'RSS played no significant role in India's freedom struggle'

Sumit Bhattacharya | NT

Bengaluru: It is crucial to reflect on the country's history and understand the roots of nationalism.

In a candid interaction with Debabrata Ghosh, West Bengal state secretary of CP(I)M, shed light on the evolution of the concept of 'nation' during the 19th century.

This term gained popularity as nationbuilding demands in Italy and Germany intensified. In India, however, nationalism was not solely political.

The birth of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1925 saw the portrayal of Ram as a cultural epicenter, effectively intertwining Hindu dharma with Indian ethnicity. This strategy, according to Ghosh, was employed by RSS to form a new sectarian politics, leading to their label as 'Pro Nationalist'.

Ghosh also highlighted that RSS had no significant role in India's freedom struggle. Instead, it drew inspiration from Fascism and Hitler’s ideology.

Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar, an RSS theorist, penned 'We or Our Nationhood Defined', where he expressed his fascist intentions towards Christians and Muslims while praising Nazi culture and nationalism.

When questioned about the contributions of RSS in the independence movement, Ghosh pointed out their inability to answer. He mentioned their opposition to the Non-cooperation Movement and Quit India Movement.

Notably, prominent leader Savarkar signed a bond with the British, promising not to partake in the freedom struggle.

He even supported the British administration during World War II, enrolling Hindu youths into the British Army to combat the Azad Hind Battalion. In Ghosh's view, the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebration is an attempt to undermine the history of India's freedom struggle.

He argued that the current central government and RSS have curtailed freedoms of speech, attire, and taste. Ghosh emphasised that understanding our history is essential for future progress.

He advocated for a more liberal approach to education and governance, contrasting with what he perceives as the reactionary stance of the RSS.