Politics, politicization of Governor and VC and related issues affecting the Academics and standards of education – Periyar University VC arrest, bail and thereof.

Politics, politicization of Governor and VC and related issues affecting the Academics and standards of education – Periyar University VC arrest, bail and thereof.

Governor vs State becoming controversial: Now, the political narrative, discussion and discourses on the post of Governor, duties of Governor, Governor as Chancellor of Universities, appointments of Vice Chancellors for the Universities and connected issues have been important news. Particularly, this has become politicized and controversialized where the opposition parties ruling the States. Thus, in West Bengal, Kerala and Tamilnadu, many such problems reported, where the fight between the CM and Governor has been routine and daily basis also. The CMs want to appropriate the power of the Governors in appointing Vice-Chancellor. There has been a lot of news appearing in the media about the corruption involved in the appointment of VCs for Universities, where, crores are reportedly asked and given for getting such an appointment. It has also been reported that every VC thus appointed would appoint 20-30 Assistant Professors in their respective Universities and get back the amount he paid from them.

VC appointment based on merit or otherwise?: After the NDA / BJP government coming to power at the Centre, it is said that such corruption has come down, as only eligible and highly qualified emeritus Professors and such other experts alone are becoming VCs with merit. Thus, persons with merit are getting the appointment of Assistant Professors. When Prohit was Governor, many controversies were raised by the political parties, but, he withstood such malicious propaganda and now, he has been Governor of Punjab. Though, AAP has been the opposition party there, not much news is appearing as that of Kerala, West Bengal and Tamilnadu. Therefore, definitely, the Citizens of India have to know what has been going on in the Universities and academic institutions, where, politics and political interference and politicization should not be there.

VC appointment in 2021: Jagannathan, who was appointed as VC of the Salem-based university by then Governor Banwarilal Purohit in June 2021, is a known agricultural expert and had served as the dean of the prestigious Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore[1]. The VC has been under the cloud for the better part of his tenure with several political parties and activists levelling allegations of corruption against him and his colleagues at the university established in 1997[2]. Police said R. Jagannathan was arrested from the University premises on 26-12-2023 Tuesday evening under sections 294(b), 120(b), 420, 468, 409 r/w 511 and 506(1) of the IPC and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, following a complaint filed by A. Elangovan, legal advisor of the Periyar University Employees Union (PUEU)[3]. “There are a few other complaints against Jagannathan,” police said[4]. When the VC was produced before the judicial magistrate-II of Salem district court, J Dhinesh Kumaran, he was granted bail for seven days, stating the case prima facie appeared to be made out under mere allegations,” an official source said[5]. Hours after he was arrested under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Periyar University vice-chancellor (VC) R Jagannathan, 63, came out on seven-day conditional bail in the early hours of Wednesday, even as the Salem city police launched searches at eight places, including his official quarters and house in connection with the case of misappropriation of funds[6]. The VC has, however, been directed to appear before the assistant police commissioner of Suramangalam to put his signature on all the seven days.

Periyar University Employees Union (PUEU) – a company or part of University?: The company has four directors, including Jagannathan, and Registrar K Thangavel, the complainant has alleged[7]. On November 6, the Periyar University administration placed a table agenda in the syndicate meeting to undertake educational programmes in collaboration with PUTER Foundation, following which the Association of University Teachers raised concerns alleging financial irregularities in the university[8]. Their specific complaint is that the company was set up using the university’s resources and infrastructure for personal gain, the police said. The state government, too, has formed a committee to look into these complaints.

Complaint given by the University Legal Advisor: The Salem city police on 26-12-2023, Tuesday arrested Periyar University Vice-Chancellor Dr R Jagannathan for allegedly misappropriating public funds and establishing a private company on the campus under his name[9]. An FIR was registered against the vice-chancellor, based on a complaint filed by I Elangovan, legal advisor of Periyar University Employee Union (PUEU), and Salem city police Commissioner B Vijayakumari, said officials[10]. Elangovan has accused the V-C and registrar Thangavel of having a “direct interest” in the private firm — PUTER Foundation, allegedly located within the Periyar University — said police, adding that there were also several other complaints of financial irregularities[11]. The matter came to light when the university administration proposed a collaboration with the PUTER Foundation, with Dr Jagannathan and Thangavel as its directors[12]. The Association of University Teachers had raised concerns about this collaboration, alleging the “company was set up using university resources”.

PMK points out many irregularities: PMK leader and former Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss had last month demanded that the state government dismiss Jagannathan from his post, after the news of the proposal to tie-up with PUTER Foundation emerged. Ramadoss had said that students who get trained from the foundation will “pay higher fees” despite the firm utilizing the resources of the university which is funded by the taxpayers’ money. Corruption in higher educational institutes in Tamil Nadu is not new as two former vice-chancellors of Anna University and Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University were in 2018 booked for serious graft charges by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC). The agency also arrested the vice-chancellor of Coimbatore-based Bharathiar University, A Ganapathi, while accepting a bribe of Rs 30 lakh for regularising the job of an assistant professor, in the same year.

The condemnation of BJP: The arrest of Periyar University Vice-Chancellor Jagannathan would create fear among honest Vice-Chancellors. BJP state vice-president Kanakasabhapathy has condemned it and suggested the governor to intervene. Jagannathan, 68, was arrested and released on bail after filing a complaint about starting a business. In this regard, the state vice-president of the BJP, Kanakasabhapathy, issued a statement: “The arrest of the Vice-Chancellor of Periyar University by the police without evidence is strongly condemned. He is respected by many in the state as an honest educationist. But he is suddenly arrested without any notice. It seems that the police have tried not to follow the rules, file a case in the evening and appear in the court at night, and immediately send them to jail. And the next day the Vice Chancellor’s office and house were raided for several hours throughout the night. Hence the name of the Vice-Chancellor has been defamed in public. It is not known how the state higher education department gave permission for this. Educationists are concerned that this move by the state government will create some fear among honest vice-chancellors in Tamil Nadu. The state chief minister should take action on this. The state government should give a detailed explanation. Those involved should be held accountable for these wrongdoings that have tarnished the education sector. The investigating officer and the higher education department officials and the state government should take appropriate action immediately. The state governor who is the chancellor of the university should immediately intervene in this,” the statement said. However, this BJP support has been criticized by the other media, obviously, anti-BJP ideology.

Fastly moving incidences within four days: The Salem Police Station has been directed by the Madras High Court on 29-12-2023 to submit the case documents related to the arrest of R Jagannathan, Vice-Chancellor of Periyar University[13]. The court also adjourned a petition filed by the police that sought to quash the interim bail granted to him for today, December 29, 2023 reports The New Indian Express[14]. During the hearing of the petition before Justice P Dhanabal on Thursday, December 28, the counsel of the police moved to have the bail revoked. The counsel argued that it was granted by the judicial magistrate without giving the police an opportunity to present its case. The judge subsequently directed the police to file the case documents, including the interim bail order and scheduled a hearing for today, December 29. On December 26, the Salem city police arrested R Jagannathan, the Vice-Chancellor of Periyar University, for allegedly founding a private corporation to offer educational programmes in collaboration with the university in violation of norms and he was given bail on 27-12-2023 with hospitalization[15]. Angio was done, as he complained of chest pain and now reported stable[16].

