam -

24 April 25, 2021 Kashmiri Hindus who were forced to leave their homeland staging a demonstration ple of shaurya/velour, it is also nec - Hindus protected their leave Tibet due to the invasion by essary to follow and learn from the religion through China, but the Tibetans still take a teachings of their lives. While refer - vow to return back to Tibet one day. ring to the valour of Lalitaditya, Shri sacrificing their lives. He said that the soldiers of the Dattatreya Hosabale, described Tika Lal Taplu, Justice Indian Army, the paramilitary force how Lalitaditya, with the support of Neelkanth Ganju, Sarla and the Jammu and Kashmir Police Bappa Rawal, defeated the Arab also made sacrifices to stop the invaders. Bhatt, Prem Nath jihadi rage in Jammu and Kashmir, The Sarkaryavah also talked Bhatt and many we should also remember them. about the sacrifice of Kashmiri Discussing the current political Hindus in his address. He said that people like them were scenario and developments in the way Kashmiri Hindus have pro - killed for practising Jammu Kashmir, Shri Hosabale tected religion through sacrifice, their faith said that the removal of Articles 370 and survived in crisis for the past and 35-A are a milestone for the several decades, is exemplary in people of Union Territory. For the history. Tika Lal Taplu ji, Justice He said that he is confident that the development of Jammu and Neelkanth Ganju ji, Sarla Bhatt, Kashmiri Hindus’ resolve to cele - Kashmir the Government has been Prem Nath Bhatt and many people brate the next Navareh in Kashmir taking up projects, which were like them have become victims of will be meaningful. pending for many years. This religious fanatics, their only crime Talking about the examples of achievement is commendable. was that they were born as Hindus Jews and Tibetans,Shri Dattatreya Vice-President of Sanjeevani and they lived in Kashmir. Hosabale said that when the Jews Sharda Centre Shri Avtar Krishna To protect the Kashmiri Hindus, were driven from their motherland, thanked all organisations that con - Guru Tegh Bahadur also sacrificed they were scattered in many coun - tributed to Navareh Mahotsav 2021. his own life. Kashmiri Hindus were tries of the world, but every genera - He said the Sarkaryavah’s exhorta - displaced many times, in 1989-90 it tion took a pledge that they would tion has strengthened the confi - was seventh displacement of celebrate their festival in Israel and dence of Kashmiri Hindus that the Kashmiri Hindus and this would finally succeeded in the struggle. whole of India and the world stands prove to be the last displacement. The Tibetan people also had to with Kashmiri Hindu Society. n

April 25, 2021 25 ANALYSIS/ Jammu & Kashmir

Keeping Kashmir

JAIBANS SINGH On the Boil

The fact that a fashion show that is so much a part of the modern world was criticised and orders given to the depleted terrorist cadre to increase their activity indicate that inimical foreign powers involved in Kashmir are quite rattled by the manner in which changes are coming about in the Valley

n an unfortunate incident in Kashmir on April 9, ter - hostages to save themselves. Fortunately, the security rorists shot dead a Territorial Army (TA) soldier, forces, in a most professional manner, first evacuated all Havaldar Mohammad Saleem Akhoon, near his civilians and then engaged the terrorists. home at Goriwan, Bijbehara. The soldier belonged to 162 Infantry Battalion (TA) and had been grant - Terrorists are Sitting Ducks ed leave from March 22 for 40 days. Apart from this encounter, ten more terrorists have been The brutal murder of the innocent soldier was in line killed since the murder of Havaldar Mohammad Saleem Iwith a well crafted policy of the terrorist cadre to increase Akhoon even though other encounters are not related to violent activity in the Kashmir Valley. Undoubtedly, they his death. Seven terrorists were killed at Tral and have been pressurised by their masters sitting across the Shopian and three terrorists belonging to the Al Badr border to do so. The terrorist outfits Al Badr and Lashkar- outfit were killed at Haripora. e-Toiba (LeT) that have a distinct Pakistan signature are Among the terrorists killed was a14-year-old boy; the in the forefront of this activity. security forces made appeals for surrender and even The response of the security forces asked his parents to come and con - was swift and relentless. No sooner did vince him. Sadly, his companions did the terrorists attempt to surface they not allow him to come out. Such is the were located and engaged. Within two brutality of the terrorists that led to loss days of the murder of Mohammad of a young life for no purpose. Saleem Akhoon, the two terrorists Since the security forces have suc - responsible for the dastardly act were cessfully kept an iron grip on the safety killed in a counter-terrorist operation in measures, youngsters of Kashmir are Bijbehara, Anantnag. They were identi - finding new ways to enjoy their free - fied as Towseef Ahmad Bhat and Aamir dom and aspire for new heights. Even Hussain Ganie, both hard core terror - as the encounters were going on, a ists who had been in the field for a few fashion show titled "Kashmir Fashion years. Towseef had joined the terrorist Show" was held in Tagore Hall, cadre in 2017, while Ganie had joined Srinagar on April 10. It was organised in 2018. Even during the encounter, Martryed Territorial Army soldier by JK Youth Society. Ten designers they attempted to keep civilian Mohammad Saleem Akhoon and 22 models of Kashmir took part in

26 April 25, 2021 this event. The beautifully organised event showcased talent of the youth of Kashmir and their aspiration to be among the best in the world. The youngsters of Kashmir are not afraid to seek opportunities and explore new vistas. They are more focussed on the need to progress than on issues involv - ing abrogation of Article 370 and future elections in the Union Territory. They feel that these are routine political aspects and not the end of their lives. This new thought process of the youth has not been understood by some Despite terror threats, the All JK Youth Society, a Kashmir-based social organisation, among the older generation of the state. organised a “Kashmir Summer Fashion” show on the banks of Dal Lake, within a fortnight of another such event in the city Using Coercion to Stop Progress The youngsters of Kashmir are not There are reports of some clerics criticising the show and similar events held earlier. In many cases threats afraid to seek opportunities and have been issued. Such actions are definitely the out - explore new vistas. They are more come of foreign interference in the affairs of the Kashmir focussed on the need to progress Valley and are pursued by some local elements purely for financial and other gains. than on issues involving abrogation The fact that a fun event like a fashion show that is so of Article 370 and future elections in much a part of the modern world was thus criticised and the Union Territory. They feel that orders given to the depleted terrorist cadre to increase the terrorist activity are indicative of the fact that the these are routine political aspects inimical foreign powers involved in Kashmir are quite rat - and not the end of their lives tled by the manner in which changes are coming about in the Valley. The pace of change is a big cause of worry which is leading to desperate measures like throwing the worker) network that feeds and sustains terrorism.” available terrorist cadre into fire and using coercion and General Pandey has had many tenures in the Valley at propaganda to stop progressive activity. different ranks and appointments; his words carry a lot of The next challenge for the administration of Jammu & experience behind them and are in line with the time Kashmir is to put a complete stop on the recruitment of tested policy of the Indian Army of "winning hearts and young men and boys into the fold of terrorism. The need minds" of the local populace. of the hour is to isolate the fundamentalists and insulate Now that the improved security situation has paved the youth against them. Presently in Kashmir, it is only the way for progress and prosperity, it is the civil admin - the progressive elements that are integrated into the istration that needs to take centrestage. The Army and national mainstream. Now the entire population needs to other forces will, of course, join in with their ongoing be included. If we can get all the youth on board then it efforts. can be said that complete normalcy has been ushered in Development alone cannot bring in results in an the Valley; only then can complete victory over forces of environment where structured alienation over several evil be declared. generations is a reality. The response has to be beyond The need for a policy of this nature has been further the blinkered thinking of the bureaucracy. It needs highlighted by Lt. General DP Pandey, who has recently statesmanship, good leadership and a humane touch. taken over the appointment of General Officer Undoubtedly, a lot of effort is being made in this direc - Commanding of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps. “We tion, necessary course corrections should be carried out seek to break the cycle of violence by two elements. to ensure that the desired result is attained soonest and First by creating an environment that prevents fresh in a time bound manner. recruitment. Second by targeting the OGW (over ground (The writer is an analyst, columnist and commentator)

