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The so-called secularist Congress glorified the Khilafat movement as a part of Bharatiya’s struggle for Independence, said that RSS Pracharak, adding that the eminent Congress leaders propagated that the Khilafat movement was one where Hindus and Muslims fought together to oust the British, later, due to some distortions, riots occurred.

J Nandakumar, the all-Bharat convenor of Prajna Pravah, an organisation affiliated with the RSS, speaking during a program hosted by the Youtube channel Panchjanya in the centenary year of the infamous Moplah Massacre, a forgotten chapter of Bharat’s history, said that the communist historians and Islamist history writers who have tried to distort and mis represent Bharatiya history, have also glorified this massacre, depicting it as a freedom struggle.

Congress and the Communist government in Kerala paying pensions to the Moplah rioters: J Nandakumar

Until today, attempts are being made to depict the 1921 brutal Hindu genocide as a freedom struggle. The Congress and the Communist government in Kerala have gone to the extent of hailing the Moplah rioters by giving them the title of ‘freedom fighters’ and ‘martyrs’ and also providing pension to the Jihadist elements who fanned the bloodbath, said Nandakumar, adding that the Communist government has been using taxpayers money to pay pensions to these mass murderers.

Bharat convener of Prajna Pravah said that on the completion of 100 years of the infamous 1921 Malabar massacre of Hindus by Moplah Muslims, it becomes imperative to understand the historical background of the Hindu genocide carried out by Moplah Muslim fanatics demanding a Caliphate in Malabar.

Pan-Islamic movement that swept the world in the twentieth century has resurfaced

“Many people ask me why I think it’s necessary to dig up the skeletons after 100 years. Firstly, there is a saying that if you do not understand history you are doomed to repeat it, so it is important to understand the historical background of the incident. Secondly, we have seen how fundamentalist, communalist and Islamic terrorist elements have engaged in acts of violence and terrorism throughout the world. The pan-Islamic movement that swept the world in the twentieth century has resurfaced”, said J Nandakumar.

He further added that if one considers the International scenario, the Islamist fundamentalists all over the world have declared Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan as their ‘only hope’ and have used Turkey as the epicentre for spreading terrorism. Many Islamic organisations operating in Bharat like the Popular Front of Bharat (PFI) or the Jamaat-e-Islami or the ones trying to create unrest in Jammu and Kashmir have openly given statements recognizing Erdogan as their leader.

Islamists promoting ‘Khilafat 2.0’
He also mentioned how programs to promote ‘Khilafat 2.0’ are being held in higher educational institutions in various places. Many of you must have observed how placards and banners promoting Khilafat 2.0 had appeared during anti-CAA programs and processions organised in various places including Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Delhi etc.

PFI rally in Kerala parades chained people dressed in RSS uniform, depict the Moplah massacre of Hindus

The RSS Pracharak remembers how the Popular Front of Bhart (PFI), an extremist Islamist organization, chose to do a rally in Kerala parading men dressed in RSS uniforms, depict the Moplah massacre of Hindus.

OpIndia, on February 19, 2021, had reported about the incident. The rally was held in Tenhipalam town in Malappuram district of Kerala. The Popular Front of Bharat (PFI) had paraded men dressed in RSS uniforms. The men being paraded were also chained. The audio and visuals from the rally had confirmed a lot of Islamic chanting, including Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illallah Muhammad Rasulullah, and others chanted during the procession.

Islamist fanatics trying to spearhead another incident similar to the 1921 Moplah massacre: J Nandakumar

J Nandakumar revealed how during that procession carried out by PFI in Kerala, one chant which could be heard persistently and loudly was: “humne jo talwar uthaya tha 1921 mein, woh humne samundar mein feka nahi abhi bhi humare haath mein hain”, roughly translated as “the swords we picked up in 1921 was not thrown away in the oceans, it is still in our hands”.

What does this mean? It only goes on to suggest that these Islamist fanatics are trying to spearhead another incident similar to the 1921 Moplah massacre.

Kerala- the epicenter of Jihad

Thirdly, why it becomes important to understand the history of the Moplah riots is that many Islamic fundamentalists are trying to spread all sorts of jihad in the country. From ‘love jihad’ to ‘land jihad’ to ‘food jihad’ to ‘narcotics jihad’, the fanatics are doing everything in their capacity to spread such hate campaigns across the country.

