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Woman paraded naked in Rajasthan; is this not ‘unprecedented’ milords?

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A woman was paraded naked in Rajasthan’s Pratapgarh district. The incident came to light after a purported video of the incident went viral on social media. 

The incident took place at Nichalkota village of the district. 

Both the victim and the accused belong to a tribal community, officials said on Friday, adding that the victim’s former father-in-law and his family members are the accused in the case. 

“As soon as the information was received, the Superintendent of Police (SP) along with the Deputy SP and other police officer immediately reached the spot,” they said.

SP Amit Kumar said that FIR has been registered and six teams have been formed to detain the accused.

Taking cognizance of the incident, the state government instructed Director General of Police (DGP) Umesh Mishra, ADG Crime Dinesh M.N. to visit Pratapgarh and take swift action in the case. 

The DGP has asked the police to immediately arrest the accused.

Reacting over the incident, Deputy Leader of Opposition Satish Poonia said: “Soul trembles after watching the video of misbehaviour with a tribal woman in Pratapgarh. The morale of the criminals is so high that they are openly making videos of the crime.” 

Poonia urged the state government to punish the culprits “so harshly that even the thought of committing such crimes trigger fear in the minds of the criminals”.

(The story has been published via a syndicated feed with a modified headline.)

ED arrests Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal in money laundering case

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(Image Source : IANS)
(Image Source : IANS)

 In a big development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday arrested Naresh Goyal, the founder of Jet Airways, in connection with a money laundering case, sources said.

The sources said that Goyal was arrested at around 10 p.m. on Friday after a marathon interrogation in connection with causing Rs 538 crore loss to Canara Bank. He will be produced before a PMLA court in Mumbai on Saturday.

The ED case is based on an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in May this year. On May 5, CBI officers had conducted searches at seven locations in Mumbai, including Goyal’s residence and offices. 

The CBI FIR said that a written complaint filed on November 11 last year alleged cheating, criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust and criminal misconduct by the Jet Airways founder.

The complaint, signed by P. Santosh, Chief General Manager, Canara Bank, also mentioned Anita Naresh Goyal, Gaurang Ananda Shetty, unknown public servants and others, causing a wrongful loss of Rs 538.62 crore to the bank.

In April 2019, Jet Airways suspended its operations due to a severe cash crunch and mounting debt. The airline once used to be India’s largest private carrier.

The sources clarified that the CBI searches were not conducted at the premises linked to the new owners of Jet Airways.

(This article has been published via a syndicated feed)

Bangladesh: Several Murtis of Hindu temple broken, Madrasa student arrested

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Image: arrested Madrasa student Maniruzzaman(left); broken murti(right)
Image: arrested Madrasa student Maniruzzaman(left); broken murti(right)

Attack on Hindu temple and Murti breaking never stop in Muslim majority Bangladesh. Almost everyday, temples of minority Hindu community are targeted by Islamic radical forces. Now, news of idol vandalism has been reported from Madhupur of Tangail district of Bangladesh. Police arrested a minor muslim boy named Muhammad Maniruzzaman(16).

As per reports, Maniruzzaman is a madrasa student. On 30th of August morning, he broke into the Hindu temple at Dokhla market of Madhubagchala Union under Madhupur Police Station of Tangail district. With a stick, he broke all the Murtis of the temple and left. Soon the news spread and local Hindus became angry. Members of temple committee informed the Police.

By interrogating the local shop-owners, the Police came to know about the culprit and arrested Muhammad Maniruzzaman. Local Hindus alleged, “At first, the Police didn’t want to arrest the Muslim boy. Police told us to forgive him. But, we want strong punishment against the boy.”

Also, after receiving the news of arrest, the parents of Maniruzzaman reached the Police Station and demanded to release him. His parents said that he is mentally unstable.

But, during the primary interrogation, when asked why he had broken the Murtis, he said, “Worshipping Murtis is forbidden in Islam. So, I’ve broken it.”

Surabhi, a unique Telugu drama tradition  

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(Image Source : The News Minute)
(Image Source : The News Minute)

The theatre of Telugu can be divided majorly into Folk theatre, Padya Natakam, Parishath natakam, Gadyanatakam or social plays, the prayoga natakam or experimental plays and the Street theatre. Nannaya, 11 th century Telugu poet popularly known as Adi Kavi in Telugu, mentions in his introduction to Mahabharat (the first version of Mahabharat in Telugu penned by three poets- Nannaya, Tikkana and Errapragada collectively and Nannaya was first among them) that he has seen several dramas (Kavya Natakams) in his life. 

