INDIAN INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH INTO TRUE HISTORY

 

NEWSLETTER NO. 62 OF 16 JUNE 2012

 

1. NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS

1.1 Visit to Pune (Mahaaraashtra) in December 2011

More recollections

Travelling by rickshaws is getting costly. We felt it this time. It is also getting difficult to get rickshaws in town. At times you may get one from A to B but NOT from B to A. At odd times exorbitant prices are demanded by drivers. Many families are therefore forced to have a car and a scooter.

 

Shevagaav (Samaadhi of Gajaanan Mahaaraaj)

* Railway timetable is displayed for convenience of residents who want to travel by train.

* When people hire cars there is no consideration for the drivers. They sleep in cars at night. But at Shevagaav there is a dormitory for drivers. This is much appreciated by them.

* Accommodation is flexible, i.e. rooms for 2/3/4/5 persons. So the families do not get split up.

* A doctor is available during day time for minor ailments like indigestion, headache, muscular pains, twisted ankles, cough and cold.

* While departing you will be asked to fill in a form and can register any complaint and can also suggest improvements.

* In the visitor’s book Godbole remarked, “If other temples also followed this example, it will be paradise in Hindusthan.”

 

Pune is in grip of Maoists / Muslim terrorists. One does not know when the big explosion will take place. During investigation of bomb explosion that destroyed German Bakery it was revealed by the Police that the famous Dagdu Halwai temple of Lord Dattatreya was going to be a target at the same time. The tragedy was averted by quick action by a florist who refused permission to deposit a bag under his shop. (also see item 1.2 below)

> There was panic at all temples. When we went to Kolhapur for Darshan of our goddess Ambaabaai, police were checking all bags for any bombs or explosives.

And yet there were celebrations of 40 years of performance of the notorious drama Ghaashiraam Kotwaal being shown with pride – victory for freedom of expression. Sharad Pawar congratulated the Brahmin actors in person.

 

When we went to Kolhapur we found that all the small shops were closed indefinitely in protest at some tax which was to be levied by State Government. This is causing great inconvenience to residents.

 

Thefts of articles from temples were alarming. In the past no one thought that such items would be stolen.

 

For legal documents (such as Power of Attorney), in addition to your signature, a photo and left hand thumb impression is also required. The reasoning being that you can’t forge your thumb impression.

1.2 Roadside bomb blamed on Maoists kills 11 policemen

On 29th March we received following news from Global Marathi

Reuters / Wednesday, March 28, 2012 AT 08:28 AM (IST)

Tags: Maoists,   Blast,  

A roadside bomb triggered by suspected Maoist guerrillas killed 11 policemen and injured 29 in a remote part of Maharashtra on Tuesday, police said, in the latest show of the rebels' strength. Also known as Naxals, the Maoists have battled the government for decades in a huge swathe of central India and say they are fighting for people left out of a long economic boom in Asia's third largest economy. The government considers them India's biggest internal security threat.

The personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were travelling on a bus clearing mines in a forested region known for Maoist activity when the blast hit, a police spokesman said. "They were part of a road opening party, clearing the path of mines and other obstacles before an operation, and unfortunately they got tangled up in this," the spokesman said.

The injured and dead were evacuated by helicopter to a nearby town, Gadchiroli, about 1000 km (600 miles) east of Mumbai, India's financial hub and the capital of Maharashtra. Television reports earlier said 15 policemen had died in a blast attributed to a landmine.

1.3 Explaining Hindu Dharma

We have difficulties in explaining Hindu Dharma to our children and fellow Europeans. Dileep Thatte of America has been doing a wonderful job with his PowerPoint presentation entitled Seven Stars of Hinduism. He visited England in March / April 2012. Godbole, through his contacts, arranged Thatte’s slide shows at Manchester, Nottingham, Bracknell and Birmingham.

These were much appreciated.

In April, Godbole met Shree Thatte at European Marathi Sammelan at Cardiff and gave him his book Rationalism of Veer Savarkar which contains extensive information about Bible, Koran and History of Muslims after Prophet Mohammed. This will be useful to Thatte in his discussions / presentations.

 

1.4 Taj Mahal – More details

(a) Godbole visited Taj Mahal with his family in 1990. His wife took some slides. While returning from the monument she noticed that the pinnacles on domes of the (so called) Mosque are in fact Tridents. This can be appreciated if we look from South side. We normally look from East side and do not see this feature. Unfortunately our film had finished. Despite repeated requests Godbole found no friend who would go to Taj Mahal and take the necessary photograph, or at least confirm our findings. In April 2012 one Renu Gupta of Uttar Pradesh did take this photo. The CD on Taj Mahal will be modified accordingly. We are extremely grateful to Shree Gupta.

 

(b) We also need to look carefully at the Cenotaph chamber. Look at the base of marble screen. We notice that the floor tile is designed so that it ends in lines parallel to the screen. This implies that it was there originally as a part of Raja Mansingh’s Palace. In the 1980s Godbole had asked P N Oak for some explanations and one of the xeroxed pages does show above detail. Unfortunately it has notes from P. N. Oak. Godbole will have to find which book it was – probably Splendours of the East by Sir Mortimer Wheeler.

 

1.5 Our slavish mentality

How easily we get carried away by past slavish mentality? We still say Shahid Bhagat Singh instead of Hutatma Bhagat Singh / Sukhdev and Rajguru

Same goes for Udham Singh

 

We also still say – Naya Saal Mubaarak instead of Nutan Varshanu Abhinand

 

1.6 Unbelievable Hindus

1.6.1 Visitors to Andaman Jail

When Godbole with his family visited cellular jail in Andaman in January 2007 he was surprised to see names of Indian Prime Ministers, Presidents and Vice Presidents (all belonging to Congress Party) in the entrance hall, but not of AB Vajpayee. Organiser of 30 May 2004 reports on page 1 “ The then Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, visited the Cellular jail on January 18, 2003, and said, “ I consider myself very fortunate that I have again got the opportunity to pay my respect to the freedom fighters.”

