Pics: Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Aug 21: BJP national president Amit Shah on Sunday August 21 said that it in recent times, it has become a 'fashion' to question nationalism in the name of freedom of expression, and stressed that the country can remain united only if there is spirit of nationalism and patriotism.
Addressing a public gathering at Mangalore University auditorium during 'Freedom 70 - Remembering sacrifices' programme as part of the BJP's 'Tiranga Yatra' campaign, Shah said, "It has become a fashion nowadays for a few people in a few places to question nationalism. This is being done in different places and theories are being planted. Nationalism is being questioned in the name of freedom of expression.
"A few people are also campaigning on social media on whether nationalism is necessary or not. I want to remind them - now you are talking about freedom of speech; if there was no nationalism or patriotism, there would have been no independence, if there was no independence, there would have been no Constitution. How can you separate yourself from nationalism? What will be the identity of the nation? What kind of ideas are they giving to the youth?
"The entire nation should unite against this issue. The country will remain united only if there is spirit of nationalism and patriotism. Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged for these principles and many freedom fighters sacrificed themselves for the same reason. They were also chanting the slogans 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram' - and now you are challenging this nationalism. This is really painful," he said.
"From this forum, I appeal to the youth to read the history of the country and understand how many people sacrificed themselves with only 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram' on their lips. Bhagat Singh also fought for freedom of speech. There is freedom of speech in the country - There is no problem if you question a party or its ideology. But you cannot call it freedom of speech when you want to propogate anti-national ideologies. A handful of people are trying to separate the nation. I want to tell the entire nation - this country cannot be without nationalism. Freedom fighters are the true inspiration to the youth, not these NGOs," Shah said.
"Several people have sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country. This 'Tiranga Yatra' has been organized to pay tributes to the great freedom fighters, to inspire the youth to follow in their paths and to remind the youth that the independence that we have today is because of the sacrifice of lacs of people. This Yatra is not a ritual. This is also an inspiration to the youth to live their life for the country. 'To live for the nation' is the message of this Yatra. It is our responsibility to live for our nation.
"Be it 1857 rebellion or Mahatma Gandhi's peaceful struggle or Subhash Chandra Bose's Indian National Army or Savarkar's writings, all these were part of the freedom struggle. On the one hand there was peaceful struggle, and on the other, revolutionary methods were being used. Kanaiyalal Munshi said that a country is free when four parameters are fulfilled - it should have protected borders, it should be honoured by the world, the principles of Rama Rajya should lead to a welfare state, and each and every individual suffering from poverty should get food. Prime Minister is working keeping all this in mind.
"Prior to the 2014 general elections we had given a call for 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' - the country is progressing in this path. Earlier the world saw India with a different point of view, now the entire world feels that the year 2020 will be India's. Presently, the topmost priority is being given to protecting borders. The entire defence is equipped with advanced technology, equipment and trasnport, and meticulous strategy. Armymen need not wait for orders from Delhi, if they receive bullet from the other side, they have been given standing order to take decisions," he said.
"PM Modi in his foreign policy has also emphasized on trade along with culture. The economy of the nation is moving in the right direction," he added.
Opining that Rani Abbakka had not been given the recognition she deserved in history, Shah said, "There are several people who have not got their due recognition in history, among whom Abbakka is one. She fought against the Portuguese four times. In those days, Mangaluru was a big trade centre which the colonial powers wanted to annex, and it was Rani Abbakka who prevented it. She is an example of how freedom fighters sacrficed their lives for the nation. Her life should be an inspiration to the youth and to the next generation."
'Mangaluru in between Bhatkal and Kasargod', DVS points out
Union minister Sadanand Gowda said, "The nation needs to regain its past glory. It should become the top nation in the world by inculcating the spirit of patriotism. There are many challenges to this country.
"The one thing we need to understand is that Mangaluru is in between Bhatkal and Kasargod, and recently we have seen how some people from Kasargod went to join ISIS. As far as Bhatkal is concerned, we know how many are involved in terror activists. The words of the national BJP president on nationalism should echo in the entire coastal region. We should work with patriotism to stop anti-national activities," he said.
Amit Shah was honoured by the district BJP on the occasion. Kuldip Chowta, a descendent of Rani Abbakka, was also honoured.
MP Nalin Kumar Kateel delivered the keynote address. N Vinaya Hegde, chancellor of Nitte University and state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa also spoke on the occasion.
Sullia MLA S Angara welcomed the gathering while district BJP president Sanjeeva Mantandoor thanked.
BJP national chief secretary Muralidhar Rao and others were present.
Earlier, Amit Shah along with other BJP leaders and party workers visited Ullal and garlanded the statue of Rani Abbakka.
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