Some quiet churning is happening in Tamilnadu over the Vishwaroopam controversy. We are witnessing some peculiar change of roles in the last few days. The until now die-hard supporters of Muslims have demonstrated to their Muslim friends that when it comes to their money, they would not mind to let them down; the Tamil people have demonstrated that their craze for cinema and matinee idols had not diminished a bit ever since DMK started nurturing it 40 years ago; Jayalalithaa is determined to see that she pulls out the Muslims completely from the DMK and make them loyal to her, but how Muslims of Tamilnadu are going to behave is something we must watch out.
At the outset I would say that the Tamil Muslims must have been genuinely aggrieved at the impact created in the film that their Holy book preaches them to go on war. Some people may not agree with me if I quote in this context the banning of Bhagawad Gita in Russia on the pretext that it instigates one to go on war. Gita was preached with the intention to make Arjuna to war with his own relatives. But that intention was no longer valid after the Mahabharata war was over. We don't look at that intention but look at the core preaching as a way to fight in the battlefield of samsara and against one's own innate nature that stifles our spiritual growth.
In the case of Islam, the jihadi elements in Koran are no longer valid in the present world is what we and Muslims must understand. That realization has not yet set within the Muslim community, with the effect that Islamic militancy fed by the jihadi indoctrination has become a challenge globally. Kamal Hassan has chosen to showcase it in his movie to an extent to make it realistic and appealing to his Western audience. In the process he has failed to foresee how this would be taken by the Muslims in his home land, whom he had previously petted well, against all sensibilities of nation's welfare.
A precedence has already been created by Harmony India with which Kamal Hassan is associated, when it stopped the exhibition of the paintings of atrocities of Aurangzeb titled "Aurangzeb – As he was" in Lalit Kala Academy in March 2008. None of the Muslim organizations which are now in the forefront of the protest against Vishwaroopam were even aware of that exhibition, but when the Prince of Arcot visited that exhibition, he grew angry for showing Aurangzeb in poor light and brought in these Muslim Organisations to protest. He, on his part used his clout with Karunanidhi, the then Chief Minister of Tamilnadu to stop that exhibition. (Read:- http://francoisgautier.wordpress.com/category/aurangzeb-exhibition-chennai/ )
The atrocities of Aurangzeb were real and part of history. He was an invader who subjugated our nation. The paintings on show were not newly made ones, but taken from the old historical chronicles. The same exhibition was held in other metros before coming to Chennai, but no one protested in those places. But Harmony India which Kamal Hassan spoke about to express his solidarity with Muslims in the wake of Vishwaroopam controversy, was responsible for closing that exhibition. If that was not cultural terrorism, how can Kamal term the present opposition to his portrayal of current events involving Muslims as Cultural terrorism?
Where was Kamal Hassan then when that exhibition was stalled? What did Kamal Hassan do to safeguard freedom of creativity then? Where were the art lovers at that time? What were the magazines and general public who are recording their comments now in support of Kamal Hassan, doing at that time?
That act by Harmony India had given an idea of what to do in similar circumstances. If portrayal of Aurangzeb as a bad guy can be condemned without inviting any opposition, why find fault with them now if they condemn the portrayal of Muslims of contemporary world in a bad light? Where is Prince of Arcot now? Did he speak a word for his community and against Kamal Hassan? Does he think that Kamal did nothing wrong in his 'creative' portrayal in his film? If so why did he stall the Aurangazeb exhibition then?
The Tamil Muslims do not object to the portrayal of Al Qaeda or Taliban. What they object to is connecting the atrocities to the reading of Koran. It is true that the terrorists use Koran as the inspiration for their atrocities. But a powerful depiction of it for a considerable time in a movie can create strong impressions in the minds of the average viewer, particularly in a place like Tamilnadu. Tamilnadu is already heavily polarised in terms of communities and castes. An average Tamilian who has viewed this movie can easily imagine stereo types from the film on seeing a Muslim who reads Koran devoutly. This is what the Muslim community is worried about. Even I am worried about this. The need of the time is such that we must encourage Muslims to come out of the influence of mullahs and engage in free thinking. The suspicions on the Muslims by their neighbours and exploitation of such a situation by the mullahs must not be allowed to develop.
Writer Gyani told in a TV show that people would not perceive that way. I am sure he is wrong. Today the Brahmin continues to be seen as an oppressor among many Tamils, thanks to the persistent propaganda against Brahmins for nearly 100 years. The average Muslim is also experiencing a similar situation. By creating a stereotype impression about him by others and even by himself, we are only precipitating the alienation.