April 25, 2021 27 OPINION India-China Border Talks 11th Round Also Ends in a Stalemate While the Indian side insisted on complete disengagement from Hot Springs, Gogra, Kongka La and Demchok, including the lingering issue of Depsang, the Chinese did not concede to troop pullback from these friction sites as earlier agreed to, leave alone discussing Depsang

he 11th Round of India-China Army (PLA) with the press statement issued military talks to diffuse tension in by the spokesperson of its Western Theatre Eastern Ladakh held after a gap of Command instead of its Defence Ministry. The nearly two months has ended statement issued by the PLA was full of without any major breakthrough. rhetoric and laced with diplomatic niceties The marathon talks lasted 13 hours, as has indicating that it may have been drafted at the been the trend in the past, but the Chinese Ministry level but issued at the PLA level Tside this time was rigid and uncompromising. indicating some sort of unhappiness or Ever since the successful disengagement of disagreement which may need intervention at troops from the Pangong lake area and the BRIG (RETD) ANIL GUPTA the highest level. Kailash Range in February this year, a The PLA statement said, "We hope India stalemate exists as far as further disengagement is can treasure the current positive situation of de- concerned from the areas of Hot Springs, Gogra, escalation in China-India border regions, abide by related Demchok and stopping of Indian patrols in Depsang. agreements reached by the two countries and the two Immediately after the disengagement was completed, the militaries in previous meetings, meet China half-way and 10th Round of talks was held between the military safeguard peace and stability in border regions together”, commanders of the two nations, but it failed to arrive at once again reiterating the “half-way” offer rejected any consensus as far as further disengagement from the outrightly by India in the past. What to talk of de- remaining areas was concerned though the talks were escalation the Chinese have not completed even the dubbed as “constructive” and both sides hoped for a promised disengagement? A couple of weeks earlier, Gen fruitful outcome. A joint statement issued by the two Naravane, Indian COAS, had observed that Eastern countries after the talks positively appraised the Ladakh's threat has “not gone away altogether” since the disengagement from Lake Area, terming it a significant PLA was still maintaining its considerable troop strength step that would provide a good basis for resolution of in the “rear areas” as before. “De-escalation will take other remaining issues along the LAC in the place only when these elements go back to their Western Sector. garrisons,”he had said. Much needed de-escalation still Much awaited 11th Round has once again ended with eludes both sides. a stalemate with two noticeable differences. Unlike in the While the Indian side insisted on complete past, no joint statement has been issued by the two disengagement from Hot Springs, Gogra, Kongka La and countries. In another first, the Chinese, side has Demchok, including the lingering issue of Depsang, the responded with a statement from the Peoples Liberation Chinese did not concede to troop pullback from these

28 April 25, 2021 friction sites as earlier agreed to, leave alone discussing peculiar factor in the area is the Limit of Patrol (LOP), Depsang. which is in-depth from the LAC. India and China differ on The Depsang plains' disengagement is believed to be the alignment of LOP as well. The Chinese perception of the bone of contention since it is not directly related to LOP is almost 20 km beyond our perception inside our the last year’s aggression but is a legacy of the past. territory. The tensions in this area are not recent. The Hectic diplomatic activity had preceded the 11th Round Chinese had intruded in the area in 2013, 2015 during Xi for “maintaining peace and tranquillity and provide Jinping's visit and during the 2017 Doklam crisis. conditions for the progress of bilateral relations.” The The problem's crux lies in both sides denying each Indian Foreign Minister in a telephonic conversation with other access to the Patrolling Points (PPs) located on the his Chinese counterpart, had insisted on “early resolution LOP. Earlier Indian patrols had been patrolling up to PP of remaining issues along the LAC and disengagement 11, 12, 12A and 13 and had not moved beyond that till at all friction points.” In a virtual meeting of Working the perceived LAC. But lately, the PLA has been Mechanism of Consultation and Coordination on India preventing Indian troops from even patrolling till these China Border Affairs (WMCC) held in the last week of PPs and the phenomenon has become more pronounced March, it was decided to hold 11th Round of talks after the Doklam stand-off. Unlike the Chinese incursions between the Corps Commanders as in the Fingers Area (between Finger early as possible “to further ease the 4-8), the Chinese did not physically situation on the ground and jointly move into the area. safeguard the hard-won peace and The Indian patrols can move in stability in the border areas.” All eyes vehicles only up to an area called were thus set on the 11th Round “Bottleneck” beyond which the hoping not only disengagement from movement is on foot. A kilometre or remaining areas but also the so beyond the bottleneck is “Y- resolution of the Depsang imbroglio? Junction” where the route bifurcates Why are the Chinese so sensitive to with one fork leading to PP10 to 12 this area and unwilling to concede? and the other fork leading to PP13. The Depsang plains are When Indian patrols approach Y- sandwiched between the Aksai Chin Junction, the PLA troops come in and Siachen Glacier. Located at vehicles from a nearby post and stop heights of 16-17000 feet above sea level, the area them from going further up to the LOP. In a quid pro quo, provides good mobility to the armoured vehicles. the Indian troops prevent the PLA troops from going Karakoram Pass and Sasser Law Pass, both strategically ahead of the bottleneck area to their perceived LOP. important to India located within its territory, are located To ward off any threat in the area, India has also built on its flanks. Much of these plains had been under up a strong force in the area, including armoured Chinese control since the mid-1950s. Daulat Beg Oldie vehicles. The logistics sustenance of such a large force (DBO) is also located adjacent to the plains. In 1962, the and to keep the armoured fleet functional in extreme cold Chinese occupied much of the Depsang plains west of weather is an arduous task. DBO, with India left with a small bulge. The new road built While India insists on the de-escalation in this area by us to connect DBO with Shyok and beyond is under simultaneously with the others, the Chinese prefer a the observation of the Chinese and remains vulnerable status quo. As it appears, both sides are unwilling to to its artillery fire. The area is strategically important relent. because China and Pakistan can jointly threaten India It is reliably learnt that Indian troops are still in with a pincer movement in strategic collusion and cut off possession of a feature in the Lake area that can prove the vital area from the rest of the Ladakh. Conversely, as a “trump card” for hard bargaining with the Chinese to India can threaten Aksai Chin and China Pakistan secure our interests in the Depsang plains. Economic Corridor (CPEC), though build-up for any (The writer is a Jammu based veteran, political commentator, large-scale offensive would pose serious challenges. columnist, security and strategic analyst. The views expressed Apart from the LAC's varying perception, another are entirely personal)

April 25, 2021 29 ANALYSIS/ Unsung Heroes Revolt of Rani The Revolt of 1721 in Attingal in which 133 Englishmen were killed is one of the earliest of the anti-English, anti-Christian and anti-foreign PROF T P SANKARAN upheavals of India. This year marks tercentenary KUTTY NAIR of this anti-colonial struggle in Kerala. It was staged thirty six years before the Battle of Plassey and 136 years before the 1857 Struggle for Freedom

he participation of Kerala in Perhaps in the whole history of modern India’s struggle for freedom India, the Revolt of 1721 is one of the is not less important than earliest of all upheavals, staged by that of any other state of Kudaman Pillai, a madampi (knight) of the Indian Union. It has its the Queen. uniqueness if we view it from a national perspective. But this unique role has Matrilineal System of Succession Tnot received the attention it deserves Subsequent to the disintegration of the from an all India viewpoint. Even all Second Chera Kingdom (800-1124) India historians, particularly of the there emerged about 44 petty North and of Delhi sidelined or ignored principalities in the Malayalam- the early native resistance to British speaking area of the South Western power staged in the South Western tip coast of India. Long before Anizham of South India and in particular in South Tirunal Martanda Varma (1729 – 58) Kerala or old princely State of conquered and consolidated some of Travancore or Tiruvithamkore. Thirty these principalities to form the six years before the Battle of Plassey Travancore State, there existed in the in which 29 English men were killed, Southern tip a state called Venad there occurred the Revolt at Attingal in (Vel+nad) or Koopaka Kingdom in which 133 Englishmen were murdered Sanskrit language. According to Ulloor in cold blood (14-4-1721). S. Parameswara Iyer, depending on Except Dr. Leena More, all Kollurmatam records the first reference historians made only a passing to the Rani of Venad was connected reference about this pre-Mutiny (136 with the Deva Devisvaram temple of QUEEN OF ATTINGAL: Aswathi Tirunal Umayamma Rani years before the Mutiny) anti-British Udayamartanda Varma (1117 – 1195). anti-foreign revolt of the natives against The principality of Trappappur had its British colonialism and imperialism. headquarters at Thiruvananthapuram, Although there is no concrete proof of while that of Venad at Kollam. A the role of the Queen of Attingal in the princess named Koopakarani (1576- revolt, her knights offered stiff 77) renovated the Siva temple at resistance against the English. Avaneesraram. All these point to the