While writing in the Visitor’s Book, poet Vajpayee penned down in Hindi:

People who went to the gallows smilingly

Let us remember them.

People who fought lifelong in jails,

Let us remember them.

Let us remember the black waters,

Where foreigners behaved barbarously.

 

Why is there no uproar about exclusion of Vajpayee’s name?

 

1.6.2 Temple wealth – It has to be a Hindu who will say this!

Certain Hindu temples are showered with gifts as a mark of respect and devotion. Over the centuries the wealth grows. In some cases it remains hidden from public. In August 2011, one such case came to light in Kerala.

Shri Padmanabha Swamy Temple, as seen today, was built by Maharaja Martanda Varma in 1773. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Temple has an 18 feet high Murti and a seven-tier Gopuram.

The head of a former royal family renounced any personal claim to billions of dollars' worth of ancient treasure discovered in a temple in Thiruvanantharam, the kingdom his ancestors once ruled. Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Verma, the former King of Tranvancore (of Chera dynasty) made such a statement.
In an interview with Padma Rao Sundarji of Hindustan Times he said, “The treasures belong to nobody, certainly not to our family.”

 

It has to be a HINDU who would make such foolish remarks.

If the riches belong to nobody, Government will step in and claim as its property. It does need a genius to know that. And the Kerala Government will give away all those riches to Muslims and Christians!!

 

When are we going to get away from such suicidal tendencies?

 

1.6.3 Census of India – say you know Sanskrit

In 2011, some of our friends have been stressing that while filling in census form we should add Sanskrit to the languages we know. If not, Sanskrit becomes a DEAD language with disastrous consequences.

In March 2011, Godbole was in Badoda (Vadodara) to make two PowerPoint presentations. He stayed with a Marathi family and the question of filling in Census form came up. The lady of the house said - "We know some Sanskrit shlokas (verses). How can we say we know Sanskrit?"

Godbole replied, “You are asking this question because you are a Hindu. Even though you know the disastrous consequences of NOT saying that you know Sanskrit you are reluctant. If it was a Muslim he would not hesitate for a moment to say that his mother tongue is URDU. How can we win?”

 

1.6.4 Hindu Genocide in Goa Inquisition

On 15 June 2011, one of our friends gave graphic details of the horrific Portuguese inquisition in Goa in the 15th century.

Godbole commented - But who goes to see the body of Francis Zavier in Goa? Hindus!! They have no shame or hatred for Zavier.

 

1.7 Why do we always blame the Congress?

Nathuram Godse shot and killed Gandhi on 30 January 1948. He and Nana Apte were executed for this action at Ambaalaa jail in November 1949. Nathuram’s Will is read at some places on this day. He said, “My ashes should only be immersed in Sindhu River when Akhand Bharat (undivided India) is established once more. Till then they should remain in a container.”

 

From Thane, Shree Ramesh Shinde gave us the following news –

Dainik Sanatan Prabhat 17 November 2011

Police suppressed the public meeting where Nathuram’s Will was to be read at Sahayoga Mandir – Thane. Police arrested all those who had assembled.

 

Godbole commented - Here we go again. What the police did should have been expected. What was plan B? An alternative plan?

We should publicly declare where the function is going to take place and tell the participants secretly to gather at a different place - thus defeating the Police. Why can't we think of such tactics instead of blaming the Police and politicians?  We have to match the methods of our enemies. You have to be unto Caesar what Caesar is.

 

1.8 Secret dossier on your opponents

In August 2011, we received an E Mail saying, “ Congress has some dossiers against LKA and others and that is why MM Singh told BJP leaders "We also know more about you" in a threatening manner before this session of Indian Parliament started. (If this is the case it is misuse of political power).”

Godbole asked – “The question is this - what intelligence did BJP gather about leaders of Congress and Communists when in power? NONE.” They had an excellent opportunity when there were rumours of risk to life of Sonia Gandhi. (If they were clever enough they could have started such rumours themselves) Immediately BJP government should have given protection and then they would have known every single move of her and all her contacts.

 

1.9 M F Hussein is dead – insanity breeds insanity

(a) On 9 June 2011 we received following E Mail

From: "Sandeep Heble" sandeepheble@gmail.com

Subject: M.F. Hussain - A Tribute to India's Cultural Icon

Maqbool Fida Hussain, one of the most energetic icons of India, a National treasure who rose from humble backgrounds, passed away in London, much to the grief of millions of his fans. The formidable Artist, described by Forbes magazine as the ‘Picasso of India’, was an enigmatic personality, loved by many and yet misunderstood by several others. The news of his death must come as a sad moment for India and Indians who were hoping that this Art Icon would one fine day return back to the beloved land of his birth.

Hussain’s saga will undoubtedly be a cruel reflection of our times and our society’s growing Intolerance. For an Artist whose contributions to India have been so immense, it was unfortunate that the last few years of his life got embroiled in so many raging controversies, many of them stirred purely for political reasons.

The labels of ‘anti-Hindu’ made against him are ironical for in reality; Hussain consciously chose his entire life to be inspired by the colorful idioms and expressions of Hinduism. One decade spent drawing the Ramayana, another decade spent drawing the Mahabharata and in a career spanning seven decades, 50000+ paintings drawn, a majority of which were dedicated to Hindu Art, culture and its traditions. In fact, in one of his television interviews Hussain had narrated how, before he would embark on any major Project, he would paint a ‘Ganesha’, a form he loved the most; drawing in his illustrious
career hundreds of ‘Ganeshas’ in various creative shapes and forms.


Hussain’s spirit, his energy, his enthusiasm and his love for the Indian Nation and its culture has truly been enormous. He is a true Indian who has brought immense honor to our country and to our civilization. The Indian art market would perhaps never have been as flourishing as it is now had it not been for Hussain. The Artist’s death is a monumental loss for India and leaves a huge void in the Artistic World. True justice can be done to this towering Artist by building an Art Memorial dedicated to his name, where his legacy lives on, inspiring generations to follow!

Yours sincerely
Sandeep Heble
Panaji-Goa

(No mention of Hussein depicting Hindu deities in nude!!)

