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23 August 2024 at 9:59:04 pm

Liberal Hypocrisy

A revealing test of liberalism is whether it can condemn an idea when it comes from someone it considers politically useful. A recent interview given by controversial former student activist Sharjeel Imam to a supposedly progressive portal has put sections of India’s self-proclaimed liberal establishment in a right quandary. In his interview, Imam outrageously questioned the democratic framework as a means of securing Muslim political rights, portrayed secularism as a majoritarian stratagem...

Liberal Hypocrisy

A revealing test of liberalism is whether it can condemn an idea when it comes from someone it considers politically useful. A recent interview given by controversial former student activist Sharjeel Imam to a supposedly progressive portal has put sections of India’s self-proclaimed liberal establishment in a right quandary. In his interview, Imam outrageously questioned the democratic framework as a means of securing Muslim political rights, portrayed secularism as a majoritarian stratagem and challenged the idea of a unified Indian nation while going so far as to label the Constitution a trap and denouncing parliamentary democracy itself The point is not what Imam believes; radical fundamentalism has always worn its extremism on its sleeve. The real issue is why his pronouncements have not provoked the kind of hysterical moral outrage routinely directed at Hindu nationalism. Imam, who became a prominent face of the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests of 2019–20, faces serious charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the Delhi riots conspiracy case and remains in judicial custody without conviction. The point is why are the voices, that routinely lecture the country on secularism, pluralism and constitutional morality, so conspicuously silent after Imam’s brazen statements. Figures like Imam have never existed in an ideological vacuum. Sections of the activist, academic and media elite gave the anti-CAA movement considerable moral and political support, and some commentators treated its more radical voices primarily through the prism of resistance to the Modi government, while wilfully sanitizing bigotry as 'dissent' and dressing up open sedition as mere political grievance When Hindu nationalist figures speak, their statements are meticulously dissected, parsed, and condemned for their threat to minority rights and secularism. Yet, when comparable or worse challenges to national cohesion, territorial integrity, and democratic principles emanate from minority or Islamist quarters, the same commentators suddenly discover the virtues of nuance, context and restraint. They retreat into a cowardly fence-sitting, desperate to avoid alienating a vocal constituency in their anti-regime coalition. Anything less than equal scrutiny turns universal principles into mere instruments of partisan convenience. This reveals a deeper, more embarrassing pathology among sections of the liberal establishment to conflate opposition to the government with absolute moral virtue. It exposes an unseemly willingness to forge Faustian bargains with extremist elements, operating on the crude and dangerous logic that the enemy of my enemy must be my ideological ally. An individual does not become a defender of democracy merely by opposing Narendra Modi, just as criticism of Islamist politics does not automatically make someone a Hindu nationalist. Ideological arguments must be judged by consistent standards rather than convenient labels. Liberalism that cannot confront illiberalism among its own ideological fellow-travellers is not principled liberalism. It then devolves into mere partisan hypocrisy and a hollow exercise in selective outrage that ultimately destroys the very democratic values it claims to defend.

Sanskrit’s Enduring Legacy

Subhash Kaushik and Kishore Paknikar
Aug 21, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

Sanskrit’s Enduring Legacy

Sanskrit, an ancient language with profound cultural and intellectual significance, is often hailed as the “mother of all languages.” Its influence extends beyond its historical context, impacting many modern languages and fields of study. Among its contributions are the well-known Indian phrase, Atithi Devo Bhava, (The guest is God) and Karma, a globally recognised concept referring to the idea that a person’s actions directly influence their future experiences. Both terms originate from the Sanskrit language.

With a rich literary heritage that includes the Vedas, Upanishads, and epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, Sanskrit has significantly influenced modern languages, particularly those in the Indo-European family. Its precise grammar and extensive vocabulary have made it a subject of study for centuries, and its mathematical structure even draws parallels with modern computer programming.

While there are no native speakers of Sanskrit today, it remains a revered ceremonial and ritual language in Hindu and Buddhist hymns and chants. Beyond its literary and religious significance, Sanskrit embodies a vast repository of knowledge in various fields, including science, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and art. Its systematic approach to language has contributed to our understanding of various disciplines, reflecting its timeless relevance.

Organisations like Samskrita Bharati actively preserved and promoted this rich heritage. For over 43 years, Samskrita Bharati has played a pivotal role in teaching and revitalising Sanskrit, both within India and globally. Known for its unique direct method of instruction—teaching Sanskrit without translation—the organisation’s flagship program is a popular ten-day free conversation camp that has been running for decades.

Participants can advance their studies through classroom or distance education programs like Geetakendram and Patradwara Samskritam. For children, Samskrita Bharati offers structured programs such as Balkendram (fun learning) and Devavaani (textbook-based curriculum). Learning Sanskrit also helps improve proficiency in regional languages like Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati.

`With over 4,000 locations in India and 25 countries globally, Samskrita Bharati engages with influential figures through initiatives like the “Sampark Saptaah” campaign. The organisation arranges conferences every three years and celebrates Samskrit Day on the full moon of the Shravan month. This year, Samskrit Day is on August 19, 2024, and will be observed as part of Samskrit Week from August 16 to 22, 2024.

As we look forward to events like Samskrit Week, we are reminded of the enduring power of this ancient language to inspire, connect, and unify us across cultures and time. Its legacy not only bridges the past with the present but also offers a timeless source of wisdom and cultural continuity.

(The writer is an official of Sanskrit Bharti. Views personal.)

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