How do you feel after being bestowed with the lifetime achievement award?
I was born in a remote village in Karnataka where my father used to teach in a school. Despite the low level of literacy in the village, the villagers never used to lie, steal or indulge in any anti-social activities as the culture they had inculcated in them forbade them from doing so. This came to them by birth. Likewise, I too have never gone after wealth or fame but have worked for the good of the society. My interest in books and history have brought me thus far and this award brings immense satisfaction and happiness as it is in recognition of my work.
What according to you can we Hindus learn from history which can help us in the future?
Hindu dharma is the most benevolent of all cultures. It never condones violence for the sake of it. Kings fought wars for various reasons but they never indulged in destroying something because they did not like it or wished to impose their whims and beliefs. However, the invaders who came from outside dealt a heavy blow on us for a long time. Apart from the continuous assault and occupation, they indulged in forceful and deceitful conversions to their religion. I have urged the government to bring in a legislation to ban religious conversions in the country. Moreover, the Islamic invasion and its reign in Bharat was the bloodiest in world history and it has also been recognised by many historians. Assault on Hindus is also continuing even today in Pakistan, Bangladesh, in Kashmir and other parts of India.
Hindus are becoming aware of this issue only recently and are fighting back. Though we do not believe in violence, we have to fight back. Only a sword can answer a sword. Hindus are learning this now which is completely Dharmic and will ensure our future too.
There have been several changes in the country during the last 5 years. How do you think these changes will affect our cultural and civilisational existence?
I think it will affect us in a positive way and I think that such changes should continue to be made. I have complete faith in the ideology of the dispensation ruling us in the state and centre. Modi government is doing great work both in terms of cultural and economic issues. I have faith in the RSS and BJP’s commitment towards nation building.
‘Idea of Bharat’ is the theme of the Mangaluru Literature Festival. What according to you is the Idea of Bharat? Is it just an idea or something more?
Before the advent of the Islamic invaders and the British, the entire stretch from Himalayas to the tip of Kanyakumari was Bharat. ‘Bharati’ was Mata Sharada who was deemed as the resident of Kashmir. Our ancient texts and epics have always espoused the values of brotherly love and prosperity for all. We believed in ‘Sarva Janah Sukhino Bhavantu’ and hence never invaded anyone. Our kings might have fought wars among themselves for various reasons but never destroyed a land to impose their faith and beliefs unlike the foreign invaders.
Mahatma Gandhi too had asked women to resort to violence in order to defend their honour. Violence is required for the sake of protecting the self-respect. Fighting back in self defence is a Dharmic duty and part of our culture.
The practice of untouchability and hierarchy in caste system is a modern ailment in our society and not part of Hindu dharma. The Vedic culture deemed everyone as equal and there is no mention of untouchability, Dalit or hierarchy in caste in the Vedas. Varnas are different from caste but there is a misconception on this. Anyone who goes in search of knowledge is a Brahmin, anyone who takes to arms in defence of the nation is a Kshatriya, anyone who indulges in trade and commerce is a Vaishya and anyone who involved in manual labour is a Shudra. If a son of a Shudra opted to go in search of knowledge he is deemed as a Brahmin. If the son of a Kshatriya indulged in trade, he is considered a Vaishya. Such stratification is there in all societies including western civilisations.
There is another misconception about Hinduism that women are not respected. But this is not true as there were many women sages and rishikas. We always believed in ‘Matru Devo Bhava’ and gave women the highest position in the family and society. This is the Idea of Bharat that I believe in.
We are at a juncture in the history where a lot of churning is happening all around. How do you see the changes?
Just as we respect our mothers, we should also respect Bharat which is our Motherland. No one should disrespect her. Hindu dharma is its lifeline. Bharatiya values have to be inculcated right from childhood. We should grow in science & technology and surpass other countries and put an end to poverty. Our scientists have reached the moon but have not forgotten our traditions. We should become a world power without losing our Bharatiya ethos.
Many have a misconception with regard to tradition and think that it is only about rituals or symbols. We can grow by retaining our culture and tradition. However, we should also take measures to end casteism and hierarchy. Just as a 12th century Vachanakara (one who composed Vachanas in Kannada) said, we must strive to build a society that is equal for all. It is my dream to have society where there are no differences.
Our history has been distorted over the years. How can we ensure that it is corrected and the right version is taught to our next generation?
The ruins at Hampi can teach us a lot in this respect. A visit to Hampi should not be limited to the structures and temples. The ruins there should bring about a sense of pride and patriotism in us. It should bring about the awareness of the wrong that has been done to us. Hampi is ready to teach us its lessons from history. It is us who should be willing to learn from it. Many historians willfully forget the facts recorded in history as they try to be politically correct. Historians should develop a conscience in themselves while recording historical events and truths. As a student of literature I have tried to study history and stay true to my conscience. I hope writers and historians do the same.
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