J Nandakumar added how recently Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt of the Pala diocese of the Syro-Malabar Church has stated that young Christian boys and girls of Kerala are being targeted for not just ‘Love Jihad’ but for ‘Narcotics Jihad’ too.

The recruitment into ISIS is also on the rise in our country. Along with this, there is this latest development in Kabul where the Islamic fundamentalists are at the helm of affairs. The RSS activist raised concerns that several analysts have warned that now Pakistan with the tactical support of the Taliban would again try and spread terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

All of the foregoing data were necessary to explain because they are the result of the blunders committed by the Hindu or the nationalist society during the 1921 Moplah Massacre, lamented J Nandakumar. They did not muster the courage to fight back against the Islamist fanatics and the result was that the estimated Hindu deaths of the ethnic cleansing in the Moplah massacre tantamounted to somewhere around 10,000 and it is believed that as many a 100,000 Hindus were forced to leave Kerala in the wake of the riots.

What happened in 1921 has a long history

The so-called Moplah Rebellion or the Khilaf movement, as believed by a lot of people, did not happen suddenly. What happened in 1921 has a long history. Though a lot of cities like Kanpur, Kolkata were affected, Kerala bore the worst brunt of the Khilafat movement’s ill effects.

J Nandakumar asserted that the beginning of Islamic terrorism in Kerala dates back to 1766 when the Islamic tyrant Hyder Ali conquered Mysore. Conflicts between Muslims and non-Muslims started during his regime. After Hyder Ali, his son Tipu Sultan carried on the legacy.

Tipu Sultan’s atrocities led to the mass exodus of Hindus from Malabar

Tipu Sultan was one of the most ruthless Islamic invaders in South Bharat. There have been several recorded instances of Tipu’s army forcefully converting, raping and kidnapping Hindus on his orders. Many temples are recorded to have been demolished under his reign. It was under his regime that many Hindus were driven away from Malabar.

Delving into the past, J Nandakumar further informed how mass Hindus exodus from Malabar was carried out. Half the Hindus dwelling in Malabar in Kerala fleed leaving behind all their wealth and property, so that they could save their life and dignity. Mass conversions and murders were carried out. Several Hindu women were brutally raped and assaulted.

Moplah Muslims became landlords by acquiring huge swathes of land and property left behind by the Malabar Hindus

The army of Tipu Sultan, who harboured extreme animosity for the local Hindus and tribals in the area, ruthlessly hacked Hindu men, women and children to death. After killing, the bodies of Hindu men, women and children were dumped in the river. Fearing death, half of the Hindu population flee Malabar, leaving behind an immense expanse of fertile lands. The best quality of teak in the world was cultivated on these large swathes of land which the Hindus just left behind.

Tipu Sultan distributed all these lands in between the Moplah Muslims. The Muslims who then after acquiring such large masses of land, became the zamindars or the landlords and established their supremacy in Malabar and the other Northern parts of Kerala.

Between 1792 to 1921 Malabar witnessed as many as 82 large scale anti-Hindu riots

Then in 1792 Tipu Sultan lost and he had to leave Malabar. During that time, the majority of Hindus who had fled came back and reclaimed their land that was illegally distributed amongst the Moplah Muslims by the Islamic invader. This incident profoundly affected the psyche of the people of Malabar and the rift between Muslims and non-Muslims, especially Hindus began to widen.

After 1792, the spate of communal violence in Malabar increased. From 1792 to 1921 Malabar witnessed as many as 82 large scale anti-Hindu riots. The Hindu genocide in Malabar in 1972 was a continuation of the series of carnage that began in 1792.

Congress purposely ignored the brewing anti-Hindu sentiment to spearhead the Khilafat movement

Here, J Nandakumar remarked that Congress extended its support to the Khilafat movement without trying to grasp its impact. He blamed Congress leaders for dismissing the sensitivity of the circumstance and ignoring the obvious hatred against the Hindu Kafirs thriving in the hearts of the Moplah Muslims.

He said that it was obvious that the Moplah Muslims in Malabar were always ready to attack the Hindus, with or without any reason, still, the congress gave a green signal to the Khilafat movement. The Congress provided the Moplah fanatics with a reason, under the grab of the Khilafat movement, to wreak havoc and indulge in the mass murder of innocent Hindus.

