Karnataka University textbook faces backlash for alleged anti-Hindu narratives and divisive content – Karnataka News

A controversy has erupted in Karnataka’s Dharwad district over a textbook in the first semester syllabus for students of the Karnataka Dharwad University. According to a complaint filed by the Karnataka State Law Students Association, the book ‘Belagu 1’ contains material titled ‘Rastriyathe’ which allegedly promotes views that undermine Indian unity. The complaint alleged that the chapter criticized the Sangh Parivar, the construction of the Ram Mandir and respected figures like Bharat Mata and Bhuvaneshwari Devi.

Allegations have been made against the content of the textbook, claiming that it promotes international hatred and portrays ‘Bharat Mata’ as a deity exclusively for Hindus. The text allegedly uses terms like ‘Sangh Parivar’ in a derogatory manner to criticize the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Senior advocate and public activist Arun Joshi intervened in the case, writing to the university vice-chancellor Dr. K. B. Gudasi and Governor Taavarchand Gelot. In his letter, Joshi demanded the immediate cancellation of the controversial program, warning of legal action if the authorities did not take appropriate action.

RIVAL POINTS

The letter states that “the fourth chapter entitled ‘Rastriyatheya Aacharaneya Sutta’ written by Ramalingappa T. Begurom, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Kannada first semester textbook titled ‘Belagu’ contains ‘anti-national’ aspects.

According to Joshi, several areas in the chapter were “anti-national”. The complaint, signed by the association’s state president Manjunath Hongalad, said the Belagu anthology had “unconstitutional, anti-Indian, anti-national, anti-Hindu” content that pushed the “agenda of the Communist Congress”.

The first disturbing chapter, Bharatambeya Kalpane (Concept of Bharat Mata), allegedly depicted Bharat Mata as a Hindu deity to the exclusion of other communities “particularly Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, Gollas, Holeyas etc.”

“This section also tries to push the idea that Bharat Mata is representative of only one community while ignoring others. Therefore, he assumes that others who chant Bharat Mata Ki Jai are defeatists,” the complaint said.

PORTIONS UNDER ATTENTION

The second controversial aspect was part of the chapter “Imaginary faces of nationalism – myths of uniformity”. According to Joshi, this section presents Bharat Mata as “a symbol of a single goddess, and this is projected as an anathema to the idea of ​​plurality”.

He said that this links it to the idea of ​​a single national culture, which he believes leads to the concept of a single national religion and language. This uniformity, he argues, marginalizes diverse communities and promotes the idea that the majority should dominate.

In addition, he said, the chapter suggested that current nationalism is rooted in Hinduism, with the majority middle class allegedly depriving minorities of their place in society. Joshi noted that the chapter even questions the logic of portraying violence by the Hindu majority as a duty to protect religion, while violence by minorities is labeled as terrorism or anti-nationalism.

In a section titled “Feelings of Alienation”, the textbook was accused of suggesting that Muslims feel a collective sense of alienation and that Hinduism is absorbing other religions such as Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism. The text purports to say that Islam has been rejected simply because it claims a separate identity.

Finally, the Nationalism – Chauvinism section criticizes India’s achievements, including becoming a nuclear power and launching missions such as Chandrayaan, as symbols of chauvinism and aggressive nationalism. Joshi questions the usefulness of such national projects, suggesting that they divert attention from pressing problems such as poverty, hunger, unemployment, illiteracy and farmer suicides.

REACTION OF THE OPPOSITION

Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy also spoke on the issue. He condemned the curriculum for allegedly promoting anti-Hindu narratives. He stated, “Congress says they follow Gandhian principles and they have declared themselves Hindus, but look at the double standards. They are distributing textbooks which are against Hindu sentiments and Hindu dignity and are trying to mislead the public. The textbook must be withdrawn from circulation.”

With the help of Nagarjuna Dvarakanath