30 April 25, 2021 CARROT AND STICK POLICY: The British tried to appease the native rulers but were ruthless when it came to the common man (Representational Photo) fact that Venad and Attingal, worked in close intimacy at Pillais received large amounts from the English. So the least with regard to religious matters while they fought queen was obliged to grant the English East India each other for other issues including land. According to Company (1684) permission to fortify a settlement at Van Rheede, the Dutch Governor (1677) records, Anjengo. But the company was able to start construction “Umayamma Rani (1677–1684) is not just the Senior of the fort only in 1696. Rani of Venad or Travancore, she is also the head of the Trippappur or Venad royal house”. In other words, areas English Refuse the Queen between Thengapattanam in Kanyakumari district to The Dutch and the Pillamars continued to pressurise the North Paravur in Ernakulam district proved to be the queen to prevent fortification of the settlements by the princely state of Travancore and her maternity was from English. Her ministers Kudaman Pillai and Vanjimuttom the Attingal eldest princess whether adopted or not. This Pillai were also opposed to the fortification even though remains as a clear proof for the prevalence of matrilineal the two were rivals. When the queen asked the English system of succession and inheritance. to stop the work they did not oblige. All the pressure tactics failed because Vanjimuttom Pillai secretly helped Early English Relations the English for the simple reason that Kudaman Pillai Rani Aswathi Tirunal Umayamma Rani (1677–1684) was supported the queen. The queen was afraid that once the not only the queen of Attingal Kingdom but also the head fortification was complete the English would turn against of a confederacy of semi-independent states such as her and pay no tribute or taxes. A large army of Nairs and Travancore, Nedumangadu, Kottarakkara, Kollam, Muslims was sent to attack the fort but it failed because Karunagapalli and Kayamkulam. She was facing political advance information was given to the English by and administrative problems from subordinate states and Vanjimuttom Pillai. was in need of resources. The English East India As early as 1684 John Childe had decided to purchase Company, which was in possession of a factory at as much pepper as possible, not only from Attingal but Vizhinjam, wanted permission from the queen to fortify it. also from the neighbouring area. This was antagonistic But Pillamar and Madampimar who are actually to the Dutch, but the Rani was happy. There was a talk managing the State affairs were opposed to the idea of that the Rani was pro-English than pro-Dutch in fortification by the foreign company. The queen and some commercial links. The Bombay Government had

April 25, 2021 31 ANALYSIS/ Unsung Heroes

In 1719 John Kyffin because of his over-enthusiasm in private trade obtained a dismissal from the Company service and he was followed by William Gyfford. Gyfford was no different an administrator that he utilised all means to earn private profit even by using his beautiful wife. Because of the 1679 Peace Agreement, pepper and spices from Anjuthengu could be sold only to the English and not to any other foreign country. Consequently, the Ranis and Rajas sold pepper only to the English. But Gyfford earned huge profit by sending additional pepper procured to Europe in the ship “Thomas” owned by his The English East India Company, wife’s brother Thomas Cook. which was in possession of a factory Making Brahmin an Outcaste at Vizhinjam, wanted permission from Gyfford was humorous in his temperament. Quite often, the Queen to fortify it. But Pillamar he used to make sarcastic comments about other people. and Madampimar who are actually Once he not only insulted a Brahmin but also forced him managing the State affairs were to shave the beard of an untouchable slave. By doing so the Brahmin became an outcaste as per the caste opposed to the idea of fortification connections (mamools) of those days and his loyal by the foreign company Brahmin friends took an oath to avenge this injustice and inhuman treatment of the so-called “European Christian merchants” of Anjuthengu. instructed the English at Anjuthengu (Anjengo) to procure Occasions were there wherein both Hindus and at least 1,000 to 1,500 tonnes of pepper. Records testify Muslims were embarrassed by the English merchants to the fact that the Rani secured presents worth 300 and Gyfford encouraged them to do this. A Roman dollars when the English commander Thomas Mitchel Catholic Ignatio Malhiero, the official interpreter of the collected considerable tonnes of pepper. English settlement, persuaded young boys to pelt rotten eggs on Muslim traders in the presence of Gyfford and Gifting Coins to Native Rulers he enjoyed this public insult to the Muslims. There were The English Commanders always tried to appease the similar instances on occasions and the Muslim leadership native rulers. The English Captain John Brabourne had taken a decision to strike hard at the English presented velvet and 250 coins to the princess on one Christians at an early date. Thus both the majority occasion. He also gave 50 coins each to the Travancore community of Hindus and the local Muslims knowingly or king and the nobleman of Cochin (one coin means 21 unknowingly came closer to fight against the Christian panam). On the July 27, 1694 Anjengo became a full traders of the English settlement. settlement of the English where they raised their flag (Union Jack). The Court of Directors in England did not Worsening Relations accept the terms fixed by the queen and at the same time Ignatio Malhiero also purchased a coconut grove of a they retained their trade interests in Attingal, Anjuthengu Hindu for one lakh panam. It also was against the local and Vizhinjam. Until Umayamma Rani’s death in July Hindu interest because the grove had one or two small 1684, she had dictated terms to the English. The temples. The sea coast area proved to be a large one fortification work however reduced the trade traffic. which Gyfford purchased for a small sum. This was also Private trade was allowed by the English Court of an added insult to Kudaman Pillai family who had some Directors with a view to earn private profit. When pepper but not money enough to purchase the said Brabourne returned to England in 1707, Simon Cowse grove. When some Nair pepper merchants met Gyfford became the head of the fort at Anjuthengu (1707 –1712). and his translator, on the February 26, 1721 they were ill-

32 April 25, 2021 treated and molested so much that they added fuel to fire. It was Kudaman Pillai, the rival of Gyfford and his wife found happiness in showering Vanjimuttom Pillai who masterminded impure water on Muslims who passed through his fort. the massacre, in the attack on the This incident aggravated the already bitter relationship that existed between the people of Attingal and the fort. The queen went away to Kollam English. promising not to return to Attingal until Gyfford was instructed from above to ease the order was restored situation and resume normal trade. At this time Kudaman Pillai died and was succeeded by his young and alert nephew. Gyfford bribed Vanjimuttom Pillai to patch up for her connivance. differences. Vanjimuttom, a partisan of the king of Kollam, Samuel Ince, the gunner took up defence of the fort arranged to crown the sister of the king as queen of against any possible attack. Women and children were Attingal. Gyfford was invited to pay up arrear tributes to sent away in a ship that was cruising nearby. The treasure the new queen and resume trade. Accordingly on April and food stock were shifted into the fort. Reinforcement 14, 1721, Gyfford with 120 merchants and about 30 came by sea. Everything was ready when the attack on slaves proceeded to Attingal Palace about 6 kilometres the fort took place a few days later. The first attack was from Anjuthengu fort, leaving only four men in charge of repulsed with heavy loss to the attackers. But attacks the fort apart from the women and children and the sick took place intermittently for six months. and old. The delegation carried with them the arrear It was Kudaman Pillai, the rival of Vanjimuttom Pillai tribute for seven years and presents to the queen and who masterminded the massacre, in the attack on the the Pillaimar, ie. about 17000 panam per year besides fort. The queen went away to Kollam promising not to velvet and Venetian clothes. Burton Fleming, Malheiro return to Attingal until order was restored. She never and Gyfford led the march. They were received at the came back. Another sister of Rama Varma, the king of palace by an enthusiastic crowd carrying arms. It was Travancore, took over as queen of Attingal. normal that the Nairs always carried arms. Within the Midford, who succeed Gyfford as Chief of Anjuthengu, palace compound Kudaman Pillai was in charge of the was more dishonest than his two predecessors. He too ceremony. Discussions about the amount payable to each was dismissed from service. His successor Alexander Pillai took place. Cowse, who was more experienced in Orme was a friend of Travancore. This antagonised the ways of the local people sensed trouble. He advised Vanjimuttom who instigated the madampis of Travancore Gyfford to finish the job quickly and leave; but he was against their king. The efforts of Travancore to suppress rebuffed. After finishing the transactions, Gyfford ordered the Pillais and madampis of Travancore had met with a volley of fire indicating successful completion of the job. success in 1729, when Marthanda Varma became king Immediately the Nairs disarmed the Englishmen and of Travancore. He was able to capture the eight collected their arms. madampis who organised attacks on the English fort in Gyfford also suspected some foul-play. He sent a note 1721 and handed them over to the English. By 1729 through a native informing his assistant, Sewell, of martanda Varma eliminated all the Pillais and possible danger to the party and to be prepared for any Madampis of Travancore, Attingal too was annexed and eventuality. The Englishmen were advised to spend the consolidated to the Travancore state. night in the palace premises in small batches. During the The unchallengeable supremacy of Attingal night, the natives fell upon the Englishmen and cruelly declined subsequently. butchered one and all. The bodies of the ringleaders of The Revolt of 1721 is one of the earliest of the anti- the English settlement like Malhiero, Fleming and Gyfford English, anti-Christian and anti-foreign upheavals of India were cut into pieces. The tongue of Gyfford was cut into staged thirty six years before the Battle of Plassey and pieces and thrown into Vamanapuram river. Later, the 136 years before the 1857 Struggle for Freedom. It is queen blamed Kudaman Pillai for the heinous act; but the unreasonable and illogical that this fight has been Raja of Travancore blamed the queen for the massacre. sidelined in all India stream by historians. The Dutch records also blame the queen (The writer is Ex-Director General, Centre for Heritage Studies, Government of Kerala)