 

(b) On 9 June 2011 Gopal Ashtekar of Pune sent us the following E Mail
Celebrated painter MF Husain dies at 96

Author: IANS / Publication: The Pioneer/ Date: June 9, 2011.

http://www.dailypioneer.com/344614/Celebrated-painter-MF-Husain-dies-at-96.html

Maqbool Fida Husain, the Indian who rose from painting cinema hoardings to

become one of the world's most celebrated artists, died in a London hospital

early Thursday at the age of 95, family sources said. He had been living away from India in self-imposed exile after being targeted by Hindu radicals.
Husain had been suffering from age-related ailments for some time and suffered a heart attack in the hospital, the sources said. His last rites would be conducted in London and not in India. His sons and daughter were with him when he died.
Husain left India after his paintings of Hindu gods in the nude triggered attacks on his works and police complaints against him by right wing Hindu organisations.

Husain was born in Pandharpur, Madhya Pradesh, Sept 17, 1915 to Zunaib and father Fida. (Wrong. Pandharpur is in Mahaaraashtra). His tryst with painting began when he learnt the art of calligraphy. He moved to Mumbai at the age of 20 to become an artist and painted cinema hoardings to make a living.

-------------------------

Godbole commented -  How careless we are in using English words.

We should say - the notorious (not celebrated) painter MF Husain dies.

 

(c)Indian Prime Minister M M Singh wasted no time in showing his sadness after hearing the news. Within hours he said that it was a great national loss but he had problem acknowledging pain and suffering of Hindus and the action taken against Baabaa Raamdev (on 4/5 June 2011). He has not even acknowledged the suffering of woman who is in hospital due to police lathi charge. (The woman, Smt Rajbala aged 55 subsequently died in G B Pant Hospital). And yet we have seen M M Singh being praised to the hilt for his degrees and awards on many groups.

 

It is but natural that the lunatic English media is eulogizing him.

 

(d) On 10th we received usual E Mails on this subject. When Godbole objected to the phrase ‘celebrated painter Hussein’ he received the following response. Godbole’s comments are in red.

 

From : MJ

To: media_monitor5@yahoogroups.com

Subject: RE: [media_monitor5] Celebrated painter MF Husain dies at 96

If you have listened to the BBC interview with Indian MP Shashi Tharoor (Sonia’s hand-picked chai server) today.  He praised this MFKR by declaring him as the Indian Picasso and a national treasure. (Of course BBC was bound to praise him. The question is - what WE should call him.) He said a few Hindu fundamentalists have tried to legally challenge him but they failed.  He was an iconic figure and his art displayed mythological characters in vivid imaginary positions. If someone can show this Tharoor what is iconic in pornographic display of Hindu Gods? 

(e) Response from Shivasena was even more bewildering. Here is the news from Press trust of India  / Raj Thackeray pays tribute to M F Hussain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0z-30-2smw

 

http://www.newsbullet.in/india/34-more/11559-raj-thackrey-says-all-controversies-end-with-husains-death

Thackerays want to bury Husain hatchet

Press Trust of India

Thursday 9 June 2011

 

MNS chief Raj Thackeray.

Mumbai: The death of eminent artist MF Hussain seems to have changed the tone and language of his staunch critic the Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray and MNS Chief Raj Thackeray.  Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray, who has been a bitter critic of Husain for his painting depicting Hindu deities in "poor light", said he prayed for peace to the soul of the artist.

"Damage may have been caused to modern art due to his demise. That’s all. May Allah give him peace," Thackeray said. He went on to add: "as an artist, everyone has a domain and Husain handled his modern art with zeal. However, he 'slipped' while drawing paintings of Hindu gods and goddesses."

However, MNS Chief Raj Thackeray said all controversies related to paintings of renowned painter Husain should be laid to rest with his demise. "Husain was a national asset and his contribution to the field of Indian art can never be overlooked. Whatever controversies happened should be laid to rest with his passing and if his family wishes to bring back the mortal remains home, it should be allowed," Raj said.

He said Husain should be accorded appropriate respect. The MNS president, himself a cartoonist, said Pandharpur-born Husain was deeply associated with Maharashtra where his art blossomed and gained international recognition.

1.10 Pakistan will cooperate with India on counter-terror: Bashir           On 27 July 2011, we received the following news – New Delhi: Counter-terrorism was of interest not just to New Delhi but also Islamabad; Pakistani Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir said Wednesday while stressing that his country would "cooperate with India on all such issues".

Bashir said at a joint press conference with Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao that it was "a matter of satisfaction" for both countries that their recent bilateral meetings on the issue of terrorism had been "good".

"This (counter-terrorism) is a matter of interest not only to India, but also to Pakistan. It is certainly Pakistan's intention to cooperate with India on all such issues," he said when asked if the issue of terrorism was raised during the talks between the foreign ministers of the two countries Wednesday.

"It is a matter of satisfaction that we have had good meetings between the interior secretary of Pakistan and home secretary of India. Again in Thimphu, the interior minister of Pakistan and home minister of India met. The home minister of India also visited Islamabad last year," he said.

The two foreign secretaries were addressing the media after talks between India's External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and Pakistan's newly appointed Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar. 

 

Our comment - What fools we are!! In practice it means that Indian Police will reveal all their information to Pakistanis who will be careful next time and launch even a deadlier attack. Are we never going to learn from our history?

 

1.11 Relations between USA and Pakistan.

Krishna welcomes US aid suspension to Pakistan

On 11 July 2011 it was reported –

Author: TNN / Publication: The Times of India/ Date: July 12, 2011

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Krishna-welcomes-US-aid-suspension-to-Pakistan/articleshow/9191429.cms

TNN | Jul 12, 2011, 01.33am IST                                                                NEW DELHI: The news about US suspending military aid worth $800 million to Pakistan was greeted with understandable excitement in India with foreign minister S M Krishna saying that New Delhi welcomed this development. Krishna suggested that arming Pakistan further could only disturb the "equilibrium" in the region.

