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38 ORGANISER Tribute: MG Vaidya Vol. 72, No. 28 New Delhi January 3, 2021, Paush Krishna 4, Yugabd 5122

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: MANOJ SINHA, LT GOVERNOR, J&K “NOW, PEOPLE OF J&K WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE DEVELOPMENT JOURNEY”

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l ISSN : 0030-5014 l Vol. 72 l No. 28 l January 3, 2021 l

OPINION 06 COVER STORY 12 Victory of Democracy /INTERVIEW over False Narratives 24 Will Rajnikant's debut in “DDC polls have politics be a blockbuster? helped build an 28 Church Priority over Last 400 Years: Social Justice... atmosphere of mutual trust REPORT among people” 18 Gearing up for final battle 20 China behind Wistron Episode? 26 will emerge science 22 INTERVIEW & tech hub: PM Modi Karnataka for quantum leap NEP 2020 in IT, BT sectors: Dr Aswath 32 Realising Malaviyaji’s Narayan CN Dreams MYTH OF ARYAN INVASION PART V 42 Aryans depicted in Ramayana & Mahabharata

COLUMN 04 Readers’ Forum 05 Editorial 30 REPORT 38 TRIBUTE / MG VAIDYA 44 News Round Up Trinamool Congress and the End of an Era Cow Smuggling Network 46 Defence Scan Dear Readers, as the issue dated January 10 and 17, 2021 will be the combined 48 Indic Wisdom collectors' edition, the regular edition of Organiser will not be published next week.

Editor: Prafulla Ketkar l Asso Editor : G Sreedathan 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 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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Printed and Published by Bihari Lal Singhal on behalf of Bharat Prakashan (Delhi) Limited, published at Sanskriti Bhawan, 2322, Laxmi Narain Street, Paharganj, New Delhi-110055. Printed at HT Media Limited, Plot No 8, Udyog Vihar, Greater Noida (UP) - 201306 READERS’ FORUM

astic voters, with huge voter turnout percentage, even in the Glorifying History traditionally low percentage areas, APROPOS (Saudi Arabia removes registering manifold increase as anti-Israel and anti-Zionist contents compared to earlier held from textbooks), Organiser, Parliamentary and Panchayat December 21, 2020. A Good move, elections. This manifests that faith we must take out all anti-Sanatan of the people of Jammu and Dharam narration from our text Kashmir in the democratic process books in India. Invaders have got has deepened. With the glorified and great kings and culmination of DDC elections, the stories of empires of Hindus have people of J&K will, for the first been suppressed. We must have a time in history, see a truly empow- study of Bharatiya History in all ered grassroots democracy languages which must be taught in A Rotten Protest entailing direct funding and schools irrespective of their APROPOS (Cover Story, Harvesting decentralised decision making in affiliation. Anarchy) Organiser, December 13, the planning and development of MANOJ SHARMA, 2020. The so-called Bharat Bandh rural areas. through web has fizzled out and has exposed ARYAN RAIZADA, through web the much-trumpeted "public -sup- APROPOS (Islamists port" the proponents claimed to Remedy to save Time attack Hindu boy for have garnered throughout India. and Money refusing to convert after The next betrayal in line was the APROPOS ('One Nation, One marrying a Muslim girl Congress support to the farmers' Election', call makes sense), in ), Organiser, December protests and the inducement by Organiser, December 27, 2020. A 20, 2020. Can somebody please Punjab Government and its help to timely article, I think all patriotic explain this to Talveen Singh as sustain it by supply and service. forces and politicians must listen to she is famous for writing beautiful Have the Sikhs forgotten the mas- this call of PM Modi. One election stories on love affairs and was sacre of thousands of Sikhs and should not be only for parliament panicked when #lovejehad law spilling of Sikh blood on Delhi and state assemblies but also for passed in Uttar Pradesh? Some streets at the very same hands of all over Indian elections including intellectuals call this these Congressmen in the recent Zila Parishad and municipal cor- communalising love and give past? Why did the Sikhs not reject porations. It will save crores of lectures on Ganga-Jamuni Tehzib. Moreover, @chauhansachida9 ۔the Congress support, a rotten rupees and time as well apple given by a filth smeared the prevailing mood will be benefi- hand in the first place? The agita- cial as no governors need to be APROPOS (Islamic tion was first conceived by disgrun- changed unnecessarily, the one- Body's mouthpiece tled middle-men and forced down party rule at the centre and states rakes up communal ,the throats of innocent, gullible and ،will ensure cohesion better devel- sentiments), Organiser simple-minded farmers and later opment of states and the whole December 24, 2020. India's laws hijacked by alien forces. country. We may be proud of such related to freedom of expression A. ARUMUGA NAINAR, Tamil Nadu achievements like Digital India, and formation of associations or One Nation One Ration Card, etc. groups, shouldn't be allowed to Proof of people's 'One Nation, One Election' and wage war or intimidation against faith in Democracy one voters' list can never be any legitimate governments, per- APROPOS (Winds of Change), achieved without changes in sons or any sections of society, Organiser, December 23, 2020. our Constitution. which may lead disruption of The polling stations across the UT DR SATISH KUMAR PANDIT, peace and order in the country. witnessed long queues of enthusi- Panipat RAJAN VAYAKKATTIL

Organiser 4 January 3, 2021 Tryst with True Democracy fter removing the barriers of Article 370 and 35A, the people of Jammu-Kashmir had their first experience with grassroot democracy. There are various interpretations of the results, and every political group can have something to tell to their core constituency. Still, there I assured the A is a consistent message of these District Development Council Elections, followed by the people of Jammu & panchayat and block level polls. Kashmir that we Pakistan and the beneficiaries of the selective narrative on Jammu-Kashmir always wish to resolve all tried to sing the tune of atrocities and military excesses at the international level. Right issues – both from the United Nations, no platform remained unutilised by these forces to demean the domestic and democratic culture of Bharat, especially after Article 370 was made ineffective in August external – through 2019. This election is a message from Bharat that it can handle all its problems through talks. I stressed democratic means and no rogue state can weaken that resolve. A free and fair election is that the gun can the hallmark of democracy. Even the Union Government's critics would not deny that these solve no problem; DDC elections were the most transparent exercise. The militants were not allowed to dis- brotherhood can. turb this historic exercise was another significant achievement. Issues can be Now we can say with conviction that we have taken the Constitution in its entirety to resolved if we every corner of Bharat, and this is most certainly an extremely positive message at the move forward national level. There can be a difference of opinion on various issues, but our Constitution guided by the three provides a solution to every fathomable problem. Hitherto discriminated citizens like West- principles of Pak Refugees, Valmikis, Gorkhas etc. for the first time got the right to vote, proving beyond Insaniyat doubt that the path of development and participatory governance is the best way to (Humanism), address issues in a democracy. Jamhooriyat Pakistan sponsored militants have become completely irrelevant in Jammu-Kashmir. (Democracy) and The soft-separatist parties with dynastic tendencies first took a stand of not participating in Kashmiriyat electoral politics unless the so-called ‘special status’ of Jammu-Kashmir is restored. The (Kashmir’s success of Panchayat and Municipal elections forced them not only to contest but forge an age-old legacy of opportunistic alliance called Gupkar. Their participation in the elections symbolizes the Hindu-Muslim acceptance of the changed reality of a J & K free from the clutches of 370. The nationalist amity)” voices first time got their space, and they together defeated the fake narrative of 'no per- son will pick the tri-colour if Article 370 is removed'. The voting percentage in the freezing – Atal Bihari cold climate amidst Covid pandemic was a tight slap on the face of naysayers. This DDC Vajpayee, election witnessed around 50 independent candidates emerging victorious. The message Statement by is loud and clear – the traditional self-centred, corrupt and dynastic politics will no longer Prime Minister work; a new breed of leadership will emerge that will chalk out the future of Jammu- Shri Atal Bihari Kashmir. Vajpayee in Lok The DDC election is just a stepping stone to the more extensive process of democrati- Sabha on his two sation from below. The subsequent delimitation of constituencies for the assembly will be day visit to Jammu another critical step as Jammu-Kashmir has not seen the revision of seats since 1956 & Kashmir, April despite the changing demography. Bridging the development gap between Jammu division 22, 2003 and Kashmir division is another challenge. should be congratulated not just for emerging as the single largest party in the elections but for realising the dream of its founder President Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee of One Nation –One Constitution. It has also taken forward the policy initiatives started by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The successful conduct of DDC polls should be seen as a befitting tribute to these two towering nationalist leaders. @PrafullaKetkar Organiser January 3, 2021 5 INTERVIEW/MANOJ SINHA, LT GOVERNOR, J&K

“DDC polls have helped build an atmosphere of mutual trust among people” Expressing happiness over the high voter turnout in Jammu & Kashmir District Development Council polls Lieutenant-Governor Shri Manoj Sinha says, “The polls have helped build an atmosphere of mutual trust among people of J&K.” For him, development of J&K is his ‘only priority’, and for that, he is focusing on the delivery of services and effective implementation of welfare schemes. In an exclusive interview with Senior Correspondent Nishant Kr Azad at the Raj Bhawan in Jammu, Shri Sinha spoke on a range of issues, including security dynamics and a roadmap for economic revival. Excerpts:

n It’s more than four months that you have been appointed as the given to the IGs, Divisional Commissioners who also L-G of Jammu & Kashmir. How has been your experience? meet people twice a week. Earlier the major focus I have visited ten divisions of Kashmir and six of used to be on construction activities only, whereas Jammu. I am yet to visit the rest of the four. I realised the other schemes of both the Centre and the State that people’s expectations were not fulfilled. The were not much saturated. need of the hour is to provide a platform for them. All Under the 21-day public awareness programme, Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of it was realised that various welfare schemes need to Police were given instructions to meet the civilians be 100% saturation, which include both 54 schemes daily for an hour excluding (Wednesday and Sunday) of the Centre and other schemes of the State. I am and listen to their issues. Similar instructions were glad to inform you that in 16-17 districts, the satura-

Organiser 6 January 3, 2021 tion has reached almost 100%, whereas, in the rest of the districts, it has touched around 85%, where we intend to make it to 100%. Then comes the issue— where will an average cit- izen approach to redress his grievances? For that, we have devised an institutionalised mechanism of ‘Grievance Redressal’. It is directly linked to the Government of India’s redressal mechanism, proba- bly the first of its kind. I have personally met people twice. Once a month, I interact with aggrieved per- sons and keep in touch with senior administrative Lt Governor Interacting with locals at Purmandal officers such as the District Collector, SP, and others to resolve the issue as early as possible. Now, the percentage of grievance redressal has increased. People have realised this to be a platform that will The economy of this place has suffered for a long help in grievance redressal. time. But the welfare schemes and the Government’s institutions of J&K will change the entire scenario. In n What is your assessment of the security scenario in J&K? the last 3-4 months, we were able to complete many Security is not a concern. The security mechanism of J&K is extremely good, where entire security ongoing projects. Also, several administrative reforms forces — the Army, the BSF and J&K Police — have have been implemented brilliant coordination among them. A significant change is that J&K Police is now deployed full time everyone in the State. on the front and fights there. n After the abrogation of Article 370, what are the steps being taken by the Government to ensure the development of J&K? n On the border, ceasefire violation from Pakistan and cross border The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the UT like infiltration have increased, and China on the other front is also the rest of the country. The economy of this place has emerging as a great security threat. How do you see this? suffered for a long time. But the welfare schemes and The argument is not factually correct. Some the Government’s institutions of J&K will change the attempts of infiltration were made recently, but due to entire scenario. In the last 3-4 months, we were able the alertness of the Army, BSF and J&K Police, all to complete many ongoing projects. Also, several such attempts were foiled. Talking about our neigh- administrative reforms have been implemented. bour, it obviously doesn’t like the democratic exercise Infrastructure projects take some time to finish, but going on in J&K and will attempt to disrupt it. China we are currently working on constructing AIIMS, IITs, doesn’t share its border with J&K anymore. IIMs, four-lane highways in the UT. The work for all Therefore, I can’t comment on that. Moreover, it’s a the projects is going on rapidly and being regularly matter of international relations about which only the reviewed by me. Most of these projects will be fin- Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs and ished in a period of almost two years, and then we the Ministry of Defence are authorised to speak. will be able to see the changed situation. The Budget allocated to J&K is over Rs 1 lakh crore, which is way n When you were appointed as the L-G of J&K, it was said that you higher than any other State receiving funds from the would make proper security arrangements for political leaders. Indian Government. It will boost economic revival. What are the arrangements being made for the same? After I was appointed as the L-G, the killings of n Corruption and lack of transparency were a sensitive issue in J&K political personalities have almost stopped. Our as it was alleged that large-scale corruption in the usage of efforts are to provide adequate security arrange- funds received from the Centre. What is the Government doing to ments to those whose lives are in danger and protect bring in transparency?

Organiser January 3, 2021 7 INTERVIEW/MANOJ SINHA, LT GOVERNOR, J&K

We have a zero-tolerance policy towards corrup- Panchayats, in which the people will decide what tion. The increasing use of technology will facilitate in kind of development works to do. The visiting officer countering corruption. Thus we are using the techno- would only facilitate things. In some cases, the only logical tools to remove corruption from the system. suggestion given by us was to buy sports kit worth Rs All the development works being done by us are 20,000 for youth. In some other occasions, we sug- uploaded in the public domain so that the people gested the visiting officer to identify two youth of the know about them and give their feedback as to village who have entrepreneurship skills and incen- whether they are getting the benefits or not. Earlier tivise their enterprises. There are 4,290 Gram there was no anti-corruption bureau, but now there Panchayats in J&K. We aim to encourage almost is. Many corrupt people have also been arrested. 12,000 such young entrepreneurs by giving a mone- Thus, now there’s a consensus being created that tary incentive up to Rs 10 lakh from Jammu & corruption will not be tolerated anymore. Kashmir Bank. After this ‘Back to Village’ programme was over, people from urban areas approached us n There was an expectation that you would initiate political and urged that such initiatives must be done for dialogue with Valley-based parties. What is the progress on that urban people as well. Thus, we organised a similar front? initiative for the urban population and gave Rs 1-5 I am always ready for that. I have already met crore to some of the Nagar Palikas and Municipal politicians of all hues. Also, I have interacted with Corporations. Thus, an atmosphere of mutual trust people. For the first time, DDC elections were organ- has been built amongst people, and now they think ised in the UT. Parliament passed the Panchayati Raj that by getting elected in the DDC, they can con- tribute to develop their districts and towns. Once delimitation is done, it will be up to the n So we can say that such programmes are aimed at making the Election Commission to hold the polls. PM Modi youth and women of J&K the major stakeholder in decision mak- has also said in his Independence Day speech ing? that elections to the UT Assembly will be held We aim to make every citizen the stakeholder. after the delimitation exercise is over, which Youth and women are our priority. was reiterated by the Home Minister in n DDC elections are over now. When can we expect Assembly polls Parliament as well in J&K? Once delimitation is done, it will be up to the Act in the year 1992, but Jammu & Kashmir had a Election Commission to hold the polls. Delimitation is two-tier system instead of three, as DDC had never a constitutional exercise. It’s happening not just in elected representatives which we amended. J&K but in some of the North-Eastern states as well. Compared to the voting percentage of earlier elec- The Election Commission will speak on the issue tions, the voter turnout has increased in Kashmir when the right time comes. In his Independence Day Valley in which women, youth and aged people have address from the Red Fort, the Prime Minister has enthusiastically participated. Thus, the amendments said that elections to the State Assembly will be held were necessary for strengthening grassroots democ- after the delimitation exercise is over, which was reit- racy, as people will participate in the development erated by the Home Minister in Parliament as well. journey. We did a programme named ‘Back to Village’, in n How do you see the future of separatist forces? which we used to visit a village daily. The visiting offi- No kind of separatist politics has a place in J&K. cer used to stay for two nights in the village. The vil- lage Panchayats receive funding of MNREGA and n Now, as separatist forces have become silent, Gupkar Alliance is welfare schemes of the Centre. Apart from that, we clamouring for restoration of Article 370. Farooq Abdullah even gave Rs 5-10 lakh as incentives to the Gram went to the extent of seeking help of China and Pakistan to re-

