During a school programme in Ernakulam on 21 July 2023 AN Shamseer, the Speaker of the Kerala Assembly, emphasised the promotion of science in the education sector over what he calls “myths”. He was responding to a question regarding the inventor of airplanes.
In his response, AN Shamseer stated that, according to his understanding, the Wright brothers were the inventors of the airplane. However, he also added that for those who adhere to Hindutva ideology, the first airplane is believed to be the Pushpak Vimana, a flying chariot mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana. He also mentioned that Hindutva ideologues promote the idea that Lord Ganesha acquired his elephant face through plastic surgery, which he dismissed as a myth. “They are promoting such myths in place of science,” said the Speaker.
Subsequently, a complaint was lodged by the BJP Thiruvananthapuram district Vice President, accusing AN Shamseer of insulting Hindu beliefs under the pretext of promoting “rational thinking”. The complainant emphasized that Shamseer’s remarks should be treated with gravity, as they were made in the presence of school children.
The complaint further asserted that cases should be filed under IPC section 153 (a), which pertains to promoting enmity between different religious groups, and section 295 (a), which addresses the act of insulting religious beliefs or religion.
In response to the incident, the Nair Service Society (NSS) announced its decision to observe Faith Preservation Day on 2 August 2023. The NSS strongly expressed its protest against Shamseer’s statements, urging the government to take decisive action and issue a sincere apology, retracting the remarks instead of downplaying the matter.
The programme for Faith Preservation Day required all NSS workers to visit the nearest Ganesha temple and present offerings as a symbolic gesture of preserving and honoring their faith.“Any behaviour that fosters religious rivalry is unacceptable. In this case, it is not right for him to continue in the post of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. What should be done is that he should retract his statements and apologise to believers for hurting the religious sentiments. Otherwise, the state government is liable to take action against the Speaker,” Sukumaran was quoted as saying.
Previously, members of the Nair community staged a protest, and NSS General Secretary G. Sukumaran Nair participated in rituals at Vazhapally Temple in Kottayam. The NSS also declared plans for a march from Palayam Ganapathy Temple to Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple as part of their demonstration.
Speaking to reporters, Sukumaran Nair, when asked about the controversial remarks of Shamseer, replied, “That is foolish, who found out about it? These people say that if you go to heaven there are houries, who went to heaven and returned to tell them that there are houries in heaven? So commenting on that has no meaning.”
“People of the Hindu faith have lived in harmony with other religions in Kerala. When a person belonging to another community criticises our community, we cannot sit back. We will work against this with RSS and BJP if the need arises. This is about our belief system,” he said.
Sukumaran Nair also said anti-Hindu views are behind Shamseer’s remark. He warned that if Hindus are mocked, there will be harsh responses. Shamseer should apologise for his remark. “Faith is more important than science”, he said.
Other Hindu organizations like Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, Dheevara Sabha, and Yogakshema Sabha have condemned the remarks of Shamseer.
On August 2, 2023, Kerala Assembly Speaker AN Shamseer clarified that his comments on Hindu myths were not intended to target believers. “The Indian Constitution grants the right to believe and promote any religion. It also emphasises the duty of citizens to promote scientific temper. As someone holding a constitutional position, I simply echoed what the Constitution advocates. How can that be deemed a crime?” asked Shamseer during a press conference. He also added that “No one has the right to question my secular credentials”.
(With inputs from OnManorama & Mathrubhumi)
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“Who Found There Are Houries In Heaven? Did Anyone Go To Heaven & Return?” Asks Nair Service Society Chief Following Kerala Speaker Shamseer’s Remarks On Hinduism
During a school programme in Ernakulam on 21 July 2023 AN Shamseer, the Speaker of the Kerala Assembly, emphasised the promotion of science in the education sector over what he calls “myths”. He was responding to a question regarding the inventor of airplanes.
In his response, AN Shamseer stated that, according to his understanding, the Wright brothers were the inventors of the airplane. However, he also added that for those who adhere to Hindutva ideology, the first airplane is believed to be the Pushpak Vimana, a flying chariot mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana. He also mentioned that Hindutva ideologues promote the idea that Lord Ganesha acquired his elephant face through plastic surgery, which he dismissed as a myth. “They are promoting such myths in place of science,” said the Speaker.
Subsequently, a complaint was lodged by the BJP Thiruvananthapuram district Vice President, accusing AN Shamseer of insulting Hindu beliefs under the pretext of promoting “rational thinking”. The complainant emphasized that Shamseer’s remarks should be treated with gravity, as they were made in the presence of school children.
The complaint further asserted that cases should be filed under IPC section 153 (a), which pertains to promoting enmity between different religious groups, and section 295 (a), which addresses the act of insulting religious beliefs or religion.
In response to the incident, the Nair Service Society (NSS) announced its decision to observe Faith Preservation Day on 2 August 2023. The NSS strongly expressed its protest against Shamseer’s statements, urging the government to take decisive action and issue a sincere apology, retracting the remarks instead of downplaying the matter.
The programme for Faith Preservation Day required all NSS workers to visit the nearest Ganesha temple and present offerings as a symbolic gesture of preserving and honoring their faith.“Any behaviour that fosters religious rivalry is unacceptable. In this case, it is not right for him to continue in the post of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. What should be done is that he should retract his statements and apologise to believers for hurting the religious sentiments. Otherwise, the state government is liable to take action against the Speaker,” Sukumaran was quoted as saying.
Previously, members of the Nair community staged a protest, and NSS General Secretary G. Sukumaran Nair participated in rituals at Vazhapally Temple in Kottayam. The NSS also declared plans for a march from Palayam Ganapathy Temple to Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple as part of their demonstration.
Speaking to reporters, Sukumaran Nair, when asked about the controversial remarks of Shamseer, replied, “That is foolish, who found out about it? These people say that if you go to heaven there are houries, who went to heaven and returned to tell them that there are houries in heaven? So commenting on that has no meaning.”
“People of the Hindu faith have lived in harmony with other religions in Kerala. When a person belonging to another community criticises our community, we cannot sit back. We will work against this with RSS and BJP if the need arises. This is about our belief system,” he said.
Sukumaran Nair also said anti-Hindu views are behind Shamseer’s remark. He warned that if Hindus are mocked, there will be harsh responses. Shamseer should apologise for his remark. “Faith is more important than science”, he said.
Other Hindu organizations like Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, Dheevara Sabha, and Yogakshema Sabha have condemned the remarks of Shamseer.
On August 2, 2023, Kerala Assembly Speaker AN Shamseer clarified that his comments on Hindu myths were not intended to target believers. “The Indian Constitution grants the right to believe and promote any religion. It also emphasises the duty of citizens to promote scientific temper. As someone holding a constitutional position, I simply echoed what the Constitution advocates. How can that be deemed a crime?” asked Shamseer during a press conference. He also added that “No one has the right to question my secular credentials”.
(With inputs from OnManorama & Mathrubhumi)
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