The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar’s speech would be included in the Kannada (first language, State syllabus) textbook for Class 10 students, according to the Karnataka Education Department.
The Textbook Revision Committee, led by writer Rohith Chakrateertha, proposed that the text of Hedgewar’s speech to be incorporated in the syllabus.
“Nijavada Adarsha Purusha Yaraagabeku?” is the title of the lesson. (Who should be your true role model?) It’s on page 5 of the Kannada prose textbook, which is now being printed. In March, the committee handed in its final report to the government.
Many left-wing student organisations protested against the decision to add chapter on Doctor ji’s speech, but the Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Minister BC Nagesh defended the move and said, “Some people want to object to everything and they feel what they have said is only the truth and only their thinking has to be told to society…In that speech, Hedgewar had said that one has to take ideology, values and principles as his or her inspiration. He has spoken about importance of society and the nation. What’s wrong with that?”
The revision committee had earlier come into eye of storm after the statement by Rohit Chakratheertha that “glorification of Muslim King of Mysuru Tipu Sultan will be taken off from the syllabus”.
Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar:
Keshav Baliram Hedgewar was born on April 1, 1889. Famously known as Doctorji, he completed an LMS degree from Calcutta Medical College in 1916. He actively participated in the freedom struggle and was a member of Anusheelan Samiti, a revolutionary organisation which fought against the British. Later, he became a leader of the Indian National Congress and participated in the non-cooperation movement. He founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on Vijayadashami day in 1925. He continued to be the Sarsanghchalak of the RSS till his death, on June 21, 1940.
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