INDIAN INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH INTO TRUE HISTORY
NEWSLETTER
NO. 56 OF 16 JUNE 2010
1. NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS
1.1 Current research work
(a) My Transportation for Life
Veer Savarkar wrote in Marathi, in around 1927, his experiences of life in jail on the remote Andaman Islands (1911-1921). His book Mazi Janmathep was banned by the British Administration of Bombay Province in 1934 when Gujarathi translation was published. Congress Party came to power in major provinces of India in 1937. But they kept ban on this book under the pretext that it encourages violence! The ban was lifted only after Indian independence in 1947. English translation came out in 1949 (Sadbhakti Prakashan), 2nd edition 1984.
Nearly 100 years have passed since Savarkar was sentenced and Transported to Andaman Islands. Today the events of the past need lot more explanations to make us understand the history. This is true especially for present generation. Balarao, private secretary to Veer Savarkar has added some footnotes to 1987 Marathi edition, but not to English edition. This fault needs to be rectified. Moreover additional footnotes are also needed.
Godbole has therefore scanned all the 572 pages of English edition and would make suitable modifications.
Savarkar
wrote eight letters from prison to his younger brother Narayanrao who was studying
medicine in Calcutta. The last one was on 6 July 1920. These were published with
a title “Echoes from Andaman.” (2nd edition 1984).That may
have been appropriate in 1920s when memories of events were fresh in the minds
of readers. But today, after three generations they cannot have the same impact
if read on their own. Godbole is therefore going to insert these letters in the
main text (My Transportation for Life) where they are appropriate.
(b) Six Glorious Epochs of Indian History
This
important historical work of Savarkar also needs revising. There are no maps and
diagrammes. Without these, the book becomes a mere story rather than history.
There is neither any explanation of history of events which ultimately resulted
in this book, nor any reasoning behind writing this book. Godbole has scanned
all the 566 pages of 2nd edition of 1985 and wishes to bring out a
revised edition bearing in mind the needs of today’s readers.
(c) Savarkar’s fitting reply to Ambedkar
Dr Ambedkar was to address annual conference of Jat Pat Todak Mandal of Lahore in December 1936. The conference was cancelled due to Ambedkar’s differences with the organisers. He however, published his intended speech in English. As a result it got world wide publicity. There were editions in 1937 and 1944. Savarkar was in internment in Ratnagiri till May 1937. He published a fitting reply – Vijaysheel Hindu Rashtra. Triumphant Hindu Nation. Unfortunately it remained in Marathi. So, all over the world only Ambedkar’s thoughts became prevalent. Our second and third generations being brought up outside Hindusthan only read Ambedkar.
Godbole
has therefore decided to translate Savarkar’s reply into English. It runs into
14 pages.
It is strange that on
13 October 1935 Dr Ambedkar declared in Yevale, “I was born Hindu as it was
not in my hands, but I will not die a Hindu.” However, on 13 November Savarkar
wrote a letter to Ambedkar inviting him to Ratnagiri and see for himself the social
changes that had occurred in Hindu society, including abolition of untouchability
in public life in Ratnagiri and Malvan. Ambedkar gave his excuse of being busy
with activities of Law College, Bombay. He never met Savarkar in Ratnagiri.
Ambedkar maintained in 1936 that Muslims and Christians in India do have caste system, but that is completely different to the one practiced by Hindus. In 1942 in his book Thoughts on Pakistan Ambedkar deals with the caste system among Muslims in India. He refers to census of India of 1901 and quotes extensively from the Bengal Province. He agrees – “There is caste system among Muslims just the same as among Hindus. They have hierarchy and even observe untouchability. He further says – If any one is interested, they will find the same situation in other provinces too. And in addition, Muslims have one obnoxious practice – that of wearing of Burkha for Muslim women – that is the most hideous site.”
But there is no change in his address in which he says, “Muslims and Christians too have castes, but that is totally different to the caste system among Hindus!!” The census of 1901 was available to Dr Ambedkar when he wrote his address in 1935, but he was merely possessed by anti-Hindu phobia. It is also interesting to note that 3rd edition of Ambedkar’s address was published in 1944 but without any change!!
Ambedkar
replies to criticism from Gandhi but NOT from Savarkar. And what about breaking
up the caste system? Did Ambedkar succeed? No. He could not unite his own caste
of Mahar – they have 50 sub-castes!!
Ambedkar’s
remarks “The life of Hindus’ is a life of continuous defeat. A mode of survival,
which every Hindu would be ashamed.” were astonishing. Savarkar had to reply
to such absurd accusation and downright lie. It eventually resulted in his book
Six Glorious Epochs of Indian History.
1.2 Package offered.
Godbole now offers a package of his books and a CD. The books are -
Taj Mahal: Simple Analysis of a Great Deception. (2nd edition 2007)
Why
Rewrite Indian History (2nd edition 2007).
The CD has ten PowerPoint presentations: -
1st is on historical arguments on Taj Mahal (126 slides)
2nd is called Unseen Taj Mahal (120 slides)
3rd is called How the Taj legend grew (270 slides)
Taj Chronology 1/2/3/4/5 (information in tabular form)
Taj Mahal – a PPT presentation (useful for a one hour programme)
*
Special London Tour (see below)
>
At the request of Dr M Godbole of Rochdale, one set was sent to his nephew Dr
Chinchalkar in Canada.
> One
request was received from Dilip Kumar Padhi of Sambalpur, Koshal.
1.3 Visit to Hindusthan
In December 2009
Godbole with his wife visited Hindusthan. Some impressions were given in NL 55.
Some more impressions –
>
There is awareness and alarm about Genetically Modified food – that would be
imported from America.
> There
is also alarm about safety of Atomic Energy plants planned to be set up in Hindusthan
by Americans. We all know what happened at Bhopal (Union Carbide disaster) in
1984. Americans will be given exemption from any liability for compensation. There
is no limit to corruption of our politicians.
>
Godbole left secondary school in June 1957. His classmates meet in his school
on first Sunday of each month. In December 2009 he saw 15 of his old classmates.
They were pleased with Godbole’s research on Taj Mahal.
Godbole also met the following –
* A retired Lt Col from Indian Army.
* A retired Wing Commander from Indian Air Force.
* Vidyavachaspati (Dr) Abhyankar – he has written extensively on Hindu culture, once again only in Marathi. He remains unknown to non-Marathi people.
* Dr Nene of Badoda (Vadodara), Gujarat
* H
M Marathe who is fighting a battle against anti-Brahmin propaganda in Maharashtra.
1.4 Savarkar – Some unknown history
Further to Newsletter 55, some information has come to light.
1.4.1
On 1 May 1960 the bilingual state of Bombay was split into Maharashtra and Gujarath.
