In an event held on November 24, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi head Thol. Thirumavalavan called Ramayana and Mahabharat as the root cause of all violence. Thirumavalavan was speaking at the launch of the book titled “BJP’s education policy to destroy Tamil history” written by one Karunanadhan and published by ‘Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam’.
In his speech he questioned the idea of Bharat as one nation. He speculated that Dr. Ambedkar would’ve inserted ‘Bharat’ due to pressure from ‘Hindutva’ forces of that time and went on to claim that Ambedkar doesn’t agree Ramayana and Mahabharata. He said that across India people have names relating to the Ramayana and Mahabharata and added that these two epics have been dominating the lives of people for so many years and still continue to do so.
“Where does this idea of Bharat/Bharatam come from?.. The Constitution written by Ambedkar starts with the line ‘India, that is Bharat’.. He could’ve used any one name. If he has used, both the names then it means that he was under pressure. It is getting finalized only after debate. He could’ve just mentioned India. ‘Hindutva extremist forces’ may have coerced him to write Bharat. Ambedkar would’ve agreed to them and made it ‘India that is Bharat’. I am just speculating this.’, he said adding that Ambedkar doesn’t believe in ‘Bharatam’ and Ramayanam.
Adding further he said “His name may have connections with Ramayana and Mahabharatam. His brother’s name is Balaraman. Even his own name is Bhimarao, based on the character of Bhima from Mahabharatam. Ramabai, Ramji Sakpal (Ambedkar’s father). Across India, we have people bearing names associated with the Ramayanam and Mahabharatam. My own father’s name is Ramasamy. I changed it to Tholkappiyan. Periyar’s name is Ramasamy.”
He also took a jibe at the Vanniyar community saying “There are so many names associated with the Ramayanam and Mahabharatam. The group of people who are claiming they were born from the Agni Satti (sacred motif of Vanniyars), their story is also from the Mahabharatam. Draupadi comes from the yagna.”.
“Look how much it has been dominating us. This Ramayanam and Mahabharatam are still having their grip over India and dominating. Just two epics. It remains the central element for history, politics, culture. It remains the base for all violence.” , Thirumavalavan said.
He also goes on to spread canards about the new National Education Policy saying that it would eliminate pluralism and diversity. He said that the BJP is trying to inculcate the feeling of One India and One Nation inside the classrooms through the new National Education Policy.
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