"With reference to the special circumstances between India and Pakistan and how India has consistently taken the view that it is not desirable that this region had to be heavily armed by the US which will upset the equilibrium in the region itself. To that extent India welcomes this step," Krishna said.
Krishna was quick to add though that the US should also take note of the fact that India was doing all it could to normalize relations with Pakistan. "Simultaneously, the US must take note of the fact that we are working in a very committed manner to normalise our relations with Pakistan to reduce trust deficit, and efforts are on," he added. 

 

The suspended aid, which is about one-third of the $2.7 billion in annual US military assistance to Pakistan, includes about $300 million meant to reimburse Pakistan for some of the costs incurred for deploying more than 100,000 soldiers along the Afghan border to combat terrorism. It also comprises millions of dollars in training assistance and military hardware.

Krishna said he was expecting his Pakistani counterpart to visit the country around the end of this month to carry forward the dialogue process. He also condemned the suicide attacks in Islamabad on Monday. "If this is an attack by terrorists or terror-oriented organisations, then India condemns all such attempts. India condemns terror attacks across the globe," he said.

 

Our comments - How simple minded and foolish we Hindus are even today. America will always pour money and military hardware into Pakistan.

Have we learnt nothing form the experience of last 60 years??

1.12 A top Pakistani militant leader has been killed in a US drone strike in South Waziristan.                                                                                      On 4 June 2011 we received following news - US strike 'kills' key Pakistan militant Ilyas Kashmiri.

Locals said Ilyas Kashmiri was among nine people killed in the overnight strike on the village of Laman. They said he and his men had only recently arrived in the area. His death has not been confirmed by officials. Ilyas Kashmiri is head of the Harkatul Jihad al-Islami, an extremist group with close links to al-Qaeda. He is a high-profile figure, wanted by the US. The BBC's Orla Guerin in Pakistan says he is so close to the al-Qaeda network that his name had been mentioned as a possible successor to Osama Bin Laden.

He is widely believed to have been the mastermind behind an audacious attack on the Mehran naval airbase in Karachi last month, in which six well-organised militants managed to hold off Pakistan's equivalent of the US Navy Seals for 15 hours. The US also blames him for organising multiple attacks in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13653324 

 

Our friend Mukesh Varma commented -

“Good to learn that at least one of the top fugitives from the list of 150, sent by P. Chidambaram, has been knocked down. We do not know at what position is Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar on America's Drone list. Why can't we hire Americans to Drone this one also, by design or by error? Pakistan will not say a word as their Master can do whatever he wants. “  

 

Godbole wrote - Unfortunately we have never been that clever. Otherwise our history would have been different. Moreover, Americans killed Ilyas Kashmiri because he was their enemy. They could not care less about security of Hindusthan.

 

1.13 US court clears Rana of 26/11 charges

On 11 June 2011 we received the following news

Author: Editorial /Publication: The Pioneer http://www.dailypioneer.com/345004/Mockery-of-justice.html

Mockery of justice / June 11, 2011   4:10:21 PM

The verdict by the jury of the Chicago court which has cleared Pakistani Canadian Tahawwur Hussain Rana of any involvement in the 26/11 terrorist attack on multiple targets in Mumbai that left at least 166 people dead has no doubt come as a dampener. It is amazing that despite the overwhelming evidence by way of extensive depositions by Pakistani American Daood Sayed Gilani, who later changed his name to David Coleman Headley, and what seemed to be a robust case presented by the prosecution, the jury thought it fit to absolve the man who played a key role in plotting the massacre. It is equally intriguing that Rana should have been found guilty on two other charges — providing material support to the Lashkar-e-Tayyeba and participating in the aborted plot to attack the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten for publishing cartoons allegedly caricaturing Prophet Mohammed — on the basis of the same evidence, namely Headley’s disclosures. If we are to believe that the jury went along with Rana’s lawyers who dismissed Headley’s testimony as “unreliable” and termed him “a life-long manipulator, liar and con man” while striking down the prosecution’s charge that he was involved in plotting the Mumbai attack, then it would be in order to raise the question as to why the star witness’s deposition was found to be ‘reliable’ while upholding the two other charges against the accused. Headley’s testimony was in continuum; it cannot be seen in separate compartments with facts being fitted in to suit the jury’s verdict. There is obviously a missing link somewhere and the prosecution must address this issue. The ghastly bloodletting in Mumbai was not about either America (though American citizens were among the victims) or Pakistan (whose establishment was involved in planning and executing the attack); it’s also about India and the US cannot be allowed to ignore this significant fact.

 

It is absurd to suggest, as has been done by Rana’s lawyers — and accepted by the jury — that Headley had all along “duped” his associate. The two had discussed the Mumbai carnage both before and after it was committed; Rana was fully aware of Headley’s association with the ISI and its pet terrorist organisation, the Lashkar-e-Tayyeba; he knew all along what the America spy-turned-Pakistani agent was up to; he was deeply involved with the LeT (a fact that the jury has upheld); and, he entirely endorsed the butchery. To allow such a man to go unscathed — it’s really not material whether he will serve 30 years in prison for plotting the aborted attack on Jyllands-Posten and his association with a banned terrorist organisation, the LeT — is both a travesty of justice and a repudiation of America’s claim to be leading the war on global jihad. The US Administration will no doubt claim that the verdict is that of an ‘independent’ jury and the unexpected finding is one of the hazards of that country’s justice system with which we must learn to live. But that’s balderdash. The crime was committed in India and both Headley and Rana should have stood trial in this country. That never happened because the US did not want the world to learn more about the deadly duo than was told by American officials. The reason is obvious: The US has a lot to hide, both about itself and its frontline ally, Pakistan 

 

Our comments - That is NOT mockery of justice. That is AMERICAN way of looking at events. Americans get alarmed only when their interests are involved, not otherwise. Have we learnt nothing form past history?

Remember Rodney King who was beaten by several Police Officers of Los Angeles? Whole world saw King being beaten by Police, but NOT the members of the Jury. Even George Bush senior felt sick.