Telugu poet Vinukonda Vallabharaya wrote “Kreedhabhiramam” a street play (Veedhi Natakam) in 15th century (1400-1450). Some scholars claim this street play was written by Kavi Sreenadha (1335-1360-1441) another 15th century Telugu poet. In 16th century Kuchipudi Bhagavatars brought popularity to street plays in the form of Chindu Bhagavatam, Yakshagana and Veedhi Bhagavatam. Korada Ramachandra Sastri is considered to be the father of modern drama in Telugu (1860 AD) who wrote Manjaree Madhukareeyam (His grandson with the same name Korada Ramchandra Sastri was the science master of this author in his school days 1974-1977).

Origin and growth of Surabhi Drama

The folklore Shadow puppet theatre tradition in Andhra Pradesh is considered to be in vogue since 3 rd century BCE. During the wedding ceremonies at rich land lords’ families, it became a tradition to have puppet shows. In 1885 there was a wedding ceremony in a rich landlord’s house in the village Sorugu, near Jammalamadugu, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh. Vanarasa Govinda Rao who comes from a family of artistes known for performing puppet shows, experimented in adapting the shadow puppet show into a theatrical performance by replacing the puppets with the live actors and his “Keechaka Vadha” – a tale from the epic Mahabharat won accolades from the audience at that wedding ceremony. 

This transformed his puppetry family into a classical theatrical family. Sorugu village over a period of time came to be known as Surabhi. As the earlier plays of Vanarasa Govinda Rao staged in and around Surabhi village became very famous and most of the artists of those plays lived in that area, Vanarasa Govinda Rao’s drama troupe came to be known as Surabhi drama troupe.  The origin of this Surabhi artists is traced to the people who were part of the army of Maratha leader Chatrapati Shivaji and later migrated to the Rayalseema region of Andhra Pradesh.

Singing poems in Telugu dramas (Padya Natakam) gained popularity during the period of Tirupati Venkata Kavulu. (The twin poets – Chellapilla Venkata Sastry 1870-1950 and Divakarla Tirupati Sastry 1872-1919). Plays like ‘Satya Harischandra’, ‘Kurukshetram’, ‘Gayopaakyanam’ are the well-known plays where the artists used to sing poems which attracted the audience.

The journey of transformation of Surabhi Drama

Vanarasa Govindarao, founder of Surabhi Theatres, had a family of 3 sons and 10 daughters. Except the eldest son, all the others spent their lives in the theatre and were trained for it. When the family started growing in numbers, the daughters with their husbands started establishing their own theatre groups. The fifth daughter, Smt. Subhadramma and her husband Sri R. Venkatarao established Sri Venkateshwara Natya Mandali (Surabhi) in 1937 in Jimidipeta village of Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh. Smt. R. Subhadramma has specialised in doing male roles, particularly characters like Duryodhana in Mahabharata.

She was awarded the title of ‘Kala Praveena’ by Sangeeta Nataka Akademi of Andhra Pradesh. Both the husband and wife also received many honours from various organizations of the state. Their son R.Nageswara Rao (popularly known as Surabhi Babji) continued the tradition and took Surabhi Theatres to the next level and was awarded Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 2011 and the Padma Shri in 2013.

Under the guidance of Padma Shri B.V. Karanth, Surabhi Theatres learned three plays: Bhishma (1996), organized by the National School of Drama (New Delhi), Chandi Priya (1997) by Alarippu (New Delhi), and Basthi Devatha Yaadamma (“The Good Women of Setzuan” written by Bertolt Brecht) (1998). B.V. Karanth not only directed these three plays for the group but also provided music for all three plays.

Surabhi Babji headed Sri Venkateswara Natya Mandali for 42 years and also served as Secretary of Surabhi Natya Kala Sangham, a collective banner for five Surabhi federations for 24 years. He directed several Surabhi plays like- Ramarajyam, Sri Krishna Leelalu, Balanagamma, Lavakusa, Maayabazar, Bobbili Yuddham, Chintamani, Rangoon Rowdi, Veerabhramam gari charitra, etc. Under his stewardship Surabhi artistes staged several plays across the country and also at France where they staged Surabhi plays for two months.

On 9th June, 2022 Rekandar Nageswara Rao popularly known as Surabhi Babji passed away. In his journey to take the Surabhi drama to greater heights, Babji was guided and supported by Garimella Rama Murthy for several decades. B. V. Karanth with his guidance made Surabhi drama to evolve contemporarily and stay relevant to the modern times. 

Currently Jayachandra Varma, the grandson of Padma shri Surabhi Babji is the Director & Secretary of Sri Venkateswara Surabhi theatre. He is striving to ensure that Surabhi drama stays relevant in the modern times in the digital world. He performed lead role in several Surabhi plays in France in Passages international theatre festival on 2013. In recognition of his efforts in promoting the Surabhi drama Surabhi Jayachandra Varma has been awarded Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Purskar from Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi and JL. Narasimha Rao Rangasthala Yuva Puraskaar 2017 from Potti Sriramulu Telugu University.   