After Congress joined hands with Khilafat leaders Malabar witnessed the first gruesome attack on Hindus

In 1920 an alliance was made between Khilafat leaders and the Bharatiya National Congress and on August 20, 1921, Malabar witnessed the first gruesome attack by the Moplah Muslim community on the innocent Hindus.

The protagonist of this Islamist project, Kunjahammed Haji by spearheading the Khilafat movement, established Al-Daula (Islamic State) where he imposed jizya (religious tax) on the Hindus of his territory.

Congress glorified the Khilafat movement as a part of Bharatiya’s struggle for Independence

The so-called secularist Congress glorified the Khilafat movement as a part of Bharatiya’s struggle for Independence, said that RSS Pracharak, adding that the eminent Congress leaders propagated that the Khilafat movement was one where Hindus and Muslims fought together to oust the British, later, due to some distortions, riots occurred. This is what Congress has been proclaiming, but, the reality is far from what Congress wanted people to believe. “It was not started as an Independence struggle”, asserted the piqued RSS activist.

Irrespective of what Congress said, the fact is that it started as a part of a pan Islamic movement.

J Nandakumar goes on to further discuss the intrinsic nature of these particular sets of Moplah fanatics. They are terrorists driven by extremist ideologies, said the RSS Pracharak.

The seeds of the Khilafat movement were sown during World War One

Trying to establish how old and deep-rooted is the hydra of Islamism in Bharat, J Nandakumar informed that on September 1, 1914, Mappila leaders of Malabar assembled at Himayathul Islam Sabha Hall and appealed to the community members to join hands with Britain. Before the First World War, David Lloyd George, British prime minister (1916–22) had given a clarion call asking Muslims to support Britain in World War 1 and in return he had promised to keep the Khilafat, the fight for the Caliph of Islam, alive.

Then the Muslims all over Bharat, especially in Kerala had offered prayers in each mosque for the success of the British.

The British, however, were more cunning. After their victory, they dismantled Turkey’s Ottoman Empire and declared many regions as independent states. They restored Hagia Sophia as a Christian sanctuary.

This led to the birth of the Khilafat movement which was launched by Bharatiya Muslims to support the preserve the authority of the Ottoman Sultan as Caliph of Islam following the breakup of the Ottoman Empire at the end of the war.

What happened at the Thuvoor well that led to 38 Hindus being slaughtered by Muslim fanatics during the Moplah genocide

Talking about what has gone down the history as the Hindu Genocide day, J Nandakumar reminisced how on the black day of 25th of September 1921, on the barren hillside between Thuvoor and Karuvayakandi in North Kerala Chambrassery Imbichi Koithangal, one of the Khilafat leaders, held a rally with over 4,000 of his followers. During this meeting, more than 40 Hindus were caught hold of and taken to him with their hands tied behind their backs. 38 were murdered. 3 of the 38 were shot but the rest were beheaded and thrown in the Thuvoor well.

He added that Annie Besant, who had visited Malabar, chronicled one such act of brutality on a Hindu pregnant woman who was so brutally murdered that her body lay on the street with her stomach hacked open by a sword with the unborn foetus strewn outside the woman’s body. 

To foil the attempt to whitewash the 1921 Moplah massacre the truth should be revealed

J Nandakumar, near the end of the event, discusses how critical it is for the Moplah Massacre, which has been largely forgotten, to be brought to light. He suggested that Hindus come out in large numbers to show their solidarity for the countless Hindus who have been massacred and their descendants who have yet to recover from their losses. The reality behind the so-called Moplah Rebellion must be revealed, as must, the Islamist apologists’ attempt to whitewash the Islamist jihadist Moplahs’ carnage, said J Nandakumar.

It may be noted that while speaking in the same program, the Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath had also slammed that left historians who have been whitewashing the 1921 Malabar genocide of Hindus as a peasant uprising.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of how Jihadi elements have shamed mankind. We must give serious consideration to how Bharat might be liberated from such Jihadist ideology, said Yogi Adityanath.

Even 100 years after the horrific 1921 Moplah massacre, the wounds of one of the bloodiest communal pogroms documented in Bharatiya history remain fresh in the Hindu psyche. OpIndia has published a detailed report on the Moplah genocide of Hindus and 25th September 1921, the day when 38 Hindus were slaughtered and thrown in a well by a Muslim mob demanding a Caliphate in Malabar. The report can be viewed here.

