News Tamil Nadu

Dravidianist Separatist Sympathizer Thirumurugan Gandhi Has Meltdown Over Major Mukund Varadarajan’s Biopic ‘Amaran’, Calls Kamal Haasan A ‘Sanghi’, Has Problems With Indian Army’s War Cry ‘Jai Bajrangbali’

November 9, 2024
The Commune

In Tamil Nadu, the coalition of leftists, Islamists and Dravidianists, have been unable to bear the surge of nationalism among the public sparked by the film ‘Amaran’, which chronicles the heroic life of Indian Major Mukund Varadharajan, who sacrificed his life in a counter-terror operation in Shopian, Kashmir. Initially, these groups pushed the narrative that the film was “Islamophobic,” a claim that was baseless and misleading, which led Muslim leaders in the state to protest and demand a ban.

In a recent development, Dravidianist Thirumurugan Gandhi, the founder of the May 17 Movement and a known sympathizer of extreme left and separatist ideologies, has made a new, equally unfounded allegation on ‘Amaran’. He objects to the portrayal of Indian Army soldiers shouting “Jai Bajrangbali” without realizing that it is the battle cry used by the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles and the Rajput Regiment military units.

In a recent press conference, Thirumurugan Gandhi, has raised objections and criticized ‘Amaran’ for allegedly depicting the entire Kashmiri population as enemies, which he claimed is a “one-sided” narrative that undermines the rights of the people of Kashmir. He argued that the film reflects a biased political stance and called on the producer and director to answer for the portrayal.

Gandhi also condemned the praise ‘Amaran’ received from Seeman, leader of the Naam Tamilar Katchi, who reportedly invited Yasin Malik, a Kashmiri separatist leader, to speak at his conference. Gandhi criticized this as a glaring contradiction, highlighting Seeman’s controversial stance and questioning the inconsistency in his political actions.

He also criticized the depiction of  Major Mukund Varadarajan, the film’s protagonist, who is shown saying “Jai Bajrangbali” before heading into battle, questioning the relevance of the slogan in the Indian Army. Gandhi contended that the Indian military, which comprises soldiers of various faiths, does not use religious slogans like “Jai Bajrangbali” and suggested that the portrayal in ‘Amaran’ was “anti-military” and “anti-Muslim.”

He questioned, “Before Major Mukund Varadharajan went into battle, he shouted ‘Jai Bajrangbali.’ But I ask, when in the Indian Army have soldiers ever shouted ‘Jai Bajrangbali’? When has this RSS Hindutva slogan ever been used? This is why we’ve been saying for years that Kamal Haasan is  a ‘Sanghi’. He is a person who is repeatedly spewing Islam hate”.

Continuing his criticism, Gandhi accused Kamal Haasan, the part-time politician and full-time actor-producer of ‘Amaran’ of harboring anti-Muslim sentiments. He alleged that Haasan promotes a Hindutva agenda through his films. Gandhi further claimed that Haasan deliberately chooses controversial topics, steering clear of narratives that would resonate with the common people of Tamil Nadu—such as stories highlighting the struggles of ordinary citizens, like the death of a fisherman and the suffering of his widow. Gandhi concluded by accusing Kamal Haasan of making films that inflame caste divisions and stir political controversies, instead of focusing on stories that reflect the real, everyday issues facing Tamil society.

Social media users and netizens have expressed their anger over Thirumurugan Gandhi’s remarks, accusing him of promoting anti-India sentiments and spreading falsehoods about the Indian Army’s war cry being part of a Hindutva agenda. Critics flooded social media with sharp rebukes, educating Gandhi on the true nature of the Indian Army’s battle cries and highlighting the patriotic spirit behind them, urging him to reconsider his statements.