Organiser 8 January 3, 2021 instate Article 370. What’s your opinion on that? The Constitution of India gives freedom of expres- sion to the citizens; thus, anyone has the right to Government jobs alone can’t solve the issue of speak their mind. It doesn’t matter much. But those unemployment; thus, we have devised an industrial who have taken official oath under the Constitution at policy for the UT, which has been approved by DIPP, any point of time must keep in mind the authority of Ministry of Finance – Government of India. I am the Constitution. hopeful that in the coming 2-3 years, the UT will n Unemployment has been an important issue in J&K, with 65% of receive an investment of almost Rs 30,000 crore its population being youth. The Prime Minister and Home Minister said the revocation of Article 370 would lead J&K on the were unimaginable to be constructed in the past are path of development and create employment opportunities. What being made. For the vulnerable communities residing are the plans to address the issue? near the border like Gujjar and Bakarwal, we have Unemployment is a problem not just for J&K: It’s an implemented the Forest Act and have notified that issue for the rest of India as well as the world. The they will get land by March 31 next year. number of government employees here is the same as Arrangements are being made so that people from in Bihar though the latter’s population is 11 times border areas get recruited in the para-military forces. more. Apart from government service, other options Skill mapping programmes are being conducted in for employment were never thought of in the last the border areas so that the youth in these areas and seven decades. We are working to fill the vacant can be reskilled and facilitate in their employment 12,000 posts in the government sector; examinations opportunities. are also being conducted. Government jobs alone can’t solve the issue of unemployment; thus, we have n The issue of Kashmiri Pandits is a sensitive topic in the Kashmir devised an industrial policy for the UT, which has been debate. What are the steps being planned for their re-settlement approved by DIPP, Ministry of Finance – Government in the Valley? of India. I am hopeful that in the coming 2-3 years, the We have planned to earmark 6,000 posts in the UT will receive an investment of almost Rs 30,000 Government and construct 6,000 houses for them. crore. We organised a one-day programme in This was intended long before and announced by the Srinagar, which was attended by the leading personal- Prime Minister himself, but unfortunately, its imple- ities from across India active in academia, social sec- mentation got delayed. I want to assure that apart tor, industrialists, and NITI Aayog. Tata Group has from the 164 jobs, all the posts will be filled by the started a centre in Baramulla, and we plan to set up Pandits. We have already issued a tender for con- another centre at Jammu in January. The motor insti- structing the 3,500 houses for the Pandit community tute is being developed as part of skill development. and plan to issue a tender for the rest soon. We aim ICICI Bank has started a centre at Jammu, and next is to make 6,000 houses in the next two years and will going to come up at Anantnag. We aim to create a skill solve their issue by re-settling them. force in the UT. We are hopeful that more than 80% of youth of the UT will get employment opportunities in n Rohingyas are considered a security threat for the State. What the near future. do you have to say on this? We will deal with all kinds of threats. n What are the plans for the development of the population of the State residing in the border areas? n How have you adapted from being a long-time political activist to It’s unfortunate for our nation that we didn’t devel- the constitutional head of India’s most sensitive border territory? op the areas situated near the border in the last I have to fulfil my responsibility as per the rules seven decades. But over the previous six years, and regulations laid by the Indian Constitution. My notable work has been done for the infrastructure past experiences will come in handy in executing my development in the border areas. Tunnels which present responsibilities. n

Organiser January 3, 2021 9 COVER STORY Breaking Barriers to Build New Bridges The main takeaway of the successfully-held DDC polls is that democracy serves best to deliver security, peace and prosperity for J&K. BJP’s breakthrough in the Valley by bagging three seats signifies changing the perception of the people

n NISHANT KR AZAD

he winds of change were evident when I visited the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir during the District Development Council (DDC) polls. Even where it has been considered unsurmountable. though the public were upbeat about the democratic BJP bagged 75 seats in the DDC elections, while T process, the Gupkar Alliance had tried to cast doubt the Gupkar Alliance has managed to win 112. This in people’s minds. After the Panchayat, Block and was the first democratic exercise of this scale in J&K Municipal elections, it was clear that stopping the post the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from creating its base the erstwhile state into two Union Territories last year. in the Valley was the key objective behind the oppor- Not only it’s a good sign for the party in J&K, but tunistic alliance. When the results for DDC polls were it’s also good for Modi-led BJP Government at the declared, BJP not just registered its victory by win- Centre as the government faced the angst of a sec- ning three seats in the Valley but emerged as the sin- tion of the society for abrogating Article 370 and 35A gle largest party netting highest number of votes. from J&K. The government has managed to hold BJP won three seats in three different districts of DDC polls peacefully is another feather in its cap. the Valley in DDC polls. Aijaz Hussain, Aijaz Ahmad BJP candidate Aijaz Hussain who won the Khan and Minha Lateef won from Khonmoh-II seat in Khonmoh-II seat credited Prime Minister Narendra Srinagar, Tulail seat in Bandipora district and Modi’s policies and hard work of party members for Kakpora in Pulwama, respectively. his success. The victory is significant as most of the political “This is a win for the BJP. The propaganda has parties in J&K were fighting together against the been busted as people have shown their faith in Saffron party. Despite its best efforts, they failed to Prime Minister Modi and his policies. This is a mes- halt the march of BJP in the Kashmir Valley. The sign sage that nationalists are prospering in Kashmir. is clear that the BJP has started making inroads People want development, and this is a vote for

Organiser 10 January 3, 2021 JAMMU & KASHMIR

The newly-carved Union Territory of J&K witnessed a massive participation of voters of all age-groups in first-ever DDC polls post-revocation of Article 370 and 35A. No killings, bandhs, boycott, curfew, hurling of bombs at polling booths, and stone- pelting incidents were reported

Initially, Kashmir-based political parties PDP and NC said that they would not participate in the democratic process until the ‘special status’ is reinstated, but later they sensed the public mood and changed their stance. Much to the surprise, the Kashmir division has wit- nessed highest ever turnout in the last three decades in the first-ever election to the DDC post-abrogation of Article 370 and 35A. “Frankly speaking, I was stunned to see such a huge response from all sections of the society in the electoral process. People, whether old or young, women or men all participated with enthusiasm. Even in South Kashmir, which is considered the hub of separatism, witnessed a good voting percentage compared to the previous elec- tions, including Panchayat polls of 2018 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls,” said a senior officer in Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service. Youth standing in a queue to cast their votes during DDC elections in Jammu & Kashmir “Notably this is the first time DDC elections happened in J&K after the Centre amended the J&K Panchayat Raj development,” he said. Act 1989. For the first time in my whole career, there The newly-carved Union Territory witnessed a mas- was no curfew in Srinagar even in Downtown, a sensi- sive participation of voters of all age-groups in first-ever tive place from a law-and-order perspective. Even South DDC polls post-revocation of Article 370 and 35A. No Kashmir didn’t witness any curfew during the polls,” he killings, bandh, boycott, curfew, hurling of bomb at said. polling booths, and stone-pelting incidents during the BJP General Secretary Ashok Kaul sharing his politi- polls; people and leaders see it as a ‘winds of change’ cal campaign experience in Kashmir said, “We have as people choose ‘ballot over bullet’. Endorsing this done gathering of 300 to 400 people in Kashmir. The view, a Kashmiri youth Ajmal says, “Bandh, boycott and youth are welcoming us with open hands and joining the stone-pelting during polls is a thing of past in Jammu & party, which is a good thing. They are realising the Kashmir.” According to him, earlier, it was a daily affair. importance of abrogating Article 370 and 35 A. They “I will not say that everything is well and good after the know that BJP is the only party which can take J&K on abrogation of 370 and 35A in J&K especially Kashmir, the path of development. They have realised that NC- but yes things are changing and one can witness this PDP not only looted the money send by the Union gov- winds of change in the Valley,” he added. ernments for the betterment of Kashmir but also Amid freezing weather, voters turned up in large num- destroyed their future by putting stone and guns in bers to vote at their respective polling stations. Women, their hands”. youth and elderly voters were seen waiting in long With the BJP getting its first electoral victories in the queues for their turn. At some places, voters as old as Valley, there appears to be a slow but tangible shift in the hundred years were seen casting their votes. political dynamics of J&K. n

Organiser January 3, 2021 11 BRIG (RETD) ANIL GUPTA OPINION JAMMU & KASHMIR

Victory of Democracy over False Narratives The verdict of DDC polls signals the victo- ry of democracy over the false narratives of alienation, loss of confidence, special status, change in demography, cheating and betrayal. It is the defeat of communal and hate politics practised by the Kashmir-centric parties who tried their best to portray Bharatiya Janata Party as a “party of Hindus” and create Hindu-Muslim divide to keep BJP away Aijaz Hussain (C), the BJP candidate for the DDC polls showing victory from Valley politics sign after he won a DDC seat in Srinagar on December 22, 2020

over the false narratives of alienation, loss of confi- uch awaited peoples’ verdict after the dence, special status, change in demography, maiden elections to the District cheating and betrayal. It is the defeat of communal Development Councils (DDCs) conducted and hate politics practised by the Kashmir-centric after the reorganisation of the erstwhile parties who tried their best to portray Bharatiya J&K state and abrogation of Article 370 is Janata Party as a “party of Hindus” and create Mout. The results have proved beyond doubt that the Hindu-Muslim divide to keep BJP away from Valley people of J&K have full faith in Indian democracy politics. It is the defeat of status quo lobbies which and are as much interested in development as the forgetting all their political and ideological differ- rest of the countrymen. The results coincided with ences ganged up together to demand the restora- the onset of Chille-Kalan, the spine-chilling coldest tion of Article 370 and special status as perceived part of the winters, because of which the height- by them because the Constitution of India does not ened hopes of the status quo lobby of displaying refer to any special status for J&K. their annoyance with the Central government have The results of 278 seats out of 280 for which the been buried deep inside the wintry snow. elections were held have been declared. While the The verdict signals the victory of democracy Gupkar Alliance has won 112 seats, BJP has

Organiser 12 January 3, 2021 1.80%, PDF-0.72%, Congress-9.35%, JKAP- 4.32%, Panther-0.72%, BSP-0.36% and Independents-17.99%. The seven-party Peoples’ Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) was formed under Dr Farooq Abdullah’s chairmanship, whose main motive was to seek restoration of Article 370 and return of statehood. These parties individually earlier had refused to participate in the Panchayat and BDC elections. Later they stated that they would not par- ticipate in any polls till their demand for restoration of 370 is met followed by an announcement that all orders/ statutes declared after August 05, 2019, were illegal and would not recognise them. Realising that they have gone too far and such an insistence may make them irrelevant in mainstream politics which may lead to they being labelled as Hurriyat-2, they changed the decision and announced their participation in the elections as an alliance. As usual, Congress wanted to piggyback on the Alliance, but the Central unit of the party put a lid on their hopes announcing that it was not part of the Gupkar Alliance. However, the local unit had different plans. It portrayed Jammu’s adherence to the diktats of party high command, hoping that it could win some seats in Hindu majority districts. emerged as the single largest party with 75 seats But it failed to fool the people who had read their (including three from Kashmir) closely followed by mind well leading to its total washout in these dis- the National Conference with 67 seats (including tricts. As soon as the results were announced, the 24 from the bordering districts of Ramban, cat was let out of the bag by none other than the Kishtwar, and Rajouri). Incidentally, the party’s Chief Spokesperson by stating, “We were Independents have emerged victorious on 50 part of the Alliance. Where ever Congress has won (32+18) seats more than the combined total of the it is with the help of Alliance and wherever Alliance other regional parties comprising the Alliance. has won, it is with the help of Congress.” The usual Among the alliance members, PDP has won 27, Congress tactics of opportunistic politics and shar- People Conference 8, People Movement 3, CPM 5 ing the spoils of power with limited numbers. and PDF 2. As usual, Congress is sinking and has Incidentally, NC has replaced Congress as number managed only 26 seats while the newly launched two party in Jammu region. JK Apni Party has bagged 12. The Panthers Party Despite the opposition ganging up against the has won two seats and BSP has won one. Party BJP in both Jammu and Kashmir regions, the party wise percentage of seats won is BJP-26.98%, NC- contested the elections vigorously and left no stone 24.10%, PDP-9.71%, PC-2.88%, PM-1.08%, CPM- unturned to retain its clout in Jammu region but

Organiser January 3, 2021 13 OPINION JAMMU & KASHMIR

In the maiden District Development Council (DDC) away from this election. To fulfil its dream of election in Jammu & Kashmir, BJP has emerged as “Panchayat to Parliament” in Kashmir, BJP will have to come out with innovative and “out of box” the single-largest party with 75 seats initiatives to win over the Kashmiris. BJP has to Party Name Total Seat Won prove that it is different from other parties by eras- ing the image of “lack of sincerity” perceived about BJP 75 Delhi by majority Kashmiris. BJP has no option but J&K NC 67 to walk the talk. Jammu based parties which had also contested Independent 50 against the BJP but were not part of the Gupkar J&K PDP 27 Alliance have been decimated by the people who were expecting these parties to put up a joint front INC 26 against the Gupkar Alliance. JKAP 12 As the verdict was unfolding and the Alliance was faring well in Kashmir, the Gupkaris suddenly JKPC 8 changed the narrative from preventing BJP from CPI(M) 5 making inroads in Kashmir annihilating it in Jammu to the referendum of the government’s decision of JKPM 3 August 05, 2019, to abolish Article 370 and 35A. Even before the final tally had emerged both PDF 2 Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, leaders of the JKNPP 2 Gupkar Alliance, took to Twitter claiming the endorsement of their stand of restoring status quo BSP 1 ante as before August 05, 2019, contrary to their initially avowed aim and purpose. “Today’s DDC also worked tirelessly to strengthen its base in results have made it clear that people of J&K voted Kashmir Valley and break the stranglehold of the En masse for @JKPAGD, thus rejecting the uncon- Kashmir-centric parties. Though Lotus is the state stitutional decision to abolish Article 370. They flower of J&K and grows in abundance in Kashmir, have overwhelmingly supported @JKPAGD which BJP so far had been unable to ensure the blooming stands for the restoration of J&Ks special status,” of political lotus in Kashmir. But for the first time tweeted Mehbooba Mufti. A similar tweet from and that too after the abrogation of 370, BJP has Omar Abdullah also followed. These were followed succeeded in gaining a foothold in Kashmir by win- by a series of tweets and statements by other lead- ning three seats, one each in the three regions of ers of the Alliance. A clear cut attempt to hijack the Kashmir. It has sent shockwaves among the lead- victory of democracy by changing the narrative. ers of Gupkar alliance which claimed to have Desperate to remain in limelight and hog media entered the electoral fray only to checkmate the headlines through sensational and emotional out- BJP and prevent it from gaining entry into their bursts has forced these leaders to inculcate the exclusive stronghold so that they could continue to habit of putting their foot in the mouth. Truly speak- promote the politics of “exclusivity”. This will now ing when the successful conduct of the DDC elec- force them from remaining a mere alliance to trans- tions and wholehearted participation by the people form into a formidable political front for all political coupled with no boycott call or terror acts in the first battles in future—a major challenge for BJP. election held after the abrogation of Article 370 was BJP cannot rest on its laurels but will have to being hailed as the victory of Indian democracy by work hard to woo 70% Kashmiri voters who stayed the media and intelligentsia across the nation, the