National Convenor of Prajna Pravah J Nandakumar says BJP has never kept plans for CAA, NRC secret, insists RSS shakhas have no link to party in power, explains Sangh’s concept behind calling all Bharatiya Hindu, and argues it is wrong to say RSS hasn’t changed with times As protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act spread, senior RSS leader J Nandakumar argues in his new book, Hindutva for the Changing Times, that Babasaheb Ambedkar would have been “happy to see the passage of the Bill”. The book also assesses contemporary issues “in light of Hindutva”.
National convenor of the RSS-affiliated think-tank Prajna Pravah, a forum for ‘nationalist’ thinkers, Nandakumar has been at the centre of what the organisation calls its attempts to “decolonise Bharatiya minds from Eurocentric impact” through academic rigour. In the past, he has spoken out against “CPM aggression” in Kerala.

ANANTHAKRISHNAN G: What prompted you to write Hindutva for the Changing Times?

The book is a compilation of write-ups and articles based on the Hindutva paradigm. I tried my best to address and analyse the philosophical aspects of Hindutva darshan. I am using the word ‘darshan’ because I am not quite sure if the book is a true description of the philosophy (of Hindutva). I have tried to analyse the contemporary issues which we, and humanity as a whole, are facing, and attempted to answer some of the major questions before us. For example, the political turmoil, environmental issues, multiculturalism, the so-called liberalism, the industry 2.0 or the technological advancements… I have tried to touch upon the hot subjects of the modern era.

National Convenor of Prajna Pravah J Nandakumar with Senior Assistant Editor Ananthakrishnan G in The Bharatiya Express newsroom. (Express Photo: Abhinav Saha)

It is, of course, necessary for us to progress, but along with that, some vested interests are trying to get all our data and based on that are creating algorithms to control our emotions. So not just trade or economics, but even your emotions are being controlled. So that’s the purpose of the book, to look at some of these issues through the Hindutva paradigm or with the help of the Hindutva light.

ANANTHAKRISHNAN G: Your book also comes at a time when there are protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. You have touched upon the subject in your book, and have also said that B R Ambedkar would approve of the law. Can you elaborate?

The enactment of the CAA is, in some way, a fulfillment of Babasaheb Ambedkar’s dream. That’s my conviction. Someone who has sincerely gone through his thoughts on Pakistan, his observations on Partition, will surely agree with my statement. He has clearly stated the difficulties that Hindus, especially Hindu Dalits, the minorities in Pakistan, are facing. The Hindus of Pakistan cannot exist peacefully there. They will face total annihilation, especially the Dalits of Pakistan. So his suggestion for that grey question was… his famous statement, that populations should be transferred. He quoted the Greece-Turkey agreement of 1923. There was a big issue over minorities in both the countries, and they settled it through a transfer of population. (As part of the Treaty of Lausanne, the two countries agreed to uproot two million people in a population exchange. Only since the 1990s have people been able to visit what they see as their ancestral villages.) I am not saying that transfer of population happened at the time. That is not my point, but what Ambedkar said at that time, in due course, history proved him correct. What is the plight of minorities, especially the Hindus there (in Pakistan)? At one point, there were 20% Hindus there, now that number has reduced to 1%. The promises that were made by Liyaqat Ali Khan on behalf of Pakistan to Jawaharlal Nehru have not been met. In fact we have actually kept our promises and the minorities here have flourished in all aspects. The CAA was not an issue when I wrote the book, but in the present context (what I wrote) holds relevance. That is what I said.

LIZ MATHEW: But the CAA and National Register of Citizens (NRC) are no longer Muslim issues, they have become national issues…

Firstly, the CAA is not a discriminatory Act. It is an inclusive Act as far as I am concerned; it’s against discrimination that minorities face in (Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan). It was a dream not only of Ambedkar but also Mahatma Gandhiji. It was a promise made by Jawaharlal Nehru… The NRC is a promise made by our constitutional heads, our government.

Also, while the CAA has been passed, where is the NRC? I am not saying that the NRC will not come, but why is there agitation and rioting against the NRC? The rules, regulations, legalities, and modalities have not been finalised. Still, some people are campaigning against it and creating havoc.