Corruption, corrupt politics and politicked Academics: Corruption in education cannot be accepted on any account, reason or logic. The ideological interference with academics has been giving way the corruption to enter. Thus, some dominant ideologies and ideologists have infiltrated the ademic institutions through power-politics. The Socialism garb and socialist masquerade helped the Communists of all sorts to enter academics. Then, the dominant religious minorities with their “holy” alliances with the Communists made such power-politics and academic-appointment completely idelogized and politicized. Thus, many of the Central and State governmental Ministry of Education, Educational Institutions and governing bodies become manipulators of education. With the privatization of education, the commercialization has also implemented with the education business more profitable than others. Thus, becoming VC, HOD, Professor, Assistant Professor etc., have become coveted ones and the aspiring persons have been ready to go to any extent. As money-making has become the “mantra,” all have become agents in one way or the other, facilitating and taking care of interests mutually.

© Vedaprakash

29-12-2023

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[1] Deccan Herald, Periyar University V-C arrested on charges of misappropriation of funds, ETB Sivapriyan DHNS Last Updated 26 December 2023, 22:41 IST.

[2]https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tamil-nadu/periyar-university-v-c-arrested-on-charges-of-misappropriation-of-funds-2825869

[3] The Hindu, Arrested Periyar University Vice Chancellor released on conditional bail, December 27, 2023 11:48 am | Updated 03:18 pm IST – SALEM.

[4] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/arrested-periyar-university-vice-chancellor-released-on-conditional-bail/article67679007.ece

[5] Times of India, Periyar University vice-chancellor gets bail for 7 days, TNN / Dec 28, 2023, 08:45 IST

[6] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/periyar-varsity-v-c-gets-bail-for-7-days-in-hospital-for-angio/articleshow/106335913.cms

[7] Hindusthan Times, Periyar University V-C arrested for alleged irregularities: Police, By Divya Chandrababu, Dec 27, 2023 01:06 PM IST

[8] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/periyar-university-v-c-arrested-for-alleged-irregularities-police-101703662619845.html

[9] Indian Express, Periyar varsity V-C arrested for floating private firm on campus, By: Express News Service, Chennai | First uploaded on: 27-12-2023 at 02:28 IST; Updated: December 27, 2023 02:33 IST.

[10] https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/periyar-varsity-v-c-arrested-for-floating-private-firm-on-campus-9084037/

[11] Times of India, Searches at places of Periyar university VC, registrar last for 21 hrs, TNN / Dec 29, 2023, 08:40 IST.

[12] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/searches-at-places-of-periyar-univ-vc-latest-news/articleshow/106364564.cms

[13] Indian Express, Madras High Court seeks case documents on arrest of Periyar University VC, Edex Live, Published: 29th December 2023      

[14] https://www.edexlive.com/news/2023/dec/29/madras-high-court-seeks-case-documents-on-arrest-of-periyar-university-vc-39533.html

[15] Times of India, Periyar varsity V-C gets bail for 7 days; in hospital for angio, TNN / Dec 28, 2023, 08:43 IST

[16] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/periyar-varsity-v-c-gets-bail-for-7-days-in-hospital-for-angio/articleshow/106335859.cms

EVR’s atheism, Deivanayagam’s petition, Veramani’s counter and the Judgment!

EVR’s atheism, Deivanayagam’s petition, Veramani’s counter and the Judgment!

2017 petition heard and decided in 2019: That the petition W.P. No.28021/2017 was heard two years later and the judges to deliver judgment on 04-09-2019 has been intriguing. None reacted to the judgment or protested to remove any paragraphs from the judgment arguing that they offend their belief or so.  Perhaps, most of them are not interested at all. The duo Rajiv Malhothra and Aravinda Neelakantan[1] made much fuss about their favorite duo Deivanayagam and Devakala[2] also keeping quite! Though from 2014 onward, many Hindutwa advocates, lawyers and legal experts have been out, it appears that they do not bother such cases. Of course, they might write in their own websites and journals, read by hundred or two hundred, applause and enjoy time otherwise.

Thanthai Periyar, had advocated both atheism and self respect[3]: Emphasizing the right to propagate views questioning existence of God, the Madras High Court recently dismissed a Public Interest Litigation which sought to remove atheistic inscriptions below the statues of Thanthai Periyar in Tamil Nadu[4]. The bench comprising Justice S. Manikumar and Justice Subramonium Prasad observed that followers of Thanthai Periyar, in exercise of the rights under Article 19 of the Constitution of India, has a right to disagree with the existence of God.

There is no God, no God, no god, Those who preached God is fool Those who spread God Rogue Those who pray God are Barbarians

These inscriptions below the statue of Thanthai Periyar erected all over the State of Tamil Nadu, offended Dr.M.Deivanayagam[5] who filed a PIL seeking to remove them on the ground that it is an offensive language, and against the ‘Universal God’. According to Dr. Deivanayagam, Periyar had always advocated self-respect and not atheism. He further contended that Periyar had not uttered such words offending people[6]. He contended that during his lifetime, Periyar had never uttered these words, inscribed below the statues, and it was the Dravidar Kazhagam, led by its president K. Veeramani, that had inscribed these lines[7]. A division bench of Justice S. Manikumar and Justice Subramonium Prasad said it was of the view that it was an undisputed fact that Periyar, in all his speeches and publications, from 1928, had declared that[8] “there is no God, God doesn’t exist, one who has created God is a fool”. “The propogation of the philosophy of self respect, social reform, ending caste system, equal rights and Periyar’s vision to establish a society of brotherhood can be deciphered, and according to him, the belief in God was the sole reason for the inequalities in society[9]. Speeches and expression, extracted supra, from 1928, makes it clear without an iota of hesitation that it was Periyar’s philosophy and ideology that became a self respect movement and later on, a party,” the bench said.

Periyar had declared that there is no god, God doesn’t exist, One who has created is a fool: Justice Manikumar, in his judgment, made many references to writing and speeches of Periyar and concluded that he had, in all his speeches, publications, from 1928, had declared that there is no god, God doesn’t exist, One who has created is a fool[10]. The court also observed that, people recognize Periyar as a non believer of God and the one who fought for social justice and self respect. The court said[11]: “Propagation of philosophy of self respect, social reform, ending caste system, equal rights, and Thanthai Periyar’s vision to establish a society of brotherhood could be deciphered, and according to Thanthai Periyar, belief of God, was the sole reason for the inequalities in the society. Speeches and expression, extracted supra, from 1928 and enclosed in the typed set of papers makes it clear, without any iota of hesitation, one can clearly come to the conclusion that it is Thanthai Periyar’s philosophy and ideology, which became a self respect movement and later on, a party”.

Followers of Periyar Has Right To Propagate His Atheistic Views: The court further observed Dravidar Kazhagam Party, has every right under the Constitution of India, to fight for social justice in eradicating inequality, right for upliftment of women and downridden people, express views on religion and existence of God[12]. It further observed that divergent views on philosophy should be allowed to be expressed, and that there cannot be a prevention of freedom of expression, with permanent interest of human progress[13]. It said: “The petitioner has a constitutional right under Article 19 of the Constitution of India, to express his views on religion and existence of God, in the light of the decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Lalai Singh Yadav’s case, we are of the view that the 2nd respondent and the members of the party, or followers of Thanthai Periyar, in exercise of the rights under Article 19 of the Constitution of India, has a right to disagree with the same.”

