K.V Seetharamaiah
Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021 goes to Gita Press. Gita Press, world’s largest publisher of Sanatan religious texts, is going to accept the honour without prize money of Rs. 1 crore. For Gita Press, it is journey from 1923 to 2023 marking the completion of 100 years in existence. Lal Mani Tripathi, Gita Press Manager has clarified that it is the principle of Trustee Board not to accept any kind of donation. Foregoing the prize money of 1 crore rupees sticking on to the principles of not accepting free money in any form from any source is a rare example.
The award is said to include a plaque and traditional handicraft/handloom item. The outstanding contribution of Press towards social, economic and political transformation of the country through non-violent and other Gandhian methods has been recognized.
Established on April 29, 1923, the Press is said to have published over 93 crore books with a plan to publish 1800 types in 15 languages.
Gita Press is associated with India’s culure, ethos and Hindu belief. It is unfortunate that the award given to Gita Press has been likened by Jairam Ramesh to award given to Godse and Savarkar.
The comparison would have substance if Godse had been given any award. It is preposterous to drag the names of Godse and Savarkar here. Since he has unnecessarily dragged their names, it is necessary to throw some light on Godse and Savarkar. Godse was villain in the eyes of law since he took law into hands. But his patriotism towards the nation is unquestionable. In recognition of the services of Vir Savarkar, Raja Mahendra Pratap had moved a bill in Lok Sabha on 22/11/1957. The Bill was defeated with 48 votes favouring and 75 against it. Jairam Ramesh misses the point that a stamp was issued in honour of Savarkar when Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister.
Is it a veiled admission by Jairam Ramesh that the tall leader of Congress committed a heinous crime in honouring Savarkar with stamp issued? He needs to make his stand clear with regard to his opinion on Indira Gandhi honouring Savarkar.
The heart of some Congress stalwarts burns when anything associated with Sanatan Dharma is honoured. But they maintain loud silence when Arundhati Roy says “Islamic terrorists are not a problem. Real terrorists are teachers and mothers”.
They are also silent when PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti said “Terrorists are sons of soil”. Rahul Gandhi has great respects towards Masood, a designated global terrorist, when he called him “Masood Azharji” and Digvijay Singh has not fallen behind Rahul Gandhi to call Hafeez with respect as “Hafeez Sabji”.
Muslim League has been called “secular” by Congress. By opposing the honour to Gita Press, Jairam Ramesh has made an issue out of non-issue. Gita Press has not gone after money. At least this must have been taken note of.