I have always admired Cho Ramasamy, the late Editor of
'Thuglak Magazine'. He was a multi talented personality and a role model
for many. He was someone who was clear in his thoughts, his actions and
never compromised in his stand. Cho donned many hats in his life time,
but what made him very popular was his magazine ‘Thuglak’ which was
started in 1970’s. I was introduced to ‘Thuglak’ magazine by my father,
what attracted me was the cartoon on the cover page & since my
childhood I have been a fan of ‘Thuglak'. Unlike other magazine’s
‘Thuglak’ had a very different way of conveying a message on its cover
page. The cover will be filled with satire and the cartoon will sum up
the most complicated issue in simple terms for the reader.
After
becoming a full time journalist I started following Cho Ramasamy
closely and would keep an eye on his take on all major issues. No matter
what...he would say what's honest and on his mind. One may agree with his view or disagree but one cannot ignore
his views completely.
He
was one of the journalists who faced the wrath of Emergency imposed by
Indira Gandhi and several threats to shut down his magazine. Despite
threats he refused to bow down nor change his views. In the end, those
who tormented him always came around and became friends with him. Cho was often outspoken and
had the guts to call a spade a spade...That's what makes Cho Ramasamy
stand apart from the rest.
Recently,
I happened to read 'Thuglak' magazine dated 15-12-1992. This issue was
released just days after the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.
'Thuglak' is known for its cover page cartoon and I have heard that Cho
'blacked out' 'Thuglak' cover page protesting against Emergency and he
repeated the same during 1992, after the demolition of Babri Masjid.
This edition of 'Thuglak' is historic for multiple reasons, despite
being close to BJP, RSS leaders Cho never hesitated to criticise them. I
was surprised after reading his take on Babri Masjid demolition, he
termed Babri Masjid demolition as the most barbarous act.
Since
it's in Tamil, I have tried to translate the article so that the nation
knows - why Cho Ramasamy was one of the greatest journalists of our
times.
ATROCITY IN AYODHYA
"As a practicing Hindu, I too hang my head in shame for this act by Hindu fanatics"
An atrocity has happened in Ayodhya…
BJP,
RSS, VHP, Bajrang Dal and other Sangh Parivar affiliates have
demolished a Mosque. A most barbarous act has been completed in the
name of Kar Seva.
The
assurance of the BJP that the Mosque will be protected has been thrown
to the wind. The written assurance given by the Uttar Pradesh BJP
government before the Supreme Court has been thrown to dustbin. A
senior counsel who appeared on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government
declared before the court “I hang my head in shame”.
Just
for the sake of a few votes in the name of Ram Temple, BJP has done a
huge damage to the nation. Excuses may follow now…RSS members tried to
prevent the Kar sevaks, but they couldn’t. VHP members pleaded, but it
didn’t work. BJP members begged the Kar Sevaks to stop, and they
failed. But these are all just empty words.
Were
these organizations in their sane mind when they gathered this fanatic
crowd? Where did their humanity go while they shouted mindless slogans
to ‘bring down the Mosque?’ Where did their responsibility hide when
they shouted in high pitch that ‘courts have no jurisdiction in Ram
Mandir issue’? These people conveniently shift the responsibility
after actively mobilizing the crowds in thousands in the disputed
site.
As a journalist
who has never seen these Kar Sevaks even once was able to quite easily
sense that there is every possibility of the Mosque will be demolished.
It is unbelievable that the BJP, RSS & VHP outfits which mobilized
the crowd were not aware of the impending danger. Of course they knew.
Their mad obsession for votes made them ignore public interest.
Media
reports say that BJP President LK Advani had instructed the Kar Sevaks
to obstruct the central reserve forces, if they try to intervene. The
BJP, VHP leaders while terming the demolition as ‘unfortunate’ also add
that this is a reflection of pent up emotion of Hindus. Are they trying
to say that when the pent up emotion is released they turn into
barbarians? What sort of nonsense is this? It is unfortunate even after
such a catastrophe no realization has dawned on them.