This impact would be seen in grass root levels, not in cities. Note the way the Prince of Arcot had not spoken anything against Kamal or his movie. Feeling of brotherhood exists only among equals, not with others even if they are their own community. He used the Muslim organisations when he needed them – this is something Muslims themselves must understand. For the rich and the affluent there is no religion. For the economically empowered there is no religion. They think that they are successful due to their efforts and there is no role for God there. It is for this reason, Kamal Hassan did not need a religion, the same with Prince of Arcot for whom his religion is an identity and a vehicle to establish his status and superiority. That is why they had not exhibited the relevant sense of discrimination and judgement in the issues they had taken up. But the majority people are commoners who have some faith in God as a redeemer. The sincere adherence to their rituals by a Muslim can be easily construed as a demon in the hiding, by a local Tamilian who has seen this movie.
Adding credence to this view is the depiction of the most wanted terrorist as having got shelter in Coimbatore and Madurai in the Tamil version, in Kadappa in Telugu version and some North Indian Muslim populated city in Hindi version. You and I may not read any meaning in that. But an average person living close to a Muslim would see him under the lens of suspicion.
Viewed from this angle, I truly stand for making amends in the scenes. Kamal has been a habitual offender of sensibilities of Hindus in particular. I am sure he would have added some scenes depicting the Brahmins in bad light in this movie too. He cannot be expected to behave otherwise. In the interview given after the ban, he abused Ganesh chathurthi while trying to extend olive branch to the Muslims. That is how Kamal's secularism works.
The positive development from this controversy is that most of the people, writers and commentators who had never lost an opportunity to show their 'secular' love for Muslims, failed to sustain it in the face of 'cultural terrorism' lamented by Kamal. None of them objected to the cultural terrorism against Brahmins and Hindus promoted by him in his films. I was wondering whether these mouth pieces are aware that their Muslim 'friends' also will be watching them speak. The latest news on Kamal shows him calling Muslims as "My Muslim family" and agreeing to edit some scenes as demanded by them. He had never exhibited that " My family" affection to Hindus or Brahmins when they raised objections to nasty portrayals, say for example of Goddess Lakshmi in a song composed by him for the film 'Manmatha ambu".
Now the ban on the movie continues as per court order, which makes me see him not as one in Vishwaroopam, but as a Bhasmasura! Vishwaroopam is associated with positivity. One gets enlightened on seeing Bhagawan's vishwaroopam. But a person like Kamal Hassan who has been a part of the lethal mix of atheism, dravidianim and sickly secularism practiced by likes of Karunanidhi deserves to become a Bhasmasura. All along he had tarnished Hindus and Brahmins and anguished them immensely by his 'artistic and creative' touch of cinema, but now has come to touch his own head by which he is going to lose his money and his friends (his Muslim family).
Jayalalithaa has done the right thing, I must say. Most of what is circulated in the SM is biased against Muslims and Jayalalithaa. If people had seen the debate with Jawaharilla and his associate in Pudhiya Thalaimurai TV yesterday night on Vishwaroopam ban, they would have grasped the sense of despondency in them (Tamil Muslims). All along they trusted DMK and Kamal too. But now they are seeing a kind of surge against Muslims in the form of Kamal fans and film people taking little concern to hear what they are coming to say. Muslims did not support terrorism in the movie, they were only worried about the kind of image that the film would feed to the local 'kuppan' and Subban' about them. We must heed this worry of theirs.
Initially they did not go to the Government but were confident of dealing it with Kamal. But when they failed to put across their views to Kamal, they came to the Government. By taking this up to the logical end, Jayalalithaa had succeeded in restraining them from going to rival parties and also giving them a hope that Muslims can depend on her. I read some Muslims expressing a view that come whichever party that JJ allies with, in the next elections, they feel assured that they will be safe in JJ's government. If Modi had been ruling Tamilnadu (with all its casteist, divisive and filmdom influenced environment), he too would have seen that Muslims's objections are addressed.
Given below is the article on this issue from Tamil Hindu. This is the best one I have read on the net. It contains the many instances of movies where Kamal has offended the Hindus.
http://www.tamilhindu.com/2013/01/viswaroopam-movie-controversy-some-views/
The following link gives the version of what happened when Kamal invited the Muslims organisations for a preview.
http://maruppu.in/all-medias/43-maruppu-news/772-2013-01-27-04-39-15
It shows that it was all along an interaction between Kamal and the Muslim leaders. JJ had no role. When the matter came to her, she did what any CM must have done. She is taking it to the logical end until Kamal budges – something that Kamal must do.
