Hindu groups condemn exclusion of stalwarts in history textbooks

PUNE: Threatening to intensify their protest if the names of Dadaji Konddeo, Madan Mohan Malaviya and Keshav Baliram Hedgewar are not included in the revised history textbooks again, several organizations on Friday, including Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Hindu Mahashaba and Samasta Hindu Aghadi – said that they will not deter from going to the court if the need arises.

They condemned the omission of names of Shivaji Maharaj’s mentor and of the founders of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangha and Banaras Hindu University from the revised history textbooks of standard VIII and IV in all state-run and aided schools.

These organisations have demanded a clarification for “the need for these changes in the textbooks” and demanded the continued use of old books. They added that the government should dissolve the textbook committee responsible for these changes.

“We will write to the state government to immediately include the now-omitted names and references in the history textbooks of standards VIII and IV. We will further intensify our agitation if the government fails to take action,” said Sunil Ghanwat of the Hindu Janjagruti Samiti. He added that the government should publicly display the references used to make these alterations in the text.

The organisations have organised a morcha to protest against the government’s move on June 15 at the office of the district collectorate.

Himani Savarkar of the Hindu Mahasabha said that the government’s decision (to omit these references) was taken on the behest of certain anti-social elements. “We will not tolerate any false projection of our history,” she said, adding, “There is ample evidence to prove that Dadaji Konddeo was Shivaji Maharaj’s mentor and imparted vital lessons in warfare to Shivaji during his childhood.”

Savarkar said that the Mahasabha will not hesitate in going to the court for justice. “The omissions indicate towards active and strong caste politics being played in the state,” she added.

Milind Ekbote of Samasta Hindu Aghadi, Raj Yadav of Mard Maratha Sena and Parashar Mone of Shri Shivpratishthan Hindusthan were also present at the press conference.

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