April 25, 2021 33 ANALYSIS/ Hindust ani Music A JARRING NOTE ISLAMIC APPROPRIATION : Ghazwa-e-Hindust āni Music was a logical project for the Islamic invaders. Bharatiya Art tradition was SUBROTO ROY systematically appropriated by Islamic invaders

hazwa-e-Hind is that comes to one’s mind in the context popularly believed to be of NIAM is Tānsen. There is no conquest of India’s evidence to show that Tānsen had territory and mind by converted from a Brāhmana to Islām. Islam. But some experts The ‘miyān’ in his name is not known like Rasheed Kidwai try to interpret it to have been used during his lifetime. differently. However, their views do not So much so, that in most of his Ghold water. Note that the conquest of compositions he uses his name in the the Sanātan mind is possible only last stanza as ‘Tānsen’ and sometimes when the Sanātan sanstkriti and its followed by … ke Prabhu (Tānsen’s parts are conquered. For this Ghazwa- Master more often referring to Shri e-Hindustāni music was a logical Krishna). project for the Islamic invaders. The The ‘miyān’ is prima facie later proof of this lies in its results—almost addition to show respect to the all representatives of North Indian Art departed singer par excellence. Music (NIAM) which is also known as However, from a salute it was Hindustāni Classical Music, after inadvertently or by design changed to HONEST CONFESSION: Amir Khusrau expressed in Mughul rule got a stranglehold of most a noun and then everyone started Nuh Sipihr that Indian music was the best in the parts of India, were Muslim names. identifying him as Miyān Tānsen. This world Also our arts were systematically and new noun went so deep that the Rāga- often perforce misappropriated. As a s which are attributed to Tānsen are result, the title Khān is so common in even named as ‘Miyān Malhār’ and NIAM that the music is even referred to ‘Miyān Ki Todi’. as Utsādi music. Once to my shock many years ago, However, there’s an undercurrent when I was discussing Rāga Malhār which cannot be ignored regarding the with my late Guru Ustād Sayīduddin cultural and dhārmic roots of these Dāgar, I used the name ‘Miyān Malhār’. ‘Khānsaheb-s’. The reader should not My guru snapped at me and said ‘kaun be shocked to know that a majority miyān…ham kisi miyān viyā ko nahi belonged to Sanatāna Dharma and not jānte’ /Who is this Miyān? We do not to any dogma or ‘religion’ which know any Miyān. professes Jihād or Ghazwa-e-Hind. Rāmtanu Miśra which is Tānsen’s name is believed to have been Peddling Fake Narrative summoned by Mughal emperor Akbar The most important and famous name when he had already crossed the age

34 April 25, 2021 MUSIC TO EARS: Tansen regaling at Akbar’s court. The ‘miyan’ in Tansen’s name is not known to have been used during his lifetime of 50 and achieved great mastery over his art. Miyān in Real conversions happened in this the noun form must be a name given by others not by context during the era of Jahangir himself. Actually, he would address himself in his own (my conjecture is that he probably compositions more often by his own name ‘Tānsen’. Some examples: promised freedom to Misri Singh if he ‘Tānsen ke prabhu tumhari gati avyakta…’ - Rāga Megh converted to Islam) ‘Tānsen ke prabhu vahīn sidhāro…’ - Rāga Āsāvari ‘Tānsen ke prabhu thāde raho balaiyā lehu…’ - Rāga Bhairava of Jahangir (my conjecture is that he probably promised ‘Tānsen ke prabhu tum bhakt nāyak…’ - Rāga Kedār freedom to Misri Singh if he converted to Islam). Now, if ‘Tānsen yahi prasāda māngata…’ - Rāga Bhairava Tānsen had converted to Islām, why would Sarasvati ‘Tānsen suta ajān…’ - Rāga Todi have to ‘accept Islām’ while getting married to Naubat ‘stuti karata Tānsen tum ho bhaktajana ke Khān? She had to take the new name Husseini because bhīśmajanani…’ - Rāga Jogiya Naubat Khān was not a title, but the new name of Misri Many more compositions the legend does not address Singh. Husseini would then go on to create a Rāga titled himself as ‘Miyan’. However, when one suddenly finds Husseini Todi. All the children of both these two Sanātani one composition like the ‘Saghana ban chāyo…’ with musicians then automatically became Muslim by name. ‘Miyān Tānsen…’ at the end, it raises doubts. Here is where an important milestone of NIAM was made To my mind this is a deliberate attempt at to appear dominated by Muslims. misappropriation of and Islamising the ancient Indian art History tells us that Misri Singh was ‘given the title of form ‘Dhrupad’. If Tānsen had at all converted to Islām Naubat Khan’. However, some history texts contradict then why would his daughter be named Saraswati. Sons this. It was his grandfather Rājā Samokhan Singh who be Vilās and Surat? That he could not be converted by refused to play for Akbar and invited his wrath. Akbar Akbar is my understanding. attacked him out of anger and in the bloody battle, young Misri was taken prisoner and later converted to Islam by Actual Conversions Akbar’s son. Real conversions happened in this context during the era Among the students of Dāgarvāni Dhrupad it was well

April 25, 2021 35 ANALYSIS/ Hindust ani Music

The most important name that comes to one’s mind in Hindustani Classical Music is Tānsen. There is no evidence to show that Tānsen had converted to Islām. The ‘miyān’ to his name is a later addition

Born in Patiyali (U.P.) in 1253, Amir Khusrau must have been a super human to have learnt Rāga-s merely by sitting inside a room stealthily and listening to the great Gopāl Nāyak. He must have been God himself to go ahead and create a new form of music that he called ‘Khayāl’, Tarānā, etc, just by listening to a music which takes at least 25 years to merely master its singing! But Khusrau must be a super God to have invented the sitar by combining the Indian Dhrupad is a highly complex form veena and Iranian tambura and created the Tablā by modifying the Pakhāvaj, with little knowledge of Indian music. known that Dāgar-s were Brahmana-s of the Vāsishta With no prejudice towards his explicit love for India, it gotra. The late Ustād Aminuddin Dāgar has gone on is necessary to ask these basic questions. record in a documentary made by an unknown filmmaker where he reveals that their forefather was Mangaldās Best in the World Pānde and ‘due to some reasons’ the family had to Contrary to his super God status promoted by zealots convert to Islām during the reign of Mohammad Shah. Khusrau openly expresses in the Nuh Sipihr that Indian The same has been corroborated privately by the late music was the best in the world which is difficult to learn Ustād Fariduddin Dāgar who has revealed their gotra as even after prolonged effort. Foreigners, Khusrau writes, being Vāsishta. find it almost impossible to master its melodic structure The Dhrupad tradition of the Gaudiya tradition which and intricate rhythm. Note that when he tried to learn is also known as Gaurhār Vāni could be traced to Nath Dhrupad, he was nearly a foreigner to this art. Vishvambhar, the ancestor of the legendary Tānsen’s Continuing to question what appears to us as given, I guru Swāmi Haridās Goswami. A prominent descendant ask, why would Gopāl Nāyak not teach Khusrau face-to- of this family, Ustad Alladiyā Khān gave the so-called face? A traditional guru like Gopāl Nāyak would not start ‘Khayāl’ form a new ‘gharānā’ (Atrauli Jaipur) who was a teaching a student from the day he meets him, but he Brāhmana of the Shāndilya Gotra and got converted would test the prospective student for months before during the Mughul era. This has also been corroborated even initiating leave alone giving knowledge of rāga-s. by Kumar Prasad Mukherjee (2006, Penguin). Have we to believe that within a short period, Khusrau, My Khayāl guru the late Prof. Bhāskarbua Joshi once without passing any test of the guru, without being had told a story about his guru the legendary initiated, and without learning the ropes of rāga singing Rāmkrishnabuā Vazhe/Vazhebua. When Vazhebua was mastered Dhrupad (a very complex form) and created a asked by his guru Ustād Nissar Hussein Khān of Gwalior new form which was named Khayāl? Incredulous. to do some errand, but which was not to be done by a Khusrau’s admiration for Indian music notwithstanding, Brāhmana, Vazhebua had prayed in front of his guru to the Ghazva-e-Hindustāni Music is a logical and more excuse him from the errand as he was a Brāhmana. reasonable outcome of the above discussion because, Responding to his pupil’s plea, ‘Khānsaheb’ showed him the zeal in Mughuls to convert everyone to Islām despite his yagyopavit (sacred thread) and said ‘who do you think rampant cover-up as part of the appeasement politics I am?’. Nissar was one of the Gwalior trio Ustad Haddu played by so-called ‘fathers’ of India, is well known. Khan, Ustad Natthu Khan, and Ustad Nissar Hussain (The writer has post-doctoral work in Sām Gān, Dhrupad, Khayāl, Khan under the royal patronage of Daulatāo Scindia. and is a Dhrupad singer)