In
another instance, a BJP MP elected from Delhi told a BBC correspondent
‘We don’t regret demolition of the Babri Masjid. It is a structure of
shame which should have gone long back. A symbol of shame is removed’.
Persons like this should not find a place in parliament.
BJP,
VHP, RSS & Bajrang Dal are collectively responsible for the gory
incident that happened in Ayodhya. Each hit on the demolished Masjid is
a hit on humanity and Hinduism. It would take a very, very long time
for the Hindu religion to come out of this shame. The whole world
would think, India is a country of barbarians. Hindu religion which is
known for its tolerance, open mindedness has been put to shame.
Following
the demolition of the Mosque, violent communal riots have begun in
several parts of the country. Even when the Masjid was brought down,
several Kar Sevaks lost their life in the debris. Some Hindu temples
were attacked and destroyed in Pakistan and Bangladesh. India is
hanging its head in shame before the world community. What is the reply
of the Sangh Parivar affiliates for this humongous shame they have
heaped on us? If the pent up emotion is the reason for demolition of
the Mosque, is it the basis for the communal riots too? The barbaric
mob which demolished the Mosque and the BJP, RSS & VHP leaders have
destroyed India’s pride, prestige and our cherished history in one day.
It
may be true that VP Singh drove BJP towards Mandir politics. But
subsequently, the BJP failed to capitalize every opportunity it was
given to advance alternative politics. But, the party consciously
chose to ignore these opportunities and believed only the Mandir
politics would fetch votes. Due to this avoidable route that the party
adopted, it was forced to become a slave before this fanatic crowd,
which resulted in the Ayodhya fiasco.
Though
I had taken a tough stand against the BJP’s stand on Babri Masjid, I
had continued to appreciate the discipline of the party, and the
integrity of its leaders. I had several times mentioned that the BJP
can become a strong alternate for the ruling Congress. But my belief
in the party’s leadership is shattered today. They have proved that
they only know how to ignite a fire and do not know how to control or
douse the flames. It is the BJP’s responsibility to change this
perception.
In the
Supreme Court, the counsel for Uttar Pradesh government hung his head in
shame. As a practicing Hindu, I too hang my head in shame for this
act by Hindu fanatics. As a Hindu, I extend my whole hearted apologies
to Muslims and minorities for the atrocities committed by Hindu
barbarians.
-Cho
A FEW WORDS TO MUSLIMS…
"It is true that the perpetrators of mosque demolition are Hindus. But it doesn’t mean that the majority Hindus relished and enjoyed the act"
Muslim
citizens should understand one thing. It is a fact that all the
votes of Hindus have not gone to the BJP. Congress, Janta Dal,
Communists and several other parties continue to get Hindu votes. Only a
minority of Hindus continue to fanatically support BJP. If you take
the case of fringe outfits like VHP, Bajrang Dal etc, they have only a
fraction of the support that BJP enjoys. The minorities need not
consider these fringe groups as the representatives of Hindu or leaders
of Hindu religion.
It
should also not be construed that the ‘Trishul’ wielding saints who led
the mob that destructed the Mosque are representative of Hindu religion
or leaders. No one can claim to be a representative of Hindu religion
or leader of it. Several saints, have opened various mutts and
declared themselves as its leaders. It doesn’t mean that the religious
or political leadership of Hindu religion lies with them.
It
is true that the perpetrators of mosque demolition are Hindus. But it
doesn’t mean that the majority Hindus relished and enjoyed the act.
Most of the Hindus are peace loving people. They would like to have a
Ram temple but certainly not by demolishing a mosque.
If
the minority folks think that majority of the Hindus have perpetrated
this act of ravage, that would only help the leadership of Hindu
religion towards this fanatics. There is no doubt that majority of
Hindus would condemn this demolition and curse the perpetrators. But in
this case, the whole country has united in condemning this barbaric
act. Almost all the political parties have condemned it.
It
is understandable that the demolition would be etched as a scar in the
mind of a Muslims. But, Muslims should not use this as a prism to view
because it will help them in any political incident or any other
issues. They should also not resort to violence or riots. Any instance
of violence would only turn into a fodder for Hindu extremists. It
would become a grave threat to the peace and secular fabric of this
country. Minorities should feel safe that the majority of Hindus are
with them and sympathise with them. Hindus also should be gracious
towards minorities.