Who is Deivanayagam, the Petitioner of the case?: M. Deivanayagam has been a Christian, completed M. A. Tamil fom Madras Christian College, working as a lecturer in Loyola College, done a Ph.D from the chair created by the former Archbishop R. Arulappa, that was reportedly affiliated to the University of Madras. With the publication of his controversial book, “Viviliyam Tirukkural Saiva Siddhantam,” he go some publicity. However, Rajiv Malhothra of Infinity Foundation had given undue publicity through his book, “Breaking India.” Though he never saw and met Deivanayagam he engaged certain people to get information about Deivanayagam. That is why, the information the Rajiv Malhothra group got has been confused and given full credit to Deivanayagam and her daughter Devakala. Aravinda Neelakantan, evidently collaborated for such “Deivanayagam research” making him famous, popular rather than notorious hitherto. Some persons of Hindutva groups have worked as conduits for the information exchange between Deivanayagam and Hindutwa groups. Thus, in 2017, Deivanayagam got this fantastic idea of “Universal God” and filed a writ petition.

What Deivanayagam claimed in his petition: Based on the petition filed, the following points are listed:

1. The Parliament of World Religions was held between 15th and 19th of October 2015 at Salt lake city, USA. On behalf of our trust [“Trust for the Unification of World Religions through Soulology of the Tamils”], we rented two booths to establish the existence of the Universal God on the basis of the Soulology of the Tamils and all the questions raised by the religious scholars had been answered rationally.
2. On the basis of the invitation of the Vice Chancellor of Madras University. We have established the existence of Universal God in a rational way on 2nd January 2016.
3. The President of Dravidar Kazhagam have advertised that, those who prove the existence of God will get a reward of 1 crore rupees and those who prove Pilliyar eats Kozhukattai will get a reward of 2 crore rupees and specifically they have to prove in the premises of Periyar Thidal. Accepting his challenge, we wrote letters to K.Veeramani. We wrote articles explaining a reply to his challenge and published in our magazines. After reading this, due to the fear of losing his challenge, he has hidden himself in his own premises at the specified time. The complete details are published in our Tamizhar Samayam magazine. We are always ready to prove the above challenge at any time.”

What K. Veeramani frecorded about M. Deivanayagam in his counter: What K. Veeramani recorded abot M. Deivanayagam:

1. It is the further contention of the 2nd respondent [Deivanayagam] that the petitioner used to spend time, in the premises of 2nd respondent’s party [K. Veeramani] under the guise of an atheist and non believer of God.
2. It is their further contention that after some time, the petitioner has started preaching that in the world, that there are two religions, one is Saivait and the other is Vaishnavait and Gods are Shiva and Vishnu respectively.
3. The second respondent has further stated that the petitioner is having an organization called “அனைத்து தன்மான தமிழர்களது கூட்டமைப்பு”. Using this organization, on one side, he preached about Periyar and on other side, tried to achieve his individual views, by using 2nd respondent’s party.
4. As he refused to attend his meeting, he filed this petition as a revenge.

The judgment and its beneficiaries and of course the affected: It is not known as to where the Hindutwa lawyers, advocates and others have gone. Thus, it is very clear that both played dubious play and mischief, just to get publicity through the petition, because, hther it is head or tail, they are the winners and the opponents or the gullible attacked [who always do not know that they are attacked] and the Judges cleverly delivered the judgment giving much publicity to EVR with the English translation that occupies 60% of their judgments. Definitely, the DK, K. Veeramany and Deivanayagam have been the most benefited with the dismissed petition and the judgment.

© Vedaprakash

08—09-2019

[1] Authors of the book “Breaking India,” holding that these two were responsible for all the Christa activities carried on in India.

[2] More than half the book deals with a father-and-daughter duo, Devianayagam and Devakala; have you heard of them? They are Tamil evangelists, and while I hold no brief for either of them, I find it hard to believe, as Malhotra does, that they are Enemies Number One and Two in India.

Outlook, A study on Bible-thumping activism ignores titular faultlines, concocts plots couched in anti-imperialism, GITA RAMASWAMY, 23 MAY 2011

https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/yankee-hindutva-strikes/271815

[3] Livelaw, Right To Atheism: Madras HC Reject PIL To Remove Atheistic Inscriptions Under Periyar Statues [Read Judgment], BY: ASHOK KINI6 Sep 2019 6:31 PM

[4] https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/right-to-disagree-with-existence-of-god-147845

[5] He has been a Christian posing as a Sanyasi donnig ochre robes and writing against Hindu religion, scriptures and Gods. The Catholic chrch supports him, though, they pretend to oppose each other.

[6] The Hindu, Madras High Court dismisses plea to remove inscriptions on Periyar statues, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, CHENNAI, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019 00:45 IST; UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 06, 2019 11:11 IST.

[7] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/high-court-dismisses-plea-to-remove-inscriptions-on-periyar-statues-dravidar-kazhagam/article29345201.ece

[8] The Times of India, Madras high court upholds right to deny God’s existence, TNN | Updated: Sep 6, 2019, 13:19 IST

[9] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/periyar-e-v-ramaswamys-followers-have-right-to-question-existence-of-god-madras-hc/articleshow/71001704.cms

[10] TheNewsMinute, Constitution grants right to say ‘there is no god’, says Madras High Court, Megha Kaveri, Friday, September 06, 2019 – 17:41

[11] https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/constitution-grants-right-say-there-no-god-says-madras-high-court-108493

[12] Business Standard, HC throws out plea seeking removal of “no God” slogans from Periyar’s statues, Press Trust of India | Chennai , Last Updated at September 5, 2019 21:55 IST.

[13] https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/hc-throws-out-plea-seeking-removal-of-no-god-slogans-from-periyar-s-statues-119090501548_1.html

EVR’s Hindutwa or Hindutwa of Periyar: RSS’s comparison of ideologies of Periyar and Hindutwa!

EVR’s Hindutwa or Hindutwa of Periyar: RSS’s comparison of ideologies of Periyar and Hindutwa!

Much in common between Periyar’s Dravidian principles and the RSS ideology[1]: RSS joint general secretary Dr Manmohan Vaidya on 17-05-2018, Thursday expressed confidence that the Sangh would able to strengthen its base in Tamil Nadu, explaining that there is much in common between Periyar’s Dravidian principles and the RSS ideology, as both advocate equality in society without caste and communal differences and class distinctions. “Periyar had campaigned for a society where everyone, particularly the poor and the backward castes, have equal rights and could live in dignity. He had worked tirelessly towards creating a casteless society. RSS too advocates and practises the same ideology”, Dr Vaidya said at a select media interaction here. He admitted that the RSS work in Tamil Nadu could be a bit more divisions created by vested interests”. However, the Sangh would emerge successful in winning the Tamil hearts as the “great unifying factor is spirituality, that’s just the way of Indian living over centuries, marked by kindness, sharing, mutual respect and tolerance, and such other virtues”, Dr Vaidya said[2].

Muslims and Christians in RSS[3]: Elaborating on the RSS ideology, he said the Sangh has several Muslim and Christian members attending the shakhas, which number over 57,000 spread across the country. There is neither religious preaching nor any political discourse at the RSS meetings and shakhas. “We have Dr C I Issac, a renowned history professor, as an important member in Kerala. He has written several well-researched articles on being Hindu”, he said. “A Dravidian leader, who presided over a RSS conference in Tamil Nadu a couple of years ago, had said in his speech that he had actually come to close down the shakhas because he was under the impression that extreme Hinduism was being preached there, but after seeing that the shakhas practiced no class/caste/religious distinctions, he was going back happy that his mind has changed and he now knew the truth about RSS”, Dr Vaidya said. Dr Vaidya is here to be part of the faculty at the RSS summer camp, being attended by over 300 members from all the southern states. There are 80 such camps happening across the country. “There are lectures on spiritualism, clean living, social issues and ways of bringing about positive change among the people, apart from physical training”, explained the RSS leader[4].

