Mangaluru: The often discussed term ‘dissent’ is prevalent in today’s social scenario. The Mangalore Lit Fest 2018 provided a platform to share views and opinions on the topic “The Selective Outrage-Good dissent, bad dissent or dissent of convenience”, here on Saturday, November 3.
The speakers of this session were Indian academician and writer Madhu Kishwar, Associate Professor, Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Anand Ranganathan and Indian theatre, film, television, and media personality Prakash Belawadi.
The session began with a set of questions by columnist Shefali Vaidya, who also moderated the session.
Shefali Vaidya said, “Bajrang Dal member Prashanth Poojary who was murdered in the name of ‘Hindutva’ was taken lightly. An eminent journalist (name not mentioned), had commented on his death saying ‘It’s okay to be killed.’
“What about several other deaths of members of such organisations and the insensitive comments of the leftist”, she questioned.
In her concluding remarks, she asked if it was right for the women to march towards the Sabarimala temple.
Dissent is important: Prakash Belawadi
Speaking on the occasion as a panelist, eminent theatre personality Prakash Belwadi said, “Dissent is very important. The decision pronounced by the Supreme Court remains questionable if taken in the context of traditions and practices. “Dharmik” way (Spiritual and religious) is the best path to choose.”
Belwadi mentioned the Indo-Pak crisis and compared it to Karna’s death.
He says, “It is an opportunistic situation similar to which like Karna in Mahabharata. Karna’s chariot was stuck in the ground and Arjuna taking this as an opportunity had killed him, as a part of revenge on Kauravas.”
“It is a similar situation between India and Pakistan. We need to fix the war”, he added.
Cambrian Explosion after 2014 in India: Anand Ranganathan
Associate Professor serving in the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Anand Ranganathan said, “The scenario in our country has relevance with the ‘Cambrian Explosion’. There is a sudden appearance of the “Left Thinkers”, after the 2014 elections, which have fragmented the society through their ideologies. “
He said that the investigative reports and research on the lynching row that happened in India in these four years observed the involvement of Muslims, than Hindus.
In a exclusive short interview by News Karnataka regarding the impact of left ideology on academic point of view, Anand Ranganathan said, “Equivalence should be brought in terms of professors and teachers. When it comes to Humanities, once you choose the topic, the next moment you might be dictated by your guide. Of course, there are differences in ideologies, but the word ‘Left’ defines a cult and it is not compatible.”
“The word ‘Hindu’ stands for civilization which has its own identity. The term “Hindu Terror”, affects the core idea of Hindutva and this is used for political convenience”, he added.
No species as such called ‘Liberals’: Madhu Kishwar
Eminent writer Madhu Kishwar addressing the session said, “I’m a ‘survivor’ of the ‘leftist impact.’ The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), is producing young minds as a ‘product’ of left politics.”
“JNU is known for producing left products both in terms of academia and civil. There are several students who are still enjoying the facilities and air of JNU, in the name of taxpayers, with below minimum requirement of attendance. These kind of universities create such a situation that one is forced to accept the ideologies”, she added.
Each of the panelists was given eight to 10 minutes of time to present their points and the floor was open for question and answers for the same duration.
