Thread by @piebyfour

#Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on the Ideology of Hindutva

Netaji severely criticized the slogan of ‘Hindu Rashtra’ and said: ‘‘There can be no bigger a lie than saying that the interests of the Hindus and the Muslims are different.

Those who say that the interests of the Hindus and Muslims are not the same actually do not speak the truth.’’

(Address at Rajsahi, 13 April 1928)

‘‘Like all other religions Islam has also a place in India. It is necessary to be acquainted with the traditions, ideals and history of each religion, because mutual cultural familiarity paves the way for communal peace and unity. …

Religious orthodoxy is a serious obstacle to cultural association, and there is no better remedy than secular, scientific education.’’ (ibid) He also pointed out that ‘‘…in the situation today, it may seem impossible … to uproot the cancer of communalism.

But the task will become much easier if we can develop a revolutionary mentality covering the entire nation. … In the freedom struggle when the people become comrade-in-arms of one another, their life will be kindled with a new inspiration for one common goal,

and together with this will develop a new approach, a new vista will be opened up, and a new vision will unfold. When this revolution happens, the Indian people will be transformed to a new type of people.’’

(Speech at Maharashtra Provincial Conference, 03 May, 1928)

Hence Netaji’s views were diametrically opposite to what RSS-Hindu Mahasabha had propagated.