Yashvantrao Chavan, first Chief Minister of Maharashtra appointed a committee
under chairmanship the well respected Tarkatheerth Joshi to produce an Encyclopaedia
in Marathi. In Volume 12, page 1457 we are told that during the First World War,
Germany had sent a submarine called Emden to rescue Savarkar from jail
in Andaman Islands. This submarine damaged 12 British ships in Bay of Bengal.
It also attacked port of Madras and destroyed oil depots there.
1.4.2 Where did Savarkar stay in Paris in 1910?
We all know that Savarkar went to Paris as his health had deteriorated. Where did he stay? He gives answer in his book Six Glorious Epochs of Indian History.
He
says, “I wrote History of Sikhs while I was staying in Paris in the house of
Madam Cama.” That house was 25 Rue de Ponthieu, Champs Elysees. Godbole has
already sent photo of this house to Dr Shreerang Godbole of Pune for inclusion
in the web-site on Savarkar.
1.4.3 Secret Police files on Savarkar
Godbole’s
friend, late Mukund Sonapatki did some research on Savarkar in the 1970s. He found
a police report on Savarkar's attempted escape at Marseilles in 1910. Unfortunately
he kept no record of that file. Godbole tried to find that file, but ran out of
time. However here are some other files which would be of interest
L/P & J/ 6/897 – FILE 3787
Indian students at Cirencester College – 12 June 1908 – 16 July 1909.
(On
10 May 1908 Savarkar organized a function to pay homage to heroes of 1857 War.
Afterwards Indian students wore commemorative badges in colleges. There were skirmishes.
Harman Singh and R M Khan were asked to remove the badges. They refused. This
is the case)
L/P & J/ 6/903 – FILE 4223
Disloyal behaviour of Indian students at Caxton Hall on November 3rd
Report
5 November 1908 (see Savarar’s newsletters from London)
L/P & J/ 6/925 - FILE 855
G D Savarkar :
sentence of transportation for life for publication of seditious poems 5 March
to 25 November 1909. G D Savarkar was Babarao, elder brother of Veer Savarkar.
L/P & J/ 6/994 – FILE 847
V D Savarkar, arrest and extradition: escape and recapture at Marseilles.
18
March 1910 – 7 October 1910
L/P & J/ 6/1025 – FILE 2881
Savarkar case, question of recovery of cost of telegrams from the FO.
19
August 1910.
L/P & J/ 6/1035 - FILE 3496
Savarkar case : expenses of the Public Prosecutor's Dept
11 April - 1 Nov
1910.
L/P & J/ 6/1039 - FILE 3823
Savarkar case : Reference to arbitration
(The court in The Hague was Court of Arbitration not Court of Justice)
30 Sept 1910 - 10 February 1911.
L/P & J/ 6/1058 – FILE 284
Savarkar case – conduct of police officers.
26 March 1910 – 25
January 1911
L/P & J/ 6/1060 – FILE 359
Savarkar case: cases, counter cases and replies etc
15 December 1910 –
10 March 1911
L/P & J/ 6/1069 - FILE 778
Savarkar case : trial and conviction.
Question of extradition in case of failure at The Hague. 9 Dec 1910 - 23 Feb 1911
L/P & J/ 6/1076 - FILE 1008
Savarkar case : Inspector Parker's second journey to India
10
Jan - 21 March 1911
L/P & J/ 6/1077 - FILE 1131
Savarkar case: proceedings at The Hague (including result)
28 Jan- 21
April 1911
Godbole did not have
time to go through these files. But if you are interested, you now have the references.
1.5 Disaster in Haiti
It is interesting to
note that after the earthquake disaster in Haiti on 12 January 2010 ISKON had
rushed to help the victims of the disaster. It provided them with vegetarian food
and water. (information by Radha Mohan
Das <radha.mohan@krishnatemple.com
* United Sikhs Aid of USA and Canada had also provided much assistance. They distributed 5,000 hot meals a day, water, temporary shelter and medical assistance (information by: Pushpa Rajguru. Pushparajguru@yahoo.com). Doctors had flown from Chicago, Charlotte, Dayton, and Seattle to help survivors, to provide primary care doctors and occupational therapist.
Address
- UNITED SIKHS, JAF POB 7203, New York, NY 10116.
Unfortunately
we always lack publicity for such efforts.
1.6 Gandhi! Gandhi!! Gandhi!!!
Why is the West so much obsessed with Gandhi? Because he caused maximum damage to Hindus. We found the following news in Garvi Gujarat of 12 April 2008, p32
European parliamente Gandhi Sindhya margane pasant karyo.
European Parliament tena vishvama manav adhikaro angina tajetarana 2007 na varshik ahevalma janavyu chhe mulbhut manav adhikaro swikaracama aave temana ange jagruti felay ane baddha te bhogavi shake te mateno shreshtha marg Gandhivadi Ahinsano chhe. Ahevalma dhyani manav adhikarono samvadhanane agrimata apaai chhe. 2009 ma ahinsa mate European Conference yojava mate pana suchavayu chhe. Tatha varsha 2010 European year for non violence tarike jaher karava bhag thai chhe. E.U e tena sabhyo rashtrone vinanti kari chhe ke 2010-2020 na dasakane decade of non-violence tarikejaher karava mate temane UN ne samajavu joiye. Aa reportna lekhak Italian MP Marco Kapakto chhe. Temne janau chhe ke Gandhivadi ahinsak neetivade ahinsak marge hinsak karyo aap khud sattao same sakriya padkar ubha karashe. Aa ahaval China, Iran, Russia ane Pakistanma thayela manav adhikarona bhangane vakhdiyo chhe.
So,
how about sending a Gandhi Peace mission to Darfour in Sudan?
1.7 Taj Mahal : Some practical aspects.
One
of the devotees of late P N Oak asked Godbole to look at Wikapaedia as it gives
wrong information about pages 402/403 of Badshahnama. He replied –
(1)
You can write to Wikipaedia. Why does this have to be done by me?
(2)
During my correspondence in the 1980s, P N Oak wrote that the translation of Badshahnama
pages 402/403 was done for him by a Kashmiri Pandit who knew Persian. This was
result of a show-down. The Pandit kept on saying that there is documentary evidence
to prove that Shahjahan did build Taj Mahal. Oak said, “Show me.” The two
went to Government of India Archives in New Delhi. The officer showed them the
Badshahnama. As the Pandit started to read aloud he came across the lines –
va pesh azin manzile Raja Mansingh bood vadari vakt va Raja Jaisingh, he confessed
that Oak had been right. He gave word by word translation of pages 402/403 to
Oak, who promptly published it in his 1968 book Taj Mahal is a Hindu Palace.
The Kashmiri Pandit being in Government of India service did not want his
name to be disclosed. That was understandable. But P N Oak behaved as if HE did
the translation – with disastrous consequences. No devotee of Oak felt uneasy
or protested against this except Godbole.