Surabhi is a rare institution of family groups that in the initial days used to lead nomadic life by performing dramas in villages. Most of the Surabhi plays are the compendiums from the Indian epics and mythologies Ramayan, Mahabharath and Bhagavatham.  There was a time when more than 60 Surabhi troupes used to perform all over Andhra Pradesh and Telangana with close to 3,000 artists.

Special effects

 Surabhi drama is famous for its Padya Natakam (The classical Telugu verse play) performances adorned with colourful illusionary backgrounds, sets and trick scenes. The special effects in Surabhi dramas are to be seen to be believed. In Surabhi mythological plays Narada will travel by air! Ghatotkacha lits fire on the stage, Lord Krishna dances on the snake Kaliya. The unique feature about Surabhi drama is that all artists/technicians of the group are from one family, dedicated their lives to Rangasthal (Stage). Every artist is self-contained to prepare himself on all aspects as a stage artist.

From cradle to grave

There are no age restrictions or retirements for the artists of this family. There are innumerable instances of the proverbial phrase-from cradle to grave- in Surabhi troupes where many artists were actually born on the stage while their pregnant mothers were performing and also died breathing their last while performing their roles in the dramas.

Up to five decades ago Surabhi drama used to start late night and continued till early mornings. The main roles in those lengthy dramas were cast by two people one after another that was unique to Surabhi dramas. Due to unviable financial conditions many Surabhi troupes closed down their entities.

Trend setter and bridge between drama and cinema

Women and children have always been integral part of Surabhi dramas. In the olden days male artists used to play female roles in Telugu dramas. Surabhi changed that pattern and in their plays, women started playing the female roles. On the contrary, in Surabhi dramas some female artists used to play the male roles! Surabhi also popularised gramophone records, contributed actors to film industry, and took theatre beyond the geographical boundaries of Andhra Pradesh. Surabhi Kamalabai (1907–1971) from Surabhi drama troupe has the distinction of being the first Telugu actress in a talkie film with Bhakta Prahlada (1932), directed by H. M. Reddy. She also acted in Hindi and Bengali films. Her niece Surabhi Balasaraswathi was also Telugu film artist who started her acting career in Surabhi dramas.

Surabhi drama troupes hitherto used to perform mostly in villages and as nomads kept moving from one place to another. In 1991, Dr. K.V. Ramanachary, the then Director, Department of Culture, Andhra Pradesh took the initiative to bring the Surabhi drama to Cities, especially Hyderabad. Since then, many Surabhi nomads have settled down at Hyderabad at Surabhi colony, Serlingampally. During the Covid pandemic Surabhi Drama Theatre has gone online to reach out to the people. Telugu cultural associations set up by Non-Resident Indian (NRI) groups spread across various countries, tried to assist these online dramas. Surabhi drama troupes have modified their traditional pattern and condensed the dramas to 45 minutes to one hour, which hitherto used to run for more than three hours in the past.

Sandwiched between their traditional drama which is hereditary that needs continuity and the compelling need to get modern education and be part of the changing world, Surabhi artists are struggling to do a tight rope walk. It is for the art lovers to patronise the Surabhi drama and encourage the Surabhi artists to continue this tradition and adapt the same to suite the needs of the modern society.

Dr. B.N.V. Parthasarathi

References:

  1. https://www.surabhidrama.com/surabhijayachandra.
  2. https://in.bookmyshow.com/plays/surabhi-theatre-play/ET00309686.
  3. https://www.kadapa.info/%E0%B0%B8%E0%B1%81%E0%B0%B0%E0%B0%AD%E0%B0%BF/.

Moody’s raises Bharat’s GDP forecast to 6.7% for 2023

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(Image Source : IANS)
(Image Source : IANS)

Global rating agency Moody’s has raised India’s growth forecast to 6.7 per cent from 5.5 per cent for 2023.

At the same time though, it has lowered the GDP forecast for 2024 from 6.5 per cent to 6.1 per cent.

“Since the second quarter out performance creates a high base in 2023, we have lowered our 2024 growth forecast from 6.5 percent to 6.1 per cent. Given the robust underlying economic momentum, we also recognise further upside risk to India’s economic growth performance,” it said on Friday.

Moody’s 6.7 per cent growth forecast for 2023 is slightly higher than RBI’s projection of 6.5 per cent for 2023-24.

India has recorded a growth of 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of the current fiscal, which was lower than RBI’s projection of 8 per cent for the April-June period of 2023-24.

(The story has been published via a syndicated feed with a modified headline.)

The deafening silence of Hindu Dharmic organizations on Kerala CPM’s sacrilegious remarks on Sri Ganesha

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dharm
Communist CPM leaders MV Govindan & AN Shamseer

Passing sacrilegious comments on Hindu Dharma and deities has become a regular affair in Bharat’s ‘secular’ political space. Recently, Kerala CPM leaders passed sacrilegious Hinduphobic comments on the Hindu deity Bhagwan Ganesha.