 

1.14 Brutal attack on Ramdev Baba. Long live M M Singh

Swami Ramdev Baba had been carrying out a movement against black money stashed abroad by likes of Sonia Gandhi. Large number of his followers had gathered on Ramlila grounds in New Delhi. On 4/5 June 2011, in the middle of night, Delhi Police charged the protestors and wanted to burn the tents and the stage. Ramdev Baba’s life was luckily saved. Police turned off the lights and barricaded the exits points while they beat up everyone inside. Tear gas was used and gun shots were heard.

 

What was the response of Americans? On 10 June one friend sent an E Mail

“We will NOT get any apology or explanation from GOI.  MMS/Sonia checked with the Chacha (America) State department before their barbaric police action and had an approval from Obama. The state department in their response mentioned that this is an “Internal affair” of India and we do not get involved. On human rights violations? The same guys said: this was a law and order situation and every country has a right to control situations before they become unmanageable.”

“Why is this same state department does not see the situation in Libya as an “Internal affairs” of Libyan government and also a law and order situation.”

 

Our comment – We must understand American thinking. As only Hindus were beaten up it is an internal matter for Indian authorities! Otherwise it would have been a matter of Human Rights violation and even UNO would have expressed concern. Is it not time we have became wiser from experience?

Now, we should ask ourselves - why should we feel sorry for 9/11 destruction of World Trade Centre?

 

1.15 Case of Indian Jawans languishing in Pakistani jails for more than 40 years!

On 23 December 2011 we received following news from our friend Gopal Ashtekar of Pune.

AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat High Court today directed the Union of India to approach the International Court of Justice within two months for the release of 54 number - 1971 prisoners of war (POWs) languishing in Pakistani jails.
Observing that there was an alleged breach of Simla Agreement by Pakistan, division bench of acting Chief Justice Bhaskar Bhattacharya and Justice J B Pardiwala also directed the Union of India to pay next to the kin of 54 POWs full salary and retirement benefits within three months. The court also observed that by not approaching the ICJ, it was inaction on the part of central government for not protecting rights of citizens who protect country's boundaries.

The petition was filed in 1999 by late Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Arora who had sought direction from the court for the Central government for release of POWs of 1971 war languishing in Pakistan prisons. Arora had prayed that the POWs be treated as soldiers on duty and their families be given adequate compensation.

The Gujarat High Court in January 2010 had imposed a fine of Rs 10,000, twice, on the Ministry of Defense for not filing appropriate reply in the case for over 10 years despite repeated notices from the court.

According to the Simla Agreement, India has sent back Pakistani POWs while the neighbouring country also sent 632 soldiers. But in 1999, it was found that 54 POWs were still languishing in Pakistani jails out of which two are from Gujarat-- Kalyan Rathod from Sabarkantha and pilot N Shanker from Vadodara. Other Indian prisoners who came back from Pakistan jails gave details of those who are still lodged there, along with their names and origin.

The writer has posted comments on this article PTI | Dec 23, 2011, Read more:  POW|Pakistani jail|Jagjit Singh|International Court of Justice|Gujarat High Court|Gujarat

Our comments - What a disgrace! And yet we still admire Indira Gandhi as a firm leader and praise and admire M M Singh’s degrees and awards.

 

1.16 India again yields to China's denial of visa to Arunachal candidate

On 7 January 2012 we received following E Mail from Abhijit Sengupta of Calcutta. Indian military delegation to visit China / 7 January 2012 / Press Trust of India

NEW DELHI, 7 JAN: In an overnight change of stance, India today decided to go ahead with sending the military delegation to China as scheduled next week but scaled it down from 30 to 15 after visa was denied to a senior IAF officer hailing from Arunachal Pradesh.

Sources said the Staff Officers' delegation will travel to China from 10 January as scheduled as part of defence exchanges programme. However, instead of 30 members as decided earlier, the delegation will comprise 15 members drawn from all the three services, they said. The decision marks a change of stance as the government had yesterday put on hold the visit in response to the provocative action by China of denying visa to IAF Group Captain M Panging, who hails from Arunachal and was to be part of the delegation.

The delegation is to visit Beijing, Nanjing and Shanghai during the four-day trip. China, which lays claim over Arunachal Pradesh, has often denied visa to those hailing from the state despite protests by India. The visit by Indian military delegation is reciprocal to the one undertaken by the Chinese last month and is part of the confidence building measures between the two sides. Earlier in 2010, China had denied visa to the then Northern Army Commander Lt-Gen. BS Jaswal as he was serving in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to souring of bilateral relations.

Lt-Gen. Jaswal was to head a military delegation to China under the defence exchange programme. The ice was broken when India sent a delegation under a Major General in June last year. After that visit, two more visits took place between the two sides.   (So, we capitulated to the Chinese. What else can we expect when there is picture of Gandhi on every rupee note?)

2. AROUND LONDON TOUR OF PLACES ASSOCIATED WITH INDIAN FREEDOM FIGHTERS

 

2.1 Godbole conducted three tours as follows -

First one for Shantanu Keskar an I.T Engineer of Chicago, America. He had only one day free, i.e. 24 May 2012. He has put one page summary of the tour and some photos on Facebook for wider publicity.

 

Second tour was on 2 June for a group of visitors from Pune. Others also joined in, making a group of 15 participants. Eight of them were in their 30s

 

Third tour was on 9 June. 17 people took part. Thirteen of them were in their 30s.

 

2.2 New Scotland Yard’s Black Museum.

During one of the tours in 2011 one of the participants mentioned having seen the revolver used by Udham Singh. On further enquiry we got the following reply on 24 November 2011. “I read about that museum in wikipedia. It is mentioned in the article about Udham Singh that his weapon, a knife, his diary, along with a bullet fired on the day are now kept in the Black Museum of Scotland Yard. Please find both the links mentioned below.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udham_Singh

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Museum

Thanks and regards,
Dipti Deo

 

From this link we found out who asked for exhumation of coffin of Udham Singh. But we still do not know how exhumation of coffin of Madanlal Dhingra came about.

 

Black Museum

Wikepaedia tells us that this museum was established in 1874. Prisoners Property Act of 1869 gave right to Police to keep personal effects of prisoners to be executed. It is worth trying to visit this museum.