Mayawati and Jayalalita: Evidently, either he does know the “Dravidian ideology” or the TN BJP or Hindutwa ideologists have not briefed him properly about the Dravidian ideology and polity. It is definitely incorrect to compare or equate Periarist ideology with that of RSS ideology, as both would not match with each other on many accounts. Incidentally, BJP suffered heavily because of two Lady-politicians Mayawati and Jayalalita. During 1995, Mayawati and BJP experimented coalition rule in UP, but failed, because of the inherent fissures. Though, Periyar was an anti-Hindutwa voice, the Dravidian parties DMK, AIADMK, MDMK were trying to align and aligned with BJP for political compulsion, exploitation and profiteering. The BJP could not forget about the fall because of one vote and it was approaching cautiously with Jayalalita. Now, AIADMK has been with BJP and hence, BJP tries to get benefit out of political confusion prevailing in Tamilnadu, after the demise of Jayalalita.

“Periyar’s Hindutwa” as perceived in 2004: Ravikumar asked, “In such a context, intellectuals who write about Tamil society and polity in the English-language media continue to posit Periyar as an important anti-Hindutva voice. If that were to be true, how/ and why is it that we see Dravidian parties like the DMK, AIADMK and MDMK vying with each other to be seen in the company of BJP? Also, why is it that these Dravidian formations brazenly attempt to implement an agenda over which even states ruled by the BJP would hesitate?,” and then, went on to reply. In the context of “Paraiyar / SC / now mentioned as Dalits”, he pointed out[5], “Periyar was someone who was jealous of the constitutional safeguards that were given to the dalits. Having repeatedly spoken of dalits as a people who don’t have a history, who don’t have a political movement, who don’t have leaders, Periyar even made them believe this. Having used the dalits to serve his political ends, he asked them: ‘Asking the government for jobs, education, duties, huts and housing; and seeking from the Mirasdars two extra measures of paddy will not help in anyway…….Of what use are you to us?”. Periyar worked solely for the cause of the non-brahmin, non-religious minority, non-dalit backward and upper castes. He deployed the concept of ‘majority’ for this purpose. There’s only one difference between the majoritarianism that the hindutvawadis propound and that of Periyar’s: that is, over the exclusion of brahmins from this majority[6]. Then, he concluded[7], “Dravidian parties allying with the BJP even as they praise Periyar is no different from Mayawati’s praise for Periyar even as she rules in alliance with the BJP. There’s always a scope in Periyar’s ideas for such possibilities. This is Periyarism”.  Perhaps, “Hindutwa” expression used in 2004 shows the change taken place[8].

“Karnataka” would be repeated in Tamilnadu?: Whatever the nuances are appreciated, filtering out the differences, the anti-Hindu, anti-Sanskrit, anti-Brahmin, anti-dalit, pro-mohammedan, and above all anti-Indian ideology of EVR changed to Periyar could not be coped up with the RSS idelogists. In fact, the hard-core Periyarist, anti-Hindu Dravidian cadre and pro-Tamil ideologists would not accept such proposition, on any account. Therefore, the Hindutwavadis / RSS / BJPwalas should understand the Dravidian mindset. How Jayalalita was treated by them till death and even after hould bge an eye-opener, just because, she is a Brahmin, Pappathi, Aryan and so on. The Hindutava ideologists could get along with AIADMK but not with DMK and therefore, thinking about “Periarists” is redundant, futile and worthless. Though, BJP did not pose as “anti-dalit,” its inaffective campaign in Karnataka produced negative impact, where SC and ST constitute 19%. Even Hindutwa failed with Lingayats and Vokkaligas, as Congress played the “communal card” effectively, spending crores.  In Tamilnadu, the higher caste Mudaliyars, Chettiyar, Pillais and others vote for DMK traditionally, because of their affiliations since 1960s.  Muslims and Christians do not vote for BJP or BJP aligned AIADMK faithfully. In that manner, Congress plays a trick of “Karnataka” in Tamilnadu, by spitting the votes of AIADMK. The background of Kamal Hassan and Rajinikantha, though not clear, their politics affect only the interests of BJP alliance in Tamilnadu. They can better concentrate to analyze critically as to why RSS could not grow ideologically influencing others.

How to counter Dravidian ideology?: Dravidian Ideology has been powerful, attractive and alive in the minds of crores of people of Tamil speaking people. Many times, majority of them could be brought together or influenced with emotional appeal or threat that “Tamils are targeted, Tamil is danger, Tamil is suppressed by Hindi, Hindi is imposed to deprive out cultural rights” and so on. Though, they have been becoming pious, religious and believing, not because of “Hindu binding,” but, their traditional Tamil rituals, rites and ceremonies. Their caste-politics has been so dominating to capture, keep and enjoy power with economic superiority.  Even, today, the TN-BJP has been divided on dravidian fault-lines which could not be cemented with “Hindutwa” as could be clearly observed in the followers, meetings held and social media. Their nuances of “inner-outer” dramatic twists, diplomatic duplicities and dogmatic digs are not learned. First of all, no effective speaker has been produced and the borrowed ones are always drifted to other parties or started their own splinter groups.

1. In TN-BJP, the leaders have been operating on caste based groupings and followers impacting others.
2. The second rung leaders have been divided among themselves, depending upon the power, wealth and other factors.
3. The third level leaders have been divided among themselves as usual division, zone, group, RSS-non-RSS, and such factors.
4. These three divisions have been further divided based on egoist groups, envying enemies, caste and other factors.
5. Most of them have been appearing and active only when NDA is in power.
6. Besides, social media struggle and group rivalry exhibited, there have been flooding of anonymous letters written to Modi down to local office.
7. Without understanding the nuances of “Secularism” and “communalism,” they go by blind faith of calling it as “Hindutwa”!
8. Though negative suggestion, propaganda etc., are not advisable, they always indulge in such activities, exposing themselves.
9. They advice with arrogance as if they are only next to Modi and Amit shah!
10. Treating, commenting Dravidian leaders, parties etc., in a bad language.
11. Without having any political base, dreaming for power.
12. Do not understand and realize the nuances of Dravidian alliances.
13. Getting votes in the range of 3,000 to 20,000, but, not planning any strategy to increase votes to 50%

©Vedaprakash

19-05-2018

[1] DECCAN CHRONICLE. RSS will strengthen roots in Dravidian turf: Dr Manmohan Vaidya, Published May 18, 2018, 6:13 am ISTUpdated May 18, 2018, 6:13 am IST

[2] https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/180518/rss-will-strengthen-roots-in-dravidian-turf-dr-manmohan-vaidya.html

[3] DECCAN CHRONICLE. RSS will strengthen roots in Dravidian turf: Dr Manmohan Vaidya, Published May 18, 2018, 6:13 am ISTUpdated May 18, 2018, 6:13 am IST

[4] https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/180518/rss-will-strengthen-roots-in-dravidian-turf-dr-manmohan-vaidya.html

[5] Ravikumar, Questioning Periyars legacy, Mar 12, 2003 at 0000 hrs IST

[6] http://archive.indianexpress.com/oldStory/20003/

[7] Ravikumar, Periyar’s Hindutva,10 SEPTEMBER 2004 Last Updated at 12:00

[8] https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/periyars-hindutva/225056

Alleged conversion of Vaiko to Christianity, the revelation of controversial evangelist Mohan Lazarus and denial by the Periyarist V. Gopalsamy!

Alleged conversion of Vaiko to Christianity, the revelation of controversial evangelist Mohan Lazarus and denial by the Periyarist V. Gopalsamy!