Organiser 14 January 3, 2021 BJP cannot rest on its laurels but will have to work hard to woo 70% Kashmiri voters who stayed away from this election. To fulfil its dream of “Panchayat to Parliament” in Kashmir, BJP will have to come out with innovative and “out of box” initiatives to win over the Kashmiris. BJP has to prove that it is different from other parties by erasing the image of “lack of sincerity” perceived about Delhi by majority Kashmiris. BJP has no option but to walk the talk otherwise interpretation of the same by the Gupkar Alliance was not unex- pected. Gupkar Alliance’s politics has always revolved around hollow slo- gans, false and broken promises as well as false and manufactured narra- tives to exploit the public emotionally. It was anticipated and expected that after the results were declared, the parties would interpret the results based on the narrative they wanted to sell post the elections. Having to eat a humble pie after failing to stop the BJP from making inroads in Kashmir despite total polarisation and anti-BJP propaganda unleashed by the Alliance, it had no option but to change the narrative towards referendum of demand for restora- tion of Article 370. Unfortunately, their assertion is a false claim as statistics speaks to the contrary. The mandate received by the Alliance to form the District Councils which is laced with the hope of local development is well appreciated, and the Alliance deserves to be congratulated. But their attempt to unilaterally change the narrative deserves not only refuting but condemnation as well. The seven-party Alliance’s total votes are much less than the votes polled by BJP singularly. 7,08,714 (24.82%) votes were polled in favour of the BJP alone and the Alliance together has polled 6,43,274 votes (22.50%). Interestingly, newly formed Apni Party (5.30%) has won less number of seats (12) than the 26 of PDP its vote share is larger than the PDP (3.96%). If all the votes of the parties against the restoration of 370 are added, the tally jumps to nearly 15 lakhs while the total votes polled were 28, 55, 509. A clear cut verdict against the status quo agenda of the Gupkaris and in favour of development and better future sans terrorism and radicalism. It is also a big blow to those who have labelled BJP as a “party of the Hindus, by the Hindus and for the Hindus.” The Gupkaris will do well to serve the people and address their basic needs of connectivity, water and electricity for which people have reposed their faith in them while upholding the dignity of the Indian Constitution and the National Flag rather than once again resorting to the rhetoric of restora- tion of 370 which would always remain a distant dream. Rather than selling manufactured narratives, the people want their basic necessities and needs be provided to them. (The writer is a Jammu based veteran, political commentator, columnist, security and strategic analyst. The views expressed are entirely personal)

Organiser January 3, 2021 15 REPORT

Enamul Haque built his business empire with the blessings of the Trinamool leadership Trinamool Congress n SUMAN BHATTACHARYYA, KOLKATA

November 21, 2019, Kolkata witnessed an and the Cow Smuggling unprecedented shower of banknotes from a building in the central area of the city when Network the officials of the Department of Revenue Intelligence raided it in connection with For the last ten years, TMC leadership and the hawala transaction.n The office of the concerned company cow smuggling network went perfectly hand in Othat was raided ostensibly dealt with international trade. The video footage of the raid and the consequent shower hand and complete synergy. Enamul and his of banknotes of denominations of rupees five hundred and associates used to send money to Kolkata and two thousand had raised many eyebrows at that time. the South Asian Bank accounts of a very close But that was just the tip of the iceberg; the beginning of the show. It was soon found out that the particular relative of a powerful TMC politician. Enamul’s building from which the currency notes were showered, proximity to the leadership and the money given housed many of the offices of Enamul Haque. Enamul as bribe oiled the state administrative machinery Haque, the alleged kingpin of the cow smuggling network of Bengal, was arrested by the CBI from Delhi, on so well that the state police assisted in the November 6, 2020. Until then, nobody assumed what a smooth functioning of his smuggling network big empire Enamul had built so that his staff could throw

Organiser 16 January 3, 2021 away banknotes worth crores of rupees from the balcony of his office, to evade DRI investigations. Enamul’s smuggling network has been built on deep-rooted political nexus and administrative patronage of the TMC Government in West Bengal. Photographic evidence depicts the intimate relationship between the Murshidabad district leadership of Trinamool Congress on the one hand, and Enamul and his close relative and business associate, Humayun Kabir, on the other. The latter duo, Enamul and Humayun organised, sponsored and actively participated in the political campaigns of TMC during the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections. Humayun Kabir had been the frontman in most of Enamul’s operations. He had been instrumental in managing Enamul’s mining business overseas and used to hobnob with the TMC ministers and MPs. Several photographs depict Humayun Kabir as a suave businessman who owns a Enamul supported Trinamool financially number of petrol pumps, hotels and restaurants in the border areas of Murshidabad. He managed the funds and resources of Enamul to bribe the police, local extremely porous border facilitated the smuggling administration and politicians. He thus rose to be an empire that Enamul had built over a decade. influential member of the ruling party’s syndicate in In March 2018, a Malayali BSF officer was arrested Murshidabad and Malda. in a railway station from south India with liquid cash Enamul had been a small-time truck cleaner with a worth Rs 47 lakh. In the inquiry that followed, he local transporter until ten years ago. He built this divulged the name of Enamul Haque and that it is how business empire worth fifteen thousand crore rupees the name surfaced for the first time, a little more than which comprise smuggling, mining and other two years ago. CBI and ED started investigating on this enterprises extending up to Dubai and the United Arab network and they interrogated Enamul for the first time Emirates. The Trinamool leadership always blessed in 2018. A personal notebook of Enamul that was Enamul. In lieu of this, Enamul also supported seized during the investigations revealed a chart of Trinamool’s political ventures in Murshidabad and names, dates and the exact amount of cash transaction Malda. Enquiries by the CBI and ED have revealed that to the concerned leaders. It was soon found out that a portion of this money also reached the top TMC the racket that operated behind the cow smuggling in leadership in south Kolkata. For the last ten years, TMC West Bengal consisted of BSF officers, West Bengal leadership and the cow smuggling network went police officials and the TMC leadership. The unholy perfectly hand in hand and in complete synergy. nexus was exposed and CBI arrested satish Kumar, a Enamul and his associates used to send money to senior BSF Commandant, who was an integral part of Kolkata and the South Asian Bank accounts of a very Enamul’s smuggling network. Satish Kumar had been close relative of a powerful TMC politician. Enamul’s deployed in West Bengal for a long time and he enjoyed proximity to the leadership and the money given as a tremendous rapport with Enamul and his associates. bribe oiled the state administrative machinery so well CBI has also seized Satish Kumar’s property that the state police assisted in the smooth functioning worth many crores of rupees. The arrest of Satish of his smuggling network. Kumar also exposed how the TMC leadership Enamul was intelligent enough to not just stop at facilitated the smuggling network. Time will only say bribing Trinamool’s top leadership; he assumed how many TMC leaders will be probed for supporting complete control of the ruling party’s Murshidabad and the billion dollar empire of Enamul Haque, an empire Malda leadership. The blessings of the top leadership, which was built essentially on cow smuggling in active support of the administrative machinery and an West Bengal. n

Organiser January 3, 2021 17 Battle lines are drawn out, gloves are taken off long back, and now knives are out. The BJP, which was hard- ly a force a few years back in West Bengal; is now reckon- ing as the real-time competitor to the -led Trinamool Congress Former TMC leader and Mamata's aide joins BJP at 's rally Mamata Vs BJP: Gearing up for final battle n NIRENDRA DEV

erhaps in more ways than one, neither BJP nor India (Marxist) and also some Muslim leaders from Trinamool Congress had planned the war. The Trinamool Congress. This is the precursor to the fast- two parties got drawn into this battle through a approaching assembly polls of 2021 summer when series of political journeys, even mutual miscalcu- NarendraModi-Amit Shah's party will throw a major chal- P lation and toeing different road maps. At one lenge to the provincial party which ousted the Leftists in point, it is quite paradoxical that both the parties were 2011. valued allies. Mamata herself served as a Minister under In retrospect, we know in little more than one year, as Atal Bihari Vajpayee. But all these are now changed. many as 15 MLAs of Trinamool, three of the CPI (M) and Amit Shah, more often credited for ensuring the two belonging to the Congress are now with the BJP expansion of the Saffron party, visited West Bengal in which had only seven MLAs of its own in the 294-strong December 2020 for a brief two-and-a-half-day visit and state assembly polls in 2016. Ironically, in 2019 Lok scored a major milestone when a 'mass leader' Suvendu Sabha polls – when BJP showed significant improvement Adhikari and a host of Communist and Congress leaders in mass support, the saffron party's LokSabha tally went besides a number of Trinamool MLAs and a sitting MP up to 18 --- a quantum leap from modest 2 in 2014. Sunit Mondal joined the BJP. "Give one chance to Narendra Modi. We will make The mega defection-drama could be easily called the 'Sonar Bangla' in five years," Shah said. He visited biggest exodus from a party to another in a single day. It Sangeet Bhavana in Viswa Bharati, Santiniketan and has certainly given a new spring to the feet of the pro- shared snapson Twitter - "Committed to fulfilling Tagore's Hindutva political force. dream, restoring the lost glory of Bengal." Half a dozen state legislators and about 50 others Besides Suvendu Adhikari, who was MLA from politi- belonging to Trinamool Congress – at various levels - cally sensitive Nandigram, Tapasi Mondal (CPI-M), quit the party and joined the BJP on December 19. So did Ashoke Dinda, Sudip Mukherjee (Congress), Saikat TapsiMondal, Haldia MLA from the Communist Party of Panja, Shilbhadra Dutta, Dipali Biswas, Sukra Munda,

Organiser 18 January 3, 2021 REPORT/WEST BENGAL

Shyamapda Mukherjee, Biswajit Kundu, Banasri Maity, that 'the local political backing' is also helping Rohingyas Satyan Roy and a former MP Dashrath Tirkey joined the to sneak in. Others say the violence of 2018 panchayat Saffron party. elections have left people anguished and thus Trinamool has suffered most in pastoral areas. Of the 12 Lok Sabha 'The Adhikari family': seats Trinamool lost out of the 34 in 2019, most were in There is enough political significance of breaching the remote and far-flung locations. 'Adhikar family'. On the background of the stage at "The 2018 panchayat poll violence has harmed us. Medinipur was a catchy slogan 'aarnoeanyae (No More Even womenfolk no longer back Didi," lamented Injustice)'. It was as much for the common people as also Islampur-based Trinamool worker Roba Sen. for Suvendu, who were perhaps a victim of machinations But, the general refrain among Muslim voters is that of Mamata and her powerful nephew Abhishek Banerjee. they would still stick to Didi. "However, the division When Suvendu had first resigned from the Mamata’s among Muslim voters is an issue. Mamata Banerjee has cabinet on November 27, his supporters - calling them- set up Aliah University, a minority education institution selves 'Dada's foot soldiers' - had promised a political with a budget of Rs 257 crore. But the BJP campaign storm - fiercer than the Cyclone Amphan to sweep across seems to be powerful. Several Hindus in these pockets West Bengal. Certainly, the Shah-Nadda duo has pinned have shifted loyalties especially those who earlier backed a lot of hopes on Suvendu. If the grapevine is to be the Communists," she explains. The scheme of providing believed, he has promised to give BJP at least 50 seats. financial assistance to Imams and Muezzins - numbering an estimated 63,000 plus has also irked Hindus. Wrap up: In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP vote share in the According to a Trinamool booth worker in Siliguri, there state jumped from 17 per cent to 40.2 per cent. Mamata's are multiple challenges for his party, but one of them is most significant. "Keeping the Muslim base intact would The mega defection-drama could be easily called the be a difficult proposition. Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM biggest exodus from a party to another in a single and a local Muslim cleric Pirzada Abbas Siddiqui could in effect eat into Mamata's support base among Muslims," day. It has certainly given a new spring to the feet of he says. the pro-Hindutva political force In November, a video went viral, say locals - that showed Siddiqui indulging in fear-mongering - "If we do not come to power next time, they (Hindus) will rape our party recorded an increase from 39 per cent to 43 per women in front of our eyes". Common citizenry in Malda cent. "Notably, the Trinamool seats came down from 34 says such statements would only help the BJP in the long to 22. Increase in Trinamool vote percentage meant that run. AIMIM chief Owaisi has already made it clear that his the Muslim community voted en masse for Didi," says a party will contest elections in Bengal. AIMIM had picked local trader Iqbal Nawaz. up five seats in Bihar, and four of them were in con- This 'shift' of Muslim votes had resulted in a massive stituencies adjoining Mamata's state. drop in CPI(M)-led Left Front vote share from 29.9 per Of course, rural Bengal gives an angry look these cent to 7.5 per cent between 2014 and 2019. These days. The mood is palpable of grievance against the mean the Congress and the Leftists would be further political class. Not far from Naxalbari, where peasants' marginalised. protest once turned bloody, the 44-year-old BidyutKanti But at the end of the day, Mamata Banerjee has been Pal says, "Politics of Hindu-Muslim has grown stronger a fighter. In a dramatic development, BJP MP Saumitra here over last two years, and this is why Mamata Khan's wife has been now taken into Didi's party. But Banerjee's series of welfare measures and dole-outs did West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh says Mamata's pop- not help much in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections". ularity in rural Bengal has dropped. Others say the 'cut Besides key North Bengal constituencies, the BJP's money' or commission style politics is an issue. The BJP penetration was significant in the state's agriculture-rich has sensed the political messages well and would launch constituencies of Hooghly and Bardhaman-Durgapur, he a campaign stating that under BJP, all welfare schemes explains. Left to them, the voters are concerned about would be implemented without 'cut money'. This promise 'infiltration' of Bangladeshis. There is also a suspicion is gradually going to the people well. n

Organiser January 3, 2021 19 REPORT/ MNC ATTACK

China behind Wistron Episode?

The Communist Party of China and its propagandists have been busy issuing threats to com- panies that are planning to shift their manufacturing units to India

n ORGANISER BUREAU

n a desperate attempt to resist global manufacturers Global Times in their report says “Due to the poor from leaving China, state-run Global Times has local security situation in India, Wistron's factory was an unleashed a campaign asking companies not to con- obvious target for attacks.” Also, without directly asking sider India as a manufacturing destination. The recent companies to move out of India to China, this propa- riot in the iPhone manufacturing WistronCorporation’s ganda news outlet’s report goes like “Following the plant in Karnataka was given due importance by the video surfacing on social media, Chinese netizens Global Times. At the same time, there is suspicion of called for Apple to choose China as its main manufac- Chinese hand behind the protest. Both the Karnataka turing hub."Factories in China are safest to invest in. state government and the Wistron Corporation have The probability of smashing and burning in China is Irefuted the newspaper reports of wage cut and non- extremely low," commented a Chinese netizen named payment. The state government has also clarified that as ilife on Sina-Weibo."Move to China, China wel- no complaints were lodged by the labourers in the comes you," said another Chinesenetizen named as employment department regarding this. fangchunchun.

