The Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association organized the “Eradicate Sanatanam Conclave” at Kamarajar Chennai on 2 September 2023, akin to the anti-Hindu Dismantling Global Hindutva conference that was held in 2021. This conference, which openly discusses the destruction of Hindu Dharma, has raised serious questions about the political climate in the state.
Thol. Thirumavalavan of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), a party belonging to the I.N.D.I. Alliance, who participated in the conclave made objectionable remarks against Sanatana Dharma aka Hinduism.
Thirumavalavan said, “Credits should be given to the Progressive Writers Association for conducting the ‘Abolish Sanatanam Conclave’ amid the crisis. It is only in Tamil Nadu that conferences like this are held in India and fascists are challenged. It is the specialty and pride of Tamil Nadu. It is rare that such strong voices against Sanatanam arise anywhere else in India except Tamil Nadu.”
He added, “Sanatanam signifies permanence, suggesting that it lacks a commencement or conclusion, birth or demise. It’s often referred to as eternal. This is its literal interpretation. However, permanence goes against the natural order of things. In nature, everything is susceptible to change, and nothing remains constant. Therefore, Sanatanam contradicts the principles of nature. It can be summarized in one simple statement: ‘Inequality based on birth is enduring.’ This enduring inequality is what constitutes Sanatana Dharma. Sanatanam opposes the concept of social equality, and it is incumbent upon us to challenge this ideology.”
He stated, “Communism stands in opposition to Sanatanam. An understanding of Communism can shed light on the concept of Sanatanam. Anything that contradicts Communism can be considered as Sanatanam. Communism rejects the exploitation of labor, the concentration of power, hegemony, and oppression. Conversely, Sanatana Dharma encompasses these elements. While we often associate Sanatanam with Brahminism, it fundamentally encompasses the exploitation of labor, the concentration of power, hegemony, and oppression. Presently, it is the Brahmins who predominantly embody this Sanatanam. Therefore, we commonly refer to Sanatanam as Paarpaniyam. It is rare to hear Brahmins themselves describe their ideology as Paarpaniyam or Brahminism. Instead, it is we who assign them this label. The credit for this identification of Paarpaniyam or Brahminism goes to Ambedkar and Periyar.”
He continued by stating, “Paarpaniyam (Brahminism), Hindutva, and Hinduism are distinct concepts; they are not synonymous but share connections. They all fall under a common framework. Sanatanam forms the core of Hinduism, which involves the belief in deities like Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Murugan, and Parvathi, and the narratives associated with them as found in Puranas and Ithihasas. Hindutva, however, stands apart from Hinduism. Hinduism serves as a tool employed by Brahmins, the BJP, or Sangh Parivars to further their agendas. It is a political ideology they have crafted to advance their objectives. Hindutva does not concern itself with deities like Shiva or Vishnu; instead, it is the political agenda of Sangh Parivars that leverages Hinduism for political gain. It is founded on Hindu majoritarianism and stands in opposition to secularism, advocating for the declaration of contemporary India as a Hindu Rashtra. This stance is contrary to the principles of the Constitution. It’s important to note that the average Hindu devotee does not engage in the destruction of religious texts or places of worship, be it the Bible or a Mosque. These actions are attributed to the Sangh Parivar and their promotion of Hindutva.”
Thiruma elaborated, stating, “Throughout his lifetime, Gandhi frequently invoked the phrase ‘Hare Ram’ and adhered to Hinduism. However, it was Nathuram Godse and his adherents, who subscribed to Hindutva, that perpetrated his assassination. Remarkably, Godse targeted Gandhi, a believer in secularism, despite his Hindu faith, rather than Periyar and Ambedkar, who openly critiqued Hinduism. Had Gandhi aspired for India to become a Hindu Rashtra, it would have been impossible for Nehru to act counter to his wishes. Nehru would have unquestionably complied had Gandhi expressed such a desire. However, Gandhi did not make such a request. Despite differing viewpoints among the leaders of the independence movement, it was the principle of secularism that united them.”
The I.N.D.I. Alliance MP remarked, “Despite the widespread opposition to the Emergency declared by Indira Gandhi, she made a significant contribution by enshrining secularism in India’s constitution. This is why we extend our support to the Congress party. Rahul Gandhi, much like Nehru and Indira Gandhi, upholds the principle of secularism, which aligns with our values. When India officially declared itself a democratic republic, it faced resistance from organizations like the RSS. Their opposition stemmed from the fact that the Indian constitution champions ideals such as social justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity. Because these values contradicted their beliefs, they opposed the Indian constitution. This ideology is reminiscent of Sanatana Dharma, also known as Manusmriti, authored by Manu. Manusmriti perpetuates the caste system, prescribing distinct roles for each varna. It creates a hierarchical division and relegates women to a lower status, classifying them as ‘Shudra.’ Consequently, women were denied various rights, including access to education, property rights, freedom of expression, among others. This ideology is an intrinsic part of the Vedic religion established by the Aryans, setting it apart from Hinduism.”
Alluding indirectly to the Brahmin community, the I.N.D.I. Alliance MP commented, “It is this particular ideology, Sanatana Dharma, that has enabled a certain community (Brahmins) to enjoy a lifestyle of consuming ghee and lentils without engaging in labor for countless centuries. Even individuals who undertake challenging occupations like cattle or goat herding cannot afford a single meal with ghee and lentils. The Brahmins have established a societal framework that has allowed them to sustain a diet of ghee and lentils for millennia without engaging in manual labor.”
He further said that Sudhras have had animosity towards Brahmins for a long time and that the OBCs in India are looking at Sudhras as their enemies instead of Brahmins who are their real enemies. He added, “When OBC turns against Brahminism and Aryans, Sanathana Dharma will be destroyed. SC/ST have never taken lands or properties or rights of OBCs. But OBCs see Sudhras as their enemies. This is the victory of Sanatana Dharma. We have to work against this psychology. Sanatana Dharma can be destroyed when we turn OBC against FC (Forward Caste).”
தமிழ்நாடு முற்போக்கு எழுத்தாளர் கலைஞர்கள் சங்கத்தின் சார்பில் நடைபெற்ற #சனாதன ஒழிப்பு மாநாட்டில் கலந்துகொண்டு உரையாற்றினேன். pic.twitter.com/LW6cfV8X9s
— Thol. Thirumavalavan (@thirumaofficial) September 2, 2023
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