India is losing pluralism, moving towards Hindutva: Telugu writer Olga
May literature convention in dharwad
Dharwad, May 26: Today, democracy can only be saved by stimulating constitutional morality among the people of the country and promoting its values. Literature should play a key role in achieving this task, said Olga (P Lalita Kumari), a famous Telugu writer.
She was addressing a gathering after inaugurating May Literary Conference ‘Bahutva Bharata-Indu Nale’ (Plural India - Today Tomorrow), on the premises of Vidyavardhaka Sangh conference hall in Dharwad.
“The true essence of India lies in plurality. But unfortunately, it is a matter of concern that today India is losing its plurality and moving towards Hindutva-Bharat day by day. In this context, India’s pluralism must be protected on the urgent basis,” she said.
The Telugu writer further said that the terms 'Nation' and 'Nationalism' that came into existence during the freedom struggle were associated with the democratic value. But in these seven decades since Independence, these two terms have lost their existence and converted into a concept of attack on pluralism.
“The concept of today's nationalism, which is creating anxiety among the minorities and the majority, has given birth to intolerant people like Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, who do not want to interact with people; rather they infuse their ideologies in people’s minds.”
“We need to understand the relationship between literature and the Constitution. The Constitution guarantees the freedom of expression in its fundamental rights. When this bird is being buried, the relationship between literature and the Constitution have to be strengthened through a struggle. Meantime, it is the duty of the literature-creators for working to protect democratic values,” Olga said.
“Constitutional sculptor Babasaheb Ambedkar emphasized the need to develop the morality of the constitution among people. Ambedkar had precisely said that whoever comes to power must promote Constitutional moralities. But no government in our country has been able to do so in the last few years,” she added.
At the same time, she cautioned that this responsibility is equally there on writers. Only humans can understand human beings. It is enough to have a compassionate heart. Literature can also cause compassion for a thief. Literature can interpret it as poverty leads to theft, and poverty is a social dimension. Values are emotionally inspired by literature, which can then grow into political consciousness. This is possible when literature is made on the suffering lawful people. These sorts of literary festivals must motivate in this regard.
Delivering the keynote address at the program, writer KP Suresh said the May Literary Conference, which is being conducted over the past few years, has contributed in many movements in the state. But ‘the plurality of India,’ which is the theme of the conference, can only be realised when it sets a direction to everyone’s work in next one year.
“Fascist ideas are entering into educational and public stages. Representatives of Vedic culture are discussing to present Brahman’s celebrations such as Brahma Kalasha in Bhootaradhane, the typical cultural celebration of the coastal region. In such a situation, the fading plural legacy among the local livelihood must be recognised and saved besides bringing it to the fore,” he added.
Retired Judge Justice Nagamohan Das, who presided over the inaugural session, said the history of the entire country is associated with diversity. Here in different times, different communities came from different families from different languages. Those who came here stays here. Over the time, the people of these communities have been able to interact with each other in such a way that today the pure race cannot be traced out at first sight. When the Constitution of India was drafted, it was not based on any religion but formed on the secular basis. Secularism means that the ruling government does not act on behalf of any religion and does not discriminate on religion. In our Constitution, significant status has been given to plurality. There is a principle that everyone is equal in the eyes of the law without any discrimination. Article 51-A of the Constitution laid down the duty that every citizen should protect the legacy of plurality and culture of the country.
Such a constitution is an achievement which this country could not have perceived for thousands of years. While the Bhagavad Gita is for Hindus, the Quran for Muslims, and Bible for Christians; the constitution is great for all, he said.
SS Harlapur, Dr Shekhar Ladwa, Dr DB Gawani, Dr Anasuya Kamble and Prakash Udikeri were present. Dr. Sanjeev Kulkarni organized the program.
Report: Harsha Kumar Kugve
Photos: Ivan D'Silva
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Won't contest bypolls until EC prevents fake voting: Mayawati
Lucknow (PTI): BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday alleged irregularities in voting in the recent Uttar Pradesh bypolls and said her party will not contest by-elections in future, particularly in the state, "until Election Commission takes measures to prevent fake voting".
By-elections to nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh were held on November 20 and results of it were declared on Saturday. Bahujan Samaj Party contested all nine seats but failed to win any.
"In the bypolls held for nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, there is widespread discussion about the votes cast and the results announced yesterday. I am not saying this myself; it is a common perception among people that earlier, during elections conducted with ballot papers, fake votes were cast by misusing the system, often through fraud," Mayawati said in a press conference here.
"Now, similar practices are being carried out using EVMs, which is a matter of deep sorrow and concern for democracy," the former UP chief minister said.
Not only this, but these activities are now being executed more openly, especially during by-elections, as opposed to general elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, she claimed.
"We recently witnessed this in the Uttar Pradesh bypolls. Similar concerns have also been raised regarding the recent general elections in Maharashtra. This is a major warning bell for democracy in our country," she said.
"Given this situation, our party has decided that until the Election Commission of India takes strict measures to prevent fake voting, we will not participate in any by-elections across the country, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. I am specifically referring to by-elections here," Mayawati said.
As far as general elections are concerned, she continued, there is a somewhat better safeguard because the fear of power changing hands makes the ruling party more cautious.
"In general elections, it is not guaranteed that the party in power will return to power and another party may take over. This fear keeps the government machinery somewhat restrained," she added.
Considering all these factors, our party will contest general elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies with full preparation and strength, Mayawati stressed.
In the bypolls, the BJP and its ally RLD together won seven seats while Samajwadi Party candidates emerged victorious on two.