CPM leaders make sacrilegious Hinduphobic comments

On 21 July 2023, AN Shamseer, the Kerala Assembly Speaker, emphasised the promotion of ‘scientific temper’ in education over what he labelled ‘myths’. He spoke sacrilegiously about Sri Ganesha and Hindu itihasa, under the guise of promoting ‘scientific temper’ while addressing school children.

While emphasizing that he credited the invention of aeroplanes to the Wright Brothers, he mockingly spoke of the ‘Hindutva’ ideology believing in Puspak Vimana as the first aeroplane. “Plastic surgery is a discovery of medical science. But what they are trying to teach you is that plastic surgery happened long back in Hinduism. Who was the first plastic surgery baby, the one who had a human body and an elephant’s head, Ganapati? This is how myths are being propagated instead of science,” Shamsheer said, derogating Hindu Dharma and peddling falsehoods in what was likely an attempt to run down the centre’s New Education Policy and textbook revision effort to remove Marxist propaganda.

A complaint was lodged by the BJP Thiruvananthapuram district Vice President, accusing Shamseer of insulting Hindu beliefs under the pretext of promoting “rational thinking”. The person who filed the complaint highlighted that Shamseer’s comments should be taken seriously, given that they were made in front of school children. The complaint argued that cases should be filed under IPC section 153 (a) and section 295 (a) to address insulting religious beliefs or religion.

Kerala CPI(M) Secretary MV Govindan defended Shamseer and days after the sacrilegious comments, Senior CPI(M) leader P Jayarajan insulted Bhagwan Parashuram on similar lines. The Marxist-Communist-Abrahamic cabal’s hatred for Hindu Dharma was evident from Govindan’s response to the controversy.

Govindan seconded Shamseer and stated that Sri Ganesha is a myth but when questioned about Allah, he remarked that not all beliefs should be labelled as myths. He contended that it is essential to distinguish between myths, history, and science and treat each accordingly. He also said ‘all beliefs of believers are not a myth’ when asked whether Allah was a myth. Conversely, when asked if Sri Ganesha was a myth, he said yes!

Not only did the ruling CPI(M) flat-out refuse to ask Shamseer to apologize or correct his statement but its government also lodged a case against 1000 Nair Service Society members who protested against the Hinduphobic remarks.

Hinduphobic Congress also sided with CPI(M) in keeping with its votebank minority-appeasement politics. The Kerala Congress-led UDF has decided not to discuss Speaker Shamseer’s controversial remarks on Sri Ganesha in the Assembly. The Congress believes that discussing the “myth” issue will create an impression of a witch hunt, alienating the Muslim community and potentially influencing the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, as per a report in Janam TV.

Terms such as scientific temper and rational thinking have become convenient excuses to degrade Hindu Dharma. Would Shamseer or any other politician dare to speak in the same way for any of the Abrahamic religions that are actually in need of scientific temper and rational thinking?

Hindu Dharmic organizations must speak up

Not much can be expected from the secular state and political parties. However, this was the time for Hindu Dharmic organizations to step up and speak for Dharma. The only Hindu organisations in action were Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, Dheevara Sabha, and Yogakshema Sabha who led the protests against Shamseer.

Muslim and Christian organizations across Bharat never fail to protest for every obscure anti-Islam and anti-Christian incident anywhere in the world. In contrast, Dharmic organizations in Bharat do not even acknowledge, let alone protest, Hinduphobic incidents within Bharat. Consider this: If any political leader had called out the myths in Islam or Christianity, he/she would have faced a barrage of protests from Islamic bodies and Church-led organizations.

Bhagwan Ganesha is an important deity for Hindus. As He is the first to be prayed to Hindus in the entire country should be out on the streets and it is the duty of Dharmic organizations to provide Hindu society guidance in this regard. Also, considering the fact that Ganesh Chaturthi is a popular festival in Maharashtra one would expect trusts of popular Ganpati mandirs including Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak and AshtaVinayak mandir among others to at least condemn Shamseer’s unsavoury remarks.

It is not just Shamseer’s sacrilegious remarks, Samajwadi Party’s (SP) Swami Prasad Maurya is a repeat offender when it comes to making anti-Hindu remarks. This April, Maurya made an objectionable comment on Prabhu Sri Ram.

In the video, Maurya can be heard saying — “Mile Mulayam Kanshi Ram…” and pauses for the crowd to complete the sentence saying “…Hawa main ud gaye Jai Shri Ram” — a contentious political slogan that was coined in the early 1990s. Earlier, Maurya spewed venom against Ramcharitmanas.

Recently, Swami Prasad Maurya shared a video on his X (formerly Twitter) account, where he is seen giving a speech about Hindu Dharma. He says, “The roots of Brahminism are very deep and the reason for all disparity is also Brahminism itself. There is no religion called Hindu, Hinduism is just a deception. They have renamed “Brahminism” as the Hindu religion in this country. This is a conspiracy to trap the Dalits, Adivasis, and OBCs in the web of their religion”.