(3)
What we want to achieve is to spread the truth about Taj Mahal and other monuments.
Let me put forward my thoughts –
I went to see Taj Mahal in December 1981. Ashok Athawale and his friend Hemant Gokhale came from Kanpur to meet me. Their idea was that Taj Mahal can be seen in half a day, Red Fort in another half day, next day in Bateshwar. I said to them, "People all over the world understand Taj Mahal and NOT the other monuments. So, let us see Taj Mahal in detail."
First day passed. Second day passed. We had not taken any food or even Tea. And still we had not finished our tour. Then Athawale and Gokhale realized how much there is to see. Athawale had tried to write a Tourist Guide to Taj Mahal. It obviously needed many alterations. But as usual, I received no response from him. In the end, I spent 4 months and prepared a detailed Tourist Guide to Taj Mahal. That was in 1982.
Did P N Oak admire my efforts?
No. In all his writings and speeches he never acknowledged the existence of such
a guide. Suppose you were to take me to Taj Mahal, what will you show?
And
what about our friends? Not one of them has gone to Taj Mahal with my Tourist
Guide. What is the point of cursing others?
Here are some conservative figures -
1982 to 2009 = 27 years
Assume that 1,000 people visit Taj Mahal each day (8 hour /day, 125 visitors / hour)
Let us assume further that there are only 200 good days in a year.
So, after writing my Tourist Guide, how many people would have seen Taj Mahal? 27 x 1,000 x 200 = 54,00,000 (54 lakhs or 5.4 million)
If our friends had shown some initiative at least 1% of these visitors would have seen Taj Mahal from our point of view! That will still be 54,000 people.
What
is the figure today? ZERO.
That is the reason I do not feel enthusiastic about Wikapaedia. But do go ahead and tell the truth about Badshahnama.
Oak’s
devotee never replied.
1.8 US funds were diverted to strengthen defence against India, admits Musharraf
‘Media watch’ sent us following E Mail on Sunday, September 13, 2009
Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said that military aid provided by the United States to Pakistan for the war against terror during his tenure had been used to strengthen defences against India, the first such admission by any top Pakistani leader.
Musharraf admitted that he had violated rules governing the use of the military aid, and justified his actions by saying he had "acted in the best interest of Pakistan."
In an interview with a news channel, he said he "did not care" whether the US would be angered by his disclosure. The former military ruler, who resigned as president in August last year to avoid impeachment, said he was not ready to compromise on Pakistan's interests. India and several influential lawmakers in the US have been saying that Pakistan had used funds given to it by the US to take on militants to strengthen its defences against India. However, Pakistan had been denying the charges. Musharraf said that if he had not supported the US in the war against terror after the 9/11 attacks, American forces could have entered Pakistan to capture its nuclear assets. He said it was also possible that the US and India could have jointly attacked the country.
Our
comments – Now that is a surprise!!
1.9 Why are we still worried about fate of others?
On Sun, Nov 29, 2009 BP <bp16@ukonline. co.uk> wrote:
Source: http://news. bbc.co.uk/ 1/hi/world/ americas/ 8385421.stm
US police officers gunned down in ambush
“Four
police officers have been shot dead near the McChord Air Force Base in Washington
State, US media and police say. A sheriff's department spokesman told KOMO-TV
that the officers were shot at the east side of the air force base. The officers
were ambushed as they were at a coffee shop, police say. A sheriff spokesman described
the shooting as an ambush. The air force base is in Pierce County, 40 miles south
of Seattle. Pierce County Sheriff's spokesman Ed Troyer told local media that
the officers had been in the coffee shop with their computers when the attacker
entered on Sunday morning. He said it is believed that the officers had been targeted
and the incident was not a robbery.”
Strange
as it may sound, Hindus were immediately outraged. One of them wrote
1.
It is likely that this is another Fort Hood tragedy, as the air Force base and
facilities as the Coffee shop within should be highly secure and guarded places
with monitored entries only.
2.
It is high time the U.S. Govt. orders proper screening of the movement of all
Muslim members of the defence forces, and they should be banned from attending
any religious gatherings as mosques, since it is the Imam-s in Masjids who preach
and brainwash the Muslims to terrorism and "kill infidels" and reach paradise
with all the attractive incentives, if they in turn are killed.
( Note - The Fort Hood shooting took place on November 5, 2009, at Fort Hood—the most populous US military base in the world, located just outside Killeen, Texas—in which a gunman killed 13 people and wounded 30 others.
The accused perpetrator is Nidal Malik Hasan, a U.S. Army major serving as a psychiatrist. He was shot by Department of the Army Civilian Police officers, and is now paralyzed from the waist down. Hasan has been charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted murder under the Uniform Code of Military Justice; he may face additional charges at court-martial.
Hasan is an American-born Muslim of Palestinian descent. Internal Army reports indicate officers within the Army were aware of Hasan's tendencies toward radical Islam since 2005. Additionally, investigations before and after the shooting discovered e-mail communications between Hasan and Anwar al-Awlaki, who quickly declared Hasan a hero, as "fighting against the U.S. army is an Islamic duty". After communications between the two were forwarded to FBI terrorism task forces in 2008, they determined that Hasan was not a threat prior to the shooting and that his questions to al-Awlaki were consistent with medical research. --- Court Martial hearing began on 2 June 2010)
Godbole commented – Why are YOU advocating what Americans must do for their security? They are capable of looking after their interests. We should be concerned with the future of Hindus.
1.10 Importance of English
On 18 April 2010 we were forwarded
an E Mail from Hindusthan. It said, “Biography of Babarao, elder brother of
Veer Savarkar was first written and published by D N Gokhale in 1947. No one has
done anything on the subject afterwards. Now after 60 years (i.e. in 2007) new
edition is published by Akshaya Vidya Prakashan, Pune 411009 with the blessings
of Satchidanand Shevade on 18 March 2007.”
Godbole
responded as follows - Some corrections and comments -
(1)
2nd edition of the book was published in 1979. I do have a copy of this edition.
(2)
Though 30 years had passed since the first edition, D N Gokhale the writer made
no amendments to the book!!! Babarao died in 1945 when I was 3 ½ years old. My
nearest elder brother is 10 years older than me. He does not remember Babarao.
If Gokhale's book of 1947 did not make sense to my elder brother, what was the
use of yet another edition?
(3) Gokhale claims to have collected 3,000 letters written by Babarao or received by him. Where is this collection? Thrown in a bin?
(4)
What happened to 9 letters which Babarao wrote to Narayanrao from Andaman Islands?
(during 1910-20). Why are Hindutvadadis NOT interested in them?
(5)
Once again the book is in Marathi. Who will read it outside Pune / Mumbai?
Godbole
got no reply. When will Marathi people realize the importance of writing in English?