36 April 25, 2021 ANALYSIS/ OTT Rules 2021 WATCHDOG OR PREDATOR? Having the freedom of speech and expression AKASH VAJPAI doesn’t mean saying whatever you want, it means saying what’s humane, less hateful and non-prejudicial

eware of the half-truth, you may challenges, the government had been have gotten hold of the Wrong considering since a long time to bring in new Half”. Vinupriya from Salem players of the internet under the aegis of district of Tamil Nadu, was only Indian laws. By replacing the old Information 21 when she committed suicide after an Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, “unideB ntified person doctored her photo, 2011 from the new (Intermediary Guidelines showing her as scantily clad, and uploaded it and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, on Facebook. In her suicide note, Vinupriya the Indian Government has taken the first step wrote she is embarrassed and does not know to regulate intermediaries (Facebook, Whats how to deal with this situation. This was not the App, Twitter, Google etc) and OTT Platforms only incident in our country. In the last 10-15 (Netflix, Amazon prime, Hotstar etc) so that years, many girls like Vinupriya had to face this they can become more accountable and situation where someone posted their respectable to the Indian people and their morphed pictures on social media websites views. According to government these new and those girls don’t know what to do. rules are its Soft-touch oversight mechanism. Rarely do they A new debate has also started after these approach the police, for rules came into life, like whether these Rules fear of interrogation are wolf in watchdog’s clothing or whether and haressment. Government is actually trying to empower In the last 15 years people by making these new players more with the advancement of accountable. In the present article, my social media sites, OTT endeavour is to explain key provisions of these platforms, digital media new rules and analyse how these new rules channels and social are going to affect our day to day daily life on messaging services, our the internet so that our readers can form the society has changed opinion themselves whether these New Rules tremendously. It has are Watchdog or Predator of our fundamental undoubtedly benefited rights. a lot, but Grievance Redressal Mechanism: The simultaneously it is also aforesaid rules’ main feature is setting up facing unique challenges Grievance Redressal Mechanism in that were not in existence intermediaries like Google, Facebook and earlier. Twitter, etc. If any user of these intermediaries To cope with these feels that content which is available on

April 25, 2021 37 ANALYSIS/ OTT Rules 2021 By replacing the old Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, 2011 from the new (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the Indian Government has made the first step to regulate intermediaries (Facebook, Whats App, Twitter, Google etc) & OTT Platforms

these platforms: India, security of state, public order, decency or morality, n belongs to another person and to which the user does contempt of court, defamation etc, but If any such not have any right; is defamatory, pornographic, information is hosted or published, the intermediary shall invasive of another’s privacy, insulting or harassing, remove or disable access to that information within 36 racially or ethnically objectionable, relating or hours from the receipt of Court Order or from being encouraging money laundering or gambling, is notified by the Appropriate Government or its agency. harmful to child; n impersonates another person; Who started the fire n threatens the unity, integrity, security or sovereignty Significant social media intermediary (intermediary who of India, or causes incitement to the commission of has more than 50 lakhs users) shall enable the any criminal offence or prevents investigation of any identification of first originator of the information if it offence or is insulting to other nation; receives any such instruction through a judicial order or n contains software virus or by any order passed by the competent authority under n is patently false and untrue, and is written or the IT Act. An order for such information shall only be published in any form, with the intent to mislead or passed to prevent, detect, investigate, prosecution, or harass a personfor financial gain or to cause any punish an offence where punishment is more than five injury to any person; years of imprisonment. n can file its grievance before the Grievance Officer of This particular rule has created a lot of debate on intermediaries. Grievance officer will acknowledge the social media websites. Critics say that if companies are grievance within 24 hours and resolve such complaint forced to share the information with the Government within a period of 15 days. about the first originator, their end to end encryption has 24 Hours Limitation: If any intermediary receives any to break, which will amount to intrusion into its users’ complaint by any individual in relation to any content privacy. These companies claim that they don’t read the which expose private area of such individual, show such content of messages and that’s why they are highly individual in full or partial nudity or show such individual secured platforms for the people to chat but for finding in any sexual act or which shows morphed images of the first originator of the information/data they have to such individual, shall remove or disable access to such break the encryption and it will damage their reputation content within 24 hours. as a secured platform for conversation among the people. Prior Notice: If intermediary like Google, Facebook, But if we go into the details of this rule, we find that their Twitter etc. remove any information like picture, post, apprehension is baseless as this rule itself has check and tweet from its platform, it will give prior notification to the balance, which can ensure people’s privacy. This rule user who has created, uploaded and shared that clearly says that companies do not require to disclose the information explaining the reasons or grounds for such content of any electronic message or any other action. These companies will also give the user adequate information related to either first originator or other users opportunity to dispute the action being taken and restore while giving the information of first originator. such information if its action of blocking the information Code of Ethics for OTT Platforms: Recently, we proves wrong. have seen many controversies regarding OTT platforms’ 36 Hours Limitation: An intermediary shall not host content. Some of the content on these OTT platforms or publish any information which is prohibited under any were derogatory and offensive and deliberately mocked law and which is against the sovereignty and integrity of the Hindu religion and its Gods and Goddess. Taking note

38 April 25, 2021 of this increasing trend, government has issued a code of ethics for the OTT platforms which says that, a publisher when decide to telecast or publish any video or article, shall take into consideration India’s multi-racial and multi-religious context and exercise due caution and discretion when featuring the activities, beliefs, practices, or views of any racial or religious group. Publisher shall also not publish any content that is likely to incite violence or disturb public order maintenance. Grievance Redressal Mechanism against Publisher Any person having a grievance regarding any content published by the OTT Platforms or digital media in relation to the Code of Ethics may furnish his grievance on the grievance mechanism established by the publisher. Every publisher has to appoint a Grievance OTT platforms ran into many Officer based in India and display his contact details on its website or app. The Grievance Officer will controversies. Some of the contents acknowledge the grievance within 24 hours of it being on OTT platforms were derogatory furnished. The manner of grievance redressal shall have and offensive and deliberately the following arrangement– n The publisher shall resolve the grievance within 15 mocked the Hindu religion days; n Where the complainant is not satisfied with the decision of the publisher, it may prefer to Parental Locks: Every OTT platform that has content appeal to the self-regulating body of which such restricted for children, whether partially or fully, shall take publisher is a member. all efforts to restrict access to such content by a child n The self-regulating body shall address the grievance through the “access control measures”. in the form of guidance or advisory to the publisher Supreme Court in the case of SMW (Cr.) 3/2015 had within a period of 15 days. passed the following order: n Where the complainant is not satisfied with the “The Government of India may frame the necessary decision of the self-regulating body, it may prefer an Guidelines / SOP and implement them within two weeks appeal to the Oversight Mechanism established by so as to eliminate child pornography, rape and gang rape the ministry imageries, videos and sites in content hosting platforms There is lot of hue and cry vis-à-vis this rule as some and other applications”. digital media section thinks it will give the government an Similarly, the Ad-hoc committee of the Rajya Sabha opportunity to interfere in their work, which will amount to laid its report on 03/02/2020 after studying the alarming censorship. But this criticism is not correct. If a issue of pornography on social media and its effect on government body asked the publisher to remove the children and society as a whole and recommended for appeal's content, the publisher can always approach the enabling identification of the first originator of such Court challenging this order. Therefore, it would be wrong contents. to say that this rule has any chilling effect on the freedom Therefore it would not be wrong to say that If today of speech and expression. government has framed these rules, it is because of a Classification of Content: All content on OTT demand from public and courts to regulate these new platforms will classified into the following categories: internet players so that another young girl like Vinupriya n Content that is suitable for children and all ages shall will not end her life. After all having the freedom of speech be classified as “U” doesn’t mean saying whatever you want, it means saying n Content that is restricted to adults shall be classified what’s humane, less hateful and non-prejudicial. as “A” rating (The writer is an advocate)

April 25, 2021 39 NEWS ROUND UP Not everyone gets the opportunity to serve Mother Ganga –Shri Surya Prakash Tonk

Swayamsevaks are being deployed on the front for providing service to devotees at Maha Kumbh

HARIDWAR: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Uttar RSS Prant Pracharak of Uttarakhand Shri Yudhveer Pradesh’s Sanghchalak Shri Surya Prakash Tonk said Singh said that the workers from village-to-city, that not everyone gets a chance to serve Maa Ganga; city-to-city from all over the state had come here for Volunteers have now got an opportunity to do public social service without any ulterior motive. Each service at the Maha Kumbh. Fortunately, they are doing Swayamsevak is ready to volunteer for Kumbh service. their best. The fruit of this service is more fruitful than Do not harm anyone by unruly behaviour. For this, all the Kumbh bath. Shri Surya Prakash Tonk was of us have to work with peace, restraint, discipline and addressing the service resolution programme of follow every command of our officer. He said that the volunteers going to the Kumbh Mela. volunteers deployed in the system are for the He said service to humanity comes naturally to cooperation of the police personnel deployed on the Sangh. So far, on thousands of occasions; the spot. Therefore, they should work only under the Swayamsevaks of the Sangh have taken to the streets proper guidance of the high officials posted at for social service in adverse conditions. But this is the the point. first time that the Swayamsevaks are being deployed Presiding over the programme, Peetadhishwar on the front for service under favourable conditions. In Mahant Mandas Maharaj of Balmiki Ashram said there the Maha Kumbh, people from every section of the is no greater religion than service. The Swayamsevaks society from all over the country are coming here. “The of the Sangh are committed to social service without Sangh has been trying to organise society for years. discrimination. It is only by serving the country, religion We do the work, and the devotees will see and feel and and society that the ultimate salvation is attained. remember it throughout their lives,” said Shri Tonk. Earlier, the field unionist administered a pledge to all Every worker has to fulfill his duty towards the the activists as a witness to Maa Ganga to serve organisation. The uniform worn by the Swayamsevak society with full devotion during the Kumbh duty. has its dignity. Mahant Mandas Maharaj was honored at the event. n