Murderers, dupers and unbelievers converted to Christianity!: Many Christian pastors have been accused of forcefully converting people of other faith, sometimes with stories of the eternal fire of damnation and sometimes with the lure of freebies[1]. But what came as a shock to many was the news of MDMK chief Vaiko’s conversion to Christianity, thus reported Asianet Newsable[2]. But, the reality has been none bothered about it, as Indians know the religious deceptions, pious frauds and divine scams have been going on behind such propaganda. As for as people of Tamilnadu are concerned, they know very well popular and notorious ones like A. V. M. Rajan[3] to Auto Shankar[4] (1954-1995) were converted to Christianity. Actually, Rajan was converted reportedly, as he was having some financial problems. As for as Auto Shankar is concerned, it is well knon that he was a hard-core criminal, rapist and killer of several women, thus, he was hanged. Ironically, the Christians caught hold of him before hanging, converted and promised heaven! It is not known, as to whether the inhuman murderer had gone to hell or “Christian heaven”! In any case, the conversion has not been any grace or honour brought to them or to their religion Christianity.

The conversion news coming out through Social media and media also: Now, news has come out in the mdia explicitly that Vaiko has been converted to Christianity and it has been revealed by one evangelist Mohan C. Lazarus. The videos revealing the conversion and Vaiko attending midnight mass and appreciating Christianiy like a preacher quoting Biblical verses have been in circulation for the last two weeks. Therefore, it was neccecitated Vaiko to clarify his position. The evangelist has been controversial with his rude way of criticizing Modi and ruling BJP. In vernacular media, his controversial acts have also been reported, but, he denied. Now, also, no secularist or Dravidian ideologist has come forward to criticize, analyze or condemn the conversion, alleged conversion, denial etc., in the context.

Mohan C Lazarus declares that Vaiko has been converted and he is a Christian!: Vaiyapuri Gopalsamy, also known as Vaiko is the founder and General Secretary of the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), a political party active mainly in the state of Tamil Nadu. The claim of Vaiko converting to Christianity was first made by one of Tamil Nadu’s prominent evangelists Mohan C Lazarus. He also claimed in a video that is being widely circulated on social media that Vaiko was reading the Bible twice a day and regularly visits the Church along with his family. They have been baptized. Lazarus also said that Vaiko’s entire family had converted to Christianity. “His daughter and son-in-law are Christians. They are in the US, and every Sunday, they do the service of God. His wife is a Christian. Since he is in public life, he is not able to announce his new faith. He told me that he was reading Bible two times a day and asked me how to pray and I taught him,” Lazarus claimed in the video[5]. He could have produced the baptism certificate issued for Vaiko.

Can any evangelist declare that any Dravidian leader has been converted and become a Christian?: Responding to a recent video of Lazarus, in which he states that Vaiko and his family have undergone baptism and converted to Christianity, MDMK deputy general secretary Mallai Sathya said that Vaiko has not made any announcement of getting converted into Christianity[6]. How then, Lazarus could declare so openly? Speaking to News Today, he said that Vaiko is a secular leader, who is genuinely interested in knowing about all religions. “He reads Quran, Bible and Bhagavad Gita to know about them and gain knowledge. This does not mean that he has converted to one particular religion. He is an atheist leader and will continue to be so,” he added[7]. Sathya said that people use his name for their own benefits and we do not take this seriously.  ‘We cannot go behind everyone who uses Vaiko’s name,’ he added. According to Lazarus, Vaiko’s daughter and son in law who live in US are engaged in Christian evangelist work.

Vaiko’s reply has not been straight to deny: However, Vaiko has refuted Lazarus’ claims, saying that he hasn’t converted. “I am not a Christian. I respect all religions and my daughter-in-law has a pooja room in which you can see images of all Gods,” he told The Hindu. “It was a result of his over-enthusiasm. It’s me and my brother who regularly contribute to the maintenance of the Vinayagar temple in my village,” he further said. He need not explain in this way apologetically, instead of refuting directly. Vaiko said that he had taken up the issue with Lazarus himself as such statements could have serious consequences[8]. He clarified that his daughter had married a Christian and there was no truth in the claim of Mr. Lazarus about others[9]. In Tamil media, he reportedly said that the speech of Lazarus would affect the political condition of the southern districts. So can Vaiko claim that even after becoming a Christian, instead of telling about her, why he says, that, . “……….my daughter-in-law has a pooja room in which you can see images of all Gods,”? Vaiko has been an open supporter of LTTE and had also made a trip to Eelam at the height of the LTTE’s war with Sri Lankan Army which has landed him into a lot of trouble over the years. He was arrested in 2010 for a sedition case filed by DMK. The crypto Christians are as dangerous as the false evangelists spreading satanic news and corrupting the Indian society.

Vaiko’s pro-Christian activities and support: In July 2017, Vaiko led MDMK and PMK objected to keeping engraved Bhagawat Gita alongwith the wooden statue of Abdul Kalam playing veena in Kalam Memorial constructed by the Defense Research and Development Agency[10]. Vaiko insisted that Gita should be replaced with Tirukkural. Ironically giving all details, Deepak Aswale concludes that it seems the controversy over communal politics and Vaiko is certainly not coming to end[11]. Vaiko had not only brought a private member’s bill in parliament to give reservation for Dalit Christians[12], but also been campaining for the cause[13]. With his collegue Thiruma also he has bee doing that, though, legally, it is not possible[14]. Thus, knowingly why he has bee doing such propaganda has been intriguing. Here, the double-game of all the Christian missionaries, dalit groups, secular politicians, atheist grups etc., as such reservation is legally impossible, as the Presidential Order 1950 is meant for Hindus.

© Vedaprakash

09-11-2017

[1] Asianet Newsable, Lazarus claims Vaiko converted to Christianity. Is it true?, By Team Asianet Newsable | 09:25 AM November 08, 2017.

[2] http://newsable.asianetnews.com/tamil-nadu/lazarus-claims-mdmk-chief-vaiko-converted-to-christianity

[3] His real name is Shanmugasundaram of Pudukottai. Rajan later became a full time Christian preacher since 1988 and since then has stopped acting in movies and dramas. His wife Pushpalatha is a Catholic by birth. Following Rajan’s conversion, his family too is serving full time Ministry.

[4] Shankar and his gang, consisting of his younger brother Auto Mohan and associates Eldin and Shivaji, as well as Jayavelu, Rajaraman, Ravi, Palani and Paramasivam, were found guilty of six murders, committed over a period of two years in 1988–1989. Shankar’s trial completed by the Chengalpattu sessions court He was sentenced to death along with two of his associates, Eldin and Shivaji, on May 31, 1991. Auto Shankar was hanged in Salem Central Prison.

[5] http://www.yarloosai.com/watch/jijvZaDNDs4/UUe1Nb-N6XgLFHfGxZjIkF8A/vaiko-his-family-converted-to-christianity-mohan-c-lazarus-confirms-tamil-news-redpix.html

[6] NewsToday, Vaiko denies converting into Christianity, NT Bureau, November 8, 2017.

[7] https://www.newstodaynet.com/index.php/2017/11/08/vaiko-denies-converting-into-christianity/

[8] The Hindu, MDMK chief denies claims of conversion, B. Kolappan, Chennai, November 08, 2017 00:24 IST; Updated: November 08, 2017 08:05 IST;

[9] http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/mdmk-chief-vaiko-denies-claims-of-conversion/article20000053.ece

[10] SatyaVijay, Has MDMK leader Vaiyapuri Gopalsamy (aka Vaiko) embraced christianity, by Deepa Aswale, November 7, 2017.