The Museum was moved to New Scotland Yard in the 1980s and was subject to substantial renovation in recent years. The Crime Museum, as it is now called, currently resides in Room 101 at New Scotland Yard and consists of two sections. The first, a replica of the original museum, contains a substantial selection of melee weapons, some overt, some concealed, including shotgun umbrellas and numerous walking stick swords. This room also contains a selection of hangman's nooses; including that used to perform the UK's last-ever execution, and letters allegedly written by Jack the Ripper. The newer section of the museum contains many exhibits from 20th-century crimes, notably the fake De Beers diamond from the Millennium Dome heist and Dennis Nilsen's stove. The museum can be visited by Police officers from any of the country's police forces by prior appointment, though not without difficulty due to its popularity.

 

3. BEHAVIOUR OF CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS TODAY

3.1 The Christians

3.1.1 Church promises 10,000 Rs. to Catholic couples in Kerala on birth   

         of 5th child

On 25 September 2011 we received following E Mail  

St Vincent De Paul Forane Church in Kalpetta has promised 10,000/- to Catholic couples on the birth of their fifth child. This novel initiative by the Catholic Church with intentions to augment the Christian population in Kerala has become a widely discussed issue. USA based Catholic News Agency were the first to expose the news to the public. We at dool news contacted Salu Mecheril, the regional coordinator of the programme and confirmed the news. Justifying their stand the Church reassures that the programme is merely an impetus to boost the declining Christian population of the region.

http://english.doolnews.com/is-the-kerala-christians-population-facing-extinction-7890-2810.html

>> What happened to the Government of India slogan – hum do / hamare do

We are two – (husband and wife) and we have only two children!

Apparently it only applies to Hindus!!

 

3.1.2  Case of a Dalit Christian Priest

On 21 March 2012 we received following E Mail from Sandhya Jain on media_monitor5 group

 

http://www.vijayvaani.com/FrmPublicDisplayArticle.aspx?id=2230

An Unwanted Priest / R L Francis / 21 March 2012

Letters can be a great instrument to showcase the socio-political landscape of a society and culture and many have used this as a great tool to express their feelings – both sorrow and happiness.  The letters of Dalit priest Father William Premdass Chaudhary reveal a dark world of discrimination and untouchability that is widespread in the grandiose Catholic Church system. Revealing the pain and agony of dalits and tribals after conversion to Christianity, Father Chaudhary’s autobiography, An Unwanted Priest, debunks many myths surrounding the Church. 

Father Premdass Chaudhary attacks on the problem directly, and in his inimitable style, describes life in the Church, presenting insights hitherto unknown to most people. The Father does not mince words, analyzing the problem layer after layer with great precision.

Interrogating the deep rooted feeling of caste discrimination in the four walls of the Church, Father Premadass writes in response to a letter by Vincent M. Concessao, Archbishop of Delhi, “I am a Dalit priest, not a beggar. I am not begging you for the parish. I am not the Manglorian priest so that you will care for me. I don’t require your permission and position (parish) to preach the gospel. Jesus is my master and not you. I am Jesus’ slave and not yours. Even without parish what I have achieved, I am fully satisfied. I am a Dalit priest so it is my duty to safeguard the dignity of Dalit Catholics…” 

He further says, “Why,  I (local Dalit priest) am not assigned pastoral ministry consecutively for four years, but you have assigned pastoral ministry to other Priests of Delhi Catholic Archdiocese though no one have gone for long retreat”. You have written in your letter that you cannot assign me a parish because of my shortcomings which are fabricated, as neither of my shortcomings has been proved by you…”

The book reveals the inside world of the Church and the ego clashes of the hierarchy, and raises questions on the style of functioning of the grand institution particularly vis-à-vis Dalit people and priests. The book exposes many things and breaks many myths. The author also raises a big question on the financial mismanagement of certain influential officials in the Church.

 Regarding another important and prominent priest, Father Premdass writes, “Please tell Fr. D…… to put on the website of the Delhi Catholic Archdiocese. He had Income and Expenditure for dubbing the movie into other languages. The same Income and Expenditure must be put on the website. When the movie was produced, the name of the Sadbhavana was added. Why it was so? Chetanalaya was the only producer. I heard that Fr. D…… was telling others that Sadbhavana had contributed the money towards the production of movie…..”

 Obviously, there is greater need for proper accounting checks on the income and expenditure of the Church. Similarly, at one place in the book he gives an interesting instance, which actually became basis for the title of the book... “I am an unwanted priest because I am a local dalit priest. One day I was having heated argument with one of the inmate priests at clergy house. As argument went on, the priest called me an unwanted priest.”

 The book also compels Hindu society to think about dalit brothers who in order to get social respect and equal treatment opt for Christianity. The dalit converts think they are liberated. But, here too, they don’t get any reprieve. As discrimination in the Church system is very subtle, the situation for a dalit priest like Father Premdass becomes worse and it becomes almost impossible for him to stay in the mainstream of priesthood.

 Father William has dared to write something that not many would even dare to say or confess to anyone. He accepts the harsh reality of conversion and the dilemma of a dalit brother. He writes, “Mostly dalit Hindus were and are poor because they were and are exploited by upper caste Hindus and they were and are doing labourer jobs and menial works. After conversion, dalit Catholics were and are exploited by the authorities of Catholic Churches. Hindu Dalit’s condition did not improve but remain the same. They were not allowed to come up by the upper caste people in the society (Hindu). The dalit Catholic’s economic condition also was and is not good and their standard of living was and is very poor even after becoming Catholics in Delhi diocese and in North India….”

 The book also points out other types of discrimination, such as dominance of South India in the Church system. South Indians are cared more by Delhi diocese and get plum positions in Catholic institutions, while local people and dalits don’t get their rights and are more or less like slaves for their Catholic masters.

 The problem is at several levels. Though the form and strength of the Indian Church derives from a large population of Dalits and Tribals who have reposed their faith in Jesus, the structure of Church has remained elitist and pro-upper caste. This needs to change, and this is precisely why this wave of confrontation has started taking shape. The book mentions the Poor Christian Liberation Movement (PCLM) that advocates the cause of dalit Christians strongly. Father William Premdass Chaudhary has chosen an ideal platform to answer several questions surrounding him. 

