Never faced inferiority during Islamic rule, but India denigrated during British raj: RSS Secretary
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New Delhi: The General Secretary of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Dattatreya Hosabale, addressed the historical impact of foreign rule on the Indian psyche. He highlighted how Indians faced centuries of struggle against Islamic rule without feeling inferior, but British colonial rule of just 150 years left a lasting mark of self-doubt and inadequacy.
Speaking at the launch of 'Narrative Ka Mayajaal', a book authored by Balbir Punj, the senior columnist and former Rajya Sabha member, Hosabale pointed out that during the Islamic era, despite facing defeats, the educated and intellectual class of India remained confident in their identity and contributions to the world.
However, the British colonization altered the Indian perception of self-worth, leading to a belief that they were unintelligent, uncivilized, and had nothing to offer to the world.
Hosabale urged the audience to challenge this narrative and reflect on India's rich history and cultural heritage, which has been undervalued for too long. He criticized educational institutions, think tanks, international media, and judiciary for perpetuating a narrative that bred contempt for Indian culture, Hinduism, and traditional knowledge systems.
Emphasizing India's diversity, Hosabale likened the country to a multi-nation State akin to the former Soviet Union. He questioned the modern understanding of citizenship and nationality, calling for a meaningful debate to decouple the politico-legal status from socio-cultural concepts.
The RSS General Secretary lamented the neglect of Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language, which he believed was essential to comprehend India's true essence. Hosabale expressed concern that Sanskrit and Indian thought had been marginalized and dismissed for the past 150 years, contributing to a lack of understanding of the nation's roots.
Calling for a shift away from English-dominated discourse, Hosabale urged writers and intellectuals to communicate in Indian languages to foster a more inclusive narrative that resonates with the masses. He criticized the prevailing notion that writing in English equates to intellectualism, highlighting the need to break free from this mindset.
The event witnessed the presence of Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and lawyer-columnist J Sai Deepak, who also expressed their support for the call to decolonize minds and rediscover India's rich heritage.