A caricature of National Convenor of Prajna Pravah J Nandakumar.

Also, any agitation will have all sorts of religious representation. However, that does not mean 100% Hindus, Muslims, and Christians are against it. This is not a fact. And where is this agitation going on now, please tell me. I am coming from the Northeast, I was in Manipur, I didn’t see any agitation there. In Jamia Millia (Islamia University) agitation, there were specific slogans on the Northeast, but the people of the Northeast are out on the roads in support of the CAA. Huge programmes are going on, lakhs of people are participating. Now whether it is being covered in Delhi or not, that is a different thing. Some selective reporting is also being done by a section of the media. That is creating misunderstanding.

LIZ MATHEW: But the Home Minister spoke about chronology and said the CAA will be followed by the NRC. That is why people are making the link.

The Home Minister has said that in due course the NRC will be… The plan is there, you can submit your ideas, what your problems are… You can raise them before the government when the modalities and legalities are being formulated. We can come up with a solution. See, the CAA and NRC are not a secret thing. It has been in the public domain since 2016.

“There are many points behind considering a person a refugee — religion, language, class… One serious issue people are facing has been taken into account in CAA. Other classification can be made in due course,” J Nandakumar said.

ABANTIKA GHOSH: But why make religion a criteria for CAA? Persecution is not just based on religion…

There are many points which need to be taken into account to consider a person a refugee or not — religion, language, class. But when a particular (law) is formulated, you cannot take all the issues together. One serious issue that people are facing has been taken into consideration at this point in time. Other reasonable classification can be made in due course. When such Acts are made, we cannot complicate it… The persecuted minorities (based on) religion are to be taken care of. It is our obligation, our moral duty, a constitutional obligation.

KRISHN KAUSHIK: BJP leaders often say that the NRC was brought in by the Congress. But that was for Assam. Why is the BJP pushing for a nationwide NRC?

This particular aspect is mentioned in their (the BJP’s) manifesto. People of this country gave them two-thirds majority on the basis of their manifesto. How can they go back on a promise they made to the public? Not just in the 2019 manifesto, it was mentioned in the 2014 manifesto as well. Also, if you look at the NRC through a non-political, national perspective, then it is specifically related to the security of the nation. That is why almost all nations have their own Register.

DEEPTIMAN TIWARY: But do you think the NRC exercise is really feasible in a country like Bharat where a large section of people have no assets or documents to prove even their date of birth?

I’m very optimistic about it. If you have an Aadhaar card, ration card, or any other identity card, then it’s well and good. But even if you have none of it, it (the law) asks you if there are three-four people who know you… So in that way, it is feasible and I am quite optimistic that it can be done.

DEEPTIMAN TIWARY: But in Assam, where the exercise was conducted, I don’t think four people testifying that you are a citizen of this nation has been enough to prove citizenship…

Let us try. We are positive about this step. Once people said that Article 370 is a sacred clause, it cannot be touched, but it was scrapped. So if there is a will, there is a way. I understand the concern of the people, but if the move helps our country prosper, if it ensures our security, then it is our duty to support it.

ABANTIKA GHOSH: There are allegations that ABVP members beat up students on the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus…

ANANTHAKRISHNAN G: Also, you come from Kerala which is not new to campus violence. In your book you have written about political violence in the state, and you have also been one of the main campaigners against what you call “redtrocity”. In that context, how do you view the violence on the JNU campus?

First of all, any violence in a university is highly condemnable. There must be no place for violence in educational centres and in student politics. As for JNU, I have heard and read a lot about it… When more than 70 CRPF jawans were massacred by Maoists in Dantewada, there were celebrations on JNU campus. Later, the infamous ‘tukde gang’ incident also happened. I heard about it through the media, I wasn’t there. There has been some agitation going on there for months… Their (protest) style has changed. Professors are being chased, the Vice-Chancellor is heckled. Students have all the right to hold a strike, but its style and nature have changed. Classrooms are closed, they have been transformed into living rooms. Is this the way to strike? They are not ready to write examinations… I think my conclusion is that a frustrated section of students from an organisation of a (certain) political leaning, on seeing that they are losing ground… These student organisations have themselves unleashed trouble in JNU. Also, as per my information, many fake photos are being published. I condemn the violence, it should not have happened, and, of course, both sides have been injured. You say ABVP students have done it but ABVP students were also taken to hospitals. One girl student has lost her memory. We have to look at things from a proper perspective, see how JNU is changing, that’s my point.