He didn't change his ways when he exhibited 'artistic terrorism' on Hindus in most of his past movies. It was like what Hindu Thought says on whether God Himself makes man do good or evil actions. God does not make man do an evil or good action. He gives rewards for whatever action man does by aiding in their resolve to do the same action. When man does good things his resolve is increased to do the same. When man does evil actions he gets greater delight in such actions and is resolved to do the actions again and again. This is what is conveyed by Lord Krishna after he showed his Vishwaroopam that he would hurl the evil doers into hell, in the wombs of asuras!
Kamal kept delighting in portraying Brahmins and Hindus in poor light. His resolve to do this increased from film after film. A time came when his success in this formula could not make him distinguish whom he is portraying. It happened in the previous movie of his. He pacified the Muslims at that time saying that he would correct it in the next film. Vishwaroopam is his next film and this habitual offender behaved as though he had been hurled into hell by Krishna in Vishwaroopam.
God's Vishwaroopam also comes with positive connotations. This controversy has exposed the pseudo love for Muslims of many people. Muslims on their part are also hard pressed to see that violence does not erupt from their side. The most important development is that they had to openly say many times that they do not support terrorism and that they stand for amicable relationship with their neighbours. Let that be so!
127 comments:
Great Article Madam. I was eagerly waiting for your views. Yes. He deserves this. He has hurted a community and religion in the past. He is reaping the benefits now from a different community. He keeps saying he has never hurted anyone. which is not true. Let him undergo this pain and whatever he deserves let him get that. let this event slowly make him more humane and belive in GOD. this is a lesson for him. whether he takes this as a lesson or not, only time has to answer. GOD is there and he is always with simple, humble and straight forward people. he is not with people who act smart.
God Bless you Madam and give you long life and health
sincere pranams
Skandan
I usually agree with you but not this time. Whatever he has done or not done, when a film is passed by censor board and the HC is ok with it, why should the govt have a problem.
We live a democracy and claim to be secular then everybody must have a right to his creativity and ideas. I have never liked his movies but this seems more like vendetta than security threat. Islam is associated with terror today and this has become after 26/11, Owaisi's speech and post-Assam incidents then why do we pretend its not so.
If you dont agree with the movie dont watch it.People are not so foolish to change their views on a entire community based on a movie.How can one community hold the entire state to ransom and why is the govt allowing it?
Dear Jayasree Mam,
I am no fan of kamal but this in my opinion sets outs a very bad precedent of vote bank politics.Kamal is getting his karma back for his abuse of hinduism.But the way Jaya has used the denial of satellite rights to Jaya TV( and his political statememts) against Kamal smacks of pure vendetta.The vociferous arguments by the state prosecutor without any substantiative evidence of intelligence inputs against the film,the point that the CBFC itself has done a scam is all ridiculous.The marshalling of a lot of hitherto unknown muslim leaders talking hatred and lots of nonsense sets out a new polarization in society .Kamal is open to cuts in the film if required as per his latest statement which can also be facilitated if required by the govt if that indeed is the right reason behind the ban.The film is running successfully in other states with high muslim population,has been cleared by the CBFC and should be released in TN if required with cuts wherever required.It is however plainly obvious that J is doing this for punishing Kamal (for obvious reasons) and also indulging at the same time in creating a muslim vote bank that is fraught with dangerous consequences for the nation.
@ anonymous.
My counter views to your views:-
# Certain scenes in the film violate the guidelines of censor board. Then how was the movie given clearance? A case has been filed today. So wont take the argument that it has been cleared by the censor board.
Kamal was the first one to introduce violence and trauma in too real depictions. That was in Nayagan. I can imagine how he would have depicted the Taliban violence. Depiction of such violence desensitizes the viewer.
I can say an example from my life to show how repeated exposure to a particular idea either makes you immune or desensitizes you. I was very strict in deciding what my kids must read and watch. I was of the opinion that cartoons are harmless and used to have many CDs for my little son to watch. One among the CDs was on Ferdinand the Bull. My son used to laugh and enjoy like anything. Oneday I and my son were standing outside our house and overseeing the corporation man clearing the garbage. In my area they used to bring a bull-ridden cart to collect garbage. My son was seriously watching the bull, went around the cart and even looked below and asked me to confirm that it was a bull. The moment the cart left my house, my son asked me why the bull didn't hit me. I was shocked to hear him say this. I asked why the bull must hit me. He said i am wearing a red colored saree!