Organiser 20 January 3, 2021 REPORT/ MNC ATTACK

SFI leader Srikanth

The incident has attracted global attention and China’s state-run propaganda media outlets had made this a big issue. They had openly called for companies to shift their bases out of India to China. Meanwhile, there are allegations that China is behind the protest, which became even clearer after the arrest of a local SFI leader

Wistron’s iPhone factory violence which took place on the previous Saturday in Karnataka. Comrade Srikanth, the taluk president of SFI in Kolar, was arrested after the police found him leading an outsider group that caused damage to the factory and looted Apple products. ABVP Karnataka in its tweet over the arrest said: “Communist Student Wing #SFI is behind Apple plant violence in The Global Times also found an ‘independent analyst’ Bengaluru": Kolar MP. Local SFI President is arrested in to speak against India. This Beijing bases analyst told GT connection with the riot. Left ideology was always towards that Although India on the surface offers low labour costs, destruction & pulling down harmony in the society!” the production capacity, efficiency and quality of manufac- The incident has attracted global attention and China’s turing output is low. He also said “Many companies which state-ran propaganda media outlets had made this a big have tried to diversify away from China are moving their issue. They had openly called for companies to shift their manufacturing industry chain back. Although the cost has bases out of India to China. There is also allegation of increased, the efficiency has also increased. In the long China’s hand behind the protest, which becomes even run it is cost-effective for companies." He added that the clearer after the arrest of SFI leader. return of the industrial production to China is an Given the seriousness of the incident, the Karnataka inevitable trend. Home MinisterBasavarajBommai has ordered that a high- Following the COVID outbreak and China’s aggression ranking officer be appointed to oversee the investigation with neighbours, many companies are looking towards Meanwhile, Wistron India has pinned the loss due to India as an option to invest. Therefore, China will further the violence at Rs 43 crore, a significant deduction from try to project India as a lawless nation. India government the initial calculation of Rs 437 crore. SFI leader’s arrest will have a tougher job in finding out Chinese moles insti- exposes the organisation’s involvement in violent activi- gating chaos in India. ties and his questioning will further reveal the planning An SFI leader was arrested in connection with the and intention behind the violence. n

Organiser January 3, 2021 21 INTERVIEW/DR ASWATH NARAYAN CN Karnataka for quantum leap in IT, BT sectors: Dr Aswath Narayan CN Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, Dr Ashwath Narayan who is the minister in charge of Higher education, Skill Development, Information Technology and Bio-Technology said that the state is poised for a quantum leap in both the IT and BT sectors. He added that the state has adapted to the National Education Policy and said that the Skill development projects are now based on supply and demand. The minister who is a trained medical doctor from the world-famous medical institute, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore was speaking to senior journalist Arun Lakshman in an exclusive interview. Excerpts:

n You are heading the crucial portfolios of Information Technology and Bio-Technology, are these sectors showing growth amidst the Covid pandemic? As the whole globe was affected by Covid pan- demic, we also suffered, but we were closely follow- ing the guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and acted according to it. The main sectors are now open and are doing brisk busi- ness. The state government is expecting a giant leap in both the IT and BT sectors with the IT sector poised for a 150 billion dollar growth in the next cou- ple of years while the BT sector is for a growth of 50 billion dollars in the same period. It is all work and we are working twenty-four hours to increase the brand value of Karnataka and to develop it as the global capital of IT and BT.

n Karnataka is learnt to be doing exceedingly well in the Skill development area and you are heading that department as well, Your comments on the same? Yes. We are into providing quality Skill develop- ment to youths across the state in association with the Skill development support initiative of the Government of India. In earlier days it was Skill now almost all who are being trained under Skill development without focus and the result was that development get placed in good companies. many youths who were trained under Skill develop- ment did not get placements, leading to disappoint- n What are the other activities of the Ministry of Higher educa- ment. We have worked out on it and found that there tion? Can you elaborate? has to be a balance between demand and supply and UUCMS (Unified Universities and College the training should be according to the market needs. Management Systems) is being developed and This improved the situation and after our government implemented in association with Department of E- assumed office we are stressing on this point and governance. This is for the total computerization of

Organiser 22 January 3, 2021 all departments, academia, administration and exams. We are also into digital learning project by The state government is expecting a giant leap in both which the College faculties are preparing study mate- the IT and BT sectors with the IT sector poised for a rials, PPT videos, study materials and assignments 150 billion dollar growth in the next couple of years with technology collaboration. Youth empowerment centres in 30 colleges in each district have been set while the BT sector is for a growth of 50 billion dollars up to create awareness on job opportunities for the in the same period youth of the state. A total of 69000 classes have been conducted to prepare students for the college educa- the extended Sangh Parivar. This policy will bring in tion and technical education department and more qualitative education to the students of the state and than 12,500 video classes have been uploaded into we are working in the framework of the NEP for the the Jnananidhi YouTube channel for the pursuance betterment of education for children of our state. of students. Two geostationary technology centres are also being set up at a cost of Rs 5 crore each to n How is the BJP government of Karnataka doing politically? This government under Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa is a mix of experienced and seasoned leaders along with young leaders and this mix has led to major impetus in the growth of Karnataka. This is a people-centric government aiming to lift the liveli- hood of the people of the state in par with global standards and we are moving ahead according to the targets we have set for ourselves. We are also encouraging startups and are mainly focusing to channelize the youth of the state as harbingers for change and I think that we have done extremely well since we came to power and this is a positive sign for the people of Karnataka. The people-friendly and people-oriented programs of the Union government are practically implemented and executed in Karnataka for the benefit of the common man. While we are moving ahead to be a major destination for IT, BT, Industries we have taken a slew of measures to improve the lifestyle of the common man and to take them forward in life.

n Will the BJP government come back to power in Karnataka in the next assembly elections? Assembly elections are far away but the BJP gov- enhance employment opportunities for polytechnic ernment in the state is doing extremely well as I said and engineering students. earlier. We are a people-friendly, business-friendly and industrial-friendly government working according n What about the National Educational Policy? How is its impact in to the policies and programmes of our manifesto and Karnataka? I think that the party will romp home in the next National Educational Policy and its implementa- assembly elections with a huge margin as the poli- tion will be creating revolutionary changes in the edu- cies and programs implemented by this government cational system of the country and Karnataka is no has provided a positive impact in the lives of the peo- exception. It has been on the agenda of the BJP and ple of Karnataka. n

Organiser January 3, 2021 23 SUMEET MEHTA OPINION TAMIL NADU POLITICS Will Rajnikant's debut in politics be a blockbuster? Many believe that Rajinikanth is too late to venture in politics, given his age and reduced popularity. Many believe that the best period for Rajinikanth to enter NT Rama Rao did. At this juncture, it is interesting to understand politics was in the 1990s and 2000s. He whether Rajinikanth can make a significant impact has delayed his entry, and this may not in Tamil Nadu politics. At this juncture, it is pertinent to know that Tamil Nadu elections are heavily augur well for him impacted by caste-based politics. At the same time, nearly 70-75% of the electorate is firmly entrenched amil film superstar Rajinikanth has finally with either of the two Dravidian parties, viz. DMK announced his big bang debut in politics. He and ADMK. The election result mainly depends on has registered his party named where most of this balance 25-30% of the electorate MakkalSevaiKatchi, and election symbol of swings. Autorikshaw is allotted to him. After all deliberations Before deliberating on the impact of Rajinikanth andT run over with J. Jayalalitha in 1996 elections, in 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections, it is essen- now Rajinikanth is decided to contest elections. The tial to assess the strength and strongholds of castes national media, especially the English and Hindi and parties. Major caste groups that back two major media, has covered this development with a lot of Dravidian parties are Thevars, Gounders, Nadars, enthusiasm. This entry of Rajinikanth in politics has and Vanniyars. These four communities collectively attracted attention from normal citizens outside account for around 50% of the population in the Tamil Nadu, who are not fully informed about the state. Thevars are a martial community in Tamil contours and nuances of Tamil Nadu politics. Nadu. They account for approximately 10-11% of This is not the first time that a film superstar has the state's population and influence victory by hold- forayed in the good, bad, ugly world of politics. ing sway on 40-45 seats out of total 264 seats. Tamil Nadu has seen Tamil superstars MG Gounders are a landholding community that has Ramachandran, his protégé J. Jayalalitha, and ventured from agriculture into industry, government Kamal Hassan venturing in politics. In the neigh- jobs like police, judiciary, and administration. They bouring state, Andhra Pradesh NT Rama Rao had a have a nearly equal share in population as Thevars big bang entry in politics by contesting elections and and dominate 50-55 seats. Vanniyars are a group of becoming Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. This backward communities comprising of Pallar, has also created a perception in people living out- Paraiyar, Chakliyar, and Arunthiyar. They are a side or not connected with Tamil Nadu on whether large social group comprising of around 14-15% of Rajinikanth can repeat what MG Ramachandran or the population and influence over around 60-65

Organiser 24 January 3, 2021 seats. Last comes the Nadar community. Nadars Now if these two precedents are compared with were a backward community in the past. But the Rajinikanth's current status in Tamil Nadu, it is community is very enterprising, and today they hold an influential position in Tamil Nadu's economy with evident that Rajinikanth lacks the experience of control over banking, trading, manufacturing, and MG Ramachandran and party cadre and infras- service sectors. They account for around 10-12% of tructure of MG Ramachandran and NT Rama Rao. the vote share in the state and can influence around 20-25 seats. If we put all these 4 major communities The party is launched hardly six months before together, they impact the 170 – 185 seats. This is the assembly elections approximately 75% of the total seats in the state assembly. Beyond these 4 major caste groups, var- ly all the seats it contested. DMK had a clean sweep ious smaller groups are attached to either of these in the election-winning all seats. This is despite two Dravidian parties. Kamal Haasan being a superstar with a huge fan This brings everyone to the moot question – can following. In such a situation, whether Rajinikanth's Rajinikanth's debut in the good, bad, ugly world of superstar status can help in winning votes is a big politics become a blockbuster or will it be a flop? If question. While Rajinikanth is a superstar, the num- precedents are used as indicators for the electoral ber of films done by him has reduced significantly in and political success of a superstar, then the analy- the last 10 years, compared to his stature in the sis would not be perfect. There are two reasons for 1990s. Those who believe he can make an impact the same. First – when MG Ramachandran became like 1996 could face disappointment. Many believe the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, he was in politics that Rajinikanth is too late to venture in politics, for more than 20 years and a legislator for nearly 10 given his age and reduced popularity. Many believe years. Along with this, he created his political party that the best period for Rajinikanth to enter politics – AIADMK by vertically splitting an existing party was in the 1990s and 2000s. He has delayed his that was in power – i.e. DMK. In other words, he has entry, and this may not augur well for him. experience in politics along with an existing party Only saving grace for Rajinikanth could come infrastructure and cadre. This is how he could easily from how he manages to stitch an alliance with key make it very big in politics when he launched his leaders of various communities aligned with either party. Second – when NT Rama Rao got elected, of the two major Dravidian parties. This will result in Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was just one year old. how many votes he can pull out from these two par- However, it is worth noting that there was no credi- ties. At the same time, simmering issues in DMK ble opposition in the state. At the same time, NT and ADMK would help Rajinikanth and Kamal Rama Rao spends one full year in growing the base Haasan, if those issues within the parties are not of the party. adequately managed during ticket distribution and Now if these two precedents are compared with election campaign. Rajinikanth's current status in Tamil Nadu, it is evi- To sum up, Rajinikanth's debut in politics is the dent that Rajinikanth lacks the experience of MG talk in the town right now. Will he win more than Ramachandran and party cadre and infrastructure 10% vote share and a respectable number of seats of MG Ramachandran and NT Rama Rao. Party is in elections, that only time will tell. Elections are launched hardly six months before the assembly nearly 6 – 7 months away, and this is a very long elections. Can superstar and celebrity status help time in politics to change everything. These 6 – 7 Rajinikanth in winning elections? This is again, months will show how good Rajinikanth is in his doubtful. Kamal Haasan launched his political party political manoeuvres and stunts he can put up to - MakkalNeedhiMaiam in February 2018. In 2019 make him a superstar in political theatre. General Elections, the party could not manage to do (The writer is a Chartered Accountant and anything significant. The party lost deposits in near- Financial Consultant)

Organiser January 3, 2021 25 REPORT/IISF 2020

India will emerge science & tech hub: PM Modi “India has data, demography, demand, democracy to achieve world-class scientific solutions”

n ORGANISER BUREAU

naugurating the India International Science Festival biggest long term challenge for science is to attract (IISF) 2020 on December 22, Prime Minister Narendra and retain quality youngsters.Our efforts are aimed at Modi said India has a rich legacy in science, technolo- making India the most trustworthy centre for scientific gy and innovation. He called upon the scientific com- learning and want scientists to grow with best of world munity to rekindle the scientific temperament in the talent." society and help people solve the challenges faced by The prime minister waxed eloquent on India’s scien- the world. The sixth edition of IISF was organised by tific prowess. According to PM Modi, India is emerging the Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of as a credible and reliable centre for scientific learning. Earth Sciences and Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) from He called upon the global scientific community to make I December 22 to 25, 2020 in New Delhi through virtual use of India’s advantages for the benefit of the human- mode. ity. Inviting the global community to innovate in India, Addressing the delegates, the Prime Minister said, PM Modi cited the country's success in the space sec- "India has a rich legacy in science, technology and tor. "All our efforts are aimed at making India the most innovation. Our scientists have done path-breaking trustworthy centre for scientific learning. At the same research. Our tech industry is at the forefront of solving time, we want our scientific community to share and global problems but India wants to do more." grow with the best of global talent. No wonder India Elaborating on the point, PM Modi said, "The has become active in hosting hackathons," he said.

Organiser 26 January 3, 2021 REPORT/IISF 2020

Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland and other countries at the “Overseas Science & Technology Ministers’ and Diplomats’ conclave” at the Festival. He said, “We have learnt to harness the soft prowess of sci- ence and technology as an important pillar of our coop- eration in the knowledge economy of the 21st century.” Dr Vardhan stated: “The current Covid-19 pandemic has reinforced our belief in innovation and R&D to accelerate products and services that not only help in disease management, but also enhance our level of preparedness for future outbreaks. India’s response to the pandemic has been driven by the wisdom and evi- dence of science. Today, the focus has shifted to vac- cine production and rapid testing. Many vaccines are in the advanced stage of development and India is slated to become one of the largest manufacturers of vaccines in the world.” He expressed his satisfaction “The immunoassay laboratory of Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) has been recognised by Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) as one of the six global networks of laboratories for centralised assessment of Covid- 19 vaccines.”

Talking about India’s progress in the space sector, Theme of the sixth edition India International the Prime Minister said, "The way we have achieved Science Festival-2020 held in virtual mode was success in the space sector, the same we have to achieve success in the area of deep sea. In this direc- 'Science for Self-Reliant India and Global Welfare'. tion, India is running the Deep Ocean Mission. Over one lakh participants enrolled for the event Government of India stands ready to address any chal- lenge and improve the research environment here." According to Dr Vardhan, there are many other chal- Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the sixth edition of lenges which the world is readying to face in the post the IISF was held virtually organised jointly by the Covid-19 era such as climate change, energy and water Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), security, anti-microbial resistance etc, to name a few. Vijnana Bharti, the Department of Biotechnology, “To face these challenges, we must rethink on how Department of Science and Technology and the Ministry research is funded, we need to re-visualise which of Earth Sciences. The theme of the IISF 2020 is research is being funded and re-imagine newer ways of 'Science for Self-Reliant India and Global Welfare'. cooperation on this front,” he emphasised. Over one lakh registrations have been recorded for the Dr.Vardhan said that the pandemic has accelerated event. digitization and we need to utilise Artificial Intelligence Union Minister of Science & Technology, Earth and Big Data with responsibility and accessibility. “India Sciences and Health & Family WelfareDr. Harsh has taken leadership in digitisation and our contact trac- Vardhanhas said “Science and Technology breaks all ing and tracking of Covid-19 cases has shown that India barriers.... We also believe it validates the Indian philos- can harness digital solutions for benefit of the popula- ophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – the world is one tion,” he pointed out. family. This expression reflects our ancient, inclusive The sixth edition of IISF was hosted by the Council of traditions”. He was addressing Science & Technology Scientific and Industrial Research-NationalInstitute of ministers from Afghanistan, Cambodia, Myanmar, Science, Technology and Development Studies Philippines, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan and diplomats from (NISTADS), New Delhi. n

