Satish Jarkiholi defends his 'word Hindu is Persian' statement, rules out apology
says he will resign if proven wrong
Belagavi/Udupi, Nov 8: Unfazed over the widespread criticism for his remarks on the origin and the meaning of the word 'Hindu,' Karnataka Congress Working President Satish Jarkiholi on Tuesday said he was only referring to what has been written and published.
Jarkiholi received backlash for his comments that the word 'Hindu' derived from Persian and had a 'dirty' meaning, with his own party pulling him up for his remarks.
On Tuesday, defending himself and ruling out any apology, the former Minister said he wants a debate on the issue and if proved wrong, would resign as a legislator.
"What I have said, 90 percent of people have probably not heard it completely. Just because there is a reference to the word Hindu and as I have said that it has a very dirty meaning, it has been interpreted however they want; there is nothing new in this, and such things have happened many times in the past," Jarkiholi said.
Speaking to reporters here, he reiterated that the word Hindu comes from Persian and there is evidence for it, and said that it has a 'dirty' meaning, referring to a dictionary published in 1963.
"What I have said is not my own, and I have said that let there be a debate, that's my intention, but people interpret it however they want, I can't do much about it. I'm ready for discussion with evidence...if someone proves me wrong, I will resign as MLA," he added.
Questioning as to why he should apologise, the Yamakanmardi legislator said whatever he has said are not his statements but those that had been written and published.
"In fact, those pointing fingers at me should have seen and rectified it. I have done what they should have done, they should be thankful to me," he said adding that he is being unnecessarily targeted by a system including "Manuwadis".
Jarkiholi while speaking at Nippani in Belagavi district during an event organised by "Manav Bandhutva Vedike' on Sunday claimed that the word 'Hindu' is Persian and has a very dirty meaning.
He also had said that a word and a religion from elsewhere is being forcefully imposed on people here, and demanded that there should be a proper debate in this regard.
Reacting to this, AICC General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala on Monday had said the statement attributed to Satish Jarkiholi is 'deeply unfortunate' and deserves to be rejected.
"We condemn it unequivocally.....Hinduism is a way of life and a civilisational reality. Congress built our nation to respect every religion, belief and faith. This is the essence of India," he said in a tweet.
To a question on Congress too, condemning his statement, Jarkiholi said party leaders should have reacted naturally, without having seen what he has actually said.
"Surjewala has condemned it, I have no objections to it, he is a higher authority than me," he said in response to a question, adding that the AICC General Secretary even spoke to him and sought clarification.
"There is no question of apologising, let the Chief Minister form a committee to find the truth in what I have said, if proved wrong, will resign, no apology," he added.
Congress Legislature Party Leader Siaddarmaaiah, not willing to say much, said, "Our national General Secretary Surjewala has reacted, that's my stand."
State Congress President D K Shivakumar, rejecting Jarkiholi's statement calling it his personal, said he will seek clarification.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai accusing Jarkiholi of trying to vitiate the atmosphere in society through such statements said, his statement has hurt the sentiments of people of this country.
The Congress party is indulging in appeasement politics with such statements just for the sake of votes, he said, as he called Jarkiholi's words as half baked statements without any in-depth study.
"By doing this, the Congress leaders are trying to disturb the very foundation of belief of every Indian. Creating problems within any country amounts to the act of anti-nationalism. Everyone must condemn such acts. But, the Congress Party has been acting as if it is supporting such a statement," he told reporters in the district headquarters town of Udupi.
Several BJP leaders including B S Yediyurappa and Ministers in Bommai's cabinet have hit out at Jarkiholi and Congress party for the "anti Hindu statement".
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Passing out parade held at IMA Dehradun, 491 young officers join Indian Army
Dehradun(PTI): After undergoing rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, 491 cadets participated in a grand Passing Out Parade on Saturday and will now be commissioned as officers in the Indian Army.
The spectacular parade, held at the historic Drill Square in front of the academy's Chatwood Building, was reviewed by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who served as the reviewing officer.
Along with 491 Indian cadets, 34 foreign cadets from 14 friendly countries also participated in the Autumn Term 2025 Passing Out Parade.
A total of 525 officer cadets from the 157th Regular Course, 46th Technical Entry Scheme, 140th Technical Graduate Course, 55th Special Commissioned Officers Course, and Territorial Army Online Entrance Exam 2023 Course participated in the Passing Out Parade.
The 'Sword of Honour' and gold medal for securing first place during training was awarded to ACA Nishkal Dwivedi, the silver medal to BUO Badal Yadav for second place, and the bronze medal to SUO Kamaljeet Singh for third place.
The silver medal for securing first place in the 'Technical Graduate Course' was awarded to Officer Cadet Jadhav Sujit Sampat, and the silver medal for first place in the 'Technical Entry Scheme-46' was awarded to WCC Abhinav Mehrotra.
The silver medal for the 'Special Commission Officer Course' was given to Officer Cadet Sunil Kumar Chhetri.
Among the foreign cadets, the first place in merit was secured by JUO Mohammad Safin Ashraf from Bangladesh. The Army Chief's Banner for overall best performance in the Autumn Term was awarded to Imphal Company.
As the parade concluded, helicopters showered flowers on the newly commissioned officers from the sky.
On this occasion, General Dwivedi congratulated the new officers in his address for successfully completing their training. He praised the young officers for their high level of discipline, leadership qualities, and endurance, and urged them to uphold the glorious traditions of the Indian Army and serve the nation with loyalty, commitment, and honour.
General Dwivedi said that joining the army marks the beginning of a lifelong duty and selfless service.
The parents and guardians of the newly commissioned officers were also present during the passing out parade.