My son was in pre-school then. He is very attached to me. Under normal circumstances he would have just pulled me inside the house so that I wont be hit by the bull. But repeated watching of cartoon films on Ferdinand the bull running and hitting as a comedy, made him lose the normal sense of protection and reaction on what would happen if a bull really hit him or me. He had waited and watched what the bull was going to do. He even asked me whether my saree colour was red or not. That was when I realized how repeated exposure to an idea robs them of the power to think on their own and make them insensitive.
I strongly hold an opinion that cinema is harmful unless we have a self censor in what we watch and how much we watch. A film may have passed the censor board, but how it would affect the individual is beyond the comprehension of the censor board. When I see the fans shouting in the TV camera, I was wondering what kind of life they are having. Why this addiction?
# The case is in the court now. Further delay is because of court order. If we say that Govt is responsible for this, it is like questioning the integrity of the court and it amounts to an offense. We can say that the Govt could have desisted from making the appeal. But why then Kamal offered truce with Muslims only after the stay from appeal and not before when the first judge asked him to settle it out of court?
# what is there for creativity in the film? Kamal himself has told that he has 300 proofs for each of the incidents he has depicted. So be it. Everyday we read so many such incidents and forget them immediately. But when we get exposed to repeated telecast of an event - say like the Nirbhaya incident, certainly that triggers us and we react. That kind of an impact is there in this movie of Kamal.
There was creativity in movies at one time where they showed many things suggestively and intelligently, Today what they show is 'reality' - a horrible display of crude nature. There is no creativity in that.
(cont'd)
# Owaisi and the likes are there in our midst. Even Jawaharilla whom I mentioned has a shady past. But there is no use in repeatedly saying and showing that they are bad. What constructive plan we have to make them join the mainstream and shed their minority tag?
Interestingly, this time the muslims have expressed what the people who live around them in the nature of 'maamaan' and 'macchaan' would think about them after seeing this movie?
This is a welcome development which can be seen in 2 ways. (1) if the muslims are actually indoctrinating their people in madarasas and masjids, then they will be squirming with discomfort that their mask is being torn.
(2)The genuine muslims would feel offended to get such a tag from the locals around them. This kind of effect will be there in such remote areas and not for you and me.
I find the present developments as a welcome sign (1) the secular mask of kamal, many local writers and politicians who habitually support Muslims as a vote bank stands exposed. (2)The Muslims are going to be a vote bank for some time until they realise the need for free thinking among themselves.
In that case why allow people like DMK always project themselves as the custodians of Muslims? Muslims must be alienated from the DMK in TN and from the Congress in the Centre. That is the first development needed to stop them from becoming a vote bank.
# I am not sure to come to a conclusion that they are holding the country into ransom. It is good that this controversy had got wider publicity. We can see who is siding with whom and what justification they give for their stance. Outside TN, the Congress had not understood the Muslim angle. They take it as a tool to bait JJ. Manish Tewari spoke in the beginning and today Shinde spoke. The issue is a catch - 22 situation.
Support to kamal means blaming the Muslims, the valuable vote bank on whom Rahul is banking in 2014 and for which Shinde mouthed the Hindu terror dialogue.
Blaming JJ govt means losing the support of muslim vote bank.
Supporting her would assuage the muslims but would invite the wrath of MK. Actually JJ is having the last laugh.
The treatment of muslims as vote bank stands more exposed than ever before. You may say that JJ also is treating them so. My contention is - let her do that. You cannot stop the vote bank tag to Muslims for the time being. Why allow them to be used in the hands of Congress and DMK? She is the only formidable person to wipe out DMK from the State and from the country. She would not harm the nation and future like DMK. Her track record since her 2nd term shows her sincerity. But still people dont like her because she can not be influenced. Hope you heard her interview to Arnab before the last elections. She means business and handles the state affairs as a CEO. At the same time she has to be a shrewd politician and keep DMK, Vijaykantha et al at bay.
Dear Mr Pratap,
# I am a fan of Kamal of comedy movies. He is good in comedy than in anything else. But he owes the success of his comedy movies to Crazy Mohan.
