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Scroll.in
a day ago
- Politics
- Scroll.in
A new book studies the ideologies and functioning of the RSS's tribal wing, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram
The formation of the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram happened over concerns regarding the increasing activities of Christian missionaries in tribal areas. There was a fear that as the Muslim League started to demand a separate nation for Muslims, the Christian missionaries could instigate converted tribals to demand a separate nation-state for Christians. Indeed, the issue of conversion was prominent in many tribal areas, including Madhya Pradesh (then Central Provinces), even before Independence, with some princely states initiating enactments to ban conversion. These included the Raigarh state Conversion Act, 1936, the Surguja state Hindu Apostasy Act, 1945, and the Udaipur state Conversion Act, 1946. What is interesting is that all these bills were introduced or passed primarily to ban the conversion of tribes to Christianity. During the national movement, proselytisation by Christian missionaries emerged as one of the key contested issues and a matter of concern. Even Mahatma Gandhi expressed his concern regarding conversion by Christian missionaries. In Bihar Notes (10 August 1925), he underlined that, Christian missionaries have been doing valuable service for generations, but in my humble opinion, their work suffers because at the end of it they expect the conversion of these simple people to Christianity … How very nice it would be if the missionaries rendered humanitarian service without the ulterior aim of conversion. After its formation, the RSS focused largely on the aspect of mobilising Hindus against Muslims, its leaders expressed their concerns regarding the roles of Christian missionaries in tribal areas. However, they could not start systematic work in tribal areas before the early 1950s, but its leaders, particularly Golwalkar, always raised the issue of the conversion of tribal people. During the late 1930s and 1940s, one can find two facets of the concerns among the Congress leaders related to the role of Christian missionaries: For some leaders like Rajendra Prasad, the key issue was to maintain the political popularity and acceptance of the Congress among tribals, but for some (like Ravishankar Shukla) the chief concern was the supposed separatist tendencies enhanced by Christian missionaries. It is noteworthy that in the tribal belt of the Chota Nagpur region of Bihar, the Jharkhand movement started to take shape by the late 1930s. The Adivasi Mahasabha continuously raised the issue of a separate tribal province and became more prominent when Jaipal Singh Munda joined it and became its president in 1939. Jaipal Singh Munda was a famous hockey player who was the captain of the Indian hockey team in the Amsterdam Olympics of 1927, where they won the gold medal. Thereafter, he was selected for the Indian Civil Services under the British India Government, but rather than joining it, he focused on different administrative works and teaching, before joining politics. Incidentally, when he returned to India, Rajendra Prasad asked him to work with the Congress. But after discussions with the then Bihar governor, Munda decided to work separately for the adivasis. The Bihar Congress leadership was not happy with the growing influence of the Adivasi Mahasabha. Jaipal Singh Munda wrote to Rajendra Prasad on 16 January 1939, 'I have now been recognised the natural leader of the Adivasis and I feel I must use all my weight to make the Adivasis work for their advancement within the national movement.' In the same letter, he emphatically argued that 'I have always felt that nothing should be done to weaken the nationalistic force and I am most concerned that the Adivasi movement should be within the major national struggle for an all-India struggle.' In another letter written to Rajendra Prasad on 1 February 1939, Munda underlined that 'I have always been and shall remain an ardent lover of the Congress principles.' He criticised the Bihar government for overlooking the interests of adivasis. Again, in his letter to Rajendra Prasad on 14 June 1939, Munda underlined that ' … the aims and objects of the Adivasi Sabha … were in full harmony with the Indian National Congress.' However, Rajendra Prasad was not convinced. He wrote to Munda on 3 July 1939 and mentioned, 'I do not know how the Adivasi Sabha can be said to be in harmony with the Indian National Congress when it thought fit to set up candidates against the Congress candidates.' Rajendra Prasad and other Congress leaders felt that the church was also helping the political activities of Jaipal Singh Munda and the Adivasi Mahasabha. Munda's biographer Ashwini Kumar Pankaj claims that due to instigation by Congress leaders, the issue of Christian and non-Christian also emerged in the Adivasi Mahasabha, which led to a split in the organisation and a senior leader, Theble Uraon, formed a separate organisation named 'Sanatan Adivasi Mahasabha'. Uraon had a close relationship with many Congress leaders. In 