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Brahminical and upper
caste values are deeply imbeded in our ruling elite. In a high profile seminar
in Delhi the revisionist CPI/CPM and the Congress (I) made a big show of
opposing saffronisation of education. But hardly was this seminar over that
discordant notes began to appear from both.
The chief ministers
of MP and Kerala came out openly stating that astrology should be introduced as
a subject. Digvijay Singh even out did the saffron brigade saying it should be
called a "science of astronomy." No wonder he got applause from Sushma
Swaraj. Even Party spokeperson, Anand Sharma has softened his position saying he
has no objection to it being introduced as an optional subject, but not as part
of the curriculum!! So, in his view, it can be a subject that can be taught. A
number of Universities from Madhya Pradesh have already applied for introducing
vedic astrology.
In West Bengal, the
VC of the Rabindra Bharti University has applied to the UGC for permission to
start vedic astrology for his students. The VC, one Subankar Chakrovarty is a
CPI(M) card holder who, in the past, has defeated Mamta Banerjee.
Various so-called
liberals, like Swami Agnivesh, have also come out in support of vedic astrology.
With such ‘secular’
and ‘liberal’ opinions within the country, there is little wonder that the Sangh
Pariwar has had an easy time in its saffronisation programme. In a country like
India any democrat, let alone socialist, must take a firm stand not only against
repression, imperialism but also the numerous feudal value, many of which get
religious sanction. Particularly they must be thorough in opposing all forms of
communalism and casteism. Any wishy-washy stand on this, will only be food to
the Hindutva brigade.
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