But Shamseer and Maurya are not the only ones, a slew of politicians have used FoS (Freedom of Speech) as a facade to hide their Hindudvesh (Hindu hatred). Rashtriya Janata Dal’s (RJD) MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) Ritlal Yadav, MLA Chandrashekhar Yadav and Shivanand Tiwari. These are merely some of the examples we have cited to highlight the fact the secular parties are united by their deep-seated hatred for Hindus and Hindu Dharma.  

Besides these Hinduphobic rants, Hindu Dharmic processions have been repeatedly attacked across the length and breadth of Bharat. We expect organizations like RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) and political parties like BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) to speak up against anti-Hindu incidents. Though that is not entirely wrong, we need to go beyond political and social organizations and leave Dharma in the hands of Dharmic organizations whose turf it is.

In 2021 when a series of temple attacks took place in Andhra, Hindu seers came together to conduct a conclave. The conclave was aimed to finalise an action plan to protect and preserve Hindu dharma, its temples and the ‘sampradaya‘. Similarly, Ayodhya seers have also been vocal be it in the case of Swami Prasad Maurya’s crass statements or their views on Adipurush’s distortion of Ramayan.

A Dharma Sansad was conducted in Prayagraj to demand the freeing of Hindu temples from government control. In November 2021, the Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti (AKSS) sought an apology from Samajwadi party chief Akhilesh Yadav for referring to saints as ‘chillumjeevi’ (those who smoke tobacco and cannabis in earthen pipes) and ‘ek rang wale’ (people of one particular colour).

When violence against Hindus took place in Bangladesh and Kashmir in 2021, Pejawar Swamiji was one of the few seers to issue a statement. Instances, when Dharmic organizations and/or Hindu seers have been vocal about Hindu concerns, are both sporadic and very few.

Even neo-gurus like Sri Sri Ravishankar, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, and Baba Ramdev among others have been missing in action many times. In fact, Sadhguru downplayed the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, secularized Mahashivratri celebrations, and took a 180° turn from his Free Temples campaign.

More than political and social organizations, it is the responsibility of Dharmic organizations irrespective of sampradayas to stand up for Dharma and inspire Hindus to vocalize their concerns. Street-power should never be underestimated and protest marches send out a strong message.

Maharashtra’s Jan Aakrosh Rally last December demanding a law against love jihad was attended by thousands of Hindus who responded to the call of Sambhaji Bhide Guruji. Despite the absence of Guruji, it was possible to mobilize Hindus. Therefore, all Hindus need is proper guidance and Dharmic organizations must take responsibility considering that we have numerous mathas, akhadas, and other such organizations.

The Mathas and other Dharmic organizations should make it clear that the insult of Hindu Dharma and Hindu deities will not be tolerated at any cost. They must rally Hindus to be vocal because silence is no longer an option and maybe our Dharmic organizations can borrow a leaf from Abrahamic organizations on how to send a strong message to people like Shamseer and Maurya.

October proclaimed as ‘Hindu Heritage Month’ in US state of Georgia

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(Image Source : IANS)
(Image Source : IANS)

Acknowledging the contributions of the Hindu-American community in the US state of Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp has declared that October will be celebrated as ‘Hindu Heritage Month’ in the state.

With this move, Georgia joins a list of states from across the country, including Texas, Ohio, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Georgia, Florida, Minnesota, Virginia, etc, to commemorate Hindu heritage, culture, values, and traditions.

October is significant as it is the birth month of Mahatma Gandhi and is often when major Hindu holidays such as Navratri and Diwali are celebrated.

“The Hindu heritage, culture, traditions, and values provide their followers invaluable solutions to many of life’s problems and often serve as a source of inspiration, reflection, and contemplation for the millions of individuals who look to the teachings of Hinduism for guidance,” the Proclamation read.

“During the month of October 2023, the Hindu community across the State of Georgia and across our great nation will collectively celebrate its heritage by focusing on its culture and the diverse spiritual traditions rooted in India.”

Welcoming the move, CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America), a Hindu advocacy group in the US, said that “it is gratifying to see Georgia recognise the contribution of Hindu-Americans”.

“Our thanks to Governor @BrianKempGA for this recognition. This was made possible by the untiring dedication of our friends at the Hindus of Georgia PAC. Hinduism has contributed greatly to the cultural milieu of America,” CoHNA wrote on X on late Wednesday.

“It is gratifying to see Georgia recognise the contribution of Hindu-Americans and Hinduism at the same time that California is targeting us with #SB403,” the Hindu group said, mentioning the recent passage of the anti-caste discrimination bill recently moved in the California Assembly.

CoHNA has slammed the passing of SB403, calling it a “black day for California history”.

On March 23, the Georgia Assembly passed a resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry, making it the first American State to make the move.

The resolution said Hinduism is one of the world’s largest and oldest religions with over 1.2 billion adherents in over 100 countries and encompasses an array of diverse traditions and belief systems with values of acceptance, mutual respect and peace.