# Yes, I too agree that Karma theory is coming to a circle in his case.
# Satellite rights to Jaya TV. No I wont buy this idea. This idea was first mooted by Savukku and therefore liable for doubt on authenticity. Moreover put yourself in JJ's shoes. Just because some one didn't sell you the TV rights, would you take a phenomenal step of siding with a community given the seriousness and sensitivity of the situation? No you wont. Similarly the more experienced -than- us JJ would not do that.
There is a hole in the theory of savukku on the TV rights issue. He says that Sunil acts as a conduit in a kind of double cross of JJ and MK's TV gained in the bargain, If it is true that shows the innocence of JJ and the continuing clout of the cunning MK. Why blame her when the corrupt MK continues to thrive? I dont know why people harbour the hatred for JJ. Today she and Modi are the only 2 leaders who can deliver and also manage politicking. They are patriotic than anybody else. Non thinking Tamils say that JJ is no good and that we must have Modi-like one in TN. But I would say that JJ has a tougher job than Modi. Modi had not faced the casteist and polarised polity as JJ is facing. Only in the Nov elections he had a taste of what Caste politics means. Let him put himself in JJ's shoes, he knows how difficult her task is.
I think for your other opinions, you have the replies in the above comments and in the article itself.
The common man on the street is more mature in seeing through the propaganda spread against JJ. A few hours ago, the Pudhiya Thalaimurai TV (not a JJ supporter) showed its poll on whether people think that the ban was stifling the freedom of speech. 28% said yes, 32 % said no and the rest not able to decide. The benefit of this group goes with No votes. It is these people who voted JJ into power. They are the average middle and lower class people for whom unity among communities matters more - than to us in real terms.
A good article by Mr. Kaverimainthan on how kaml is using this issue to make more money.
http://vimarisanam.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/%e0%ae%95%e0%ae%ae%e0%ae%b2%e0%af%8d%e0%ae%b9%e0%ae%be%e0%ae%9a%e0%ae%a9%e0%af%8d-%e0%ae%a4%e0%ae%b0%e0%af%81%e0%ae%ae%e0%af%8d-%e0%ae%a4%e0%ae%bf%e0%ae%9f%e0%af%81%e0%ae%95%e0%af%8d%e0%ae%95%e0%ae%bf/#comment-4125
he was very emotional on the tv interview. he is a good actor. he can show his emotions in seconds. if he wants to come out of this situation, he shd first calm down and go with the flow. the more he opposes the present situation, the more it will turn against him. Saneeswara will ensure that.
if jj has not acted on this, MK wd tell that JJ and kamal are brahmins and they are spreading hatred against muslim through a film. MKs tongue can twist 360 degrees. and it is a very poisonous tongue.
he is crying that he has spent 100 crores, if one spends 100 crores, can he be allowed to take any damn thing... tomorrow somebody else will come and he will say that he had spent 200 crores.
what wd be the views of Leela samson be if instead of quron, if bible had been shown. we really want to know
kamal says that he wants to quit tn and India. let him go, we dont want anyone to stay with hatred at heart. he cannot threaten like this in a national tv like this.... he is threatening the country.
rajini is worried it seems. his son-in-law is giving a interview in ndtv. he is a paid customer to ndtv. ndtv will never release negatibe news about rajini and dhanush. becoz they pay ndtv for marketing them.
May God teach lesson to these people and bring them on right path.
From: Harish Saranathan
Date: Thu, Jan 31, 2013 at 5:07 AM
Subject: Re: Non-random-Thoughts:Kamal Hassan’s Vishwaroopam as ‘Bhasmasura’.
To: Jayasree Saranathan
Comment section la silenta ennoda disney kadhaiya izguthudunga!!
Nice article though. All the politics aside, the bottom line is, it is just a movie and I do not understand the craze for movies and idolizing of Kamal. I have never been eager to watch any "high profile" movie and I never will be eager to watch one.
On facebook, I am seeing many hate comments against JJ and some say DMK is a better government. If people change sides just because of a ban imposed on a movie, then nobody can save TN. There are a thousand things to be concerned about than to waste time on such issues.
I really wanted to read the two links given in your post. Unfortunately I am not able to read Tamil. Is there English, Hindi,Marathi,Gujarati version of it?
Nice article
Yes Mr Skandan. Kavermaindan's article was superb.
I read another article also by him on the same issue.கமல்ஹாசன் படம் – பிரச்சினைக்கு யார் காரணம் ……?