LIZ MATHEW: But why didn’t police stop the violence at JNU?

It is some sort of dereliction of duty and needs to be looked into by the authorities and the government to see if this happened or not.

SHYAMLAL YADAV: What is the mandate of the Prajna Pravah? What work does the organisation do?

In the last five-six centuries, intellectual activities by nationalist people lost momentum. Bharat is the land of knowledge but maybe, because of continuous attacks on Bharat and its educational and academic centres, the churning for knowledge creation was stalled. So, many people, not just those linked to the RSS, but also those who have a Bharatiya viewpoint, came together to delve deep into the knowledge system and tradition. That is how this movement started. So in that sense it is not a single organisation, but an umbrella organisation for intellectual movements.

After Independence, from 1950 onwards, there was planned ethnic cleansing of such thinkers, their books got sidelined. Many of you may be political science students. Have you seen a copy of Kashi Prasad Jayaswal’s Hindu Polity? Jayaswal was not an RSS person. To put my point across clearly, Jayaswal as a thought process was cleansed. Where is Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy’s Hindu Chemistry? He wrote about the Bharatiya tradition of chemistry. So this churning has to be restarted. I have also pursued political science and we were taught about the thoughts of Karl Marx, Antonio Francesco Gramsci… Of course, all these thought processes should be taken into consideration, but why not Jayaswal’s, why not Chanakya’s?

SHYAMLAL YADAV: At the ground level, what is the relationship between the BJP and RSS shakhas? There have been some reports that at many places the numerical strength in shakhas has been declining.

RSS shakhas have no relationship with the political dispensation. Right from the beginning, the RSS is working on its own strength. If there was any such relation, the maximum number of shakhas would have been in Gujarat. The BJP has been in power in the state for the last four terms. If I say that the BJP will come to power in Kerala in the state election next year, all of you may laugh because you are well aware of the BJP’s political strength in the state. But you will be surprised to know that the maximum number of shakhas in a state are in Kerala. So, shakhas have no link to the party in power.

RAVISH TIWARI: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has often said that all Bharatiya are part of the Hindu society, irrespective of their religion and culture. What is the RSS’s fascination with declaring everybody a Hindu?

He didn’t insist on calling everyone a Hindu. He said this is my concept. In his Vigyan Bhawan speech (in December 2019), at the outset, he said that it (the statement) is not to convince you… Those who are living in Hindustan are Hindus. A national newspaper is called The Hindu, there are no issues over that. That particular media group came to the conclusion that our paper is Hindu. The RSS is also thinking on the same lines. Both The Bharatiya Express and The Hindu are Bharatiya, and they are both Hindu. Mohan Bhagwat uses the word Hindu as a synonym for Bharat.

When Vir Savarkar was in jail in the Andamans, suffering all sorts of criminal atrocities, he wrote thousands of poems. In one of them, he defined Hindutva. He said those who are living in this great nation, it is their punya bhumi (land of good karma), their sacred nation. Those who are born here, those who consider this the land of their ancestors, I am calling them Hindu. That’s all. I am putting my ideas before you, it is not binding for you to follow my ideas. You can accept or reject them.

ANANTHAKRISHNAN G: For several decades now the RSS has had the same structure, pattern, habits, sports. Has the RSS as an organisation failed to keep pace with the times? You took several decades to even change your uniform from shorts to trousers. Do you think there has been a delay in adapting to the times?

No, I don’t think so. When RSS shakhas were started, we adopted the most modern uniform of that time. You may look at it now and say that it was old-fashioned, but 94 years ago that was not the case. In fact, back then there was an allegation that the RSS has adopted a western uniform. And since then the uniform has also changed six times. Also, the basic concept of the RSS is to work to transform minds. Only through that can the system be transformed. We are continuing to do so through the people who come to our shakhas.