40 April 25, 2021 Environment protection is the responsibility of every person in society

– Dr Mohan Bhagwat Noble cause: RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat

HARIDWAR: RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat He said that it is not the business of nature to fulfil termed environmental protection an integral part of Indian greed. Even after knowing the suitability and merit of culture and called upon enlightened and aware people of everything, the sense of mind should not be changed. the society to make a meaningful contribution in this With the power of unity in diversity, India has stood direction. In a seminar organised at Haridwar. steadfast even today, facing all the disasters in the world. Sarsanghchalak said that work for environmental It will always be ahead. Development and environment protection would have to be expedited. This is our social are not opposed to each other. They will write a new responsibility, he said at the seminar organised under the history of development. Even in history, we were number aegis of Environment Committee Mahakumbh one in the world; despite that, there was no problem Haridwar 2021. related to the environment, said Dr Bhagwat. Bharat has A number of environmental activities have been carried been providing food to the world by farming for the last out to ensure that Kumbh Mela, which started in Haridwar 6000 years. Despite this, the land here is still fertile. This on April 1, is polythene-free. For this, the Environment is proof that we are an integral part of the environment. Committee Mahakumbh Haridwar 2021 has been formed. The development of the world is only through the Under this committee, 16 sub-committees of different development of the environment. We as human beings are groups like merchants, saints, women, educational the greatest, and we have to consider environment after institutions and NGOs have been formed, to spread abandoning our ego. If we change our behaviour, then awareness among social classes, to keep Kumbh clean surely the conditions in the environment will also change. and polythene free. Vice-chancellors of 40 universities The work of environmental activists is to change the from different parts of the country also attended the behaviour of those who pollute the environment. seminar. Educational institutions across the country are Vice-Chancellor Sanskriti University, Dr Chinmay being connected with a larger environmental protection Pandey, linked the importance of Kumbh with Amrit campaign. Dr Bhagwat said no separate work is done to Manthan’s story in the Indian Sanatan tradition. He said conserve nature in the Hindu tradition. It is a part of life, that only the Ganges of good fortune could emerge from which is involved in every aspect of our personal and the saga of struggle. Today, environmental conditions are social life. It is always included in our natural love important because every eigth death in the world is due to for nature. ‘ air pollution. Our efforts towards environmental protection Talking about the environment, Dr Bhagwat said that are not going to be confined to Kumbh. Together with it is imperative for everyone to understand that natural India’s educational institutions, we will continue to work in surroundings are all related to each other. You cannot this way to convert this poison spread in the environment forget the forest while talking about water, or you cannot into nectar, said Dr Pandey. forget water while working on the problem of soil. This is On the occasion, Dr Bhagwat also released ‘Paryavaran one aspect of the solution. The second aspect is the use Perspective’, a monthly magazine on environment of the combined power of society. Personal effort is protection. Through the magazine, efforts will be made to important, but if it is not made a part of social effort, we enlighten society towards the commendable efforts being cannot achieve our goal. made in environment protection. n

April 25, 2021 41 EFENCE CAN D BY S AIR MSHL PK R OY (R ETD )

the martyrs of GENERAL MM NARAVANE the Liberation VISITS BANGLADESH War by laying a CONTINUING with the excellent wreath at the tradition of strong bilateral Shikha Anirban. and defence ties between This was India and Bangladesh, followed by General MM Naravane, Chief one-to-one of the Army Staff visited meetings with the three Service Chiefs of the Bangladesh recently. This Bangladesh’s Armed Forces. visit comes in the midst of General MM Naravane also interacted with the Force Swarnim Vijay Varsh Commanders of the United Nations Missions in Mali, celebrations which mark 50 South Sudan and Central African Republic and the years of the liberation of Deputy Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutanese Bangladesh, made possible Army. by the historic leadership of He also attended the closing ceremony of Exercise the Bangabandhu Sheikh ‘Shantir Ogrosena’, a multilateral UN-mandated counter Mujibur Rahman and heroics of the Mukti Bahini which terrorism exercise comprising the Armed Forces of fought shoulder to shoulder with Indian Armed Forces. India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka along with During the visit, General Naravane visited the Father observers from the US, UK, Turkey and the Kingdom of of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Saudi Arabia among others and addressed the Memorial Museum which signifies the life and struggle participants of the exercise. Prime Minister Sheikh of Bangabandhu. The Army Chief also paid tributes to Hasina was the Chief Guest of the ceremony.

11TH ROUND OF INDIA-CHINA CORPS COMMANDER IAF COMMANDERS’ CONFERENCE LEVEL MEETING

THE 11th round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo FIRST bi-annual IAF Commanders’ Conference for the border meeting year 2021 was inaugurated by Raksha Mantri Shri point on April 9. The two sides had a detailed Rajnath Singh on April 15, 21. The conference of apex exchange of views for the resolution of the remaining level leadership is aimed at addressing the issues of issues related to disengagement along the LAC in IAF’s operational capabilities in the times to come. A Eastern Ladakh and agreed to resolve them in an series of discussions would be conducted over a period expeditious manner in accordance with the existing of three days to address strategies and policies related agreements and protocols. In this context it was also to capabilities that would give IAF a significant edge highlighted that completion of disengagement in other over its adversaries. Air Force Commanders’ areas would pave the way for two sides to consider Conference is a bi-annual conference that provides a de-escalation of forces and ensure full restoration of forum to the senior leadership of the IAF to discuss peace and tranquillity and enable progress in critical issues pertaining to operations, maintenance and bilateral relations. administration.

42 April 25, 2021 INDIAN NAVAL SHIP RANVIJAY ARRIVES IN COLOMBO

SYMBOLISING the deep people-to-people connect between India and Sri Lanka, Indian Naval Ship Ranvijay visited Colombo on April 14, 2021 to mark the auspicious Sinhala and Tamil New Year. INS Ranvijay, equipped with indigenous Super Sonic Brahmos missile is on a goodwill visit till April 16.

INDIAN NAVY CARRIES OUT SEARCH AND RESCUE FOR MISSING FISHERMEN AT SEA OFF MANGALORE INDIAN Navy deployed its assets for search and rescue of missing fishermen at sea off the coast of Mangalore. It was reported that an Indian Fishing Boat ‘IFB Rabah’ with 14 fishermen had suffered a collision with a Singapore flag merchant ship ‘MV APL Le Havre’, 40 nautical miles west of New Mangalore. Indian Naval Ships Tillanchang and Kalpeni along with naval aircraft were deployed in the area to augment SAR efforts of Coast Guard vessels. While two rescued fishermen have been shifted to safety ashore, three bodies have been recovered so far. The search is on for the remaining nine fishermen.

NAVIES OF QUAD ARE CAPABILE TO COME TOGETHER IF VIETNAM LAUNCHES SECOND INDIAN NEEDED: ADMIRAL KARAMBIR SINGH HIGH-SPEED PATROL BOAT DURING a VIETNAM has discussion at the launched a high- ‘Raisina Dialogue’ speed patrol boat at New Delhi on built with India ‘Samudra Manthan: assistance. The The Indo-Pacific in Vietnamese Churn’, the Chief of coast guard had Naval Staff Admiral inducted the first India-made patrol vessel in Karambir Singh said that “Indian Navy’s aim is to be the December 2020. Shri Pranay Verma, India’s Preferred Security Partner, be credible and forward-leaning in Ambassador to Vietnam, is reported to have said our engagements and work with regional navies to build their that the launch stands out “as an icon of India- capacities and to secure their interests”. He also said that “If Vietnam defence partnership” and reflects India’s an opportunity arises, we have the capability and capacity to commitment towards building the capacity of the come together in an almost plug and play manner”. Vietnamese military.