The link is
http://vimarisanam.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B9%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9A%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%9A%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9A%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A9-3/
I tried to create links to this article and the one you have mentioned கமல்ஹாசன் தரும் திடுக்கிடும் திருப்பங்கள் … !!
http://vimarisanam.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B9%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9A%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%BF/
I could not create the links. Can you or anyone reading this do that?
I will the google translation of the articles
"Twists and turns of Kamal"
http://translate.google.co.in/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fvimarisanam.wordpress.com%2F2013%2F01%2F30%2F%25E0%25AE%2595%25E0%25AE%25AE%25E0%25AE%25B2%25E0%25AF%258D%25E0%25AE%25B9%25E0%25AE%25BE%25E0%25AE%259A%25E0%25AE%25A9%25E0%25AF%258D-%25E0%25AE%25A4%25E0%25AE%25B0%25E0%25AF%2581%25E0%25AE%25AE%25E0%25AF%258D-%25E0%25AE%25A4%25E0%25AE%25BF%25E0%25AE%259F%25E0%25AF%2581%25E0%25AE%2595%25E0%25AF%258D%25E0%25AE%2595%25E0%25AE%25BF%2F
May be I can post below the English translation
As per that article Kamal has lied about his investment.
(Google translated)
//
Kamal interview - I do not have large assets
The thing is known. But in Chennai
I do this all the assets
Has been written for the film. Postpone Release Date
I like to go for the money
He wrote the name of the person who gave it to
மாற்றிக்கொண்டுவிட்டார்.
(Movies with the media outlets
The information in each issue -
This film was the first in charge of producing
Company engaged in PVR.
Cost of production, the first in the budget's
They let out 50 million bucks
The company withdrew from the production,
Kamale further continuation of the film,
When the film was not released, Kamal money
Give back
That has been agreed that,
Since then, over 10 crore film
That is,
Kamal salary of Rs 25 crore
At a total cost of about 85 million, including -
Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and in three languages
Claiming that the film is ready)
//
When the case was going on in the court, then advocate representing the central govt appeared suddenly without summons, and reeled out the stats of the censor board proceedings of the movie.
Read here:-
//
When half of the ongoing case Sammon
Suddenly without ajarana
Federal government lawyer - many statistics
Blowing things ready. Film
On October 4, 2012, to audit
விண்ணப்பிக்கப்பட்டு, on October 8
"Formally" Yeh film viewed -
Sensor and -
Eight seconds to a minute
The "cut" and on October 10
UA is சர்டிபிகேட்கொடுக்கப்பட்டது
Speaks with figures.
This is a question that the Court
He figures it
Would be ready pakkettileye
No one is really unforeseeable shocks!
(He forgot to tell or
Deliberately not telling oruunmai -
The sensor, the only one on the committee
Muslim member - in the last election
All lamp module
(Oh by the Villivakkam poyvittat)
DMK candidate contesting apparent
That Jinnah only)
//
People are seeing JJ as doing politics. What is the behind the scene role of MK? In the censor board, in having the central govt lawyer telling the court the censor issues and the business transactions for DTH and TV rights? I think JJ's was a reactionary to some shady happenings of MK with Kamal.
@ विष्णुगुप्त
Let me give here the google translate links to the 2 articles.
http://translate.google.co.in/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tamilhindu.com%2F2013%2F01%2Fviswaroopam-movie-controversy-some-views%2F
http://translate.google.co.in/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fmaruppu.in%2Fall-medias%2F43-maruppu-news%2F772-2013-01-27-04-39-15
Mr Skandan, what you said is true
//he was very emotional on the tv interview. he is a good actor. he can show his emotions in seconds.//
His evening interview saying that he met His Muslim family and agreed to cut the objectionable scenes was a badly exhibited action. One can not miss the artificiality in his words, emotions shown on his face and body language and a concluding MMS type "theekm hai?" word to some one standing in his right looked so comical. He was looking very much like Kameswaran of MMKR flick while doing that.
Wish it is available in youtube.
The final comedy of that scene is who he called as "My Muslim family" was Congress MP Haroon. Apparently sent by PC to reduce the toll that is taking on congress's core vote bank.
Later that, Jawaharilla didn't miss to mention congress as having let them down in the TV debate. Point not yet seems to have gone to Rahul- Sonia.
Dear Madam,
superb post including ones in comment column.
when single bench HC released movie without any amendments i was very unhappy. society does not need entertainment at the cost of one community's sentiments & beliefs. as a true dharmist we should not support this movie atleast without further censorship. whatever we see be it fiction it definitely creates subconscious impressions which you have rightly said.
kamal is one person who always has financial problems basically it shows his indisciplined lifestyle.
