Agarwal sacrificed for Ganga
The comic staging of sweeping the roads on the occasion of 150th commemoration of Gandhi Jayanthi. Modiji pretended to sweep the road himself and tried creating awareness among people.
But something very tragic happened that may have mocked the fasts that Gandhiji undertook as part of his nonviolence movement. G D Agarwal, who was on a fast to save Ganga, died on indefinite fast that he was on, since June 22. His death, in some way, is also an indication of the result that would be, even if Gandhi sat on a fast.
Gandhiji’s movement could succeed with the British since they respected him. He upheld the values of cleanliness and non-violence. But during Modi’s time, fasting has lost its value because the government does not care anymore.
Professor at Kanpur IIT G D Agarwal had dedicated his life for the cause of Ganga river. He changed into Swami Swaroopananda Saraswati after he finished his stint with IIT Kanpur and he had undertaken numerous fasts for the causes he believed in.
As a result of his fast, government had to drop many mega industrial projects it had planned on the banks of Ganga. In the recent times, he had sat on a fast for about 109 days seeking a law to allow uninterrupted flow of Ganga from Gangotri at Uttarakhand to Uttarkashi.
His fast was not politically conniving ones like the politicians do. He had dedication and commitment towards the cause he believed in. His fast did not make as much noise as the fake babas’ events around causes of rivers.
BJP has sought votes in the name of Ganga, stating it is one of the agendas of the party. Crores of money has been released for the cause. Minister Uma Bharti has been giving out many declarations regarding this. Environmentalists have said Ganga water is totally unfit for consumption. Govt should have taken the fast by Swami Swaroopananda with more seriousness since this was a pertinent issue. He had become a thorn in the flesh since he always drew the attention of govt towards something relating to Ganga. The govt probably wished for his end.
Finally, a major interruption to raising money in the name of Ganga has been removed.
By the way, Swami Swaroopananda is not the first one to lose life over Ganga. Swami Nigamananda had fasted to oppose mining around the Ganga water table. The government didn’t budge even when he fasted for 73 days. He was removed from the place forcibly and he died under mysterious conditions in the hospital.
Unfortunately, when Nigamananda staged a genuine fast, Baba Ramdev was staging a fake fast at Ram Leela grounds. Police entered the place and assaulted the fake protestors and Ramdev tried escaping from the place dressed like a woman, but was caught.
Media outlets praised Ramdev and never even turned their focus on Nigamanand’s fast. Nigamananda died in the same hospital where Ramdev feigned ignorance and got admitted.
Mostly as a reparation, Uttarakhand received torrential rainfalls and cities drowned in the deluge. Now Agarwal followed the same path as Nigamananda.
On one hand, human rights activists are arrested in the name of Urban Naxals. The government finds fault with their sympathy towards naxals. Then why do genuine people like Nigamananda and Agarwal die? Why did the government reject their genuine protest and fast? Their movement was very much aligned with government’s focus and plans. Why did the govt that spends thousands of crores on cleanliness drive advertisements and collect cess from people, not find Agarwal’s fight worthy of attention? Why could it not be complete?
The ingenuity of this government towards causes is lying in the open with Agarwal’s death. Modi government can never ignore this blood on its hand.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