1.11 Hindus are ‘others’
On 16 April 2010 we received an interesting E mail from Prateek Arora --
No end to Anti-Hindu discrimination and Divide & Rule by Congress.
GGSIPU is run by Congress (mis)ruled Indraprasth (Delhi) govt.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/
Are Hindus ‘others’? by Abhishek Anshu GGSIPU admission form raises eyebrows
In an apparent error of omission on the part of authorities, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) has asked all applicants to mention their religion in the admission form by marking the appropriate option, but failed to provide that of ‘Hindu’ even though all minority faiths are listed specifically. Those belonging to the Hindu religion are, therefore, left with no choice but to indicate their faith by ticking the ‘Others’ column on the list. While such a format has sparked widespread confusion and panic among students and applicants, IP University Vice-Chancellor Prof DK Bandyo-padhyay has said by way of clarification that the “column contains minority religions and Hindu falls in the category of ‘Others’”.
“This is nothing unusual as it is known to all that Hindus are the majority. The ‘religion’ column has minorities in it and the Hindu students should fill out the ‘Others’ option given in the religion column of the form,” said Bandyopadhyay.
The V-C added that in the form, SC/ST/OBC and ‘Others’ are separate options. “In the form, we have the options of Minorities, SC/ST/OBC and ‘Others’. Hindus, being the majority, should fill up ‘Others’,” he said.
“I
filled up the application form but when I got to the religion column, I got confused
as ‘Hindu’ was nowhere on the page. I have filled forms of various universities
but this is for the first time I have seen something like this,” Aarushi, an
applicant, said. She added she had to reread the admission brochure to confirm
there were no printing errors. “I was scared there was a printing error. After
going through the brochure, I learnt that the option was simply not mentioned,”
she said.
To this Godbole replied - Dear oh dear. How short are our memories!!
In 1937, elections were held as per the Government of India Act 1935. There were named electorates for Muslims, Christians and others. Hindus were covered as 'General'. Savarkar did point this out during his Presidential address to the 20th annual session of Hindu Mahasabha at Nagpur in December 1938. But we Hindus considered him a fanatic and voted for Congress Party of Gandhi Nehru and Patel. These leaders would have preferred Hindus to call themselves as non-Muslims. Well, that was the reality in the kingdom of Nizam praised by Mahatma Gandhi!! Late historian Setu Madhavrao Pagdi testifies to that effect. He was a Civil Servant in state of Nizam.
1.12 Pakistanis posing as Indians after NY bomb scare
On 8 May 2010 an alarming E Mail was sent by Ashok Chowgule
By
Walden Siew http://www.reuters.com/assets/
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Pakistani merchants and job seekers in the United States, still reeling from economic hardship since the September 11 attacks of 2001, are posing as Indians to avoid discrimination in the wake of the Times Square bomb attempt. Once again, a man of Pakistani descent is at the center of a security story, leading to backlash against the Pakistani-American community. Faisal Shahzad, 30, a naturalized American born in Pakistan, was arrested on Monday, two days after authorities say he parked a crude car bomb in New York's busy Times Square. Suspected September 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and convicted 1993 World Trade Center bomber Ramzi Yousef are also of Pakistani decent, and anti-American militants fighting U.S. forces in Afghanistan take refuge in Pakistan.
In Brooklyn, home to one of the largest Pakistani populations in the United States, business is scant at the various grocery, halal meat and sweet cake shops since a Pakistani-American was suspected in the Times Square plot. More than 100 businesses along Coney Island Avenue have closed due to a 30 percent drop in business since 2001, a merchants' association said.
In Washington, an American man of Pakistani descent told of coming under suspicion this week when he tried to buy garden fertilizer. The Times Square car bomb contained a non-explosive type of fertilizer. While there have been no reported incidents since the failed car bomb attack last Saturday, some Pakistanis are bracing for reprisals. Police have increased foot patrols.
"A lot of Pakistanis can't get jobs after 9/11 and now it's even worse," said Asghar Choudhri, an accountant and chairman of Brooklyn's Pakistani American Merchant Association. "They are now pretending they are Indian so they can get a job." India and Pakistan have fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947, creating hostilities that ordinarily would lead a Pakistani to resent being mistaken for an Indian. According to the latest U.S. census data, some 210,410 people of Pakistani origin reside in the United States. Nearly 15,000 Pakistanis received U.S. immigrant visas last year." I want to make clear that we will not tolerate any bias or backlash against Pakistani or Muslim New Yorkers," Mayor Michael Bloomberg said this week, noting there are always "a few bad apples." New York is "the city where you can practice your religion and say what you want to say and be in charge of your own destiny and we're going to keep it that way," Bloomberg said.
"After 9/11, we took much pain," he said. "After that, a small beating is nothing. Now the Pakistanis are not so much scared but we are ashamed. We are embarrassed that the name of Pakistan came up."(Additional reporting by William Maclean in London and Frances Kerry in Washington; Editing by Daniel Trotta and Bill Trott)
Our comments – Hindus should be very careful. These Pakistanis will drag Indians down with them. We have seen this happening in Paris recently. White reporters deliberately used the words – Asians to describe Muslim criminals. At every step Hindus must distinguish themselves from Pakistanis.
1.13 Unknown geography of Hindusthan
Many people now visit the Andaman Islands and pay respects to Savarkar in the Cellular Jail. The islands also have some outstanding natural beauty and features, including a volcano!!
On 21 March 2010 Godbole sent the following E Mail
I just came across an advertisement -
SIMAS Travels conduct tours to Andaman -Nicobar.
They are based in Pune. Tel No 4022-956 / 4022-957.
Office on Laxmi Road.
In June 2003 issue of Vivek, they say they conduct tours from October to February. This time (i.e. in 2003) we will take participants to BARADANG to see live volcano!!
------------------------------
To this Aradhana Travels of Pune replied -
Baratang is not a live volcano. Its Mud pool or you can say Mud geysers. But do not compare it with Australian Mud geysers at Whakarewarewa.
We have kept this sightseeing as optional as you have to take a full day tour to visit Mud volcano & Limestone caves. You have to start at 5.30 AM in the morning & you return back by at about 6.30 PM. A hectic journey!
But yes, there is a live volcano in Andaman - Barren Island. You start your journey by evening on day 01 - reach near Barren Island early morning. Take a look from the boat itself & return by early noon on day 02. No food arrangements on boat; you have to take everything with you except drinking water.
BTW who else can authentically talk about Andaman than Aradhana as we are operating tours for the last 27 years to the destination?
KEDAR & MADHAVIE
2. AROUND LONDON TOUR OF PLACES ASSOCIATED WITH INDIAN FREEDOM FIGHTERS
Godbole conducted two tours.