Dear Madam,
superb post alongwith all comments.
i felt sad when HC single bench permitted without amendments. we do not need entertainment @ cost of hurting a section. justice prevailed.
kamal is one person who perenially in financial problem inspite of success. this show his indisciplined lifestyle and he cannot gain sympathy on this count.
as mr.skandan said let him look within become humane than what he self declares now and go back to his roots.
sheela
Kamalhassan is the most arrogant and over confidence person.He never mingle closer to anyone. i studied with him in same class and used to go in same bus 45b from triplicane hindu high school where we studied. He would get down in alwarpet while i would get down in luz. Even at this age of 14-15 years during our two years education 8th to 10th std,he would not talk much.He did not write examination and dropped out from the school.
Now coming to his films acting, he is a good actor but in every movie he used to make fun of hindu gods and show his soft corner to christianity. Even in his last week interview to puthiya thamizhagam news channel, he told that vinayaka is not a god but was brought by hindu fundamentalists to tamilnadu for political gain.There are many movies like Anbe shivam, manmatha ambu, ennaipol orovan illai ,many scenes and dialogues depict making fun of hindu gods and directly kamal abuse them. In the case of vasool raja, he takes kushboo to the medical college class room and showed to her a demo lifeless coma person sitting. when she asked him why this man is sitting like this, kamal answer " Srirangam ranganathar is sleeping over 1000 years and when it is like this what is the problem for this man to sit like this ? ".
Even srirangam Ranganathar pardoned him but his consort " Thullukachi nachiyar" next to him is giving punishment for his past karmas for his arrogancy and over confidence to take hindus for granted.
i have never seen a movie in which kamal made fun of christianity as it looks his family has some background - pl see the wikipedia which mention christians connections to his brother son anu hassan and kamal brother charuhassan youtube message on jesus. let him get his 100 crores losses from the christian missionaries who are ready to grab any popular film actors in their fold.
Well written article. Nationalization of Islam and Christianity is the only way to go forward for a united India. It's high time that Indian Muslims and Christians need to be identified separately from their alien counterparts. As someone said (not sure if it's Sister Nivedita or Annie Besant), until Muslims and Christians consider anything outside India as their sacred land, they'll not be able to co-exist with Indians in India.
At the same time I want to make one more comment. I believe you too have a prejudiced mindset when writing this article. Are you in any way forced to support the Muslims, just because you want to justify all your future protests of such incidents against Hindus?
Some people like Gnani are arguing from the point of view of freedom of expression. What are your thoughts on that? The Aurangazeb exhibition is one example of freedom of expression. I believe you don't support the act of Prince of Arcot in that exhibition. Don't you think it's another case of denial of freedom of expression for the group that conducted the exhibition?
@ anonymous
// I believe you too have a prejudiced mindset when writing this article. Are you in any way forced to support the Muslims, just because you want to justify all your future protests of such incidents against Hindus?//
My support is issue based.
//Some people like Gnani are arguing from the point of view of freedom of expression. What are your thoughts on that? //
My freedom ends at the tip of my nose. Certainly cinema of the kind we are seeing today can not be called as freedom of expression.
//The Aurangazeb exhibition is one example of freedom of expression. I believe you don't support the act of Prince of Arcot in that exhibition. Don't you think it's another case of denial of freedom of expression for the group that conducted the exhibition?
I have written this in the post and even asked why the Prince of Arcot is silent now.
Nicely written.Echoed some of the thoughts I had after watching the trailer clips that they have been showing. I am not a great movie buff or an ardent Kamal fan but I feel that artists have a certain responsibility becos of the power of the movie medium to influence common people. In all these arguments about freedom of expression and creativity that we hear on TV people have forgotten about the vast majority of people who get influenced by what they see on screen. And I have also been wondering whether should give protection for the movie? Is it the State's job? And supposing the movie is permitted and something untoward happens is the State to be blamed? I think Kamal anticipated these problems and was pushing for a DTH release. He was pretty sure that many things in the movie will effect people and still wanted to go ahead with it. More than the ban what irked me the most was the pettiness in threatening to leave TN. Damn silly.
//I have written this in the post and even asked why the Prince of Arcot is silent now.//
Does that mean one should never show anybody in bad light at all? What's wrong in showing some Islamic kings (in fact almost all of them) in bad light if that's what they've done to Hindus?
