Celebration of 150th year of first war of Indian independence
Dont neglect history, says professor
DH News Service,Mangalore: June 16, 2007
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History should not be neglected. Individual and social balance as well as comprehension increases by recalling the history, observed Mangalore University History Department Chairman Prof Surendra Rao.
Addressing a convention organised by Popular Front of India (PFI) to celebrate the 150th year of 1857 Freedom Movement at Nehru Maidan here on Friday, he said we obtain integrity through the reminiscences of history.
The Indian freedom struggle was ‘multi-faceted’. Both Hindu and Muslim communities fought unitedly against the British in 1857. They had the feeling of ‘righteousness’ but not communalism, Prof Rao analysed.
The real meaning of Jihad is different. But its meaning has been totally distorted. Jihad is never against the Hindus.
Moulvis had launched Jihad against the British for freedom by issuing Fatwas against them, he explained.
‘Communalisation’
In his address, Karnataka Forum for Dignity (KFD) President K M Sharief expressed his worry that the history, which had to stand on the platform of truth and secularism, was being communalised.
Communalism is also a plot by the colonialists. However, the neo-colonialists are continuing the trend now. The communal forces are dividing the society, he regretted.
Muslims are being depicted as traitors and nation dividers, thus, their contributions to the society have been concealed, he said and added that there was a necessity of fighting unitedly against this development.
Mr Sharief said majority of the people in the weaker sections were not getting the government facilities. He was of the view that unless people become strong socially and economically, they cannot be reformed.
In her address, Karnataka Raitha Sangha Women’s division President Sunanda Jayaram stressed on the necessity of women’s participation in social movements.
“History is always relevant. We should step forward only after affirming the previous steps. It is still a question whether there has been women empowerment even after 60 years of independence,” she observed.
KFD Vice-President Mehabood A Sharief said British targeted Madrasas during their regime, and now their supporters have continued their job.
Though we have crossed half a century after independence, Muslims are yet to get freedom and security. They are suffering without identity, security and equity, he noted.
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