Additional Pics by Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Mar 17: In the wake of the suspension of AIMIM Maharashtra MLA Waris Pathan for refusing to say 'Bharat Mata ki jai', union minister for law D V Sadananda Gowda on Thursday March 17 said that it was unfortunate that some politicans today refuse to chant the slogan which had inspired India's freedom fighters.
He was speaking during the valedictory of a programme on Mahatma Gandhi's ideologies organized by Mangalore University in association with Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, Bengaluru, Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai Samshodhana Kendra, Kumbra Jathappa Rai Prathistana, Kajemar Puttur at Ravindra Kala Mantapa here.
"During the era of Gandhiji, honesty and integrity were the basic principles on which the nation was built. Gandhiji also created awareness on patriotism which was an issue at the time.
"Is it wrong to chant slogans such as 'Bharat Mata ki jai’? This slogan had inspired freedom fighters during the Independence struggle and led India to freedom. Freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh had raised the slogan 'Bharat Mata ki jai’. This slogan inspired all Indians to fight against the British. It is unfortunate that political representatives, elected by the people, now hesitate to say this slogan," Gowda said.
On the much-debated sedition law, he said, "There should be a clear-cut definition for sedition. Section 124 A of IPC pertaining to sedition does not clearly define what sedition is. There should be an elaborate definition in order to solve the confusion in this regard."
Professor Ravivarma, senior advocate and former advocate general of Karnataka, said, "Kumbra Jathappa Rai was a true follower of Mahatma Gandhi who never compromised on his Gandhian values. He was committed to his values.
"Gandhi's concept of Swaraj should be imbibed in textbooks. Gandhiji was a true democrat, a great visionary and a true follower of non-violence. His democratic values should be imbibed in students in the educational institutions," he said.
Commenting on the recent controversies in Hyderabad Central University, New Delhi's JNU and other universities in the country, he said, "There is rampant caste discrimination in universities. In a span of five to six years, 23 Dalits students have died.
"Students in educational institutions and universities should be allowed to express their thoughts. The government should not curb their voice. Freedom of expression when embellished with personal interest leads to violence. There should be progressive thinking. Freedom of expression will lead to true democratic values. Only the killers of Gandhi would go against democratic values," he said.
Dr N Vinay Hegde, chancellor of Nitte University said, "Your freedom of expression and rights stop when it affects the interest of the nation. Interest of the nation is very important. My religion is secondary and my nation is paramount. Students must learn what are their rights and should not lead the nation to chaos.
"Students must believe in building a stronger India. You must respect the country. This is what Gandhiji taught us. The country needs disciplined students and they should take education as their paramount subject in character building. Learn the Constitution of India first and become a great citizen," he advised.
"Our religions teach us how to maintain good health and a tension-free life, and this is exactly what our teacher told us too. As students, you cannot shout at your teacher in the classroom. Discipline in the campus should be maintained," he added.
"Students must have opportunities for discussion, and they should use these opportunities to express their views within the boundaries of the Constitution. Jathappa Rai stood against Emergency. His political thoughts were different. His biggest contribution to the society was a system of arbitration," he added.
Mangalore University vice-chancellor Prof K Bairappa presided over the programme. Senior litterateur Erya Lakshminarayana Alva, programme convener Pramod Kumar Rai among others were present.
Earlier in the day, Former governor of West Bengal, Gopalakrishna Gandhi, who happens to be the grandson of both Mahatma Gandhi and Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, expressed regret about the hesitation on the part of the administrative systems to implement Lokapal, which can play a stellar role in regulating corruption in the country. He felt that Lokpal will go a long way in strengthening democratic system.
Speaking after inaugurating the programme, he questioned the people's representatives why they are dithering in this issue, in spite of the fact that Lokpal bill has passed through several phases since the last many years. He pointed out that as against the general projection of India as biggest democracy, in practice, money and muscle power rule the roost during elections, and those who provide money to candidates deem it as an investment to reap returns in future. Hailing Swachh Bharat Abhiyan as a programme in right direction, he gave call for enforcing blanket ban on plastic, and researches to find an alternative to it. He said he believes in the capacity of scientists to find a viable alternative to plastic.
Former Karnataka Lokayukta, Justice N Santosh Hegde, who released the work, 'Gandhi Hejjeya Jadinalli Jattappa Rai', asked people to retrospect how far they have been sticking to principles of truth, non-violence and honesty preached by Mahatma Gandhi. He felt the need for creating awareness about the life and preaching of Mahatma Gandhi among the young generation towards creation of a world that is free of corruption.
Sri Rama Sene activists protest
Meanwhile, outside the venue, a few activists of Sri Rama Sene led by Anand Shetty Adyar were arrested by the city police for shouting slogans and trying to wave black flags against Sadananda Gowda on the issue of Yettinahole project.