CHIEF OF AIR STAFF VISITS BENGALURU

ON April 8, 2021, the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhaduria visited Bengaluru and interacted with test crew of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment as also the software engineers of Software Development Institute. The Air Chief reviewed ongoing projects and flew Su-30MKI to witness the capability enhancement on successful completion of one such project. n

April 25, 2021 43 OPINION Big Bang Theory Understanding Universe Through Vedas The glorious Vedic period saw Veda Mantra being chanted by our Rishies to the world at large. Rishies coherently explained cosmology and the creation of our Universe in a lucid and comprehensive manner. Hence, knowledge of these Rishi Scientists needs to be utilised in understanding Big Bang Theory

DR.M.L.RAJA

his all happened when I was the Head of nanometers of wavelength in the spectrum of Department i/c (HOD i/c) of Ophthalmology electromagnetic radiation. This visible light rays are only (Eye), in IRT Perundurai Medical College, a minute portion in the wide spectrum of electromagnetic Tamil Nadu, in 2012. On an interesting day, I radiation. Only 397 to 723 nanometers alone can be was explaining my brilliant students of pre- perceived by human beings and the remaining major final year M.B.,B.S., about the properties of light rays. portion are invisible to us. Then I proceed to explain about Since the sole function of our eyes is to perceive the light the electromagnetic radiation. Trays reflected from objects, converting these light energy into electrical signals at the photoreceptors present in the Elucidating Big Bang Theory retinal layer of eyes and these electric signals reach the The creation of our Universe is often explained by Big brain by transmission through nerves and thus we see Bang Theory. As per this theory, a tiny minute spot with the objects and field in front of us. Hence, I have to teach a temperature at zero Kelvin (―273.15° of Celsius), them the basic properties of light rays. I explained them expands suddenly with a big bang due to the rise of its what we perceive as visible light rays are of 397 to 723 temperature to 5.5 billion degrees of Celsius within a very minute fraction of time in Nano seconds. It is about 366 times more than Spectrum of Electromagnetic Radiation the temperature that is present within the

t central core of Sun. e l o

i At this stage Photons, Electrons, v

Micro- Infrared Visible a r

t Neutrino and other anti-particles are formed Radio waves waves radiation light l X-rays Gamma-rays U and the weak nuclear force becomes a separate entity from the four fundamental forces, i.e. weak and strong nuclear forces, electromagnetic force and gravitational force. Then, on slight reduction of 10 3 1 10 -3 10 -5 10 -7 10 -9 10 -11 10 -13 temperature within Nano seconds, protons and neutrons are formed and the strong

44 April 25, 2021 Our Earth receives electromagnetic nuclear force becomes a distinct entity. Then temperature comes down further and Helium atom, Deuterium and radiation from the Sun. This was first Tritium isotopes are formed and the electromagnetic force revealed in 1897 itself by Dr. Jagadish becomes another entity. Finally molecules, compounds Chandra Bose, the great scientist of and celestial objects formed due to the cooling effect and our Nation. However, the scientists the gravitational force appeared. Thus, the electromagnetic force is one of the four fundamental came to understand this only after forces that becomes a distinct entity within seconds of big 1942. Thus, Sir Neville Francis Mott, bang expansion of the tiny spot into our Universe. This who was honoured with Nobel prize electromagnetic force is responsible for the generation of in 1977, mentioned that Dr. J.C.Bose electromagnetic radiation of which visible light rays are a minute part. Our Earth receives electromagnetic radiation lived ahead of 60 years in Science from the Sun. This was first revealed in 1897 itself by Dr. Jagadish Chandra Bose, the great scientist of our Nation. However, the scientists came to understand this only after Bombarded with Pertinent Questions 1942. Thus, Sir Neville Francis Mott, who was honoured When I was explaining the subject, an enthusiastic and with Nobel prize in 1977, mentioned that Dr. J.C.Bose bright student of mine raised her hand. I asked her to lived ahead of 60 years in Science. proceed. Then she requested me a few explanations in

April 25, 2021 45 OPINION Big Bang Theory

4. The Big Bang Theory is accounting for the material cause of the Universe, i.e. sub atomic particles, atoms, molecules and celestial bodies, but not for the non- material cause for life, mind, thoughts, feelings and intellectual consciousness. Then who or which one is the source for these non- material aspects? I am a Physician and not a Physicist to explain these ingenious and brilliant questions in the field of Advanced Physics. Hence I told her that I would verify and explain her latter. I have tried to get answers from resource personalities Veda are often mentioned as Anadi whom I know personally and also searching through and Sanatana, which means Veda internet. Even after a week, there was no progress. are eternal and has no beginning I am a Physician and not a Physicist to explain these ingenious and brilliant questions in the field of Advanced and end. Further, it is a fact that Physics. Hence I told her that I would verify and explain Veda were revealed to the world at her later. I have tried to get answers from resource the very ancient period of time, by personalities whom I know personally and also searching the great Rishies of our Nation. through internet. Even after a week, there was no Hence, these Rishies are often called progress. as Mantra Drushta, i.e. who has seen Making Productive Use of Sankhya Philosophy the Vedic Mantra and not as Mantra At the same time, I was reading the life history, lectures Karta i.e. the creator of Veda Mantra and writings of Swami Vivekananda. In that Eight volumes of the book, at many places Swami Vivekananda explained and quoted the Sankhya Philosophy of Kapila Maharishi. Hence, I have started reading the Sankhya Big Bang Theory. Her questions were Philosophy of Kapila Maharishi. At the 61st verse of 1st 1. If the Universe is formed with a big bang and raises Chapter, it is mentioned as follows. ÀfØfU SXªfÀfÐ °f¸fÀffa Àffa¹f AUÀ±ff ´fiIÈYd°f: ÀfØfU temperature of a tiny spot, then what surrounds that where 1. is abstract noun Àf°fÐ tiny spot? of which means Being, Existence, Reality – The Static SXªfÀfÐ-SXÄf 2. As per Sir Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, all things EneRigy, 2. means Motion (Kinesis), the Kinetic °f¸fÀfÐ-°f¸fÐ remain as such, unless acted upon by some external Energy, 3. means Inclination, Transformation, force. Then what is the external force that caused the Condensation – The Potential Energy i.e. The Matter, 4. Àffa¹f Àf¸f AUÀ±ff raise of temperature and expansion of the tiny spot Abstract Noun of which means same, equal, 5. ´fiIÈYd°f: into Universe? – The state of being, In what manner one exists, 6. CX´ffQf³f IYfSX¯f - 3. The Universe is in order and is of cosmos, not in The Material cause of the Universe, The Total chaos and does not behave in a haphazard way. Energy. ÀfØf½f There is regularity, orderly occurrence of events with Thus, the verse clearly mentions that the Static SXªfÀfÐ °f¸fÀfÐ direction and purpose. Then who or which one gives Energy, the Kinetic Energy and the Potential this regularity, perfect order with purpose and Energy (Matter) sm are equal and same. direction? Thus, the Static Energy, Kinetic Energy and the

46 April 25, 2021 Cosmos in Solar Cosmos in Atom System

PROTON (positive) Jupiter Earth Uranus NUCLEUS Sun Mercury

Venus Mars Neptune NEUTON Saturn (neutral)

ELECTRON (negative)

Potential Energy are one and the same and the Total (and is infinite). The entire Universe that exists come from Energy will always be the same in quantity. This is a small portion of the total (one step, i.e. a small part) and Modern Science’s “the conservation of energy and energy the remaining portion (three steps i.e. immense) exists is neither created nor destroyed and can only be as such.” (Rig Veda 10:90:3 & Yajur Veda 31:3). “The transformed from one form to another form and the total magnitude of Purusha: is infinite and is more than and remains same.” On reading this verse of Sankhya incomparable to the part that come into our Universe and Philosophy, I recollected in my mind the Big Bang Theory the remaining part, even both combined. The material and compared this verse with that Theory. Now I realised (i.e. non–eating) and the non-material (biological, eating) that the Static Energy of a tiny spot became Kinetic are created due to the ability of Purusha: and Purusha: Energy, on a sudden rise of temperature with big bang. is pervading these (all) from all sides”. (Rig Veda 10:90:4 This Kinetic Energy on cooling down transformed and & Yajur Veda 31:4). Thus, these two Mantras give the condensed into matter i.e. the Potential Energy. When I answers to the four intelligent questions of my brilliant realised this identical expression of Sankhya Philosophy student clearly and precisely. and Big Bang Theory, there flashed through my mind, the If the Universe is formed with a big bang and raise of Mantras of Purusha Sookta of Rig and Yajur Veda, where a temperature of a tiny spot, then what surrounds that tiny cosmology is dealt. spot is the first question. It is nothing but the same Static Energy (from which a minute portion expand with a big Veda Mantras bang as our Universe), is the one that surrounds the tiny Rig Veda in Purusha Sookta (10th Mandala, 90th Sookta) spot. The entire Universe that exists come from a small in 3rd and 4th Mantra (Yajur Veda in 31:3 & 4), revels as portion of the total (one step, i.e. a small part) and the follows. remaining portion (three steps i.e. immense) exists as E°ffUf³fÀ¹f ¸fdWX¸ffÚ°fû ª¹ff¹ff¸fV¨f ´fb÷Y¿f:Ü such.” (Rig Veda 10:90:3 & Yajur Veda 31:3). ´ffQûâÀ¹f dUVUf ·fc°ffd³f dÂf´fffQÀ¹f A¸fÈ°fa dUdQÜÜ (Rig Veda 10:90:3 & As per Sir Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, all things Yajur Veda 31:3) remain as such, unless acted upon by some external dÂf´ffQc²UÊ CXQ`°fÐ ´fb÷Y¿f: ´ffQûÚÀ¹fZWXf·fU°fÐ ´fb³fWX:Ü force. Then what is the external force that caused the °f°fû dUVUOÐ. ½¹fIiYf¸f°fÐ ÀffVf³ff³ffVf³û Ad·fÜÜ (Rig Veda 10:90:4 & raise of temperature and expansion of the tiny spot into Yajur Veda 31:4) Universe is the second question. Purusha: (Supreme The meaning of these Mantras is “The magnitude of Almighty or Supreme Energy or Force) acts as a catalyst this Universe, of past, present and future, is great. (that stimulates a reaction without participating in the However, the Greatness of Purusha: (Supreme Almighty reaction process) that caused the raise of temperature or Supreme Energy or Force) is much greater than this and expansion of the tiny spot into Universe. The material