(This article has been published via a syndicated feed)

The Case for Reparations for Post-Slavery Indentured Servitude

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(Image Source : Telangana Today)
(Image Source : Telangana Today)

Anthropologist, author and University of Guyana lecturer Dr. Kumar Mahabir recently presented a research paper at the Anton de Kom University in Suriname on the case for reparations for indentured servitude in the Caribbean and the wider Indian Diaspora. The paper was presented in person at the international conference on Slavery, Indentured Labour and Their Impact on Present Societies. The conference was organised by the History Department of the Faculty of Humanities, in collaboration with the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR), the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Social Science Research Institute (IMWO) of the Anton de Kom University of Suriname, and the Directorate of Culture. (Ministry of Education, Science and Culture).

John Gladstone, former owner of enslaved Africans in Guyana and Jamaica. – CMC photo

Mahabir presented a compelling case for reparations for Indian indentureship. His presentation was followed by the arrival of the family of Sir John Gladstone in Guyana two weeks ago which marked a significant moment in history. The family expressed their sincere apologies for their ancestor’s direct involvement in both slavery and indentureship in the Caribbean country. John Gladstone was the father of four-time British Prime Minister, William Gladstone.

In the year 1838, John Gladstone played a pivotal role in introducing a workforce of Indian indentured labourers to Guyana that was intended to supplant the previously enslaved Africans. He owned several sugarcane plantations in then British Guiana – Demerara as it was called – on which slaves, and later indentured labourers worked, the largest of which were the Vreedenhoop and Belmont estates. Historical records indicate that John Gladstone was also associated with the ownership of two vessels responsible for the transportation of exploited labourers from India. These labourers were engaged in indentured servitude as a result of the abolition of slavery in 1834.

In a move towards reparatory justice, the Gladstone family announced their intention to contribute £100,000 to the University of Guyana’s International Institute for Migration and Diaspora Studies, inaugurated at that historic event. The family also made a commitment to allocate funding towards various unnamed projects in Guyana and the University of London’s Centre for the Study of the Legacies of British Slavery, both for five years. The hope is that a fair sum of this money would go to the study of indentureship that would also benefit Indian lecturers and students at the university, as well as fund projects in Indian communities in Guyana.

The following is Mahabir’s abstract: In 1838, the first shipload of Indian indentured labourers to be brought to the Caribbean set foot in British Guiana. Over the next 80+ years, over half a million more would come, distributed to various colonies throughout the region to work on the colonial sugar plantations. Post-slavery indentureship was described by historian Hugh Tinker as a “new system of slavery”, it being a deceptive system riddled with abuse and exploitation. Amidst the calls for reparations being made in recent years by the descendants of enslaved Africans and indigenous peoples, the descendants of indentured Indians are also starting to make their voices heard and recognised. However, the argument in favour of reparations for indentured peoples, specifically Asian Indians who made up the vast majority of post-slavery indentured labourers, is less straightforward than it is for the victims of slavery and indigenous genocide.

“In a recent Zoom public meeting of 22 May 2022 on the topic ‘Should Indians in the Diaspora demand reparation for indentureship? Dr Hilary Brown, Programme Manager of Culture and Community Development at the CARICOM Secretariat posed the question: “There are established definitions of what constitutes a crime against humanity. And so that includes enslavement, genocide, dehumanisation…. Can we also classify indentureship as a crime against humanity, and in the dialogue, then, where does it fit?” This paper will look at the impact that indentured servitude had in the Caribbean, and interrogate the justifications for the descendants of indentured labourers to receive reparations.””

Dr Kumar Mahabir

Why some Americans love to hate Vivek Ramaswamy

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vivek ramaswamy
Image Source: India Today

“Why some Americans love to hate Vivek Ramaswamy”, First Post, August 31, 2023:

“No sooner had certain sections declared the “skinny guy with a funny last name” the “winner” of the debate among eight candidates for the Republican nomination for the presidential election apart from the frontrunner Donald Trump (who did not attend) that the brick-batting started.

Vivek Ramaswamy should be immensely pleased. There is nothing quite like criticism to pump up the numbers. Remember what it did for another skinny guy with the funny last name back in 2008. Ramaswamy has not shortened his first name to Vick (though he did a brief turn as a college rapper named De Vek) unlike Nikki Haley or Bobby Jindal.

Nor has he infantilised his last name to something more ‘mainstream’. It remains defiantly four-syllabic and real, not made up like Nahasapeemapetilon, Indian-American Apu’s supposed surname in The Simpsons. And he is Hindu—unlike Bobby and Nikki—although he professes to concur with Judeo-Christian values…..”