Organiser January 3, 2021 27 K SAHADEV OPINION CASTE DISCRIMINATION

Church Priority over Last 400 Years: Social Justice or Conversion? Christians across the world decry evils of Hindu caste system and lose no opportunity to blame Hindu religion for the same, ignoring that caste, segregation and untouchability were given sanction by the Pope

n December 3, 2020, protests erupted in front of the headquarters of the Archdiocese of day with massive pogroms and attacks. Under Nazi Pondicherry-Cuddalore at Puducherry as Hitler, at least 15 lakh Roma were put to death. Dalit Christians demanded justice in the The Cagots of Europe were treated as outcasts appointment of Dalit priests and total exclusion of and forced to live on the edge of the villages. The ODalit Christians from the management of church Cagots were subjected to hate-filled discrimination affairs. The very word "Dalit Christian" is an oxy- for nearly 700 years. Shunned as lepers, pagans, moron as Christianity boasts profusely about its and even cannibals, they were forced to live in ghet- egalitarian nature with no scope what so ever for tos called cagoteries where they were only permit- any discrimination. ted the occupations of carpenter, butcher, or execu- Protests like these expose the naked discrimina- tioner. When they were permitted entrance to a tion these converts from Hinduism endure after Church (in many cases they were refused admit- embracing Christianity. This brings to the question tance), they were segregated from the rest of the whether the focus of the Church in India is social congregation, and the Eucharist was handed to justice (as professed) or conversions? Has them at the end of a long stick. They were com- Christianity ever tried to ensure social justice even pelled to wear the sign of a duck or goosefoot in red. as it went about converting Hindus in India? Church's cruel history in India Was Christianity ever egalitarian? European clergymen arriving in India were part of a The earliest Christian clergymen to arrive in India society, which openly practised discrimination were from Europe. 16th Century Europe was not a against certain sections of the society, where hang- society well known for its egalitarianism. On the ing to death of non-Christians was officially sanc- contrary, several sections of the society were tioned and where women routinely executed for ostracised, treated as outcasts. The treatment of practising witchcraft (last witch execution took place Roma gypsies, who had migrated from India to var- in Scotland 1727). Execution of those practising ious parts of Europe around 600-800 years ago is a non-Christian beliefs continued till 1826. Intolerance case in point. Their discrimination continues to this of non-Christian faiths, social discrimination were

Organiser 28 January 3, 2021 Hindus who genuinely believed that what Robert De “We have come here to Nobili was teaching was yet another branch of Hinduism. He appeared as the Teacher of the fourth dialogue with the diocesan Veda, a Veda revealed indeed by God not to the administration to eradicate Rishis of India, but to the messengers of God's only caste discrimination and son. He insisted that he was a Sannyasi from Rome. He called Christianity as 'parangui kulam' the untouchable practices (Parangui = Firangi or Foreign). in the archdiocese espe- Robert di Nobili practised blatant caste discrimi- nation to further his objective- convert Hindus into cially in the appointment of Christianity. Since he was pretending to be a the Dalit priests,” Roman Brahmin, if a Paria got sick, de Nobili would —Mary John, Tamil Nadu not see him in his wretched hut, but he insisted that he should be brought out of the house. He used to State Leader for Dalit meet fellow Jesuit priests only at night, in total dark- Christian Liberation ness. Movement. Inquisition of de Nobili and approval of Pope The methods adopted by De Nobili viz., creating an integral part of European society at the time of caste wise missionaries, churches and allowing arrival of earliest Christian missionaries were land- Hindu caste marks to be used even after conversion ing in India. It is no wonder that they never tried to to Christianity attracted the attention of church create an egalitarian Christian society in India. On authorities and an the contrary, they used caste divisions in Hindu The Cagots of Europe Inquisition was held society for furthering their objective of conversions were treated as out- against him. Archbishop into Christianity. One such Christian missionary was casts and forced to Menezes declared him- Robert de Nobili. self in favour of the new live on the edge of the methods and said 'he Deception as method to convert gullible Hindus villages. The Cagots would be ready to allow The methods adopted by Robert Di Nobili to convert were subjected to wearing 100 Brahmin Hindus and expand Christianity in India are a case chords for the salvation in point. Born in 1577 in Italy, he came to India as a hate-filled discrimina- of one soul'. priest of the Society of Jesus. He arrived in India in tion for nearly 700 One hundred and 1605 and moved to Madurai in 1606. He found that years. Shunned as eight learned Brahmins existing methods of converting Hindus were not added their testimony to effective. He adopted new ways which bordered on lepers, pagans, and de Nobili's testimony deception to convince Hindus to convert. He even cannibals, they and fully confirmed his donned saffron robes, shaved his head, leaving a were forced to live in interpretation of their tuft of hair, wore wooden sandals and called himself marks and customs. 'Tattva Bodhagar' – Teacher of Wisdom. He called ghettos called cago- In January 1623, the himself a Roman Brahmin and wore the sacred teries methods and tactics of thread. The Bible became Vedam, Church became de Nobili were 'Koil' (Tamil word for Hindu temple). The pastor approved by Pope, Christianity's highest office…! became 'Guru'. He mastered Sanskrit, Tamil and Caste and caste marks were officially allowed in Telugu languages. This attracted a large number of Christianity. A more amusing aspect of the Papal

Organiser January 3, 2021 29 OPINION CASTE DISCRIMINATION sanction was creation of Christian yagnopaveetam (janeu) and "Christian Upanayanam" or sacred thread ceremony which will be performed in the Church…! The approval letter reads: "The chord should not be received in the temple, or from one of their priests, but from a Catholic priest, who upon confer- ring it, should recite the prescribed prayers". The pagan prayers and mantras which used to be learnt upon receiving the chord, should not be learnt, but rather should be confined to perpetual oblivion... The chord, made up of three strands, should not be made so in honour of their idols, but rather in hon- our of the Blessed Trinity. The converts, who have already received the chord, should burn the old one, and receive a new one from the Catholic priest. described as 'Pariah' castes and used to proselytize Thus untouchability which finds neither mention nor amongst them and prepare catechumens from sanction in Hindu religious scriptures just got the amongst them. The first of these Pandaraswamis seal of approval from Christianity's highest office – were Father Balthazar da Costa and Emmanuel The Pope! This clearly demonstrates that social jus- Alvarez. The Brahmin missionaries sporting tice and social reform were of little importance to the Brahmanical attire with sikha and sacred thread Church when the goal is to harvest souls. The used to proselytise amongst upper-caste Hindus. Inquisition against him concluded "We judge it alto- The first Brahmin missionary was Father S. Maya. gether expedient, in order that our holy religion may He always accompanied di Nobili whenever the lat- be propagated in those lands, that the Brahmins ter went to meet royals, nobles and Brahmins. Di and others, who are being initiated, be allowed to Nobili was always attired in saffron robes, sacred wear those marks, which more than religious signs, thread, carried Kamandala, while his disciple car- may be deemed to be signs of caste, nobility or wis- ried the deerskin and the umbrella of honour. dom. If something superstitious has been added, let A ground plan of the Church constructed by di it be dropped, and let the intention be purified." Nobili shows how caste and untouchability were All the while, Hindu religion was going through a made part of church architecture. The plan shows phase of internal renewal and renaissance with the that the main church entrance was reserved for high rise of a number of great social reformers like castes, while the pariah castes had to use a differ- Basavanna, Ramanujacharya and the rise of Bhakti ent entrance. Every aspect of worship – altar, com- cult. These reformers and saints strived to eliminate munion, confession room, common space, kitchen undesirable customs and social practices that had and even courtyard were strictly segregated for high crept into the Hindu society. No such efforts on the castes and pariahs. The pariahs had to listen to the part of Christian missionaries in this direction are mass through an opening in the wall which segre- found. Even the temple entry movements, the abo- gated them from high caste converts. This is lition of untouchability movements were led by extremely shocking even by standards of the day Hindu social reformers themselves. and reveals the complete indifference of the Church towards social inequalities. On the contrary, such The invention of ‘Brahmin' and 'Pariah' inequalities were skilfully exploited to further the Robert de Nobili created two distinct classes of cause of conversions. native missionaries- Brahmins and Pandaraswamis. Thus for more than 400 years, the Church has The latter were drawn predominantly from what is given priority to conversions rather than social jus-

Organiser 30 January 3, 2021 Arundathiyars who have no role in the management of the Church. In another cemetery in Trichy, the deceased Christians are buried on either side of the wall depending upon their caste. Christians across the world bad mouth evils of Hindu caste system and lose no opportunity to blame Hindu religion for the same, completely ignoring that caste, segregation and untouchability were given sanction by the Pope as seen earlier. The Church does not object to the continuation of the use of Hindu caste A ground plan of the suffixes as part of the name, several genera- Church constructed tions after conversion by Di Nobili shows to Christianity. In tice. Caste inequalities were exploited for furthering how caste and Andhra Pradesh, one soul harvesting. The result is there for all to see. In can find third or fourth 2008, violent clashes broke out in Eraiyur in Tamil untouchability were generation Christian Nadu between Christians from OBC and SC castes. made part of church converts using suffixes The clashes were a fall out of Dalit Christians start- architecture. The plan like 'Reddy' ing their own Church in protest against discrimina- 'Chowdary' etc. tion and practice of untouchability in churches and shows that the main In the 21st century, seeking recognition from the Diocese. In the police church entrance was if people like Mary firing that followed, two people were killed. Several reserved for high John are forced to churches in the area were locked up by Dalit launch agitations Christians. There are many instances of walls inside castes, while the through like Dalit churches and cemeteries. In 2011, clashes erupted pariah castes had to Christian Liberation in Thachur village, 80 km from Chennai on the issue use a different Movements, it is of burial of Dalit Christians to which the Reddy because the Church Christians objected. According to an article pub- entrance did not work towards lished in The Frontline magazine, the Church is con- social justice but structed with a star shape. The central portion is exploited social inequalities to further its cause of reserved for Reddy Christians who manage the conversions. Church while the sides are earmarked for converts (The writer is a Sr. Associate at Centre for South Indian from SC castes like Adi Dravidars and Studies, Hyderabad)

Organiser January 3, 2021 31 NEP 2020 Realising Malaviyaji’s Dreams Malaviyaji's vision of education had a deep sense of service to humanity so that there could be happiness in the lives of all individuals, society, nation, and the entire world. Along with scientific temper and technological competence, the youth of our country should have the entrepreneurial skill, with upright charac- ter and possessing human values enshrined in the Indian tradition

n PROF RAMA SKANKER DUBEY

great patriot, a visionary educationist, an outstanding and search for knowledge in all possible disciplines statesman, a great social reformer, an effective ranging from classical ancient Indian culture, philos- lawyer, an ardent journalist, a successful parliamen- ophy, religion, humanities, and arts to modern sci- tarian and a great champion of Indian nationalism, ence, medicine, agriculture, engineering and tech- Bharat RatnaMahmanaPanditMadan Mohan nology. MalaviyaJi conceptualised that in our educa- A MalaviyaJi was born on December 25, 1861, in tional institutions' students should acquire expertise Prayagraj. We remember him on his birthday, who in diverse disciplines of humanities, arts, social sci- founded a great Temple of Learning, the Banaras ences, modern science and technology and at the Hindu University, which depicts a living form of his same time should imbibe the high ideals, traditions, contemplation of the role of education and educa- culture and values of our glorious ancient Indian tional institutions in nation-building, which estab- civilisation. lished a new chapter in the history of education in the It was the vision of MalaviyaJi to blend the best of global arena. He envisioned that a university should Indian education called from the ancient Gurukul serve as a premier centre of world-knowledge, systems of learning, the ideal educational institutions should have an incessant longing for deeper quest of ancient India Takshashila, Nalanda, Vikramshila

Organiser 32 January 3, 2021 NEP 2020

Ancient India was an advanced knowledge-society where a glorious tradition of education was built in the form of the Gurukul system since the Vedic and Upanishadic periods. This tradition was built by Gurus, Rishis, and eminent scholars possessing knowledge of the highest level with perfection. Saints, poets, philosophers, scientists, astronomers and mathematicians with unparallel knowledge enriched this education system

the youth an opportunity to imbibe the great ideals and values of India's culture and traditions while attaining proficiency and mastering in the diverse disciplines of modern art, humanities, science and technology. Malaviyaji believed that character building in students is more important than intellectual development and favoured education of religion and ethics for character building. He considered religion to be the direct path to character building and considered patriotism as the best power because the spirit of patriotism motivates a man to do a high level of selfless service. According to him, patriotic communication throws selfishness away from our hearts. Ancient India was an advanced knowledge- society where a glorious tradition of education was built in the form of the Gurukul system since the Vedic and Upanishadic periods. This tradition was built by Gurus, Rishis, and eminent scholars possessing knowledge of the highest level with perfection. Saints, poets, philoso- phers, scientists, astronomers and mathematicians with unparallel knowledge enriched this education system. and other hallowed institutions, with the best tradition of India was Vishwa Guru only because of an education modern universities of the west so that an education system that was built on Indian vision aimed at holistic system is introduced where students can gain proficien- development of individual, development of mind, body cy in various aspects of humanities and science and at and soul, imbibing high ideals and values of great Indian the same time they imbibe the great ideals of Indian cul- tradition. According to MahamanaMalaviyaJi conforming ture. It was MalaviyaJi's objective to make available a to the Gurukul system, the aim of education is the all- proper vision of education to the society, nation and the round development of the personality of youth, the per- world where students would acquire expertise in diverse sonality which is materially, morally, culturally and spiri- disciplines of humanities, arts and different branches of tually sounds besides being empowered with knowledge modern science and technology, imbibing the thoughts and skills. Malaviyaji's vision was to link materialism with and vision of Indian culture laying full emphasis on char- morality so that as the body develops, the mind acter building through ethics and religion as an inalien- becomes pure, and the soul also develops. Considering able part of education. National Education Policy - 2020 cultural ethos and spiritual wisdom of India, according to is indeed a historic and revolutionary step towards real- MalaviyaJi the youth should possess human values like ising the dreams of MahamanaMalaviyaji, which gives peace, truthfulness, high-quality thoughts, non-violence,

Organiser January 3, 2021 33 NEP 2020 tolerance, patience, compassion, love for all, respect for nificant difficulty of the students is that the medium of the motherland and devotion to its culture and ideals. instruction is a foreign language and not their mother Malaviyaji always said that for the development of phys- tongue. In any other part of the civilised world, the medi- ical, mental, and emotional powers, a student should fol- um of instruction of that community is not a foreign lan- low the principles of brahmacharya, speak the truth, do guage. He was of the clear view that the upliftment of lit- exercise, have thrust for learning, show patriotism, erature and the country is only possible through the lan- should have perseverance in his faith and love for all liv- guage of that country. It is imperative that Sanskrit and ing beings. Indian languages were the medium of instructions in the National Education Policy - 2020, encompasses the Gurukul and higher educational institutions in India from vision of MalaviyaJi in having provision of the teaching of the ancient Vedic period to the mid-19th century. The Indian cultural values, traditions, folk arts, Indian lan- implementation of the National Education Policy - 2020 guages, and human values for all the students at all lev- will free India from the 185-year-old Macaulay's slavery els from the age of three years to higher education. For education policy, which has an open provision for teach- which compatible course materials and teaching meth- ing in the foreign language from very primary classes ods have to be developed. There is also a provision to onwards. With this education policy, students will be incorporate Indian knowledge systems, including tribal able to take education in their mother tongue, local lan- and indigenous knowledge in the curriculum. With this guages or regional languages up to class five from the education policy, students will be educated for India's age of three. This education policy also provides the pro- cultural heritage, Indian knowledge systems and value- vision for taking education in Indian languages depend- based knowledge, pledging to create students with a ing on the wishes of the student from schooling to higher multifaceted personality whose body and mind are education. This education policy is committed to the preserva- Mahamana Malaviyaji was of the opinion that more tion, prosperity and continued development of Indian books in different disciplines of knowledge including languages. For this, there are provisions to establish an Indian Institute of Translation and Interpretation and science be written, published and their education is National Institute for Pali, Persian and Prakrit. Along with imparted in the mother tongue so that the this, there is a provision to choose between Devbhasha knowledge including those of science streams could Sanskrit and other traditional languages of India under the trilingual formula and the emphasis is on strengthen- reach the students easily ing the departments of Sanskrit and Indian languages in higher educational institutions. Language is a medium of healthy and can successfully meet the global challenges expression. of the 21st century. Through this education policy, stu- Early childhood education in the mother tongue will dents will derive self-pride, will be built upright character, facilitate thinking, learning and memorising power of the which will lead to a flow of positive energy in the body student with a fast pace. Students will develop an affinity and ultimately will help students in leading successful with the mother tongue, culture and local traditions. lives. This is the first education policy in the history of Fundamental thinking is possible only in the mother independent India which emphasises the need to pre- tongue, so knowledge taken in the mother tongue will serve India's traditional knowledge systems, languages have natural acceptance. As a result of this education and cultural values and to impart its education to the stu- policy, students will become proficient in various disci- dents with amazing coordination of global updated plines of knowledge and science through Indian lan- knowledge to bring excellence in education so that our guages. MahamanaMalaviyaji was of the opinion that educated youth will have their roots in Indianness and more books in different disciplines of knowledge includ- will be able to become a successful global citizen by ing science be written, published and their education is being proficient in different dimensions of knowledge to imparted in the mother tongue so that the knowledge lead India in various fields. including those of science streams could reach the stu- Devoted to the upliftment of 'Hindi, Hindu and dents easily. Keeping this in mind, he himself estab- Hindustan', Malaviyaji was a strong proponent of educa- lished a Hindi Publication Cell at Banaras Hindu tion in the mother tongue. He believed that the most sig- University in the year 1930. Even today, the writing and