The
demand of the Muslims that the mosque should be rebuilt on the same
place is understandable. But, such an emotional and hurried demand
would further complicate the issue and would lead to various litigation's
and issues. It would be better for everyone who has stakes to wait
for the Supreme Court verdict in this regard. The coming together of
Hindus and Muslims to resolve this issue together would resurrect
India’s fallen pride.
- Cho
IS PRIME MINISTER RESPONSIBLE?
"The Masjid has been demolished. Peace is being demolished"
The
opposition parties have demanded the resignation of Prime Minister
following the demolition of Babri Masjid. It would not be a surprise,
if such voices are heard in the congress camp as well. Till this
editorial goes to print, there is no clarity on this issue. But let’s
discuss the merits.
The
main argument of the opposition parties is that had the Uttar Pradesh
government had been dismissed earlier, this catastrophe could have been
prevented and hence the Prime Minister is wholly responsible. V P Singh
is in the forefront of such demand. I strongly believe that V P Singh
doesn’t have any moral or political right to make such an argument. By
joining hands with the BJP he tried to grab power. He had indirectly
helped the BJP in increasing its Lok Sabha tally. He formed the
cabinet with the help of BJP. He went to the extent of proclaiming an
amendment for taking possession of the disputed land in Ayodhya just to
please the BJP & VHP. So he dint realize that he was staring at a
huge problem at that time; It is ironic that being the person
responsible for fomenting this problem he is now blaming Narasimma Rao.
Though
we can ignore V P Singh’s demands, there are several others who are
demanding the same. Their main grudge is why the UP government was not
dismissed before. But one should imagine what would have happened, if
the UP government was dismissed. BJP would have become a martyr by
losing a government for Ram Mandir, they would have claimed that just to
appease the Muslims Lord Ram has been insulted by the Anti-Hindu
Central government. The BJP would have given a call for the Hindus to
unite and throw away the anti-Hindu government. Such a narrative would
have been built by the entire Sangh Parivar.
Even
a sizeable number of population would have opposed the dismissal of UP
government. In spite of the repeated assurances of the UP government
and a sworn affidavit before the Supreme Court, why should the UP
government be dismissed would have been the chorus. These barbarians
would have been glorified as saints. Such a scenario would have
resulted in these barbarians poking their nose in every aspects of
administration and wreaked havoc. This is why the Prime Minister
carefully weighed all the options and refrained from dismissing the UP
government.
But, now
everyone would accept that the UP government should go. Now there
would be no hesitation for anyone to condemn the cadres of VHP, RSS
& Bajran Dal as savages. This is an opportune and safe moment for
the minorities and the secular thread for this country.
The
Mosque could have been protected if the UP government was dismissed by
the PM. But the future of the minorities and secularism would have
suffered a huge setback. The delay in dismissal of UP government has
resulted in the demolition of the Masjid, but has saved the future of
minorities. Further, the prime minister would not have imagined in his
wildest dreams that the UP government would go to the extent of
violating the sworn affidavit before the SC and its promises in this
regard. The central reserve forces were ready to be deployed in a
moment’s notice. But, the UP government obstinately refused its
deployment.
By any
stretch, it is not right on the part of opposition parties to shift the
blame for the fiasco from the BJP to Prime Minister.
In
case lets imagine the Prime Minister has resigned. Who will take the
responsibility for the instability that would follow? Even, the congress
party may implode due to its infighting. A minority government might be
formed, and it may have survived for a short time and elections would
have been called for. The country is definitely not in a position to
face polls. While violence and hatred continue to spread, polls should
be the last thought on our mind.
Let’s
all hope for peace to be restored. All the parties should cooperate
with the government in this regard. Problems won’t vanish due to the
resignation of PM. But it may increase, if he resigns.
The
Masjid has been demolished. Peace is being demolished. But there is a
sort of blind hope that things can be managed even now. Opposition
parties should not do anything to damage this hope.