Read the full article at Firstpost.com

Lost legacies and lingering pain: The plight of Hindus in modern Malaysia

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(Image Source : India Today)
(Image Source : India Today)

Do you recall the well-known Malaysian advertising slogan, “Malaysia – Truly Asia”? The campaign portrayed Malaysia as a multicultural destination with bustling cities, pristine beaches, delectable cuisines, and happy people. But scratch the surface and the harsh realities become evident. Malaysia is now a hotbed of Islamic intolerance where Hindus have been reduced to third-class citizens with no rights.

The Deep Historical Roots of Hinduism in Malaysia

Hindus in Malaysia have a rich history that traces its origins back to the third century BCE[1]. During this time, the influence of Sanatan Dharma began to make its mark on the Malay-speaking world. As Sanatan Dharma spread across the archipelago, it enriched the cultural and spiritual landscape of the region.

Between the 7th and 13th centuries CE, Hindu culture in Malaysia reached its zenith. It was during this period that the influence of Hindu monarchs was particularly notable. Raja Sri Isanavarman I, who ruled in the seventh century, was instrumental in promoting Sanatan culture in the region. Another key monarch was King Rajendra Chola I[2], who in the 11th century, undertook naval expeditions and established Chola dominance over parts of Malaysia. This era witnessed the construction of several Hindu temples and the establishment of institutions that furthered the study and practice of Sanatan Dharma. These events solidified Sanatan culture’s footprint in Malaysia and showcased its lasting impact on the country’s history and culture.

Muslims come knocking

By the 10th century, Islamists had also reached the archipelago. They first established their presence in the coastal maritime kingdoms. From these strategic points, the influence of Islam began to spread more widely across the region. The nature of Islam’s spread typically involves conversion, and in this case too, it began converting significant portions of the Malay-Indonesian world.

By the 15th century CE, the once-dominant Hindu empire was in a decline. Islam had become the primary religion in many areas. Under Sultan Iskandar Muda[3] of Aceh (1607-1636), the sword of Islam had begun raiding and pillaging the Hindus in the country. The Islamization of this beautiful country was complete.

Subsequent to the period of Islamic consolidation, the British entered the scene. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the British Empire extended its influence over the Malay Peninsula. The interplay between Islamic traditions and British colonial governance shaped the modern-day nation-state of Malaysia. After achieving independence in 1963, Malaysia embarked on a trajectory that proved distressing for the Hindu community.

Bumiputra: Sanskrit Origins, Hindu Marginalization

The exit of the British from Malaysia was not a straightforward affair of transferring power back to the locals. The British, while departing, left behind a constitution that favored the Muslims and the ethnic Malays. This favoritism was enshrined in the policies known as Bumiputra, which translates to “sons of the soil.” The irony lies in the etymology of the word “Bumiputra.” Derived from Sanskrit, ‘Bhumi’ means ‘earth’ or ‘land,’ and ‘Putra’ means ‘son,’ which illustrates the ancient influence of Sanskrit in the region. This very word, rooted in Sanskrit, was now employed in a system that marginalized Sanskrit speakers, the Hindus.

The Bumiputra policies[4] and related provisions did more than just favor Malays and Muslims, they left non-Malays, particularly Hindus and Buddhists, in a compromised position, rendering them third-class citizens. This system is more than just discriminatory on paper, it provides the very legal backbone for the oppression of ethnic and religious minorities in Malaysia.

The definition of a “Malay” according to the Malaysian constitution is also a point of contention. As per the constitution, a Malay is “a person who professes the religion of Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language, and conforms to Malay custom.” This conflation of religious and ethnic identities is puzzling. One’s ethnicity and religious belief are distinct facets of identity, yet they are inexplicably intertwined in Malaysia’s legal understanding.

Muslim Malays have an undue advantage when it comes to housing, jobs, medical care, and education. The education sector, in particular, showcases this disparity clearly. Although Malays and Muslims constitute roughly 64% of the country’s population, they are allocated about 90% of the public college admission quotas. This disparity doesn’t end at education. The job sector, especially government jobs which are considered stable and lucrative, is dominated by Malays. Over 90% of these positions are held by them, leaving a tiny fraction for other ethnicities and religions.

Religious freedom is also skewed in favor of Islam in Malaysia. Legally, a Muslim can proselytize to Hindus and the non-Muslim population. However, if someone from a non-Muslim community tries to proselytize to Muslims, they could face legal repercussions. This one-sided freedom extends to matrimonial matters as well. In the case of Hindu-Muslim unions, the Hindu partner is mandated by the country’s laws to convert to Islam.

In addition to these socio-economic disparities, Hindus face challenges at the very root of their spiritual practice: the establishment of religious sites. Over the years, there have been multiple instances of hindrances in building and even maintaining Hindu temples.

Demographic Shifts in Modern Malaysia

Malay individuals form the majority, accounting for 51% of the country’s population. When considering religious affiliations, Malays along with other Muslim communities collectively constitute about 64% of the entire population.

