The history of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its role in 'nation-building' have been included in the syllabus of a university based in Nagpur, where the Sangh has its headquarters.
The Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University has included ‘Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Role in Nation building’ in the syllabus for the second year BA (History) course.
While the third section of the syllabus mentions the role of RSS in nation-building, the first section speaks about the establishment of the Indian National Congress. The second section dwells on popular movements including the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement.
Notably, the topic on the RSS and its role has replaced one on ‘Rise and Growth of Communalism’ that was part of the old syllabus.
WHAT THE UNIVERSITY IS SAYING
Speaking on the syllabus change, Vice-Chancellor Siddharth Kane told The Indian Express, “RSS history is part of Masters course since 2003. From this year, it has been included in the Bachelor course.”
Meanwhile, Satish Chafle, a member of the Board of Studies of the University told PTI, “This year, we have introduced the contribution of the RSS in the nation building for the students of history so that they can know about new trends that take place in history. New trends like Marxism, new Marxism or new modernism have become a part of history as new trends [sic].”
Justifying the move, Chafle said rewriting of history brings new facts before the society.
"Nationalist schools of thought (including leaders like) Lokmanya Tilak is also part of the Indian history. Similarly, history of the Sangh is a part of the nationalist school. Hence, introduction to RSS was included in the course," he was quoted by PTI as saying.
On being questioned why the part on communalism was done away with, Shyam Koreti, chairperson of History Board of Studies was quoted by The Indian Express as saying, “Why should we drive a wedge in the society now?”
WHO HAS SLAMMED THE MOVE?
The change in syllabus has led to a protest from the Congress, with its student wing National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) meeting the Vice-Chancellor and threatening to launch an agitation.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant tweeted:
Maharashtra's former chief minister and president of the Congress state unit Ashok Chavan said the RSS’ ‘opposition’ to the 1942 Quit India Movement, the Constitution and National Flag should also feature in the syllabus.
"We demand that RSS’ protest to Chale Jao andolan (Quit India Movement) in 1942, Indian Constitution and the National Flag should also be told to students," he tweeted.
(With inputs from PTI and The Indian Express)
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