April 25, 2021 47 OPINION Big Bang Theory Thus, even at the remotest antiquity beginning and end. Further, it is a fact that Veda were itself, our Rishies clearly explained revealed to the world at the very ancient period of time, the cosmology and the process of by the great Rishies of our Nation. Hence, these Rishies creation of our Universe in a better are often called as Mantra Drushta, i.e. who has seen the and complete manner. Hence, these Vedic Mantra and not as Mantra Karta i.e. the creator of Veda Mantra. This is because Veda Mantra are in subtle Rishies can be called as Rishi form and these Rishies realised and experienced them Scientists. Thus all these narrations through their penance and for the benefit of mankind, clearly proves the greatness of our they revealed them to the world. Though Gravitational Nation and our ancestor’s admirable Force is present since the creation of our Universe, but we can say that from such and such period of time, and adorable high knowledge human beings came to understand this Gravitational and wisdom force. It is in the same way, though Veda are eternal, we can say the period at which these Veda were revealed to the world, as the Vedic Period. (i.e. non–eating) and the non-material (biological, eating) are created due to the ability of Purusha: (Rig Veda River Sarasvati in Mahabharata 10:90:4 & Yajur Veda 31:4). Rig Veda mentions the River Sarasvati as the mighty river The Universe is in order and is of cosmos, not in chaos with floods and thus called as the Mother of floods, and does not behave in a haphazard way. There is flowing from mountains to ocean in 13 Mantras directly regularity, orderly occurrence of events with direction and as a River and Sarasvati is mentioned in multiple purpose. Then who or which one gives this regularity, meanings including as a mighty river with full of water in perfect order with purpose and direction is the third 94 Mantras. Thus, Sarasvati River was flowing with full question. Since Purusha: is pervading the Universe in all swing, with water touching both banks during Vedic sides, Purusha: is keeping the Universe in order and Period of time. Mahabharata text of Veda Vyasa in Salya regularity and give the direction and purpose. Purusha: Parva mentions that the river Sarasvati was started drying is pervading the Universe that come into existence and up in one or two places. It may be the very early also the remaining part, from all sides”. (Rig Veda 10:90:4 beginning of the process of drying up of Sarasvati River. & Yajur Veda 31:4). The period of Mahabharata is at a few decades before The Big Bang Theory is accounting for the material the beginning of Kali yuga, as per the internal evidence cause of the Universe, i.e. sub atomic particles, atoms, in the text of Mahabharata of Veda Vyasa and also molecules and celestial bodies, but not for the non- thorough many external evidence. Kali yuga began in material cause for life, mind, thoughts, feelings and 3101 B.C.E. as per the evidence shown by 436 intellectual consciousness. Then who or which one is the Inscriptions distributed throughout our Nation. Thus, source for these non-material aspects is the fourth Vedic period, at the latest, is certainly before 5500 years question. The material (non-eating, matter) and the non- before present. (3500 B.C.E.). This is the period at which material (eating, biological) are created due to the ability Veda Mantra were revealed by Rishies to the world. Thus, of Purusha: and hence Purusha: is the non-material even at the remotest antiquity itself, our Rishies clearly cause for life, mind, thoughts, feelings and intellectual explained the cosmology and the process of creation of consciousness. The material (i.e. non–eating) and the our Universe in a better and complete manner. Hence, non-material (biological, eating) are created due to the these Rishies can be called as Rishi Scientists. Thus all ability of Purusha:. (Rig Veda 10:90:4 & Yajur Veda 31:4). these narrations clearly proves the greatness of our Thus, I have successfully conveyed the scientific Nation and our ancestor’s admirable and adorable high message of our ancient Rishies, as the answers to the knowledge and wisdom. four laudable questions of my knowledge seeking (The writer is Director, AVINASH (Academy on Vibrant National student. Veda are often mentioned as Anadi and Arts and Scientific Heritage), [email protected], Nos. Sanatana, which means Veda are eternal and has no 9443370129, 6382166863. He is M.B.,B.S.,D.O., M.A. History, DIAE)

48 April 25, 2021 INDIC WISDOM/ Guruji Shri Nandkishore Tiwari

Values and Direction

When the ones openly indicate that they are spiritual beings and yet, they do not own the responsibility of seeing the divine in other human beings, how will they ever see divine in this life? Unless one becomes capable of seeing others as part of one-self, none can experience divine dimension (parmaarth) in its entirety

n this column’s preceding piece, we spoke about how history and Itihaas are two different mirrors. In the mirror of Ithaas , seeing the image of history in its entirety is possible but, in the mirror of history, seeing the full image of Itihaas is not possible. Though none can claim hav - ing explored the full potential of these aforesaid pIossibilities yet, wisdom lies in seeing our image in both the mirrors. So that we as earthbound human - ity could inspire, instil, imbibe and sustain the best tendencies in our consciousness. Seeing our - selves in the mirror of history keeps us aware of its limitations, and seeing ourselves in the mirror of Itihaas keeps us awake in our limitlessness. Now, the question is how to maximise the good tendency and how to undermine the bad tendencies in human consciousness? As both kinds of tendencies are always present, only the technology and the number of followers of one or the other kind of vision or tendencies vary from one moment to another.

49 April 25, 2021 Can something be done to maximise the when and where one begins to see? Who number of human beings who would choose to begins to see? Which is the order of seeing (If imbibe only good tendencies? there is any), i.e. whether one sees it in the Talking about values makes sense only when other or in oneself first? Does the meaning of we become an enlightened society where con - seeing also change in various levels of con - versations and contemplations are about mak - sciousness? What causes it? Why don’t we all ing choices between good and good and not see it? All the questions which sprout in the between good and bad. seekers mind must find a solution. Then alone, Or, should something be done to human con - seekers may be said to have got liberated. sciousness itself so that we as human beings And, if they confess that it’s not in this life choose to manifest only the divine aspect of it? that they will be liberated, when will they ever The answer is in the affirmative. But, it asks know the real value of this life? Because one for character building. And, character building is can see the real value of life when one is free a very subtle and rigorous process that has no from all colours of life. alternative or shortcut. If humanity has to The answer is in the affirmative. evolve to realise/explore its full potential, then character building has to be the beginning But, it asks for character building. of education. And, character building is a very Higher education can serve its purpose only when persons with character receive it. It is subtle and rigorous process that only in the person of character that education has no alternative or shortcut. If can be utilised for universal welfare. humanity has to evolve to You may have heard the sayings ‘Knowledge is power’ and ‘Power corrupts’. But, power realise/explore its full potential, cannot corrupt those persons whose characters then character building has to be are built on strong foundations. Therefore, character building is the most basic universal the beginning of education education that global humanity must ensure. In its absence, nectar transgresses into poison. The beauty of the character is such that we Being free from all colours of life means hav - may miss the fragrance of a flowering tree ing no undue attachment with anything that is nearby, but the beauty of a person of character part of material life (existence). Being never goes unnoticed. Such persons’ existence detached doesn’t mean being antagonistic, is fruitful for the world as the world looks at scornful towards materials of life as that is nei - them as living examples of ‘living’. Such ther desirable nor possible during our persons are spiritual (conscious) beings as a existence as human beings (material beings). character is nothing but consciousness Will they ever know how to live as real (or manifested in action. That’s how values are car - realised) beings? ried forward from one generation to another. And, the ones who don’t know the real value This is an axiomatic truth that without seeing of this life should they be allowed/encouraged the existence of divinity (immortality) within, to offer direction for the goals of life to others in one doesn’t become capable of seeing the the name of freedom of expression or same in others. But, how does this even religion? transformation happen? (The writer is the propounder of Sahaj Smriti Yog There may be umpteen other questions like, System of Self Realisation and founder of Darpan Foundation and Darpan Ashram)

April 25, 2021 50

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