1940, when the Congress organised its annual session at Ramgarh, Jaipal Singh Munda claimed that it was a ploy by the Bihar Congress leaders to suppress his organisation. A day before the Congress session, Uraon organised a meeting in Ramgarh and severely criticised Munda, asserting that he was not a representative of non-Christian tribals and should not mislead them with his separatist ideas. It is noteworthy that Congress leaders were against the Jharkhand movement. One argument was that the Bihar Congress leaders wanted non-tribal Bihar people to be dominant in tribal areas. This argument could be partially true, but it seems that the more credible reason for opposition to the Jharkhand movement was fear of separatism, fuelled by the church and Christian missionaries. Rajendra Prasad met a Catholic bishop in Ranchi in July 1939 and requested that the church keep a distance from politics and should not support any political party with separatist leanings. He wrote a letter to the bishop of Ranchi and requested him to keep away from the political activities of different organisations. There was concern that an organisation like the Adivasi Mahasabha could create a feeling of separatism in the minds of tribal youths. The Congress leadership was also against the demand of Jharkhand. Gandhian leader, AV Thakkar, popularly called Thakkar Bapa, wrote to Rajendra Prasad on 8 March 1939 regarding the resolutions of the Adivasi Mahasabha conference held on 20 and 21 January 1939. He wrote, 'The chief and the first resolution is about the separation of Chota Nagpur from Bihar, to which we, of course, cannot agree.' Thakkar Bapa suggested that Rajendra Prasad form a distinct organisation to create confidence among the tribal people. On 27 March 1939, he wrote to Prasad, 'The Adivasi Sabha is a talking body or an agitating body. The committee that I propose is a silent, constructive body of actual workers. Political work will not form part of it and it is expected to win the confidence of people, as you say, by its selfless work.' He also urged Prasad that the Bihar provincial government should provide economic help to such organisations. Following his suggestions, a separate organisation, 'Admi Jaati Sevak Mandal' was formed. Thakkar Bapa had worked in tribal areas for many decades but did not directly advocate the spread of Hindu values in tribal society, but had deep suspicions about Christian missionaries who he thought could foster separatism in tribal areas. This feeling was prevalent among many Congress leaders as well, which played a crucial role in the formation of the VKA. In 1948, when the then chief minister of Central Provinces, Ravishankar Shukla, was on a visit to the tribal areas of his state, he saw black flag protests and sloganeering by tribals for a separate Jharkhand state. Shukla thought it was a dangerous and divisive campaign propagated by Christian missionaries and was worried about the conversion of adivasis to Christianity and discussed his fears with Thakkar Bapa. Bapa told Shukla that it was necessary to bring tribal people into the 'mainstream' to stop conversion and contain separatism. For this, he said, the help of nationalist organisations should be taken.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Hyderabad sees rise in viral, vector-borne cases as monsoon sets in
HYDERABAD: With the advancement of the monsoon season, the city is witnessing a gradual rise in viral fevers and vector-borne diseases (VBDs) such as dengue and chikungunya, along with water-borne illnesses like typhoid being reported since June. Both private and government hospitals in the city have recorded an increase in cases of viral fever and VBDs since June. Doctors have also reported Covid-19 cases over the past two months. According to the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), the state recorded 267 cases of dengue, 83 of chikungunya from January to March, and 53 cases of malaria from January to April this year. However, the Health department has not yet released any official data regarding VBDs or viral fever. Tribal areas in the state are reportedly more affected by these seasonal illnesses. Patients come with symptoms such as high-grade fever, cold, cough, nausea, body aches, and joint pain. As these symptoms overlap across several seasonal illnesses, timely medical intervention is essential to avoid serious health complications, doctors stated. In the city, the number of patients visiting the Outpatient (OP) department at Government Fever Hospital has surged since June, with at least 400–500 cases reported daily, most of them viral fever. Dr Rajendra Prasad, Superintendent of Fever hospital, told TNIE, 'We are seeing over 400 OP cases since June. However, there has been no acute spike in any particular disease, including dengue and chikungunya, as of now. All inpatient and outpatient cases are currently stable. We anticipate a spike in July.' City doctors noted that many of the fever cases are being confirmed as dengue upon further investigation. In several instances, patients are asymptomatic, with the infection only being detected through diagnostic tests, resulting in a longer recovery period.