[11] https://satyavijayi.com/vaiko-converted-christian-embraces-hinduism-political-purpose/

[12] http://mdmk.org.in/member/mr-vaiko

[13] Deccan Chronicle, There is a silent wave among people yearning for a change: Thol Thirumavalavan, Published May 5, 2016, 6:37 am IST; Updated May 5, 2016, 6:37 am IST

[14] http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/politics/050516/there-is-a-silent-wave-among-people-yearning-for-a-change-thol-thirumavalavan.html

 

Black magic, transfer of spirit and all sorceries carried on in the Land of Dravidanadu, where Periyar was born (1)

Black magic, transfer of spirit and all sorceries carried on in the Land of Dravidanadu, where Periyar was born (1)

 

The Dravidian totalitarian and rationalistic rule during 1960-70s: In Tamilnadu, the Dravidian politicians used to claim about their “rational atheism”, “analytical wisdom” and so on, but in actual life, most of them have been God-believers worshipping God stealthily or by proxy i.e., through their mothers, wives, sisters and daughters. Some of them used to worship gods stealthily in their houses also with puja rooms. However, they say that “I am an atheist, but, I do not interfere with the belief of our family members”. How then, they could interfere with belief of crores of people of Tamilnadu? In public and platform, they pour abuses with the worst filthy language on Hindu religion, Gods and Goddesses and practices that no woman could bear. Yet, they have earned the titles of “Periyar” [big / great person among others or all], “Aringnar” [the only person who knows all], “Kalainjar” [the person who has been expert in all arts / subjects] and so on! Thus, the superiority complex that has been working in their mind set, makes others always to listen to them, accept what they say and none should or could ask any question. During the 1960s, if anybody would question them would be thrashed down.

 

During the LPG regime / Internet age, questioning started: This is the way, they have been reigning supreme for the last 60 years. Only their views made public and circulated authoritatively[1]. However, when, internet came, the people started understanding their ambiguous dogma, hollow philosophy and dubious ideology of these groups. The youngsters could easily understand their selective, biased and pre-conceived propaganda carried against one particular religion i.e, Hindu religion[2]. As a ruler, the Dravidian or atheist Chief Minister has to administer and perform his duties as per the Constitutional and other statutory provisions treating all believers. However, in the case of Hindu religion, temples, temple administration, lease and rental of temple and mutt properties, conduct of rituals, rites and ceremonies, they interfered and spoiled many times. Though, the recent past is suppressed, the beating of Rama with chappals and other incidences make the youngsters to realize the duplicity of the Dravidian protagonists. The ganging up of splinter groups of Communists, anti-Hindu ideologists, particularly the Christian and Muslim groups joining them raise questions and they have understood that it is only anti-Hindu and secular or “Paguttaravi”, as being claimed. Under such circumstances, the recent happenings in Tamilnadu exposes their another ugly face of them.

 

Annadurai suddely died in 1969: C. N. Annadurai from high caste Mudaliar community was in power during the period 1967 – 1969. However, he fell ill due to excessive usage of tobacco substances. In September 1968 Annadurai went to New York for medical treatment and admitted in the hospital. After diagnosis, it was found out that there was malignant growth in his gullet and hence he was operated for Cancer in the gullet at the Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center. He returned to Chennai in November 1968 and continued to address several official functions against medical advice. His health deteriorated further and he died suddenly on 3 February 1969 within three months returning from USA after sugery and treatment. His cancer was attributed to his habit of chewing tobacco. However, some of the family members doubted about his sudden death. When Karunanidhi immediately took over as CM, people resented about his haste action.  They questioned why the senior pontiff Sri Chandrasekhara Saraswati of Kanchi Mutt wore spectacles as to why God could not have rectified his eyesight without glasses. But, here, none questioned as to why the science allowed man to die in that way in spite of the treatment etc. Later, MGR was also subjected to similar conditions. M. R. Radha attempted to kill MGR (on January 12, 1967), of course, he was not in power. After becoming CM, he was also not having proper health (in 1983 kidney problem developed), admitted to Brooklyn hospital US, returned after kidney transplant on February 4, 1985, but had to get treatment again and again in US and died on December 24, 1987.

Dravidian brand of astrologers, predictors and magicians: When the DMK came to power, the first thing, they did was to legalize the marriages performed under the “Pakuthtarivi” / “Suyamariyadhai” categories, as such marriages were held null and void in the courts. The rationalism did not work with the scientific judiciary system. Thus, they became cautious in dealing with social issues. The Dravidian politicias have been interested in astrology, auspicious time and date, black magic and all sorts of such superstitious practices, irrational rites and credulous rituals. Though, they denounce everything in public, in private, they practiced and hence their brand of Dravidian astrologers, predicting experts and magicians have been developed in due course and they have to keep the secrets in person, not to tell anybody in public and carry on their business, to safeguard their interests. That is why Karunanidhi used to hesitate to enter the Brahadheswarar temple, but wear yellow shwal as per the advice of his “asthana jyodhidar”, court / personal astrologer. Under such circumstances, the current events are to be analyzed.

The antics, gimmicks and counter-rituals of of Dravida Kazhagam and allied groups: The Dravidar Kazhagam used to play gimmicks by imitating the  ritual of coconut breaking, fasting during eclipses, firewalk, carrying pots of burning coal, spiking one’s tongue and body with iron hooks, the concept of auspicious time, astrology, palm reading etc[3]. Though, they used to criticize only Hindu religion for the so-called “ritualism”[4], they close eyes, when they themselves follow such “ritualistic” practices, i.e, respecting the statues of EVR, Maniammai, celebrating birth and death days, garlanding and showering the idols with flowers. However, they never reenact the “crucifixion” of the Christians and bleeding beatings of “Shia Muslims” exposing their hypocrisy. Again, when Jayalalita was in hospital, the followers carried on all devoted rituals and rites praying all gods to save her. Incidentally, they were carried on in the most “secular” way, in the sense, Christians and Muslims have also participated. Therefore, tactfully, the DK groups kept silence to prove their ideology!

Was Jayalalita died because of black magic?: The Daily Mail, UK carried a news item as follows[5]: “A leading astro guru in Chennai has said that Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa is a victim of black magic which has left her hospitalised since September, 2017. Not willing to identify himself for security reasons, the spiritual guru said Jayalalithaa has suffered from bad health because she has too many rivals. “It’s not just people from the rival party (DMK) who have spent huge money on tantriks to damage Jayalalithaa’s health. “I have no hesitation in saying that she has detractors even within her own party (AIADMK) who wanted to see her suffer,” he said. News on the health condition of Jayalalithaa is being kept a top secret. She is admitted in Apollo hospital in Chennai. Apart from a team of in-house specialists, doctors from the AIIMS New Delhi and a critical care specialist from London, are also involved in ensuring the CM is now stable. The astro guru also said it was quite possible Jayalalithaa’s arch rival M Karunanidhi could also be suffering from bad health due to tantrik spells. “Rivalry in political circles is very common and it would be wrong to say only one political party indulges in black magic and sorcery. This is noholds barred…,” he said”.

The position and condition when Jaya was not feeling well (September to December 2016): What we can understand from this, are the following points[6]:

1. Not willing to identify himself for security reasons, the spiritual guru said Jayalalithaa has suffered from bad health because she has too many rivals.
2. “It’s not just people from the rival party (DMK) who have spent huge money on tantriks to damage Jayalalithaa’s health.
3. “I have no hesitation in saying that she has detractors even within her own party (AIADMK) who wanted to see her suffer,” he said.
4. News on the health condition of Jayalalithaa was being kept a top secret.