* First one on 29 April 2010, made at request of Bhagwat family of Mumbai. Andhare family from Karnavati (Ahmedabad) who met them during a Europe Tour of Sachin Travels also joined in. Mrs Bhagwat is a free lance journalist. Both families have agreed to raise the question of Godbole’s tour to the proprietors of Sachin Travels.
Mrs Andhare gave to Mr Godbole a booklet called Swami Vivekananda in England. It lists all the places associated with Swamiji’s stay in Britain.
The important ones are -
(A) Lady Isabelle Margesson's Town House.
Location - 63 St George's Drive, Pimlico, London S.W1
The road was previously known as St George's Road.
All the three houses 63, 65 and 67 have now been combined and converted into a number of flats. The outside remains the same. A plaque was installed on
5 July 2004 by English Heritage. Nearest tube stations - Victoria and Pimlico.
Swami delivered his lectures - May to October 1896. He also lived here.
(B) 14 Greycoat Gardens, Greycoat Street, Westminster, London S.W1
Nearest tube station is St James's Park.
Swami lived here in a basement flat - 10 October 1896 to 16 December 1896.
These two houses are near to each other, easy walking distance from Victoria tube station.
(C) Bhagini Nivedita's house (family name Noble)
21 A Wimbledon High Street, London S.W19
Nearest tube station - Wimbledon. There is only one exit at the station. Get out and turn right. As you go up the hill you see the name plate High Street.
We are very grateful to Mrs Andhare for providing this valuable information.
* Second tour was on Sunday 16 May 2010. It was organized for the group of students and teachers led by Dr Bedekar / Agarkar of Thane, but some others also joined in. In all twenty nine people attended. Though it rained frequently the tour lasted till 7 o’clock in the evening.
3 Looking back at our Historical research –
3.1 Battle of Baharaich of 1033
On 14 March 2010 we received an E Mail from Madhu Zaveri of America. He said - Look over this website by Suresh Chiplunkar
http://blog.sureshchiplunkar.
Godbole replied - Dear Shree Zaveri,
Thanks for your E Mail. I had given details of this battle in my Newsletter13 of
16 June 1984. Copy of the relevant page is attached. Please convey this to Suresh Chiplunkar. As the East India Company conquered our territories after 1757 Murrays a famous publisher of London produced books (sort of tourist guides) to those parts of Hindusthan. Eventually they produced Murray's Guide to India. It is strange that in 1880 or 1890 the editor does describe Bahiraich and says - "something terrible has happened in this place in the past, but I am not sure what." Hundred years later we realise that it was the battle of Bahiraich. I would like to know reaction of Shree Chiplunkar.
Note - Chipulnakar also refers to the following books
“Dargah of Ghazi in Bahraich” by Romilla Thaper
“Muslim Saints of South Asia” by Enna Savorova
Chipulankar’s title however is wrong. Iranians and Afghans were NOT Mughals who did not come to Hindusthan till Babar (1552) some 500 years later. Afghans and Mughals were arch enemies of each other.
3.2 Perverted history – perverted minds
The E mails below are a classic example of how our minds are moulded by perverted history taught to us. P N Oak’s followers have used the phrase 1,000 years of slavery without the slightest thought. Now we find that extended to 1,100 years!!
Maharashtra and Gujarat were not subjugated by the Khiljis till around 1315. Rajputs were not defeated by Akbar until after another 250 years. So, where does this figure of 1,100 years come from?
We make no comments on the contents of the Mails. That is a separate issue altogether.
---------------
From: shirdhar pant To: bhagwat goel Sent: Thu, 29 April, 2010 12:12:02 PM
Dear Shri Bhagwat - The facts on Italian born-bread Sonia and her Congress are well known. But I have a question : if Indira Gandhi could be prevented from entering Bhuvaneshawar temple then how could Sonia enter Trirupati? Second, the congress rules because it is the Hindus who give the party vote. It is same thing as Moghals ruled because Rajputs fought Rajputs. Find a solution to this basic character of Hindus. Then there will be no Sonia-Congress rule.
Shridhar Pant
From : IAmUC@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2010
Sridharji:
Our protector Sudershan & Mohan Bhagwat of RSS, first priority was to control BJP, when they failed with Atalji, they destroyed the only face known worldwide that of Shree Advani through false allegations & propaganda. Shree Togadiya be a great leader but went into 'kop bhavan' like kekaye, after denied supreme role by Narendra Modi that too he wanted administration to bypass rule of law.
MM Joshi, at this age with Rajnath Singh & their gang collected by Sudershan & Mohan Bhagwat destroyed BJP paving the Italian Rule. They wanted to be Pradhan Mantri but could not become even sentries. There yens of thousands of experienced ,competent leaders in Congress, but since they cannot tolerate each other so they accepted Italian widow as a leader in a manner that they enslaved themselves with body and soul which even British could not achieve. We talk, talk but never come together. I wonder if even Raam can save us!
Sincerely, Bhagwat Goel,
[FHRS_USA] Digest Number 1789
History is always written by the ruler and Media is always controlled by the ruler also ---- Hindus were ruled by Muslims for about 600 years and by British Christians and Portuguese Christians for about 300 years .For about 900 years we Hindus were ruled by Muslims, British Christians and Portuguese Christians. Therefore we Hindus think like Muslims and Christians though we call ourselves Hindus because History books were written by Muslims and Christians and media was controlled by Muslims and Christians. This is the reason we have so many anti-Hindus who are protecting Muslims and Christians and criticizing Hindus and Hindu Religion. We Hindus have to undo the brain washing which was done by Muslims and Christians Hindus! Wake up! Protect yourself and declare India a Hindu country and work for Hindu cause. There are many Muslim and Christian countries and none Hindu country. Is it not awful?
Even now India is ruled by Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Anti - Hindus. Every thing is highjacked by Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Anti – Hindus. Hindus have no Hindu country even with 80 % of majority in India. Christians are
2.5 %, Sikhs and others are 2.5 %, Muslims 15 %; they all control the whole India. 20 % minorities are ruling 80 % Hindu majority. What a calamity for Hindus! It is great pity for Hindus!
Our comments – We need to be sensible. Neither the Muslim rulers nor the Portuguese wrote Histories. They kept records which were later used by the British to write our History. And it was under the British Raj that History was taught as a subject in schools and colleges. Portuguese did not rule India. They only had three pockets, in Goa, Daman and Dieu. British rule also did not last for 300 years. Marathas were not defeated till 1818 and the Sikhs till 1849.
There was nothing preventing RSS historians joining forces with P N Oak but instead of carrying out fundamental research, they were interested in ridiculing him. There is no point in blaming the British for that. Moreover, even during the British Raj there was no mass media.