‘LokManthan Bhagyanagar 2024’, which will be Bharat’s largest colloquium, will be held in Bhagyanagar (Hyderabad) from November 21-24. It will lay stress on the fact that Bharat’s strength lies in its unity. A curtain raiser of the event was held recently at Jalavihar Bhagyanagar, the city of fortune, is planning to host “LokManthan 2024”. A curtain-raising event was held in Jalavihar on August 9. On this occasion, the reception committee was announced, a book deta detailing the event’s concept was published and a dedicated portal was made available to the public. The speakers explained the idea and concept of the upcoming big biennial event.

The intellectually stimulating event titled “LokManthan Bhagyanagar -2024: A Colloquium of Nation-First Thinkers & Practitioners,” saw the participation of scholars, retired civil servants, defence personnel, practitioners and leaders from various professions, who came together to deliberate on issues central to the unity and progress of Bharat.

The event began with the Deep Prajwalana ceremony, followed by cultural performances by artists showcasing Oggu Dolu, Dappu Dolu, Bathukamma, Potharaju, and traditional songs. The event on August 10 served as a curtain raiser for the grand programme scheduled for November 2024. The organisers also announced the reception committee for the upcoming event.

The event was presided over by Bandi Sanjay, Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs. In his opening remarks, Bandi Sanjay emphasised the importance of fostering a collective national identity that transcends regional and cultural divisions. He highlighted the role of such discussions in shaping policies and narratives that reflect the true spirit of Bharat.

Colonialists Divided Bharatiya Society.

J Nandakumar, National Convenor of Pragna Pravah, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the theme and the reasons behind “LokManthan”. He said in recent times, we have witnessed a deliberate attempt to create artificial divisions within our society—divisions that are alien to our culture and philosophy. There is a narrative called ‘Classic’ and ‘folk’, largely influenced by Western perspectives, that seeks to label and separate our people. This narrative paints a picture where those living in rural or forested areas are seen as uncivilised, while urban dwellers are considered civilised. This is not just a distortion of facts; it is an outright denial of Bharat’s intrinsic values.

The terms “classic” and “folk” were used by colonial forces to create societal binaries, a division that persisted in Bharatiya society even after Independence, contrary to the common man’s expectations. Our ancient wisdom does not subscribe to such divisive labels. Instead, it recognises the inherent oneness that permeates all aspects of life. The distinction between the so-called civilised and uncivilised is a construct that has been propagated by certain academic circles and Left-liberal groups, aiming to weaken the very identity of our society. Our culture, our traditions, our way of life—these are all testaments to the oneness to the oneness that binds us.

Today’s event is just the beginning. It serves as a curtain raiser for the grand programme scheduled for November, where we will continue to celebrate the oneness of our society. Bharat’s strength in its unity, and through this colloquium, we shall reaffirm that strength and carry it forward.

Ancient Wisdom Will Guide Society

The guest of honour, Brahmasri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma, founder of Rishipeetham, spoke on the significance of cultural and spiritual unity in sustaining the nation’s ethos among all people, whether they live in forests, villages, or urban areas. He elaborated on the ancient wisdom embedded in Bharatiya traditions, which can guide contemporary society in overcoming the challenges posed by modernity.

Shanmukha Sarma said as the Lokmanthan programme moves from Madhya Pradesh towards the city of Bhagyanagar, it is essential to reflect on the significance of this cultural journey. “This event represents not just a celebration of our traditions, but a deep dive into the roots of Bharatiya’s diverse cultural heritage, which has been continuously under threat from external forces, especially Western ideologies that have historically sought to impose their worldview on others.

This tragic pattern of destruction wasn’t confined to the Americas or Australia. In Bharat too, we were subjected to the introduction of foreign diseases like malaria and cholera—ailments that were subjected to the introduction of foreign diseases like malaria and cholera—ailments that were not native to our land These diseases, brought by the colonisers, wreaked havoc on our people, just as they did in other parts of the world.

Wherever these colonisers went, they refused to recognise the value of local civilisations. They dismissed these ancient cultures as worthless and unworthy of preservation. This mindset was not just an expression of arrogance; it was a kind of mental illness, a syndrome rooted in the belief that their way of life was of life was inherently superior to all others. They trampled on the existing civilisations, attempting to impose their own ways, often with devastating consequences.