An Unwanted Priest will help religious believers, religious institutions, government, bureaucracy, judiciary, academicians, researchers and media professionals in understanding the various problems of Dalits and Tribals and the darkness behind the white robe. This will help in understanding the politics of Conversion. And, it will certainly educate all that only economic development of Dalits and Tribals, and not mere Conversion, can bring social change in India. [The author is president, Poor Christian Liberation Movement]

3.2 The Muslims

"Your religious values are not superior to the laws of the republic." - Marseille Judge to a Muslim

(French judge, when sentencing an Islamic extremist). 

On 3 January we received following E Mail from S Kalyanaram

http://bharatkalyan97.blogspot.com/2012/01/your-religious-values-are-not-superior.html

French Muslim jailed for punching nurse who tried to remove wife's burqa during childbirth. A Muslim man who punched a nurse for trying to remove his wife's burqa during childbirth has been jailed in France. Nassim Mimoune, 24, had already been expelled from the delivery room for branding the midwife a 'rapist' as she carried out an intimate examination of his wife. Then through a window he spotted the nurse taking off his wife's burqa as she prepared to give birth. He smashed open the locked door and hit the woman in the face, demanding she replace the full Islamic face veil. As his wife delivered a baby boy, Mimoune was ejected from the building by security men from the hospital in Marseille and arrested for assault.
A judge in the southern French port jailed Mimoune for six months on Wednesday, telling him: 'Your religious values are not superior to the laws of the republic.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2077529/French-Muslim-jailed-punching-nurse-tried-remove-wifes-burqa-childbirth.html#ixzz1iBMoD6yA

This is just an isolated case. Otherwise whole of Western society is bowing to Islam.


4. History Today 

4.1 Taj Mahal and Our Historians

4.1.1 Historian Datto Vaman Potdar

When dealing with the attitudes of our Historians towards our research findings on Taj Mahal Godbole wrote about Historian Datto Vaman Potdar.

Now we know more about Potdar.

 

In 1971 Mrs Kamal Gokhale was awarded a Ph D for her research on Sambhaaji, the great son of Shivaaji. A valuable work indeed. Potdar was her examiner. At his insistence Mrs. Gokhale translated her treatise into English, published in 1979. It had a forward by Potdar.

 

Potdar wanted to write a biography of Shivaaji, but he never found time and unfortunately it became a joke.  In 1980 Mrs Gokhale published a book (156 pages) entitled – Shree Shivachachitrache Pailu – or some glimpses of Potdar’s biography of Shivaaji, Kesari Prakashan of Pune, 1980

 

Let us see how Potdar deals with coronation of Shivaji in 1674.

“When Aurangzeb heard the news he banged his head on earth and did not take food or water for two to three days. Members of his court had to persuade him to take food.” – So says Krishnaji Anant Sabhaasad in his Bakhar (memoirs).

 

Commenting on this, Potdar says, “We know what Aurangzeb was. It is impossible that a person like him would be upset by news of Shivaji’s coronation. He fought with the Marathas for 27 years and always slept in tents. He was man of dogged determination. We therefore cannot accept remarks of Sabhaasad as reliable.” (p78) [But at least Sabhaasad was a contemporary of Shivaji, while Potdar was born 200 years later.]

 

AND yet when it came to P N Oak’s research on Taj Mahal Potdar kept quiet and did a great disservice to our history. In 1968 Oak published word by word translation of Badshahnama Volume I pages 402/403. Potdar was alive for 11 years afterwards and yet he never expressed his views (one way or the other). That is not acceptable.

 

Potdar points out to extensive material available for Shivaji’s biography in various languages and of various foreign merchants. He says, “Rajasthan Government Archives in Bikaner and Jaipur have more than 7,000 Akhabars in Persian. Sayajirao Gaikawad, former ruler of Badoda state had published text of Busatin-e-Salateen. When we realized the importance of such Persian documents in Bharah Itihas Sanshodhak Mandal BISM (Pune) we employed a Munshi who could read Persian.”

Potdar does not give any dates but it is reasonable to assume that the Munshi was employed in around 1937. But then the following question arises.

 

In 1968 word by word translation of Badshahnama Volume I pages 402/403 was published by P N Oak. It clearly states that Shahjahan grabbed Raja Mansingh’s Palace for burial of his wife. Why did not Potdar get a Munshi to translate these two pages from Persian into English? He lived 11 long years afterwards. It was sheer cowardice. He was associated with BISM since its foundation in 1910.

 

4.1.2 Historian Setu Madhavrao Pagdi

Pagdi was a Persian scholar. But, he too kept quiet about Oak’s research.

In 1980, when confronted by Godbole, Pagdi confessed that he does NOT want to say anything on the subject.

In 1976 he published a book entitled Shree Chhapatri ni tyanchi Prabhaval.

(Shivaji and his contemporaries). He deals with how Aurangzeb usurped power. On p134 he says – Mumtaz died in 1631. Shahjahan ruled for 27 years afterwards. There were rumours in those days that as if his Zenana (Harem) was not enough to satisfy his carnal needs he had love affairs with wives of his noblemen. Mumtaz’s sister Farjana Begum was wife of Prime Minister Muhammed Zafar. Farjana’s son Sardar Namdarkhan looked exactly like Dara Shukoh (Shahjahan’s first son). Many believed that Namdarkhan was son of Shahjahan and Farjana Begum. This was noted by the Italian adventurer Manucci who was a friend of Namdarkhan.”

 

So much for Shajahan’s love for Mumtaz!

 

4.2  Jana Gana Mana – the folly continues

On 17 January 2012, following E Mail was sent by atul.shrikhande@jbcpl.com

It is in Hindi and he wants it to be translated into other Indian languages and distributed among our people. The blunders are obvious. These are highlighted in italics.