4. BEHAVIOUR OF CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS TODAY
4.1 The Muslims
4.1.1 Gruesome killings
So called honour killing is a barbaric social practice among Muslims and goes on in Western countries without any check. But the following case is most horrifying
http://www.aolnews.com/world/
(5 Feb. 2010) – Honor killings are not something new to many people in Turkey. But the death of a 16-year-old girl who was buried alive for talking to boys has been revealed to be a particularly gruesome killing and has stirred strong reactions.
"The autopsy result is bloodcurdling," an unidentified official told the Anatolia news agency Thursday, Agence France-Press reported. "According to our findings, the girl -- who had no bruises on her body and no sign of narcotics or poison in her blood -- was alive and fully conscious when she was buried." The girl's father and grandfather are to be put on trial for burying her alive, reportedly because they thought her friendship with boys had brought shame and dishonor to the family.
The body of Medine Memi was found in a sitting position with hands tied in a 6½-foot hole under a chicken coop at the family house in Kahta in southeast Turkey. Police discovered the body following a tip-off 40 days after she went missing, the agency said. According to a postmortem examination, the agency added, the girl's lungs and stomach contained significant amounts of soil, confirming she was alive when she was buried. The girl had repeatedly tried to tell the police that she had been beaten by her father and grandfather, the London Times reported today. "She tried to take refuge at the police station three times, and she was sent home three times," her mother, Immihan, said after the body was discovered in December.
The girl's father, the Times added, was reported as saying at the time, "She has male friends. We are uneasy about that." Reaction to the killing was particularly strong in remarks posted on the Web site of a religious television channel, Samanyolu, the London paper reported. "The punishment for whosoever should kill with intent is the hell where he will languish forever," one poster said, adding, "Allah has cursed him and prepared great pain for him." Another comment on the site said, "You named your daughter after the holy city of Medina but your mind is left over from the earlier Age of Ignorance." Honor killings are most prevalent in Turkey's predominantly Kurdish southeast, the Anatolia agency said. But the practice has spread to cities and even abroad, largely through migration, with cases reported in the U.S. and U.K.
4.1.2 Attacks on sect’s mosques in Lahore leave at least 90 dead.
On 29 May 2010 Declan Walsh reported from Islamabad, for The Guardian
(p 32)
Armed militants swarmed around two mosques of a minority Islamic sect in the Pakistani city of Lahore yesterday, raking worshippers with gunfire, taking hostages and killing at least 90 people. A spokesman for a group describing itself as the Punjabi Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks, during which gunmen lobbed grenades into crowds and opened fire from a minaret.
It was the bloodiest ever militant assault on the Ahmedi sect, highlighting how the fusion of Taliban and sectarian militant groups in Pakistan poses a deadly threat to besieged minorities.
Considered heretics by many Pakistanis for their worship of a nineteenth century religious figure, Ahmedis have suffered decades of state-sponsored discrimination.
Yesterday's assault started during weekly prayers when two teams of militants carrying ammunition-laden rucksacks stormed the mosques in Model Town and Garhi Shah, densely populated areas in Pakistan's cultural capital, Lahore.
In Model Town, worshippers barricaded themselves into a section of the mosque as militants opened fire and tossed grenades through the windows. The devices seemed to have slow fuses and some were thrown back out. The attack ended after a short gunfight with police. At least 25 people were killed, including one attacker. Another, a 16-year- old boy, was captured, while a third managed to escape, firing at television reporters as he fled. "He was young, clean-shaven. He sprayed bullets at our van while fleeing the scene," said Rabia Mehmood of Express Television. -
There was greater bloodshed at Garhi Shuha, where one gunman mounted his assault from the balcony of a minaret. Others took hostages in the courtyard below, starting a four-hour siege that ended with three militants blowing up their explosives vests, killing dozens of people and wounding many more.
By late afternoon the Lahore deputy commissioner counted 70 dead and 80 injured, but the toll continued to rise during the evening. Among the victims was the local head of the Ahmedi community and a retired army general.
Punjab province's chief minister, Shahbaz Sharif, appealed for calm. "Our security forces will fight this menace till the end," he said. "Attacks on places of worship is barbarianism."
Last week the country's top television presenter Hamid Mir sparked outrage when he appeared to make derogatory comments about Ahmedis in a tape leaked to the media. Mir says the tape was fabricated; his critics have challenged him to take the case to court.
Prejudice against Ahmedis dates back to the 1950s, when Lahore was rocked by riots targeting the sect. They are Muslims, but believe that a 19th century Punjab cleric, Ghulam Ahmedi, was a messenger from God. Orthodox Muslims insist that Muhammad was the final prophet.
Our comments – We must learn to use such news to our advantage. True, Ahmedis are and wish to be identified as Muslims. But we can drive a wedge between them and other Muslims. We can cry foul for Human Rights abuses. Merely remaining silent is not an option. Why were not riots against Ahmedis reported in Indian papers in the 1950s?
4.1.3 Kuwait pushing for a ban on driving with the face veil
On 4 May 2010 Ashok Chougule went us the following Mail
Author:
Neda Mulj Publication: Newzglobe.com Date: May 3, 2010 URL: http://www.newzglobe.com/
A ban on driving with the niqab has been in place in Kuwait since 2006, but it has almost never been imposed except in rare circumstances where an officer at a check post decides to verify the driver's identity. Now an online political community is calling for the Interior Ministry to consider fining veiled drivers.
'It is extremely unsafe; a niqab impedes peripheral vision and increases the risk of road accidents,' says one supporter of the ban.
However, supporters of the niqab fear that such a law may directly clash with their religious beliefs and may be a breach of their personal freedom under the Kuwaiti Constitution. 'In this country we have to respect some people's need for an Islamic dress code,' says Widat, a Kuwaiti mother of two. However, supporters of the ban argue that the niqab is worn for cultural rather than religious reasons. Whatever the reason, 'We are not a western nation,' says Widat, 'and must respect our cultural traditions.'
It seems the MPs favouring the ban may be inspired by France's recent bold moves to put a complete ban in place. In a speech the President Nicholas Sarkozy emphasized his determination to pass the bill by stating that 'the veil is an assault on women's dignity.' Needless to say, the speech has sparked unprecedented anger among France's six million Muslims. However, 'France is a different story,' says Widat, 'and comparing it to Kuwait would be like comparing apples with oranges. Kuwait is a Muslim nation-state and is therefore expected to show more consideration for Muslim rituals and traditions.'
4.1.4 Tearing Away the Veil - Author: Jean-François Copé
Through Media _Monitor we received the following Mail on 6 May 2010
Publication: The New York Times Date: May 4, 2010
Momentum is building in Europe for laws forbidding the wearing of garments that cover the face, like the Islamic burqa and niqab, in public. Just last week, the lower house of the Belgian Parliament overwhelmingly passed a ban on face coverings. And next week, the French Assembly will most likely approve a resolution that my party, the Union for a Popular Movement, has introduced condemning such garments as against our republican principles, a step toward a similar ban.