A noteworthy shift has been observed within the Hindu community in Malaysia. Only a few decades back, Hindus made up 12% of the Malaysian population and were among the most affluent groups. However, over time, their numbers have decreased to 6%. This reduction is not just numerical, it has also translated to a socio-economic decline[5]. Presently, the Hindu community represents the poorest segment of Malaysian society.

Kangaroo Courts, Prejudiced Judgements

In Malaysia’s legal system, the past few decades have witnessed the rise of a concerning dynamic. In 1988, the Federal Constitution of Malaysia was amended to grant official recognition[6] to Shariat law. This move was emblematic of the increasing influence of Islamists in the nation.

With this amendment, Malaysia effectively institutionalized a parallel court system. This dual structure consists of secular civil courts, which operate on principles of general civil law, and Shariat courts, which operate based on Islamic jurisprudence. This bifurcation could, in theory, cater to the diverse religious affiliations within the nation. However, the reality has been less than harmonious.

The core of the issue resides within the judiciary. A clear imbalance of power has emerged in these courts, disproportionately favoring Muslims. This inequity not only undermines the principle of justice but also poses a threat to the rights and dignity of non-Muslim citizens, particularly Hindus.

Several cases highlight this troubling trend. In a particularly notable incident, the Shariat courts took an extreme step that caused an international uproar. A 15-month-old baby was forcibly separated from its mother, Revathi, because she had converted to Hinduism from Islam.

Beyond the confines of the courtrooms, the broader legal structure of Malaysia has also presented challenges for the Hindu community. Sedition laws, designed to maintain communal harmony, have been invoked in ways that disproportionately target Hindus. These laws criminalize any speech or act that “promotes ill will, hostility, or hatred on the grounds of religion.” However, their application has mostly been selective and biased. For instance, in March 2019, a man faced a severe penalty of six years in prison, along with a hefty fine of $12,200, all for a Facebook post perceived as “offensive to Islam.”

Contrastingly, offenses against the Hindu community receive a different kind of treatment. A significant incident occurred in April 2019. The head of an Islamic information center, after making derogatory remarks[7] about Sanatan Dharma during a seminar that was broadcast on social media, faced arrest. But in a stark display of unequal justice, the attorney general chose not to press any charges against him.

This disparate treatment under the law has had chilling effects on the Malaysian Hindu community. Due to the perceived judicial bias and the fear of retribution from Muslim authorities, many Hindus in Malaysia are wary of voicing their concerns.

Persisting Islamist Influence in Malay Politics

Malaysia has a morbid fascination with Islamist figures and nations. A glaring instance of this was the nation’s decision to provide refuge to Zakir Naik[8], the controversial preacher accused of promoting terrorism after he fled India. This act alone set the tone for Malaysia’s stance on Islamist issues.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad[9] brought up the Kashmir issue at the UNGA and commented on India’s CAA/NRC bill, delving into India’s domestic matters. This elicited a strong response from the Indian government.

Malaysia now identifies itself more with countries like Pakistan and Turkey that wear Islamism on their sleeves. Even as leaderships change, the underlying Islamist influence in Malaysia suggests an Islamist trajectory that might persist for the foreseeable future.

Malaysia’s Path Forward

Malaysia stands at a critical juncture in its socio-political landscape. Ensuring the equitable treatment of its minority and non-Malay population is not only a matter of ethical imperative but also crucial for sustainable national progress.

The nation must revisit its current legislative framework. Laws that curb essential freedoms related to speech, assembly, and association have no place in a modern democracy. Religious equality, a cornerstone of any inclusive society, needs reinforcement in Malaysia. All religious communities, irrespective of their size or influence, should experience the same rights and freedoms.

The evident disparity between the civil and Islamic court systems cannot be ignored. An equitable judicial system, where justice remains blind to religious affiliations, must be the nation’s aim.

A critical revaluation of the Bumiputra policy is the need of the hour. The future of Malaysia depends on policies that provide equal opportunities to every citizen, regardless of their ethnicity or religious beliefs. Unless Malaysia implements these measures, the Hindu community will continue to face marginalization and oppression.

(The article was published on Hindudvesha.org on August 25, 2023 and has been reproduced here)

References:

[1] https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/5-things-to-know-about-hindu-challenges-in-malaysia

[2] https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Rajendra_Chola_I

[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iskandar_Muda

[4] https://www.orfonline.org/research/malaysian-indian-community-victim-of-bumiputera-policy/

[5] https://www.indiafacts.org.in/the-status-of-hindus-in-malaysia-a-travelogue/

[6] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tarun-vijay/the-right-view/intolerant-malaysia-tolerant-faith/articleshow/2577230.cms

[7] https://www.state.gov/reports/2019-report-on-international-religious-freedom/malaysia/

[8] https://www.theweek.in/news/india/zakir-naik-refuge-malaysia.html

[9] https://tfipost.com/2020/02/mahathir-goes-down-worlds-oldest-and-possibly-the-stupidest-president-resigns/