In the Indian Army, each regiment or unit has its own distinctive “war cry”, a phrase or slogan used to inspire and motivate soldiers in battle, boost morale, and reinforce the identity and legacy of the unit. These war cries are often deeply rooted in cultural, religious, or regional traditions, and they reflect the unique history, values, and spirit of the regiment. Below is an explanation of the war cries for various regiments:

  • Gorkha Rifles: “Jai Maa Kali, Ayo Gorkhali” – This war cry combines reverence for the Hindu goddess Kali (symbolizing power and protection) and the pride of the Gorkha people, known for their courage and bravery. “Ayo Gorkhali” means “The Gorkhas are coming,” signaling the arrival of fierce warriors.
  • The Grenadiers: “Sarvada Shaktishali” – This translates to “Always Powerful,” representing the regiment’s unwavering strength and combat readiness.
  • Parachute Regiment: “Balidan Param Dharma” – Meaning “Sacrifice is the Highest Duty,” this reflects the regiment’s elite status and its commitment to selflessness and valor.
  • Rajput Regiment: “Bol Bajrangbali Ki Jai” – “Victory to Lord Bajrangbali,” invoking Lord Hanuman (Bajrangbali), a symbol of strength, devotion, and fearlessness.
  • Rajputana Rifles: “Raja Ram Chandra Ki Jai” – A tribute to Lord Ram, the revered king and hero of the Hindu epic ‘Ramayana’, symbolizing duty, righteousness, and bravery.
  • Dogra Regiment: “Jwala Mata Ki Jai” – This war cry honors Jwala Mata, the goddess of fire, symbolizing fierceness and resilience in battle.
  • J&K Light Infantry: “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” – “Victory to Mother India,” a patriotic slogan evoking love and devotion to the country.
  • J&K Rifles: “Durga Mata Ki Jai” – Acknowledging the power of Goddess Durga, the war cry reflects strength, protection, and divine support in battle.
  • The Garhwal Rifles: “Badri Vishal Ki Jai” – This refers to the Badri Vishal Temple in Uttarakhand, honoring Lord Vishnu. It signifies devotion and courage.
  • The Guards: “Garud Ka Hun Bol Pyaare” – Referring to Garuda, the mythical bird and vehicle of Lord Vishnu, this cry signifies swiftness, power, and the fighting spirit.
  • Jat Regiment: “Jat Balwan, Jai Bhagwan” – “The Jat is strong, Victory to God,” emphasizing the strength and resilience of the Jat community, coupled with divine blessings.
  • Maratha Light Infantry: “Bola Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai” – This war cry pays homage to the legendary Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, symbolizing courage, leadership, and national pride.
  • Mahar Regiment: “Bolo Hindustan Ki Jai” – “Victory to India,” a patriotic cry reflecting devotion to the nation.
  • Naga Regiment: “Jai Durga Naga” – Combining the warrior spirit of the Naga people with reverence for Goddess Durga, symbolizing strength and invincibility.
  • Bihar Regiment: “Jai Bajrang Bali” – Invoking Lord Hanuman, a symbol of unmatched strength, courage, and selfless devotion.
  • Assam Regiment: “Rhino Charge” – The rhinoceros symbolizes power, fearlessness, and toughness, all qualities the Assam Regiment is proud to embody.
  • Kumaon Regiment: “Kalika Mata Ki Jai” – Honoring the Goddess Kali of the Kumaon region, symbolizing strength, protection, and divine power.
  • Madras Regiment: “Veer Madrasi, Adi Kollu, Adi Kollu” – A chant reflecting the bravery of the Tamil people (Madrasi), with “Adi Kollu” symbolizing the call to battle.
  • Mechanised Infantry: “Bolo Bharat Mata Ki Jai” – “Victory to Mother India,” a patriotic cry, reflecting the mechanized unit’s commitment to national defense.
  • Sikh Light Infantry: “Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal” – A Sikh battle cry meaning “Whoever says ‘Sat Sri Akal’ shall be blessed,” signifying the warrior spirit of the Sikh faith, with “Sat Sri Akal” being a greeting meaning “God is the Eternal Truth.”
  • Ladakh Scouts: “Ki Ki So So Lhargyalo” – A traditional Tibetan war cry used by the Ladakh Scouts, reflecting the region’s unique culture and the scouts’ formidable resilience in high-altitude warfare.

Each of these war cries is more than just a slogan; it carries the weight of history, culture, and values, forging a unique identity for the regiments they represent. They are a source of immense pride, symbolizing the collective strength, valor, and determination of the soldiers who serve in these units.

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