Organiser 34 January 3, 2021 NEP 2020 publication of university-level original and translated books in various disciplines of science continue to be done in Hindi by the university's distinguished scientists and outstanding scholars. In line with MalaviyaJi's vision, in the National Education Policy 2020, there is a clear provision that Indian languages will be promoted to be the conduits of the glorious culture of our nation and it will be the prime responsibility of different language institutes to ensure the availability of scientific literature in Indian languages. Describing the special qualities of industrial and art skills of ancient India, Malaviyaji had once said that scholars of Europe believed that painting, sculpture, tex- tile-making, jewellery-making, music, theatrical, etc. had reached to the peak of excellence in ancient India at a time when Europe was not even aware of such skills and crafts. Malaviyaji believed that education is in the root of all reforms. He advocated the principle of education for all. His dream was to have such an arrangement of educa- The new education policy endows with the tion that no child could be deprived of education due to poverty. During the period of Malaviyaji, Indian society commitment that our educational institutions will under British rule was suffering from gross illiteracy. keep on updating their curriculum regularly keeping 'Education should be accessible to all' and to realise this in pace with the changing environment, making them dream of Malaviyaji, under the Education Policy -2020, a target has been set to bring the gross enrollment ratio to dynamic to match global standards. 100 per cent by the year 2030 with the aim of making education available to every person in the country. This the establishment of at least one world-class multi-disci- 100 per cent literacy is to be achieved over the next ten plinary educational institution in every district of the years through technological interventions, digital tech- country by 2030 to provide quality education to all sec- nology, making education accessible and inclusive to all tions of the society without any hindrance and to create segments of the society even to economically deprived a developed educated society. Today, where education and socially marginalised sections in the remote areas is considered as an indicator for the development of any of the country. Digital education resources will be devel- society, the new education policy ensures the reach of oped by technology through which the education infras- education to every individual of the society without any tructure in remote areas will be strengthened. Digital social or gender difference. India Mission will have an important contribution in pro- Malaviyaji considered multi-disciplinary education as viding education in different languages, due to which essential for the all-round development of the student. students of rural India will derive more benefits. Besides, He was a strong advocate of the teaching of ancient in the age group of 18 to 23years, in higher education, India's knowledge traditions, culture, philosophy, art and the policy targets to increase the present gross enroll- science and at the same time he emphasised for the ment ratio of 26.3 per cent in the year 2018 to 50 per teaching of modern science and technology to the stu- cent by the year 2035. dents. He believed that Indian higher education institu- Obviously, additional expenditure will be required to tions should be multi-disciplinary, where education in achieve the target of 100 per cent literacy and higher various disciplines of knowledge could be provided. He enrollment ratio in higher education. For this, a provision was of the view that India's cultural heritage, traditional has been made in the new education policy that 6 per knowledge, art, philosophy, ethics, universal human val- cent of the GDP will be spent on education, which is cur- ues should be included in the curriculum and at the rently 4.6 per cent. This education policy emphasises same time, students should be taught the basic and cut-

Organiser January 3, 2021 35 NEP 2020 ting-edge sciences including engineering, agriculture, with new technology. To arouse the tendency of contin- medicine, etc. So that all-round developed students are uous learning in the individual, educational institutions produced who are devoted to the Indian culture, tradi- should have updated facilities and infrastructure. It is, tions and human values and become top-rated scien- therefore, necessary that innovative research be pro- tists, engineers, industrial-entrepreneurs, businessmen, moted in educational institutions. With special empha- social workers who can diagnose the problems of the sis on innovative research, the new education policy people struggling with poverty using scientific tools and talks about creating research-intensive universities, can promote agriculture and industrial development and which will be equipped with world-class facilities to take India to greater heights in the various field by pro- undertake basic and applied research in frontline areas. viding able leadership. The new education policy proposes the establishment Malaviyaji believed that science and technological of a National Research Foundation, NRF, to promote education would play an important role in alleviating the the culture of quality intensive research in the country. poverty of India and India cannot attain its prosperity The research will be properly fostered and stimulated. unless the application of science and technology is nat- NRF will competitively fund research in all multi-disci- uralised by the countrymen in their everyday life. Under plinary areas. the new education policy, a target has been set to make If our research is multi-disciplinary, it will foster the all higher education institutions multi-disciplinary by the multifaceted growth of education. For the development year 2040, where at least 3000 students will study in of entrepreneurship in the society, it is necessary to each. With the implementation of this education policy, have undergraduate, postgraduate and research level education compatible with global standards. We can We can improve our economic, social environment by improve our economic, social environment by using new knowledge emanating from research. For this, it is using new knowledge emanating from research. For necessary that intensive research should be done in this, it is necessary that intensive research should cutting edge areas of humanities, science, agriculture, be done in cutting edge areas of humanities, medicine, and engineering, etc. India has a rich tradi- tion of knowledge creation in various disciplines of science, agriculture, medicine, and engineering, etc. knowledge and science since time immemorial. The India has a rich tradition of knowledge creation implementation of this education policy will accelerate research in educational institutions according to the needs of society. India will soon be able to establish single-stream higher education institutions will also itself internationally as a strong and enlightened knowl- become multi-disciplinary over time. Every district in the edge-based society. This vision is based on the spirit of country will have at least one multi-disciplinary higher 'VasudhaivaKutumbakam' which is rooted in the core of education institution. With this gross enrollment ratio in our glorious Indian cultural tradition in which all the education will increase, vocational and skill-based edu- members of the world are connected with each other cation will be promoted, and it will be possible to pro- and with the Mother Nature. All are descendants of the duce an all-round developed lot of students. same globe, and all are members of the same family. Malaviyaji was in favour of promoting teaching-learn- Today significant progress has been made towards ing of modern science and technology and knowledge making human life comfortable, but we are distancing creation in various fields with innovative research so ourselves from the vision of Malaviyaji and similarly that conservation, development and profitable planning great persons. Today in order to check the erosion of of our national natural wealth can be undertaken and human values and devaluation of character in the soci- economic prosperity of the people and employment ety it becomes the responsibility of educational institu- generation can be ascertained. Research is the basis of tions to inculcate the morality, character building, patrio- discovery and creation of knowledge from where new tism in youth in conformity to the vision of MalaviyaJi. A theories and new techniques originate. With knowledge clear commitment to this sentiment is reflected in the creation, human civilisation excels and glorifies. National Education Policy - 2020 for the first time in Therefore, it is necessary that higher educational insti- independent India. tutions be consistently engaged in teaching-learning (The Writer is a Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Gujarat)

Organiser 36 January 3, 2021 REPORT Massive Outreach for Mandir VHP will reach out to 4 lakh villages and 11 crore families seeking contributions for the construction of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya n ORGANISER BUREAU

he Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has resolved to acres. The construction area is 57,400 sq. ft. The length of extend all cooperation to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi the Temple would be 360 ft with 235 ft. The Temple would Teerth Kshetra Trust for collecting monetary be three storied structure and with 5 Mandaps. The num- offerings from across the Hindu Society. The VHP ber of columns would be 160 on the Ground Floor, 132 on workers will reach out to more than 4 lakh villages and 11 the First Floor and 74 on the Second Floor. croreT families for their contribution to the construction of It is expected that by 2024 Shri Ram Lala shall be Shri Ramjanmabhoomi Temple and other facilities established in the sanctum sanctorum of the main Temple in Ayodhya. and the devotees invited to have His darshan in the grand In the state of Karnataka, the VHP expects to reach Temple. Along with the Temple are to come up, of the inter- more than 27500 villages and some 90 Lakhs devotees for national standards Library, Archives, Museum, Research obtaining the donations for the Mandir. Udupi Pejawar Centre, Yagnyashala, Ved Pathshala, Satsangh Bhawan, Math Swami Pujya Shri Vishva Prasanna Teerth is a Prasad distribution centre, amphitheatre, Dharmshala, Trustee of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra. Exhibition and other facilities. The collections would be made by coupons printed in All means of audio visual communications and media the denomination of Rs. 10, Rs. 100 and Rs. 1000. The outreach would be employed to take the message to the donations for Rs. 2000 or more shall be against receipt entire length and breadth of the country. Dr. and the donor shall have the benefit of Section 80G of the Chandraprakash Dwivedi, a renowned name in the film Income Tax Act.The collection tolis would be of 5 volun- world has prepared a documentary containing a brief his- teers each. They would report to a depositor. All collec- tory and objects of the campaign together with an appeal tions would be deposited in the bank account of the Teerth from the cine actor Shri Akshay Kumar for the promotion Kshetra within 48 hours. Every depositor will have a regis- of the campaign.The VHP believes that this is not a move- tered code number at the nearest branch of one of ment merely for one more Temple but is a conscious effort the three banks namely State Bank of India, Bank of of Hindu rejuvenation, freeing the Society of its ills such Baroda and Punjab National Bank. Full trans- as the feelings of high and low, to eradicate the deficien- parency would be maintained in the collection. cies of poverty, health, education and skills, to restore Larsen and Toubro have been engaged to the dignity of women, to eradicate the scourge of ter- construct the Temple. Tata Consultancy ser- rorism from the face of the world and to realise the vices would be the Engineers for the con- vedic goals of Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah – may all struction. Engineers from IIT , IIT be happy, may all be healthy, may all be dis- Delhi, IIT Chennai, IIT Guwahati, CBRI criminating and wise and let nobody suffer Roorkee, Larsen & Toubro are working from sorrows. The VHP considers this to on the foundation drawing. The be the world mission of Hindus and is whole temple will be of stone confident of achieving it. n blocks. The Temple would have a total area of 2.7

Organiser January 3, 2021 37 TRIBUTE End of an Era An ideal Swayamsevak who had seen the entire trajectory of Sangh school of thought and movement since inception and contributed to it with Tan, Man and Dhan (physically, mentally and financially) left for the heavenly abode. His thoughts and life will be inspiring for the generations to come

n RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat paying his last respect to the departed soul ORGANISER BUREAU

SS ideologue and veteran journalist Madhav since the times of Doctor Ji”. Govind Vaidya passed away in Nagpur on As soon as the news of the passing away of the veter- December 19. Shri M G Vaidya was the first official an RSS leader broke, tributes started pouring in from all spokesperson of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. quarters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed RVaidya was admitted at Spandan Hospital, where he grief over the passing away of noted writer and journalist breathed his last. Vishnu Vaidya, his grandson, told MG Vaidya. Prime Minister in a tweet said, MG Vaidya media that he died at a private hospital at 3.35 pm. "He contributed extensively to the RSS for decades and also had contracted coronavirus but recovered from the infec- worked to strengthen the BJP. Shri Modi also expressed tion," Vishnu Vaidya said, adding that his health deterio- condolences to his family and admirers. rated suddenly on Friday. “Shri MG Vaidyaji was a distinguished writer and jour- Dr Manmohan Vaidya, Joint General Secretary of nalist. He contributed extensively to the RSS for RSS, and the late stalwart’s son in a tweet said, “Shri MG decades. He also worked to strengthen the BJP. Vaidya, my father breathed his last today at 3.35 pm at Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and Nagpur after completing 97 years of an active, meaning- admirers. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister tweeted. ful and inspiring life. He was a veteran journalist, a Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu also expressed his Hindutva “Bhashyakar” and active Sangh (RSS) condolence on the death of RSS ideologue Swayamsevak for nine decades.” MadhavGovindVaidya, describing him as a nationalist His funeral was conducted at Ambazari Ghat and an institution by himself. "Deeply saddened by the (Crematorium ground in Nagpur) at 9:30 am on demise of veteran RSS functionary and Sanskrit scholar December 20. RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat M G Vaidya. He was a nationalist, a prolific writer and an paid last respects to MG Vaidya at his residence. "His life institution by himself," tweeted the Vice President. was an encyclopedia of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Paying his tributes to the RSS veteran, Union Minister He lived RSS and its ideology," the Sarsanghchalak told Nitin Gadkari said, "My humble tribute to BaburaoVaidya. reporters in Nagpur. Baburao was fortunate enough to work with all RSS SarsanghchalakDr Mohan Bhagwat visited the Sarsanghchalak. It was a firm belief that Baburaoji would Nagpur residence of M G Vaidya to play his last respect be a centenarian, but destiny had something different in to the departed soul. In his message he said, “During the mind. It is sad that a pious and sage-like personality has present day Sangh work if we need any reference or passed away. May God grant peace to the departed soul. guidance on various issues, we used to consult Baburao Peace." ji Vaidya as he had seen the entire evolution of RSS Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari,

