– Syed Atherulla Shariff
Bengaluru, Feb. 20: Action and reaction principles are constantly doing rounds. As the Hindutva forces push the image of their ideologue VD Savarkar, others have tightened their belts to unmask the controversial figure.
Latest in the row is ‘VD Savarkar: Yelu Mithyagalu (seven myths)’, the Kannada version of ‘Savarkar Unmasked’ written by professor Shamsul Islam, a Political Science professor of Delhi University, translated by famous Kannada writer T. Surendra. The original book is widely circulated and completed six editions.
Releasing the Kannada version here recently, Prof. Shamsul Islam pointed out that the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh translates to Indian volunteers association but their foreign counterparts called themselves Hindu Seva Sangh or Hindu volunteers association.
He also alleged that Hindutvawadis had caused fissures among Indian diaspora in the west as well.
The book breaks the following myths:
1 – Savarkar was a Legendary Freedom Fighter: Savarkar Betrayed Quit India Movement. Savarkar Sided with the British Imperialists against Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Savarkar got monthly pension from the British masters. Savarkar’s Hatred for the Tricolour.
2 – Savarkar Spent Most of His Life in the Cellular Jail.
3 – Savarkar’s Mercy Petitions a Ruse to Secure Freedom.
4 – Savarkar Stood as a Bulwark against Muslim League. He Openly Supported Two-nation Theory. Under his leadership Hindu Mahasabha ran Coalition Governments with Muslim League. He Demanded a Hindu Nation and Defended Shuddhi.
5 – Savarkar, a Rationalist, fought against Untouchability. Savarkar wanted Manusmriti as constitution. Savarkar as a Hindu Bigot.
6 – Charges Never Proved in Gandhi Murder Case.
7 – Savarkar’s Hindutva: Scientific Basis to Indian Nation. Only Hindus Constitute Indian Nationality. Idolised Hitler and Mussolini, Great Defender of Casteism. Photos of Revolutionaries incarcerated in the Cellular Jail.
Shamsul Islam taught political science at the University of Delhi. As an author, columnist and dramatist, he has been contributing relentlessly against religious bigotry, dehumanization, totalitarianism, persecution of women, Dalits and minorities. He is known for fundamental research work on the rise of nationalism and its development in India and the world.
Congress MLC BK Hariprasad, Communist Party of India (CPI) national secretary K Prakash, Kannada author Meenakshi Bali and writer T Surendra were also present on the occasion.