United News of India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- United News of India
BIS crackdown on non-compliant helmet makers and retailers
New Delhi, July 5 (UNI) In a move aimed to curb the sale of substandard helmets and enhance road safety, the Department of Consumer Affairs, in coordination with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), has seized over 3,000 non-compliant helmets from manufacturers and retailers across the country. The action, part of a nationwide crackdown on helmet manufacturers operating without valid BIS licences, saw enforcement teams confiscate more than 2,500 helmets from nine manufacturers whose licences had either expired or been cancelled. Additionally, around 500 substandard helmets were seized from roadside vendors and retail outlets at 17 different locations, the Department said in a statement issued on Friday. India, which has over 21 crore two-wheelers on its roads, witnesses a disproportionately high number of road accidents involving two-wheeler riders. Data from previous years indicate that nearly 45% of road accident fatalities involve two-wheeler users, with a significant portion attributed to the absence or poor quality of helmets. Calling attention to this issue, the Department has urged consumers to wear only BIS-certified helmets and called for strict enforcement against the manufacture and sale of uncertified products. "Sub-standard helmets compromise safety and defeat the purpose of protection. Quality control is critical to saving lives on roads," the statement said. Under the Quality Control Order in force since 2021, helmets for two-wheeler riders must bear the ISI mark and be certified in accordance with BIS standards. As of June 2025, 176 manufacturers across the country hold valid BIS licences for protective helmets. The BIS, tasked with enforcing compliance, has been conducting regular factory and market surveillance. In the last financial year alone, more than 500 helmet samples were tested, and over 30 search-and-seizure operations were undertaken against entities misusing the BIS Standard Mark. Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, last year noted that nearly 30,000 annual deaths among two-wheeler users could be attributed to not wearing helmets. He underlined the urgency of stricter compliance and behavioural change among riders. The BIS has also introduced features on its BIS Care App and online portal, enabling users to verify the certification status of helmet manufacturers and lodge complaints against non-compliant products,' said the statement. Dr Rajendra Prasad, senior Neuro and Spine Surgeon and director of Indian Head Injury Foundation (IIHF), Delhi said that the government should also focus on safe protective gears for children as at least 30 kids die every day in road accidents across the country. 'A majority of such children can be saved had their parents or caretakers made them wear good quality helmets while pillion. Remember, an injury to the brain can alter their kids' life forever,' warned the doctor.
The Hindu
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Actor Rajendra Prasad calls for integration of arts and culture into education system
Tollywood actor Rajendra Prasad on Sunday said that arts should be recognised as pillars of a country's unique identity. The actor was speaking at 'Telugu Tejalaku Kalaabhishekam', a felicitation programme for artists held at Nagaiah Kalakshetram. Mr. Rajendra Prasad was conferred with 'Vishwa Navarasa Natachakravarti' and the NTR International Award at the event. Mr. Prasad said that art was an embodiment of power that awakens dormant societies. He urged the State governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to integrate culture and arts into the mainstream education system to make it holistic. The convention was jointly hosted by the Indian Telugu Writers' Federation and the M.V. Keshava Reddy Memorial Foundation. Noted writer Marripudi Devender Rao presided over the event. Over 200 artists from all over India participated in the function. Noted lyricist Suddala Ashok Teja said that such occasions would help revive traditional art forms. As many as 262 artists and cultural contributors were presented the 'Kalajyothi National Awards 2025.'
Hans India
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Bihar: Team of over 700 scientists to reach out to farmers under 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan'
Patna: Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' (Developed Agriculture Resolution Campaign), scientists and experts have embarked on a mission to impress upon the villagers about changing patterns in agriculture and also about the need to bring reforms in the sector. In Bihar's Samastipur, a team of 720 scientists have been formed by Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, which, along with 1756 agricultural officers, has visited 993 villages so far. The team of scientists reached out to 96,475 farmers, listened to their problems and also told them the 'solutions'. Speaking at a recent event, PM Modi had said, 'The monsoon is approaching, preparations for the Kharif season are underway, and during the next 12 to 15 days, over 2,000 teams comprising scientists, experts, officials, and progressive farmers will be visiting villages across the country. These teams will reach out to millions of farmers in more than 700 districts.' 'In today's rapidly changing times, there is a need to bring comprehensive reforms to Indian agriculture. Our farmers have filled food reserves by producing record yields. However, markets are evolving, and consumer preferences are changing. Therefore, this is a humble effort to bring about changes in the agricultural system by working together with farmers and state governments. The goal is to modernise Indian agriculture, and for that, this campaign aims to initiate direct discussions with farmers,' he added. The campaign, led by Dr PS Pandey, Vice Chancellor of Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, is set to run till June 12. The Vice Chancellor said that for a prosperous country, farmers have to be prosperous, and in view of this, Sankalp Abhiyan has been started by the Prime Minister. Under the campaign, teams of agricultural scientists are visiting different villages and directly communicating with farmers, listening to their problems and also suggesting solutions. He said that 174 teams have been formed in Bihar and Jharkhand, which will reach out and communicate with close to 1 lakh, while 130 teams are working in Bihar, which have to reach out to 6,45,000 farmers. He informed that 38 teams have been formed by Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, through 16 agricultural science centres in 13 districts, whose target is to communicate with 1,90,000 farmers.
