Nagpur University saffronises history: RSS’ role in communalism replaced with role in “nation building”

In a clear attempt to distort history of India’s freedom struggle, the Nagpur University administration – apparently under the influence of BJP and its parent organisation, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) – has decided to teach RSS’ role in “nation building” by revising the second-year BA History syllabus.

As per the new syllabus, the University administration has introduced a chapter on RSS’ role in “nation building” in the fourth semester of the second-year BA History syllabus.

Earlier, the syllabus had a chapter on the “rise and growth of communalism in India” discussing the role of RSS, Hindu Mahasabha and Muslim league. After the revision, this chapter had been removed.

Nagpur based social activist, Mohnish Jabalpure and the student wing of the Congress party, NSUI have demanded deletion of the new chapter. However, according to sources, the University administration has refused to do so.

When contacted by the media, Vice Chancellor of the University, Siddarth Kane defended his decision saying that the history of the RSS is part of MA History syllabus from 2003. “This year it has been introduced in the BA (graduation) course,” he said.

Jabalpure has written a letter to the administration, highlighting “anti-India, anti-Constitution” work and activities of the RSS.

He wrote, “RSS has no contribution in India’s freedom struggle. Its leader M S Golwalkar has opposed India’s national flag and idea of revolution envisaged by Bhagat Singh…RSS runs thousands of Sakhas all over the India without any permission.”

RSS watchers believe that the introduction of a new chapter on RSS must be seen in the context of saffronisation of Indian history.

Meanwhile, NSUI has threatened to launch a protest, if University administration does not delete the chapter from the History book.

Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ashok Chavan trained his gun on RSS and said that students should also be taught how RSS opposed Quit India movement in 1942, Indian Constitution and Indian flag.