Organiser 38 January 3, 2021 MG VAIDYA

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Devendra Fadnavis anf Home RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat and Minister of Maharashtra also expresed their grief over the Sarkaryavah Bhaiyyaji Joshi, paying tributes the demise of great thinker, ideologue and former Editor of Tarun Bharat M G Vaidya. to Shri M G Vaidya Maharashtra Union of Working Journalists (MUWJ) and The demise of Shri Madhav Govind alias Nagpur Union of Working Journalists (NUWJ) condoled Baburaoji Vaidya is the loss of a senior guardian veteran journalist M G Vaidya’s demise. “His demise is a for all the karyakartas of RSS. He was a distin- huge loss for journalism in Vidarbha region. We will guished scholar of Sanskrit, a fine journalist, an remember him for an important attribute of respecting the active member of the Vidhan Parishad and abril- thoughts of others even while being firm on own thought. liant litterateur. He had all these qualities invested He had affection for MUWJ and NUWJ both,” stated the in the Sangh. He was an active participant in the condolence message issued jointly by Pradipkumar gradual development of Sangh's activities. His life Maitra, MUWJ President; Brahmashankar Tripathi, was a prosperous and fine life, deeply aligned Secretary; Shirish Borkar, NUWJ President; Vishwas with Sangh'sthoughts and values, and a manifes- Indurkar, Vice-President of Tilak Patrakar Bhavan Trust; tation of Sangh's core values in all four vistas of Vinod Deshmukh, Joseph Rao and others. his life viz. personal, familial, social and profes- sional. Through his characteristic style of employ- Inseparable with Sangh ing lucid words, logical approach and experiential MG Vaidya was ace journalist, ex MLC, Sanskrit scholar interpretation in his speeches and writings, he and first official spokesperson of RSS. Born on 11 March endeavoured to rightly present Sangh to the world 1923 at Taroda village in Wardha district of Maharashtra, all his life. As aresult of his inspiring life, his next Shri Vaidya became a Sangh Swayamsevak at the age of generation is also invested in working for national eight, when Doctor ji was the Sarsanghchalak. In his interests and his two sons Shri Manmohanji and nine-decades-long journey as a swayamsevak, Shri Ram ji are senior pracharaks in the Sangh. ShriVaidya was closely associated with Guruji and all The passing away of such an exemplary life other Sarsanghchalaks of the Sangh. He held several obviously creates a void which is difficult to fill in. important responsibilities in the Sangh like ‘Akhil The entire family of ShriVaidya ji is similarly expe- Bharatiya Baudhik Pramukh’ and ‘Akhil Bharatiya riencing a deep loss of a family guardian. It is dif- Prachar Pramukh’ and national spokesperson of the ficult to console them and all of us. Only time can RSS. In 1944, Shri Vaidya passed his BA in first class heal the void thus created by his demise. with the gold medal for his performance in Sanskrit. In Baburaoji's life has taught all of us the paramount 1946, he was awarded the Daji Hari Wadegaonkar gold importance of fulfilling one's duties in a steady and medal when he cleared his MA exam. From 1978 to unwavering manner at every stage of life. While 1984, Vaidya was a member of the legislative council in following these messages from his life and imple- Maharashtra. A noted nation first thinker, Shri Vaidya has menting them in our own lives, we pray that the written dozens of books on various topics, ranging from Vaidya family and all of us get strength to bear his politics to literature. An autobiographical account of being loss. We pray for shanti and sadgati of the in RSS — titled ‘Main Sangh Mein, Mujh Mein Sangh (I departed soul. am in Sangh, Sangh is in me)’ is one his popular works. Many of his books have been translated into many Indian languages. His popular column titled “Bhashya” in ‘Tarun force to intellectuals and policy makers. He was a ready Bharat’ ran for 25 years, and is considered one of the reckoner on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and even longest-serving newspaper columns. with his deteriorating health would recall the incidents He had a long association with Organiser weekly as a related to RSS with exact date and context. contributor and wrote many articles on Hindutva and con- His son Dr Manmohan Vaidya is SahSarkaryavah of temporary political issues. His commentaries on demo- the RSS, while his youngest son Dr Shri Ram Vaidya is cratic reforms, contemporary relevance of Hindutva and also a pracharak with the responsibility of Sah Sanyojak, application to the present day issues are still a guiding Vishwa Vibhag. n

Organiser January 3, 2021 39 TRIBUTE/ M G VAIDYA Tribute to the Encyclopedia on RSS In Baburaoji’s death, we have lost a colossus of a person, an encyclopedia on the RSS, jour- nalism, Sanskrit and much more than what one can comprehend. After all he was one of the very few surviving veterans of the RSS who has not just seen but worked closely with all the six Sarsanghachalaks of the RSS

n SESHADRI CHARI

nyone who stops learning is old, goes the adage. issues. In one such interaction, he pointed out that Madhav Govind Vaidya, Baburao, as he was it is better not to refer to RSS as an organisation. known to many, was one person who took this Looking at my bewildered look he explained that seriously. An avid reader and a writer at the same RSS is not an organisation in the society, it is A time, Baburaoji was active at 97, to prove that age organisation of the society (Sangh samaj me ek is only a number. sanghatan nahi hai, samaj ka sanghatan hai). Baburaoji was one of the few persons I had the Another word that he advised me to avoid was privilege to depend on when I was asked to take the term “SanghParivar”. Although this umbrella on the responsibility as editor of Organiser. “You term is freely used to designate any and every have to learn on the job,” he said. “But remember, institution and individuals associated with the doctor’s mistakes get buried, advocate’s mistakes RSS, his indication was towards hyphenating the are hanged but editor’s mistakes have the bad RSS with “Left organisations” or parties. “We can- habit of getting printed,” he added. not prevent others from using this term but we Often his subtle humour was very evident in should not give credibility to it by using it our- his dialogues. During one of our many meetings, a selves”, he explained. On a similar note he also colleague of mine from the Organiser came in with suggested that we in the Organiser should not some physical complaint. Baburaoji heard him out project ourselves as the ‘mouthpiece’ of the RSS. patiently and said, “I am a vaidya only by sur- We reflect the views of the RSS and its officials name.” But then he quickly suggested some prac- but we are not the official spokespersons of any tical remedy too. On another occasion when he organisation he used to say. was honoured by the Madhya Pradesh govern- This was at a time when there were serious dis- ment one newspaper wrongly reported him as a cussions about having a spokesperson for the pracharak (full-time worker) of the RSS. He called RSS. There were conflicting opinions. A section of up the reporter and pointed out the error saying, the journalists who were close to the RSS but “my pracharak nahi hoon, my pracharakon ka working in different publications were of the view baap hun”. that the RSS should have an official spokesper- By virtue of his long years in the RSS especially son. Their argument was based on the factual at the fountainhead of the organisation, Nagpur, news gathering and reporting difficulties and also his concepts were very clear and at times very dif- on the dis-information campaign in the face of ferent from general observations. As editor of absence of official hand out. In one of the meet- Organiser, I had innumerable occasions to interact ings to discuss this issue Baburaoji was among with him and seek guidance on a number of those who opposed the idea. Ironically, after a few

Organiser 40 January 3, 2021 TRIBUTE/ M G VAIDYA

days he was himself made the first official spokesper- The best part of conversations with Baburaoji was son of the RSS. He carried out that responsibility with finesse and perfection worth emulating. the clarity and unbiased opinions that he could I was not comfortable with the idea of the RSS hav- project with ease and élan. He could approach any ing an official spokesperson. If one wants to under- issue with a logical mind, analyse without stand the RSS one has to attend shakha and work with the RSS, I suggested. But Baburaoji corrected prejudice and come out with choice of suggestions me saying one has to be firm in one’s convictions but also follow aapat dharma that is change with times. me, neither trained in journalism nor a graduate in During the 2014 elections he maintained more or less English, to run to him for advice. He would never dis- a similar approach to the projection of one single per- appoint me and would always suggest a way out of son as the Prime Ministerial candidate. Ideally, the the situation or suggest a point of view on a subject. RSS is not in favour of projecting an individual. But in But he would always reiterate one thing; every gener- some special circumstances one cannot be too con- ation has to learn that the fire is hot. “So, make mis- servative and rigid he explained. Besides, his argu- takes and learn. But don’t repeat the same mistakes, ment was that the methodology of the RSS and a make new ones,” he once said with his characteristic political party could be different. As long as both do charming smile. not lose sight of their goal it is fine was his opinion. In Baburaoji’s death, we have lost a colossus of a The best part of conversations with Baburaoji was person, an encyclopedia on the RSS, journalism, the clarity and unbiased opinions that he could project Sanskrit and much more than what one can compre- with ease and élan. He could approach any issue with hend. After all he was one of the very few surviving a logical mind, analyse without prejudice and come veterans of the RSS who has not just seen but out with choice of suggestions. He had a long stint as worked closely with all the six Sarsanghachalaks of editor of Nagpur Tarun Bharat and was a repository of the RSS. journalistic experience. It was natural for a person like (The writer is a former editor of Organiser Weekly)

Organiser January 3, 2021 41 MYTH OF ARYAN INVASION PART V

Aryans depicted in Ramayana & Mahabharata Whether it is Ramayana or Mahabharata, the word 'Arya' refers to virtue and definitely not to any race

n SHRI VASUDEV BIDVE

ifferent shades of meaning of the word and ‘Aarya’ if it is a woman. The word has been used ‘Arya’were elaborated in the previous article. In abundantly in every situationthat it appears twice in a addition, some illustrative examples of the terms short span in the very first canto (adhyaya) of the Arya and Dasyu in the Vedic literature have been Balakanda in the Ramayana. In this, Devarshi put forward. These quotations are undoubtedly the earli- Naradamuni is narrating Rama’s story briefly to Dest in chronology as they belong to the actual Vedic Maharshi Valmiki. Describing Shri Ram in it, Narada scripts. Let's also take a quick look at where the word says,ÀfUÊQfd·f¦f°f: ÀfQÐd·f: Àf¸fbQi BU dÀf³²fbd·f:Ü Af¹f:Ê ÀfUÊÀf¸f›`U 'Arya' is found in later Sanskrit literature, and if so, in ÀfQ`IY: d´fi¹fQVfʳf: what sense. Valmiki Ramayana 1.1.16. It means that as rivers stride towards the sea, cul- Aryan in Valmiki Ramayana tured people gets attracted towards Rama. Rama is The two epics Ramayana and Mahabharata are ‘com- referred as ‘Arya’, meaning virtuous and he has sense of posed’ by sages. Unlike the Vedic mantras, they are not equalness for all. So his mere sight pleases everyone.” ‘beholden’ or ‘inspired’ by these enlightened souls. That In the Ramayana, Rama is often described as 'Arya' is why these compositions are called ‘Aarsh (composed and there is nothing special about it. But even the 'apes', by sages) epics'. There are numerous references to the living in the forests and hills are called 'Arya' in word 'Arya' (original Sanskrit word) in the Ramayana Ramayana! Glance at what description is found in and Mahabharata as well. As discussed earlier, since the Kishkindhakanda of Valmiki Ramayana.When Rama kills word ‘Arya’ stands for the embodiment of virtues, while the ungodly king Vali of Kishkindha,his widow, Tara referring to any revered, venerable, virtuous person, it mournsÀfb~ÐU`U at ´fb³f÷Y°±ff¹f his death. Af¹fÊ´fbÂfZd°f IiYûVf°fe Ü ÷YSXûQ Àff ´fd°fÔ úÅfÔ ÀfÔdQ°fÔ would be a regular practice to use ‘Arya’ if it is a man

Organiser 42 January 3, 2021 MYTH OF ARYAN INVASION PART V

¸fÈ°¹fbQf¸fd·f: || Valmiki Ramayan 4.19.27. Meaning - “(By "Undoubtedly Lanka is south of India and Ravana is looking at the dead Vali) As if recovered suddenly from Arya there too. So did these so-called 'Aryans' from sleep, she began to exasperateby uttering 'Hey northwestern India reach as far south as Lanka?This Aryaputra' when she witnessed her husband tied in a history seems to have escaped the notice of so many death trap.”What wonder! Vali's wife Tara, who is an European scholars and some Indian scholars, pleasedto 'ape', calls her husband 'Aryaputra'!While lamenting, she blindly follow anything that is western. DeclaringRavana saw Rama cladded in hermit’s dress and started walking as a native, those who hail 'Jai Ravana' and raise agita- towards°fÀ¹fZÔQiIY»´fÀ¹f him. Describing QbSXfÀfQÀ¹f ¸fWXf³fb·ffUÀ¹f the occasion, Àf¸fe´f¸ff¹ffÊÜ Valmiki Af°ffÊÚd°f°fc¯fÔÊ says, tion in various universities, unfortunately for them, ½¹fÀf³fÔ ´fi´f³³ff þ¦ff¸f °ffSXf ´fdSXdU”»f³°fe Ravana turns out to be uninvited, aggressive and alien || Valmiki Ramayana 'Arya.' 4.24.29. Meaning- "The grief-stricken, 'Aryaa Tara', who was in trouble at that time, became very anxious and Aryans in the Mahabharata approached the invincible hero,chivalrousShri What is true in case of Ramayana is the same with Ram."Now here Maharshi Valmiki goes on calling Tara, Mahabharata. The word 'Arya' appears numerous times the female ape as 'Aryaa'! Subsequently, while instruct- in a million verses of the Mahabharata. How many of ingAfÄff´f¹f° to cremate °fQf Vali's SXfþf body, Àfb¦fieU: Sugriva, ´»fU¦fZV½fSX:Ü his brother Aü²UÊQ`dWXIY¸ff¹fÊÀ¹f says, that should be quoted here! Not every one of us has an dIiY¹f°ff¸f³fbIcY»f°f: epic of such a gigantic size. However the Bhagavad- || Valmiki Ramayana 4.25.30. Meaning- Gita, a section of the seven hundred verses out of it, is "After that, Sugriva,king of the apes ordered that the last found in almost every Hindu house. Let's look at an rites of 'Arya' Vali should be performed properly."Here example of that.At the beginning of the war, Arjuna had even King Sugriva calls his ape brother as 'Arya'! Elsewhere in the Ramayana also, Hanuman (ape god) Since the word ‘Arya’ stands for the embodiment of and Jambuwant (genius bear) are referred to as 'Arya'. virtues, while referring to any revered, venerable, Where was this kingdom of Kishkindhalocated? The then Kishkindha was the site of the medieval state of virtuous person, it would be a regular practice to Vijayanagar and in today's context,it is Hampi use ‘Arya’ if it is a man and ‘Aarya’ if it is a woman (Karnataka)and its environs. That wasobviously the 'Dravidian' region in South India, and definitelynot the a sudden and weird thought, ‘What will be achievedby one situated at Indus or Saraswati River in Northward killing my near and dear ones? Better not to have a war Punjab. But here these people are seen calling each IbY°fÀ°Ufat all.’ Then Lord IYV¸f»fd¸fQÔ Krishna took dU¿f¸fZ him to the Àf¸fb´fdÀ±f°f¸ task and said, Ü other 'Arya', and not 'Dravid.’ Was the ape-queen Tara or A³ff¹fÊþbá¸fÀU¦¹fʸfIYed°fÊIYSX¸fþbʳf her husband Vali orhis brother Sugriva all part of the so- || Bhagavad-Gita 2.2 called 'Aryans' gangs who came from Central Asia on Mahabharata 6.26.2. Meaning- “Hey Arjuna, what made the banks of the Indus in 1800 BC?During their time, this you emotionally falter in such a testing time? Because history propounded by the Western researchers was not ‘Arya’ (superior people) do not follow such path, it does available, so most of apes from Kishkindha must have not lead to heaven or fame. “Here too the word ‘Arya’ been 'ignorant' about their origin! denotes virtue.It is possible to mention many more such If all this is not sufficient, even in the far south, in examples. Howeverit is being restrictedfor fear of being Lanka, Ravana, the king of demons, calls his wife too lengthy. It is absolutely crystal clear fact that whether 'Aryaa'. All the wives of Ravana address him it is Ramayana or Mahabharata, the word 'Arya' refers to 'Aryaputra'.Although demon, he is great in their eyes; virtue and definitely not to any race. Then, as the previ- hence he is an 'Aryaputra.’When Ravana was killed by ous article showed, no matter how much Westerners Rama in battle, all these women startedAf¹fÊ´fbÂfZd°f mourning. UfdQ³¹fû manipulate the Indian dictionary for that, it would not WXfDescribing ³ff±fZd°f ¨f ÀfUÊVf: the occasion, Ü ´fdSX´fZ°fb: IY¶f³²ffKÐ Valmiki says,IYfÔ ¸fWXeÔ Vfûd¯f°fIYQʸff¸ change the basic facts. || (To be continued…) Valmiki Ramayan 6.110.4. Meaning- "(While) weeping (The writer is a scholar of the ancient history, culture, as ‘O Aryaputra, O Nath’,they all began to wander in the art, literature, philosophy of India - i.e. Bharatvidya or Indology from Pune, Maharashtra) battlefield (looking for Ravana) where the headless (Translated by Dr. Pranavkumar Ratnaparkhi, an assistant corpses were lying and the blood was muddy. professor of English at HPT Arts & RYK Science College, Nasik, Maharashtra) Organiser January 3, 2021 43 NEWS ROUND UP

eyes of Rahul Gandhi, who has been proactively standing by and standing up with anti-national elements including pro-China and pro-Pakistan Tukde-Tukde gang, and the anti-CAA hordes and hooligans and the Delhi rioters advocating their anti-national stances. His affiliations and rapport with China are well-known. He would believe in an American newspaper but, not in a pan-Bharat nationalist youth organisation. The VHP secretary-general also asked the Wall Street Journal to apologise for its false reporting. He said that the Wall Street Journal tried to target and discredit Bharat under the pretext of maligning Bajrang Dal. This is totally Wall Street Journal and Rahul Gandhi unacceptable. should apologise: VHP He said that the earlier media reports, quoted from Wiki-Leaks, make it clear that Smt Sonia Gandhi had also been hatching conspiracies to ban the Bajrang Dal, but EW DELHI: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has said that she could not succeed. Incidentally, the Facebook has Rahul Gandhi’s bid to defame Bajrang Dal by raising clarified that there is no reason to block Bajrang Dal on its Nfalse accusations has exposed his mindset. His views platform. This reflects their anti-Hindu mindset. Shri Milind were published in the Wall Street Journal. VHP secretary Parande said that now Rahul Gandhi and Wall Street general Shri Milind Parande said that a nationalist Journal should apologise to the Bajrang Dal and the Hindu organisation like Bajrang Dal is evidently poking in the society that forms one-sixth of the global population. n

Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram meet discusses Sarna Dharma code and its impact

ENGALURU: A meeting of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram was held between December 16 and 18, 2020. Due to the Bpandemic, all measures including social distancing were followed in the meeting. The meeting took stock of the • There has been a rumour that tribal society will vanish activities so far. from the Hindu culture. The campaign was considered • On November 15, ‘Tribe Pride Day’ concluded with to awaken the tribal society, for connecting the society. enthusiasm across the country. • According to the Akhil Bhartiya plan, the idea of the • On November 29, Tribal Suraksha Manch karyakartas construction of Shri Ram Mandir was also discussed. organised an event coinciding with the birthdayof Shri • Issues like making Self-Reliant India, Bandhan Yojana, Karthik Oraon. They sent a memorandum to 288 Protection of Tribal Rights, Rohtas Garh Yatra to Maghi District Officers, 14 Governors, 7 Chief Ministers in the Poornima was also discussed for the future course. country, demanding the removal of converted people • A plan to publish a documentary and book based on from the list of tribes. the life of Jagadevaram Oraon ji was also discussed. • The Jharkhand government called a special session • Akhil Bhartiya executives paid a sincere tribute to the and passed a resolution on the demand of Sarna people who passed away in the last few days. Dharma and the situation created due to it was • Shri Atul Jog presented the statement of events and discussed. future plans. n

Organiser 44 January 3, 2021 NEWS ROUND UP

Bharat has to become Yashasvi—Dr Krishna Gopal

EW DELHI: Junapithadheeshwar Acharya development by erasing the differences. Let us remember Mahamandaleshwar Awadheshanand Giri released our glorious past when India was the ‘Vishwaguru’ and led ‘YashasviN Bharat’, a compilation of speeches by the world. Now India is again on the path of earning its lost Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat ji at New Delhi in the identity and prestige. presence of Dr Krishna Gopal, and Auditor General of India Junapithadheeshwar Mahamandaleshwar Swami Rajiv Maharishi. The book has been published by Prabhat Awadheshanand Giri said that the situation is changing. Prakashan. There has been a change in the caste status, the status of This is the first compilation of speeches by a women, the thinking of society. Sarsanghchalak after 1960. Earlier, a compilation of Giving the example of ‘sanyasi’ tradition, he said that speeches of the then Sarsanghchalak Shri Madhav saints are now being formed even from so-called small Sadashiv Golwalkar ‘Shri Guruji’ was published. Preface castes and no one has any objection. Hindus do not of ‘Yashwasi Bharat’, was written by former Prachar convert others. During the pandemic crisis, many people Pramukh Shri M. G. Vaidya. in the world adopted Yoga, Ayurveda and other Indian Dr Krishna Gopal underlined that we have to become methods; with this, the idea of India has been widely prosperous and powerful, but beyond this, India has to publicised all over the world. In Dr Mohan Bhagwat become Yashasvi. He said that ‘Yash’ comes when contemplative address, there is a way to build India's someone performs charity. Referring to ancient India, he golden future. said that we were the economic superpower till the 18th Chief Guest Rajiv Maharishi also spoke on ‘Who is century, but was also decisive. But our reputation was due Hindu’. He said that Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat to our policy of ‘sarve bhavantu sukhinaha’ and our sense always has the nation in his thoughts, and this is the reason of treating everyone as a part of God. He also cited the the acceptance of this global organisation (RSS) is example of countries like Egypt, Babylon, Sparta, etc., continuously increasing in the society. saying that barbaric, violent and cruelty destroys The book ‘Yashasvi Bharat’ contains a compilation of 17 civilisations. He said that the message of the speeches of speeches given on different occasions by Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat is that how can we all become a Dr Mohan Bhagwat. The 286-page book was edited by participant in India’s ‘Yashasvita’ and all-round integrated Shyam Kishore, editor of Lok Sabha TV. n

Organiser January 3, 2021 45 EFENCE CAN D BY S AIR MSHL PK ROY (RETD) SUCCESSFUL MAIDEN LAUNCH OF MEDIUM RANGE SURFACE TO AIR MISSILE - MRSAM

On December 23, 2020, DRDO carried out successful maiden launch of MRSAM, Army Version. The Army version of MRSAM has been developed jointly by DRDO and IAI, Israel. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh lauded the efforts of DRDO and associated team members involved in the mission and said that India has attained a high level of capability in the indigenous design and development of advanced weapon systems.

RAKSHA MANTRI REVIEWS PREPARATIONS FOR AERO INDIA - 2021

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviewed the preparation for Aero India- 2021 this week. The event this year is planned to be a Business focused exhibition. The public will witness this year’s edition in Virtual mode to make way for the Safe in-person interactions between global A&D Businesses. The event has witnessed tremendous interest with the space being sold out and 500+ registered Exhibitors. In view of the challenges due to COVID-19, Raksha Mantri directed that the event be held for Business days only viz February 03-05, 2021 with the essence being to achieve traction for the Aerospace and Defence industry which has faced numerous challenges in the year 2020 due to lockdown and embargo/restrictions on travel.

INDO-TIBETAN BORDER RAKSHA MANTRI HANDS OVER 35TH EDITION OF INDIA - POLICE TO INDUCT 10,000 DRDO SYSTEMS TO ARMED INDONESIA COORDINATED PERSONNEL FORCES CHIEFS PATROL

Raksha Mantri handed over three indigenously developed DRDO systems to Army, Navy and Air Force this week. These included the Indian Maritime Situational Awareness

System (IMSAS) to the Chief of Photo Representative Naval Staff, ASTRA Mk-I Missile to the Chief of Air Staff and Border The 35th edition of India-Indonesia Surveillance System to the Chief of Coordinated Patrol between Indian Reports indicate that Indo-Tibetan Army Staff. Navy and Indonesian Navy was Border Police will be raising seven conducted this week. As part of new battalions comprising 10,000 Government’s vision of SAGAR soldiers in view of the continuing (Security And Growth for All in the India-China stand-off along the Region), Indian Navy has been LAC in Ladakh. It is understood proactively engaging with countries that the final clearance of cabinet in the Indian Ocean Region for is awaited. Coordinated Patrols.

Organiser 46 January 3, 2021 GOA SHIPYARD TO BUILD 12 ADVANCED PATROL CRAFT FOR ARMY COMBINED GRADUATION PARADE AT AIR A Goa Shipyard Ltd press release has said that it FORCE ACADEMY has emerged as L1 On December 19, 2020, Raksha Mantri reviewed (lowest bidder) for the Combined Graduation Parade at Air Force construction of 12 Academy, Dundigal. The event saw 114 officers advanced fast patrol being commissioned into various branches of the crafts for Indian Army. IAF. The graduating officers were joined by six These crafts would be officers from Indian Navy, five from Indian Coast based on an in-house design. Reports indicate that these boats Guard and three from friendly foreign countries. would be utilised for patrolling in the Pangong Tso, Eastern Ladakh In his address to the passing out cadets, Shri for monitoring and countering China’s activities in the lake. Rajnath Singh said India's handling of the border row with China showed that the country was not RAKSHA MANTRI SPEAKS TO HIS JAPANESE COUNTERPART weak and could give befitting reply to any kind of transgression, aggression or unilateral acts. On December 22, 2020, Referring to the western sector, he said that Raksha Mantri held a Pakistan was indulging in skirmishes on the telephonic conversation with borders and accused it with indulging in a "proxy the Minister of Defence of war" using terrorism, despite being defeated by Japan, Mr Kishi Nobuo and India in four wars expressed satisfaction at the ongoing defence cooperation DEFENCE ACQUISITION COUNCIL APPROVES between the two countries in PROCUREMENT OF EQUIPMENT FROM spite of the limitations imposed Representative Photo Representative by COVID-19. The two DOMESTIC INDUSTRY Ministers exchanged views on security situation in the region and the need for a free and open maritime order based on the rule of law. Both Ministers welcomed the successful conduct of JIMEX 2020, MALABAR 2020 and also the recent successful visit of Chief of Staff, JASDF to India.

CHIEF OF THE ARMY STAFF’S VISIT TO FORWARD BASE IN

LADAKH Courtsey:https://affairscloud.com Photo General MM Naravane, The Defence Acquisition Council has approved Chief of the Army Staff Capital Acquisition proposals of various defence visited forward bases equipment at an approximate overall cost of Rs Tara and Rechin La in 28,000 Cr. Six of the seven approved proposals, Ladakh and interacted that is, Rs 27,000 Cr out of Rs 28,000 Cr will be with the local sourced from the Indian industry to give a boost commanders and to the “Make in India” and “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” troops. During the visit, initiatives of the Government. These approved he undertook inspection of the state of habitat of troops and proposals include DRDO designed and appreciated the efforts made by the formation to make troops developed Airborne Early Warning & Control comfortable along the LAC. General Naravane also interacted with Systems for Indian Air Force, Next Generation the troops and exhorted all ranks to continue working with same zeal Offshore Patrol Vessels for Indian Navy and and enthusiasm. Modular Bridges for Indian Army. n

Organiser January 3, 2021 47 n GURUJI SHRI NANDKISHORE TIWARI Meditation Guru and Disciple Every generation looks for hope and meaning in life. But, neither hope nor meaning can be sustained without becoming real. Meditation brings about the quotient of authenticity on this real journey in which everyone is essentially alone, but union with guru makes our union an all-pervasive one

ome amount of meditation is advised and recommended by all gurus (realised masters). Because meditation enriches life in such unlimit- ed ways which cannot be described, it can only be experienced. And, the experience is the key differentiating point in every individual’s life. Moreover, the relation between meditation and living guru is the S only livewire which keeps eternal flame (Swayambhu Jyoti) burning in the human heart. We are fortunate that we are born in India. India is known for keeping this fire of self-knowledge (Aatm-Gyan) lit eter- nally. Phrase ‘Amritasya Putrah vayam (progeny of immortal) refers to aforesaid eternal effulgence and illuminance of divine wisdom within. Still, there are not many at any given point in time who musters the courage to plunge into the reality of experience. The number of such people who value their authen- tic experience over rudimentary belief about what constitutes experience is still limited across the world. By freeing oneself from dogmatic beliefs when one becomes disciplined (Shishya) then what one experiences in the presence of a living guru and in the presence of any saintly souls that changes one’s life for better and forever. Because the ones who have become disci- plined, they alone can measure the immeasur- able value of self-realisation. Immeasurable

Organiser 48 January 3, 2021 experience cannot be measured by us so long as we do not become capable of transcending ourselves from Avidya (material knowledge) driven consciousness. The subject matter of material knowledge (Avidya) is limited to sense-perception while we begin to make sense of para-vidya (divinity) when we become capable of transcending the sense perception and become capable of following pure intelli- gence (love) to begin with. Higher stages of consciousness are opened up for our experience through our chosen living guru in accordance with worthiness, grace and cosmic necessity. Anything and everything which happens in our life becomes measurable or potentially limited when as individuals, we find ourselves limited to death and birth or sense perception. Self-realisation is that state of awareness in which you do not find your-Self (Aatma) confined to the process of Anything and change identified as death and birth. You find yourself unchanged amid changes everything which which are taking place in this process known as life and prominently marked by the point of natural death. happens in our The root word for realisation is-real, which essentially means eternal/change- life becomes less or ‘as it is’ (Yathartha). Visibly initiated by the guru of one’s own choice, every- one can experience this state of consciousness in meditation where one finds one- measurable or self undisturbed by one’s own physical body. Becoming living evidence of one’s potentially own experience transforms one into jeevan-mukta (liberated beings, here and limited when as now). Meditation blessed by a realised master is an authentic medium to become real. That’s why the value of meditation is described as invaluable. individuals, we Moreover, irrespective of our location on planet earth, whether we are in Asia, find ourselves Europe or Africa…we find ourselves either gripped by insecurities related to life span or by fear which makes its way in our mind about what happens after death limited to death or before birth? Answers to such questions may be found during meditation. and birth or Providing much-needed peace at a cursory level. Mediation also brings about sense percep- physical and mental well-being on a cursory most level. Now medical science itself is advocating its benefits. tion. Self-reali- Every generation looks for hope and meaning in life. But, neither hope nor sation is that meaning can be sustained without becoming real. Meditation brings about the quo- tient of authenticity on this real journey in which everyone is essentially alone, but state of aware- union with guru makes our union an all-pervasive one. In this union, aloneness ness in which transforms into oneness. And fear transforms into love. As in the person of guru, we meet love incarnated in the human frame. That’s how it’s only in Eternal Guru you do not find Parampara that we hear such expressions as ‘guru is not a person, but without a your-Self person being guru, none becomes real’. None experiences love if there is none (Aatma) confined other to transmit it to the one who is experiencing it. Value of Divine Name has been described in countless words by devotees, saints, and disciples through their to the process authentic experiences, but unexceptionally the name is found transmitted ( donat- of change identi- ed) through a living guru. Triad of meditation, living guru and disciple, is worth exploring in life, as life becomes worth exploring in the eternal union of these three. fied as death (The writer is the propounder of Sahaj Smriti Yog System of Self Realisation and founder of and birth Darpan Foundation and Darpan Ashram)

Organiser January 3, 2021 49 TEMPLESD/E ETPHAEWSALOIUSLPOEFCIBALHARAT

Teerth Kshetra—Sun Temple n DR UJWALA CHAKRADEO of Konark The astounding profound knowledge of our ancestors in various subjects is manifested in the temple architecture. Our mind and all our five senses need to be fully in a state of awareness to know and understand our ancestors' greatness

un Temple of Konark, on the beach, very close to Poush, when the Sun transition is from Bhubaneswar, built on the soil of Odisha. Twelve Sagittarius to Capricorn, it is called Makar hundred people spent twelve consecutive years Sankrant (Capricorn Solstice). This Solstice is to make a dream come true; dreamt by important because, at this juncture, Sun changes S Narasimhadev. He ruled Odisha eight hundred its path and direction. From Dakshinayan to years ago (1230-1264). He built the temple to pay Uttarayan, from South to North. Actually, the his vows. Why at Konark and why not anywhere smallest day is December 21. Thus Uttarayan- else? Sun's journey towards north ideally should start The place was already known as 'Arka on this day. However, since Earth's axis is tilted Kshetra', a place where Surya – Sun God was by 23.45o the period of Sun's entering into worshipped since time immemorial. On Ratha Uttarayan is shifting gradually. On January 14, Saptami every year, the place has been crowded every year is the Makar Sankranti. with devotees for thousands of years to worship Considering the Sun's importance in human the Sun God. Konark in Odisha is the north-east- life and knowing the importance of the place ern coast of India. Sun was worshipped here on where the Sun's rays touch the Earth on an Makar Sankranti. The Sun's rays first touch this important day in terms of astronomy, our ances- holy land of India on the day of Makar Sankrant. tors made it a pilgrimage site.

The transition of the Sun from one sign of the (The columnist is Principal of SMM College of Sun to another is called Sankranti. So, every Architecture, Nagpur and specialises in Bharatiya month there is Sankranti. In the Hindu month of Architectural Heritage)

Organiser 50 January 3, 2021