Thus, the nexus between the Dravidian politicians and the tantriks came out publically in the media. Ironically, none of the Dravidian ideologists like K. Veeramani, Kali Pungundran, “Viduthalai” Rajendran, Kolattur Mani and others refuted this, but, kept quite. Whom they were meeting, how the money paid, where the rituals taking place – the details – nothing known or revealed to anybody. Under such circumstances, the black magic affairs of one Karthikeyan came just after the death of Jayalalitha on 05-12-2016.

© Vedaprakash

28-03-2017

[1] In 1956 August first, Dravidia Kazhagam asked the volunteers to bum pictures of Lord Rama as the organization considered Ramayana as anti-women and anti lower castes etc. one Dravidia Kazhagam leader in the name of Thiruvarur Thangarajan wrote a new version of Ramayana way Rama was portrayed as a villain. The Dravidia Kazhagam film star M.R. Radha staged the play throughout the state. The Government led by the Chief Minister Kamaraj immediately banned the play but Dravidia Kazhagam after obtaining court’s pem1ission staged the play in selected towns.

[2]  At the instigation of Thiru E. V. Ramaswami Naicker, the Leader of Dravida Kazhagam, several tableaus depicting the picture of Gods Rama and Muruga were being beaten by a chappal in a procession held at Salem on 23rd and 24th January 1971. When one individual printed the photos of the procession, the DMK government banned and seized the posters.  The Government of Tamil Nadu issued a Notification G. O. Ms. No. 491 Home dated 12-2-1971 directing the posters to be forfeited to the Government on the ground that the said posters contained matters which promote or intend to promote the feelings of enmity and hatred between different classes of citizens of India or which is deliberately or maliciously intended to outrage the religious feelings of any such class by insulting the religion or the religious feelings of that class.

Madras High Court – Chinna Annamalai vs The State Of Tamil Nadu on 24 February, 1971; Equivalent citations: AIR 1971 Mad 448, 1971 CriLJ 1569, (1971) IIMLJ 158; Author: K Reddy; Bench: K Reddy, Ganesan, Maharajan.https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1710030/

[3] Frontline, Going backward, R. Krishnakumar in Thiruvananthapuram and In Dravidian land, R. Ilangovan in Chennai in Frontline, Print edition : October 4, 2013.

[4] http://www.frontline.in/cover-story/thriving-business/article5137608.ece

[5] Daily Mail, ‘Her enemies are making her suffer’: Top Astro Guru says CM Jayalalithaa is a victim of BLACK MAGIC, By MAIL TODAY BUREAU, PUBLISHED: 23:52 BST, 26 October 2016 | UPDATED: 00:16 BST, 27 October 2016

[6] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-3875860/Her-enemies-making-suffer-Astro-Guru-says-CM-Jayalalithaa-victim-BLACK-MAGIC.html

The politics of burning effigies in 2016 by the Congress cons, Dravidian dons and JNU junkies!

The politics of burning effigies in 2016 by the Congress cons, Dravidian dons and JNU junkies!

Dravidar Kazhagam’s racial approach continues even in 2016:  The misguided Dravidar Kazhagam, of various banners still, believes in Aryan-Dravidian racial hypotheses and theories” and work emotionally with raid radicalism. The day after Dussera was celebrated with the burning of effigies of King Raavan in many parts of the country on 12-10-2016, as announced, about 40 members of the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam [TPDK] landed at the Sanskrit College at Mylapore in Chennai on 13-10-2016 Wednesday to burn effigies of Ram, Sita and Lakshmanan[1].  The group had originally planned to hold the event outside the Madras Sanskrit College of Chennai to protest against the institution’s version of the Ramayana, but it was later shifted to a spot about a kilometre away due to police intervention[2]. While 11 of them were remanded under Section 285 of Indian Penal Code, 12 members of a Hindu group were detained near Sanskrit college in Mylapore[3]. Thus, the media differed in reporting the event.

PDK’s attempt to hold Ravan Leela flops[4]: Deccan Chronicle reported wth this caption. The attempt by Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam members to celebrate the Ravan leela deifying the demon king and projecting him as Dravidian stalwart, while belittling Lord Ram, turned into a fiasco with the police taking 55 persons of PDK into custody on Wednesday. Even before the members could assemble and burn an effigy in front of Sanskrit College, Mylapore, in the city on Wednesday evening, the police pre-empted their move and arrested 55 persons. The PDK had announced to stage Ravan leela as the outfit believed that Ravan was a Dravidian and burning his image during Dusshera celebrations in many parts of India amounted to “mocking” the Dravidians. “This is only a bid to stoke controversy and is intended to insult the Hindu gods and hurt the sentiments of the believers,” Hindu Makkal Katchi state president Arjun Sampath said reacting to the development. The staunch Hindu outfit has demanded the police to detain the PDK members under NSA and prevent such incidents in future. “The PDK is taking things a bit too far. The attempt to hold Ravan leela is an assault on our culture and it is highly condemnable,” Mr Sampath said[5].

Why Ravan leela? – the racist question asked by modernists!: The pro-Muslim media “Scroll.in” reported differently. This was the Periyarist group’s answer to Ram Leela – Ravanan Leela to demonstrate their opposition to the Ram Leela celebrations that depict the victory of King Ram over Raavan, who, according to Indian mythology, had kidnapped Ram’s wife Sita[6]. Amidst tight security, and all efforts of the police to stall the event, the members of the fringe group did manage to burn a few effigies, including that of Lord Ram[7]. Kumaran / Tinker Kumaron, a member of the TDPK said, “Every year, in North India, Ram Leela is celebrated by burning effigies of Raavan, This is being done to insult South Indians. We consider Raavan to be a Dravidian….As per our plan we broke the police chain around us and burned the effigy. 11 persons who were involved in burning effigies have been remanded by police.”

Why is the President participating in Ram leela programme?: Speaking to The Hindu[8], G. Ramakrishnan, general secretary, Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam, said that the act was a reaction to the celebration of Ram Leela as a part of Dusshera celebrations across North India, a festival in which the effigy of mythological character Ravanan is set on fire symbolically to represent victory of Lord Ram over Ravanan. “To us, Ramayana, though a mythological story, was a Aryan-Dravidian conflict where Lord Ram was shown to have won against Ravanan, who we consider as a Dravidian. The epic represents Ram as a God and Ravanan as a monster. This is the basis of our opposition,” he said. Criticising the recent celebrations at the Red Fort lawns, which was attended by several high-profile dignitaries including President Pranab Mukherjee, and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Ramakrishnan wondered if India really was a secular country. “Why is the President participating in such a programme? He is the president to whole of India,” he said. It is evident that these people are behaving in this way, knowing the truth that the whole country has been celebrating for many years. Even hundreds years back, it was celebrated in Asfganistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries.

Belief in race, racism and racialism: Condemning Ramayana’s ‘racist portrayal’ of ‘Dravidians as demons’, the TPDK said that the Ravanan Leela was their way of protesting against Hindu cultural hegemony. “It does not matter that ‘Ram Leela’ is not celebrated in Tamil Nadu. In Delhi, effigies of Ravanan and his two brothers are burnt, we believe that they are Dravidians and burning their effigies is mocking us. So to stop that, we have decided to celebrate ‘Ravana Leela’ in which we will be burning the effigies of Ram, Sita and Lakshman,” S Kumaran, another TDPL leader had told TNM earlier. He also added that they had written a letter to Prime Minister asking him to stop Ram Leela in Delhi but they did not get any response from his office.  “It is clearly proven once again that the rulers of India will never care to respect the feelings of the Southerners,” said the group. “If they have cared so, then they would not have ventured to burn the effigies of the three choicest heroes of the Dravidian race in the guise of honouring a hero of religious epic.” Kumaron said that this protest against Ram Leela celebrations gathered momentum in 1974, when the group sent a letter to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi demanding a stop to the festivities. But at that time too, they received no reply. Over the next few decades, there have been at least three instances when the group has burnt effigies of Ram, and and been arrested for this.