Amnesty International condemned the Belgian law as "an attack on religious freedom," while other critics have asserted that by prohibiting the burqa, France would impinge upon individual liberties and stigmatize Muslims, thereby aiding extremists worldwide.
This criticism is unjust. The debate on the full veil is complicated, and as one of the most prominent advocates in France of a ban on the burqa, I would like to explain why it is both a legitimate measure for public safety and a reaffirmation of our ideals of liberty and fraternity.
First, the freedom to dress the way one wants is not what's at stake here. Our debate is not about a type of attire or the Islamic head scarf that covers the hair and forehead. The latter is obviously allowed in France. The ban would apply to the full-body veil known as the burqa or niqab. This is not an article of clothing - it is a mask, a mask worn at all times, making identification or participation in economic and social life virtually impossible. This face covering poses a serious safety problem at a time when security cameras play an important role in the protection of public order. An armed robbery recently committed in the Paris suburbs by criminals dressed in burqas provided an unfortunate confirmation of this fact. As a mayor, I cannot guarantee the protection of the residents for whom I am responsible if masked people are allowed to run about.
The visibility of the face in the public sphere has always been a public safety requirement. It was so obvious that until now it did not need to be enshrined in law. But the increase in women wearing the niqab, like that of the ski mask favored by criminals changes that. We must therefore adjust our law, without waiting for the phenomenon to spread. The permanent concealment of the face also raises the question of social interactions in our democracies. In the United States, there are very few limits on individual freedom, as exemplified by the guarantees of the First Amendment. In France, too, we are passionately attached to liberty. But we also reaffirm our citizens' equality and fraternity. These values are the three inseparable components of our national motto. We are therefore constantly striving to achieve a delicate balance. Individual liberty is vital, but individuals, like communities, must accept compromises that are indispensable to living together, in the name of certain principles that are essential to the common good. Let's take one example: The fact that people are prohibited from strolling down Fifth Avenue in the nude does not constitute an attack on the fundamental rights of nudists. Likewise, wearing headgear that fully covers the face does not constitute a fundamental liberty. To the contrary, it is an insurmountable obstacle to the affirmation of a political community that unites citizens without regard to differences in sex, origin or religious faith. How can you establish a relationship with a person who, by hiding a smile or a glance - those universal signs of our common humanity - refuses to exist in the eyes of others?
Finally, in both France and the United States, we recognize that individual liberties cannot exist without individual responsibilities. This acknowledgment is the basis of all our political rights. We are free as long as we are responsible individuals who can be held accountable for our actions before our peers. But the niqab and burqa represent a refusal to exist as a person in the eyes of others. The person who wears one is no longer identifiable; she is a shadow among others, lacking individuality, avoiding responsibility.
From this standpoint, banning the veil in the street is aimed at no particular religion and stigmatizes no particular community. Indeed, French Muslim leaders have noted that the Koran does not instruct women to cover their faces, while in Tunisia and Turkey, it is forbidden in public buildings; it is even prohibited during the pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims are the first to suffer from the confusions engendered by this practice, which is a blow against the dignity of women. Through a legal ban, French parliamentarians want to uphold a principle that should apply to all: the visibility of the face in the public sphere, which is essential to our security and is a condition for living together. A few extremists are contesting this obvious fact by using our democratic liberties as an instrument against democracy. We have to tell them no.
- Jean-François Copé is the majority leader in the French National Assembly and the mayor of Meaux.
4.1.5 We Hindus still can’t deal effectively with Muslims.
On 22 May we received the following Mail. The facts speak for themselves.
INTROSPECTION OF A PUNJABI MUSALMAAN
This is what a Punjabi Musalman said in anguish after he saw the continuous murders and mayhem going on all over the Pakistani Punjab. He says,
“I had a moment to reflect, why my country is in such turmoil. Education cannot even begin when girls’ schools are being destroyed and free thought cannot take root when fatwas to kill are being dished out. Democracy cannot even enter where democrats like Zulfiqar Ali and Benazir are assassinated, from where killers go out to London, Madrid and New York to further Islam.
“I made a short trip to East Punjab and saw women and girls without veil, burqa or purdah. I saw them driving cars and even scooters without male escort. With a friend I went into a gurdwara. It was enchanting. The priests sang the scriptures in captivating classical melodies and most of the words I could easily understand what they were singing. Worshippers came in family groups. Women and girls were not kept out as in our mosques to save them from lewd remarks and stares.
“But I was in a shock. Where there was excellent religion there was lack of conviction. When I approached a Sikh priest with the question, “Why don’t you commend your NATIVE religion to those in West Punjab who have to face Mecca but not Nankana Sahib while praying in the language they do not speak or understand,” he turned round in shock and said, with trembling voice, as if sensing his own beheading, “No, brother. We do not commend our Faith to anybody. Be a “better” Muslim if you are a “good” Muslim.”
Our comments - Dear oh dear!! We Hindus never learn from our history. When a Sen becomes Husein he spells disaster for Hindus. WE all know what Good Muslims have done in Godhra!!!
Late Pandurangshastri Athawale was pioneer of social changes in Gujarat. He led “Swadhyaya movement” and proudly stated, “Many Muslims and Christians ask me to convert them to Hinduism. I flatly refuse. I say – be a good Muslim!! Good Christian” It was good Muslims who burnt to death 31 Hindu women in Godhra!!
One wonders if we Hindus have become insane. After the Godhra incident Godbole went to Pune and attended a RSS shakha one morning. They had a Priest working in Canada. He gave information about shortages of learned Hindu priests there and what is on offer for would be priests from Hindusthan. But he also stated, “Islam is also one path to God.”
4.1.6 Swami Ramdev Baba and Muslims
Even after 1,000 years of conflict with Muslims, we Hindus have learned nothing about mentality of Muslims. Please read the following letter, dated 20th October 2009 You are wrong, Swami Ram Dev Ji
To: Swami Ramdev Ji, Bharat Swabhiman Trust
I am the Editor and Publisher of Hindu Voice, a Monthly in English and Hindi, published since April 2002. I am your great admirer. I regularly listen to your and Rajiv Dixitji’s inspiring lectures on nationalism in Aastha channel. When all the Sadhus and Saints are interested in promoting and protecting their personal fiefdom by only talking about spiritualism, you are the only Sadhu who is talking of nationalism. I have appreciated your efforts in my editorials. You are the only hope for Bharat - which I have mentioned in my editorials too.
However, my hopes were shaken when I was reading your book - Jeevan Darshan - where I found some wrong and false statements made by you. And that is the purpose of my writing this letter. In page no. 77 of your book, you have mentioned about Dharm Granth, where you have also included Bible and Quran, which was unwarranted. I am enclosing a sheet containing a few verses from Bible and Quran. Please judge for yourself whether such verses qualify them to be called Dharm Granth. My simple question to you is: Have you read Quran? If you have read Quran, you would not have mentioned it as a Dharm Granth. If you have not read it, then you have no right to comment on something which you are not aware of.
