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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India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi holds talks with his counterpart
Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.
"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.
Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.
In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.
"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.
He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.
"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.
"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.
"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.
Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.
In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.
"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.
PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.
"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.
"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.
When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.
On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.