Splinter groups playing dangerous games: Veeramani and “Viduthalai” Rajendran had a break and Rajendran started “The Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam” in 2012, claiming that they would follow the teachings of social activist and politician EV Ramaswami Naicker or Periyar, who had also questioned the portrayal of Raavan in the popular version of the Ramayana. As reported in Outlook, some of the questions posed by Periyar were, “Isn’t it true that Ravaan abducted Sita as an honourable revenge for the insult heaped upon his sister? Isn’t it a Brahminical ploy to give the colour of lust to a most honourable kidnapping?” The DK spinter groups have always been attacking the soft target – the Brahmins! They cruelly cut a poor Brahmin at West Mambalam some years ago with aruval (study sword), and another Brahmin in Mylapore last year (April 2015)[9].

Splinter DK groups attack Brahmins following the path of Periyar: MT Saju writes that in the 1970s too, Periyarists conducted Ravanan Leelas. He reminds us that after Periyar died, his wife Maniyammai burnt the effigy of Ram at Periyar Thidal in 1974[10]. But since then, it has not been a popular event. Thus, for some reason, some people want to create ruckus now. Dravidian movement analyst K Thirunavukarrasu said that this anti-Ram sentiment has existed since the beginning of the Dravidian movement in the 1920s. The 1940s saw the publication of works such as Raavana Kaviyam (Raavana Epic) by Pulavar Kuzhandhai and Iranyan Allathu Inayatra Veeran(Hiranya or the Unparalleled Warrior) by Bharatidasan, which eulogised the characters Raavan and Hiranyakashyap, who had been depicted as asuras in popular versions of Indian mythological stories. “The asuras have been depicted in these stories in a manner that denigrates Dravidians,” said Thirunavukarrasu. As Periyar used to say, “If you see a snake and Brahmin, leave snake but kill Brahmin”, these goons are following such bloody method.

Dravidian King Ravana was a Brahmin: The atheist Dravidian ideologists do not believe Puranas, yet, they believe them for their myth-making. As they believe Aryan-Dravidian race theories, at one side they claim that Ravana was a Brahmin! “The intention of the Dravidian movement is to oppose the depiction of Dravidas as asuras in all these plays.” Tamil writer D Ravikumar said that according to the version of the Ramayana written by medieval Tamil poet Kambar, Raavan was not a Dravidian King but a Brahmin. “If you look at this from the lens of Kambar’s Ramayana, it is hard to say how he came to be associated with Dravidian identity,” said Ravikumar. Ravikumar said that around the 1960s, Tamil Nadu politics was based on antagonism towards North India, Brahminism, Aryans and Hindi. The protest against Ram Leelas rode on this sentiment, he said. But in the 1970s and 1980s, the issue became irrelevant. When the main parties in power were all Dravidian parties, it was no longer a vote-catching subject. “Now, this has been revived by some groups after the BJP has come to power,” said Ravikumar. “Raavan acts as an anti-BJP symbol. But we don’t know how successful it will be.”

Karunanidhi playing Ravana (1998): On October 1, 1998, Anoor Jagadeesan, president of PDK and 16 others were arrested when they tried to burn the effigies of Rama and Lakshmana in Chennai[11]. On October 18, 1998, Karunanidhi asserted that[12], “….if you insult Ravana, you are insulting me”. In Ramasethu issue also, he passed remarks asking “In which engineering college Rama studied” (so that he could build a bridge). Even, Kamal Hasan also used to utter that he came from Ravan geneology or something like that!

Ilangeswaran vs Ravana Leela: R. S. Manohar (1925-2006) used to portray all Asuras as heroes – Surapadman, Sisupalan, Narakasuran, Indrajit, Sukrachariyar etc., in his characteristic projection in his dramas, which were successful in 1970-80s. He too projected Ravana as “Ilankeswaran”, the Lord of Lanka, but, not the Dravidian way of contempt, hatred and blasphemy. In fact, he followed the Puranic narration and other hagiographical details. Understandably, he was never supported or honoured by the Dravidian leaders or even Periyar for his donning Asuras! And now, the fringe elements have started the old game, when the Dravidian CM, that too, a lady has been ailing in hospital.

Modi effigy burned by the Congress and JNU students[13]: A group of students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on 11-10-2016 Tuesday burnt the effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief chief Amit Shah, Mahatma Gandhi’s killer Nathuram Godse and others to mark the “victory of truth over falsehood” on the occasion of Dussehra. Members of the Congress-backed National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) on Tuesday night celebrated Dussehra by burning the effigy of Modi and others to protest against the growing interference of the Centre in universities and attacks on Dalits.“We celebrated the victory of truth over falsehood in a modern and democratic country by burning effigies. For us Modi and RSS are symbol of untruth,” said Sunny Diman, an NSUI member[14]. So, the Congress party too has taken such method of politics of burning effigies exploiting the occasion of “Viyayadasami”. Ironically, the Congress leaders have been questioning the successful surgical operations on these days at one side and indulging in such cheap and vulgar activities at another side.

© Vedaprakash

14-10-2016

[1] The News Minute, Dravidian Ravanan Leela: Periyarists burn Ram effigy even as police try to stop them, by TNM Staff, Thursday, October 13, 2016 – 11:31.

[2] Scroll.in, Why a Dravidian fringe group burnt effigies of Ram and Sita in Chennai this year, by Vinita Govindarajan. October 13, 2016, 8 pm.

[3] The Hindu, TPDK Cadres arrested in chennai for burning effigy of Lord Ram, Chennai 13, 2016, Updated: October 13, 2016 07:23 IST

[4] Deccan Chronicle, PDK’s attempt to hold Ravan Leela flops, Published Oct 13, 2016, 7:00 am IST, Updated Oct 13, 2016, 7:01 am IST

[5] http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/131016/pdks-attempt-to-hold-ravan-leela-flops.html

[6] http://scroll.in/article/818922/why-a-dravidian-fringe-group-burnt-effigies-of-ram-and-sita-in-chennai-this-year

[7] http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/dravidian-ravanan-leela-periyarists-burn-ram-effigy-even-police-try-stop-them-51281

[8] http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/tpdk-cadres-arrested-in-chennai-for-burning-effigy-of-lord-ram/article9213004.ece

[9] http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/six-dvk-men-held-for-attacks-on-priests-in-chennai/article7127953.ece

[10] http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31807&articlexml=TWIST-TO-THE-TALE-Reviving-Ravanlila-to-counter-13102016006020

[11] Ajith Pillai and A. S. Paneerselvan, Good Or Evil? The  Politics Of  Ravana, Outlook, Novemver.2, 1998.

[12] http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/good-or-evil-the-politics-of-ravana/206444

[13] The Hindustan Times, Delhi: Students burn effigy of Modi, Shah, Godse at JNU campus on Dussehra, HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times, New Delhi, Updated: Oct 13, 2016 10:08 IST

[14] http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/students-burn-effigy-of-modi-shah-at-jnu-campus-dubbing-them-as-ravana/story-twLk2C05xBVCRaVR5ScVvO.html