You say that Quran preaches peace, communal harmony and humanism. This is just false. There are 6236 ayats in Quran, out of which about 3900 preach hatred, intolerance and violence. About 900 verses directly talk about murder, killing, looting, beheading, raping, hell-fire, etc. of Kafirs. Taquiya means religious cheating. Quran allows cheating and telling lies for spreading Islam. You mention that Rooza is observed by Muslims to understand the hunger and thirst of the poor. This is wrong. Rooza is training for war. During Mohammed’s days, Muslims used to loot and plunder. The war for looting used to take place during day time, when the warriors will not have time for eating and drinking. Therefore, eating and drinking was reserved for night. The warriors were trained to go without food and water during day time. Subsequently it has become a tradition to be observed for one month in a year. There is absolutely no spiritualism or science involved either in Rooza or in the entire Quran and Hadith. I would request you to kindly visit www.faithfreedom.org and www.islam-watch.com, to know more about Islam.
It pains all nationalists when Sadhus like you start giving good character certificate to such a barbarous ideology. Politicians are doing it for vote. Why should you do it, Swami Ji? You have been saying that - you are not afraid of any one; you are not selfish; you are not interested in political power; your loyalty is only to Bharat Mata, etc. We do trust you. But in the case of Quran, why are you twisting facts? Whom are you afraid of? If you cannot tell the facts, for obvious reasons, you could have kept quiet. But you have made wrong and false statements, Swamiji. A cursory glance at Quran and Bible will reveal the type of venom they spew on Sanatan Dharm and the hatred they preach. It is these Religions (and not Sanatan Dharm) which preach hatred and violence. Unfortunately, Many Sadhus and Sants are singing "Mazahab nahi sikhaata aapas mey bair karna" (Religions do not teach to hate one another), equating Sanatan Hindu Dharm with these book-based religions. Please be different, Swamiji.
I would therefore request you to kindly remove these two paragraphs from your book, Jeevan Darshan, in page no. 77, as and when it is reprinted, so that wrong message does not go to our countrymen. I will be publishing this letter in my magazine Hindu Voice November 2009 edition. As and when I receive your reply, I will publish that too, so that our readers know both the views. Therefore, I hope to receive your kind reply, as early as possible.
Meantime, Hindu Voice wishes you all Success in your efforts of bringing Nayi Azaadi and Nayi Vivastha in Bharat, which is badly needed.
P. Deivamuthu, Editor-Publisher - Hindu Voice
On 8 November 2009 from Dr Reddy of Secunderabad commented “Despite all efforts of Swami Ramdev Ji, and after he attended the Deoband's Mulla Meeting, Look how the Muslim Clerics have reciprocated! What the Muslim Clerics did next is for anybody to see about the Muslim mindset....the Deoband Clerics have advised all Muslims not to attend and avoid the health camps run by Swami Ramdevji, This should NOT only be an eye opener for Swami Ramdev Ji but to all Hindu Priests and Hindus NOT to fall a prey to Muslims. For a Muslim is a Muslim is a Muslim.”
Our comments - Savarkar had warned in the 1930s, “Hindu Muslim unity will be achieved only WHEN Muslims ask for it, not otherwise.” We can’t understand this obsession with pleasing Muslims
5. Why we can’t tell the truth
On 2 January 2010 our friend Gopal Ashtekar forwarded following E Mail to us -
To: media_monitor5@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [media_monitor5] UGC chief going scot-free, but Secretary paid the price
Author: Durgesh Nandan Jha / Publication: The Pioneer
http://www.dailypioneer.com/
While the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has decided to
de-recognise 44 deemed universities, those responsible for giving deemed status to these institutions go scot-free. Serious charges have been levelled against UGC (University Grants Commission) Chairman S K Thorat for ‘orchestrating the scam’ but no action has been mulled against him so far. On the other hand, the whistleblower, who brought the matter to the notice of the Ministry, lost his job.
In letters written to the HRD Ministry in 2008, then UGC Secretary Raju Sharma had disclosed the modus operandi of Thorat, who frequently used the tool of “convenient legal advice” rather than go by “an expert committee report” in granting deemed university status to these institutions.
In one such letter, Sharma states, “I joined the UGC on February 19, 2008. Within days of my joining, I was confronted with monumental corruption and financial irregularities in the very heart of its functioning. The telling and dangerous aspect was that corrupt and unethical practices were taking place at the behest and with the direct involvement of Chairman of the UGC SK Thorat. I informed the Government about the unprecedented scale of malpractices and complete breakdown of the administrative and financial system.”
The Secretary refers to his earlier letter to the Ministry and Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which clearly indicates about the modus operandi. He says, “The pinnacle of corrupt practices was in the nature of two scams, viz, the e-governance project scam and the deemed universities scam. I opposed both the scams, stood my ground and upheld the standards of integrity that I apply to my work.” Explaining further, Sharma states, “This dangerous formulation has been granted a numbing veil of self-assumed legal sanctity by the legal opinions of a part time legal consultant appointed by the UGC, who is actually a part-time legal counsel for court cases but who also adduces, at the behest of the Chairman legal advice on all major administrative and financial matters, including the rules and regulations of the Government and the administrative decisions and advice of the Secretary of the Commission. This cozy nexus of justifying the most irregular decisions by a tailor-made legal opinion earns the sole part-time legal consultant a total remuneration that would be in excess of Rs 20 lakh annually. Such a system, wholly masterminded and established by the Chairman himself, is quite unique in the catalogue of administrative management. It obviously cannot absorb or co-exist with any rational and regular Secretary or Financial Advisor (FA). It is not a coincidence that the last FA was also ‘relieved and repatriated’ quite unceremoniously and without basis nearly a year ago. Two events do make a pattern and constitute sufficient proof of sickness and deep malaise in the UGC. It does not require to be stated that the entire matter deserves a thorough and cleansing probe by a professional agency.”
The former UGC Secretary has clearly registered his protest by writing to the MHRD claiming that he voiced objections about the “opaque and secretive manner in which the Chairman himself would constitute Visit Committees for Deemed University proposals” and such files would be with him for long periods. “The constitution of these committees followed no rules and the UGC Secretariat was literally barred from submitting cogent advice in this regard,” he wrote.
In another letter, Sharma writes, “It was not easygoing for me at all. The corrupt practices that I unraveled were led by the Chairman himself. He tried sweet talk, persuasion and when nothing worked, he verbally held out the threat of removal.” Sharma’s office was sealed while he was away at The Hague on a tour and unceremoniously removed by the Chairman by an administrative act.
Our comments – despite many such examples our friends still ask us – why your research on Taj Mahal is not accepted by our Historians?
D