Dr T Hanuman Chowdary, Chairman of Pragna Bharati and a Padma Shri awardee, emphasised the need for a united stand against divisive narratives being spread through different platforms. Announcing the Reception Committee for the upcoming grand event, he shared that it includes 108 eminent personalities. Among the distinguished names are G Kishan Reddy, Minister of Coal, Retd Justice Narasimha Reddy, Bandi Sanjay, Minister of State for Home Affairs, along with several other notable figures from diverse professional backgrounds.

“LokManthan Bhagyanagar -2024: A Colloquium of Nation-First Thinkers & Practitioners,” saw the participation of folk artists who entertained the gathering that included scholars, Arned Forces Arned Forces personnel and practitioners from various professions.

Swamini Suvidyamrita Prana of Mata Amritanandamayi Math, another esteemed guest of honour, shared insights on the spiritual dimension of unity and launched the dedicated portal of the event. At the same time, Lok Kalaakaar Shri Dasari Kondappa, a Padma Shri awardee from Telangana, highlighted the role of arts in preserving and promoting Bharatiya culture. He is the last surviving artist who can make Burraveena and render music using the same. Though coming from a remote rural background, the lyrics of his music reflect the same common wisdom of Bharat that can be seen even in so-called classical (as per Western classification) literature and philosophies.

Unity in Diversity

The colloquium served as a precursor to the larger event, LokManthan, scheduled for November 21-24, 2024. LokManthan is Bharat’s largest colloquium, celebrating the nation’s diverse yet unified This biannual event aims to dismantle the perceived artificial divisions among people from varied backgrounds, thought processes, traditions, and systems.

As the evening progressed, the speakers and participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, underscoring the significance of such platforms in shaping a cohesive and forward-looking Bharat. The event concluded with a strong message of unity, cultural pride, and the reaffirmation of the nation-first philosophy that LokManthan stands for.

LokManthan provides a unique platform for engagement and deliberation with eminent academicians, thinkers, philosophers, researchers, artists, and activists. Through these discussions, the event seeks to establish a common understanding and approach to the divisive narratives prevalent in society. Ultimately, LokManthan aspires to evolve a new discourse that strengthens the unity of Bharatiyas, embracing diversity as a cornerstone of the nation’s identity. At the event, the organisers launched Lokmathanam: Sankalpana, a 32-page booklet outlining the theme and concept behind this celebration. Additionally, Additionally, a brochure was introduced, providing details about previous Lokmanthan events held in Bhopal 2016, Ranchi 2018, Guwahati 2022, and the upcoming event scheduled for November 2024.

The LokManthan Bhagyanagar 2024 event is supported by the following partners: Pragna Pravah, Pragna Bharati, Itihasa Sankalana Samiti, Samskara Bharati, Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal, Vijnana Bharati (Vibha), and Akhila Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad.

The media partners for the event are Hindu Darshini, HansBharat Daily, HMTV, Disha Daily, Nationalist Hub, Pura Local, and YUPPTV.

A key remit of the United Nations Human Rights Council is to promote and protect human rights around the world.

A demonstrator displays a placard during a protest against what they say is violence against Hindu communities during ongoing unrest in Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 9, 2024.

Credit: Reuters Photo New Delhi: An RSS-affiliated body has issued an appeal to the UNHRC to deploy a fact-finding mission to investigate alleged incidents of attacks against Hindu and other minorities in strife-torn Bangladesh.

A key remit of the United Nations Human Rights Council is to promote and protect human rights around the world.

Prajna Pravah, the Hindu rights body, has issued a public online link with a draft of its appeal seeking public support.

Also Read: Bangladesh launches hotline, urges people to inform about attacks on temples, other religious institutions

“We, a collective of intellectuals, academicians, lawyers and concerned citizens are writing to you as we are perturbed,” the body said in its appeal to the UNHRC.

It urged the UN body “immediately send a team to Bangladesh to assess the ground situation, interact with the victims and document the human rights violations against the Hindus and other minority communities.” Prajna Pravah has also urged the Bangladeshi authorities to “take immediate and effective measures to safeguard the lives, property and dignity of Hindu and other minorities” and also ensure that the “perpetrators of violence are brought to justice.”

It has also appealed to the UN body to “facilitate safe passage for those seeking refuge” and provide necessary humanitarian assistance.

It has also appealed to UNHRC to mobilise international support and also launch an initiative to rebuild lives of those who have lost their livelihood.