 

Story of Jana Gana Mana

Until 1911 Bengal used to be the capital of India

(Capital City was Calcutta. As the business of East India Company grew the Directors decided that their President of Calcutta branch should control the Presidents of Bombay and Madras. Warren Hastings therefore became their first Governor General. Hence the capital in Calcutta)

 

In 1905, Bengalis protested against partition of Bengal. (What was the response of Tagore? the author does not say) To save themselves the English moved capital to Delhi. There was lot of anger in India. So, to pacify the public the English invited their King George V to come to Delhi in 1911. Pressure was put on Ravindranath Tagore to compose a song welcoming the King. (Who put on this pressure? No one knows. And again Tagore received no invitation to attend the Delhi Darbar and was not honoured in 1911)

 

At that time Tagore’s family was close to the English. Many members of the Tagore family used to work for East India Company. One of his elder brothers Avindranath used to be a Director of East India Company in Calcutta. Tagore family had invested largely in East India Company. Tagore was admirer of the English.

(Wikepaedia gives a list of Tagore’s brothers They were – Dwijendernath, Satyendranath, Hemendernath, Birendranath, Jyotindernath and Somendranath. There is NO Arvindranath.

The East India Company lost its monopoly of trade by1833. The directors were stationed in London. It never had any Indian directors. It became defunct in 1859 and was wound up in 1874. So, when did members of Tagore family worked for East India Company? Moreover we are talking of events of 1911)

 

The song Jana Gana Mana

From the bottom of our heart we consider you are our supreme Lord. Glory to you. People of all provinces Punjab, Sind, Gujarat, Maratha (Mahaaraashtra), Dravid (Southern India), Utkal (Orissa) and Bengal; rivers like Ganga, Jumna are pleased, happy. We seek your blessing. We sing to your glory. Victory to you! Victory to you!!

 

The song was sung to welcome George V.

(Not true. A song composed by Jatindra Mohan Tagore, was sung. It was in Bengali but NOT Jana Gana Mana. The composer was Ravindranath’s grandfather’s brother’s grandson)

George V did not understand the meaning of the song. So he got it translated. When he saw the translation he was very pleased and said, “Even in England no one had composed such a song. Let us invite this person to England.” So, Tagore went to England. George V was also the chairman of Nobel Prize committee.

(This is absurd. Nobel prizes are awarded in Sweden. British Monarchs had nothing to do with this prize)

The Nobel Prize was offered to Tagore, but he hesitated because Gandhi had scolded him over the song (Jana Gana Mana). So Tagore said, “If you want to give me the Nobel Prize, give it for my work Geetaanjali and NOT for composing Jana Gana Mana. King George V agreed and in 1913 Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize for Geetaanjali.

 

Tagore's attitude changed after Jalianwala Bagh Massacre. Gandhi wrote to Tagore, “Is it not time you stopped being slave of the British? If you do not stop now, when will you do so? Enough of your blind faith in the British Raj.” Gandhi went to see Tagore (where and when?). Only then Tagore returned his Nobel Prize. Before 1919 Tagore was in favour of British rule in India. After 1919 he became totally against the British.

(Again this is false. All the Indian leaders were stunned by the massacre. Only Tagore had the courage to denounce the British openly. He sent a letter to the Viceroy with copies to all the Newspapers. Tagore returned his knighthood and not the Noble prize.

Gandhi did not return his Kaisar-i-Hind medal 3rd class till one year later)

Tagore’s brother-in-law (sister’s husband) was Surendranaath Banerjee, an ICS officer and lived in London. In 1919 Tagore wrote to Banerjee. He said, “I composed Jana Gana Mana under pressure. It was not nice. I would prefer if it was not sung. But keep the letter a secret. Do not show it to any one. You may disclose the contents after my death.”

After Tagore’s death on 7 August 1941, S N Banerjee made the letter public and ask the people not to sing Jana Gana Mana.

(Again all this is rubbish. S N Banerjee was related to Bipin Chandra Pal and NOT Tagore. Pal married widowed sister of S N Banerjee. Banerjee did join the ICS cadre in 1867 but had to resign on technical grounds. We are talking about events of more than 40 years later. He was not living in London in 1919. Moreover he died in 1925. How could he have published Tagore’s letter in 1941?)

 

By 1941, Congress Party had matured (it was in existence for 56 years). It had two factions. One led by Motilaal Nehru was in favour of forming governments, but the other led by Lokamaanya Tilak was against this; thinking such act to be betrayal of Indian masses. Eventually Tilak broke away from Congress. He sponsored Vande Maataram. He used to sing on every public occasion. Though Gandhi had resigned from Congress, he was respected by both factions (moderates and militants)

(Again this is absurd. Tilak was very practical. He used to say – accept  whatever reforms you get from the British and fight for more. He was in favour of Indians becoming Ministers. Tilak died in 1920 and Motilaal Nehru in 1931. Gandhi did not resign from Congress till about 1936. All the information is foolhardy)

 

The English rulers hated Vande Maataram. They guided the moderates to oppose Vande Maataram saying that it will enrage Muslims as the song encourages Murti Puja. Jinnah of Muslim League also started to oppose Vande Maataram, encouraged by the English rulers.

 

After our independence on 15 August 1947 the constitution Committee recommended that Vande Maataram should be our national song. But Nehru was hesitant as he wanted to please Muslims.

(Sure, but the Muslims whom Nehru wanted to please had already carved out Pakistan!! Still Nehru wanted to appease Muslims that remained in India after partition. WHY?)

So the matter was taken to Gandhi. He said – I am not in favour of Jana Gana Mana and you are not in favour of Vande Maataram – so a third song should be composed. Vijayi Vishwa Tiranga pyara/ Zhendaa uncha rahe hamaaraa – that was song. But Nehru was not prepared even for that. He thought that that third song could not be played on Orchestra, but Jana Gana Mana could. He kept quiet till death of Gandhi (30 January 1948) and then declared Jana Gana Mana as our national song. In order to please others he said that Vande Maataram is our national song but it was not sung on public occasions.

 

5. Obituary

We regret to announce the death of Shree Prabhakar Joshi in December 2011. He was one of the first managers of Bhilai Steelworks and a staunch RSS worker. He donated his body to medical research.