The hallowed world of Indian politics is no stranger to controversy. This time, the venerable Gita Press finds itself amidst a whirlwind of allegations, with none other than the Congress Party leading the charge. The fulcrum of this controversy is the bestowing of the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021 on the Gita Press, a move that has been perceived by many within the Congress party as an affront to the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. A particularly strong voice expressing this discontent has been that of Mr. Jairam Ramesh, a distinguished and seasoned figure in the Congress party.
However, Mr. Ramesh’s discontentment and the manner in which he has expressed it paints a picture of a political landscape stuck in a bygone era. It is time to ask Mr. Jairam Ramesh to go back to his study room and read the actual history, before blabbering nonsense over the origins of Gita Press.
“Awarding Gita Press is like awarding Savarkar or Godse!”
It seems as though Mr. Ramesh may be navigating the tumultuous waters of the digital age with a mindset rooted in the pre-social media epoch. A time when the Gandhis enjoyed unquestioned authority, when access to information was a privilege of the few and digital literacy was a rare commodity. This perception becomes apparent when we look at his recent tweet regarding the award conferred on the Gita Press.
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In his tweet, Mr. Ramesh criticizes the award, comparing it to a scenario as ludicrous as awarding Savarkar and Godse. He states, “The Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021 has been conferred on the Gita Press at Gorakhpur which is celebrating its centenary this year. There is a very fine biography from 2015 of this organisation by Akshaya Mukul in which he unearths the stormy relations it had with the Mahatma and the running battles it carried on with him on his political, religious & social agenda. The decision is really a travesty…”
The Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021 has been conferred on the Gita Press at Gorakhpur which is celebrating its centenary this year. There is a very fine biography from 2015 of this organisation by Akshaya Mukul in which he unearths the stormy relations it had with the Mahatma and the… pic.twitter.com/PqoOXa90e6
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 18, 2023
The Birla Connection
But as we delve deeper into history, we discover that there is a strong, undeniable link between the Gita Press and the man whose name the award carries – Barrister Mohandas K. Gandhi. A link that Mr. Ramesh seems to have missed or perhaps chosen to overlook in his passionate reproach.
Gita Press, founded in 1923, played a significant role in promoting and preserving Sanatana Dharma, the very culture and values which Gandhi himself cherished. The common link between Gita Press and Gandhi is the Birla Group. Ghanshyam Das Birla, the patriarch of the Birla Group, was not just a formidable industrialist but also a zealous nationalist and a devout patron of culture. It was his unwavering support that catalyzed the growth and impact of the Gita Press. Parallel to his cultural pursuits, Birla was also a close associate and supporter of Gandhi, forming a mutual bond that played a vital role in the trajectory of India’s independence movement.
This vital detail of Birla’s association with both the Gita Press and Gandhi is also captured in the biography by Akshaya Mukul, the very source Mr. Ramesh uses to substantiate his criticism. Irony indeed.
The futility of Jairam Ramesh
In the face of these facts, the decision to award Gita Press the Gandhi Peace Prize appears to be a harmonious and fitting recognition of a shared heritage. It isn’t an anomaly, a travesty or an act of rebellion. It’s a well-deserved acknowledgment of an institution that has tirelessly served the cause of preserving and promoting our rich cultural heritage, much like Gandhi himself did.
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Mr. Ramesh’s critique, rather than shedding light on an apparent oversight, raises questions about his own understanding of history and the nuances that form the bedrock of our shared past. The rhetoric he employs, while doubtlessly impassioned, inadvertently ends up detracting from the legacy of the Congress Party rather than furthering it. One might even humorously suggest that Jairam Ramesh might be a secret asset for the BJP.
To sum it up , while political discourse and critique are the lifeblood of a vibrant democracy like ours, it is also critical to approach such discourse with a deep understanding of our shared history. It is in the nuanced understanding of these shared connections that we can pave the way for more inclusive, respectful, and informed political discourse. It is this respect for our shared past that will ultimately allow us to navigate the complexities of our shared future.
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