You have written so many articles in bad light on the DK groups. If a group of members from that group come and ask you to stop writing about them stating that it hurts their sentiments, will you then stop writing about them?
Freedom of expression is not all, but it is something that's required for every being. Today, some groups might come and ask for a ban on the movie, and tomorrow some other group may ask for the same quoting some other reasons. If you start encouraging them, then no film or art can be released. You must understand that you cannot run this blog if there is lack of freedom of expression.
I'm not supporting Kamal in any way. That idiot has to be condemned for sure for his derogatory comments against Hinduism and Hindu culture. But there is a way to do it, and by banning a film you'll only make him more aggressive. If what he has committed is wrong, he has to be attacked at the intellectual level. Popular Hindu leaders must openly criticize him for his comments on Hinduism in public speeches and continue to do it constantly, or make alternate films to counter that. It's only because they fail to do so that idiots like him continue to make such derogatory comments. Banning a film will not help in any way for sure.
I am the first commenter, thanks for your response.My support for JJ remains unchanged despite my views on this issue and the severe backlash on this issue on Twitter is not good for her image.Kamal hassan comment on future PM was uncalled for but still he should not be made a scapegoat for political gains.
@ anonymous (better give the names, there are so many anonys and readers will be confused whom I am addressing)
May be easy reference, this anony is the one who commented on Prince of Arcot.
You said.
//Does that mean one should never show anybody in bad light at all? What's wrong in showing some Islamic kings (in fact almost all of them) in bad light if that's what they've done to Hindus? //
It seems you have not read the article properly. The first part of the article in a comment on the Aurangazeb exhibition which Prince of Arcot stalled.
For any issue, there may be several facets for it. One must possess a discriminatory knowledge to decide which issue takes precedence at a time or which issue needs immediate attention. It is like treating an emergency case in a trauma ward. The doctor would first concentrate on reviving the vital parameters and plugging the bleeding. Only after that is okeyed he would start treating the other wounds. Same logic applies here.
In the incident of Prince of Arcot stopping the exhibition, it is first and foremost an unpatriotic act. The govt which assisted in that also has demonstrated its unpatriotic attitude. Then only the freedom of expression comes. That incident also deserves to be called as cultural terrorism, a term Kamal used. That incident deserved national attention and remedies.
If I or anyone criticizes that that incident, the question of breach of freedom of expression does not arise there. It is only a case of standing up for the nation and its dignity.
(cont'd)
(cont'd from above)
//You have written so many articles in bad light on the DK groups. If a group of members from that group come and ask you to stop writing about them stating that it hurts their sentiments, will you then stop writing about them?//
The same yardstick that was told above applies here. The gift of DK and MK to the nation is now legend. There is no second opinion about the kind of damage they had done to the society. Where they had to be questioned, I have questioned. There was no personal agenda in all those writings. If you have noticed I would have avoided derogatory adjectives to individuals (like how you have used the word 'idiot' in the last para) but used strong objections to thoughts and actions that have harmed the collective many. Here again the foremost reason is setting right a wrong.
They can not come and tell me that I have hurt their sentiments, for it is they who hurt others' sentiments first and are receiving a rebuttal for it.
In this context I want to explain what is freedom of expression and when it needs to be stalled for the sake of protecting some thing or someone else.
The dictionary meaning of it is express one's opinion " without deliberately causing harm to others' character and/or reputation by false or misleading statements." http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/freedom-of-expression.html
But how to judge that the expression had caused a genuine harm to the other? It is here let me quote the Hustler Magazine Inc. versus a minister, Jerry Falwell of United States. The judgement makes a qualitative description that if freedom of an expression by one causes an 'intentional infliction of emotional distress to the other (whom it is directed at), then that is no longer a freedom of expression and the other is entitled for constitutional protection.
(Refer http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/hustler.html)
There are 2 things made out from this - (1) an intentional infliction of emotional stress must be there and (2) whatever is expressed that caused the distress must contain truth in it. That is, if that expression / contention is not true that would not have caused the emotional distress.
This second idea is enshrined in giving remedy in defamation cases in India. The question of freedom of expression is involved in defamation cases too. But if that expression has no valid basis or truth in it, then it is not considered as freedom of expression. If there is truth in it, it is no longer defamation. The speaker is well within his right to speak the truth.
Suppose that expression has no truth in it, the affected party is considered to be genuinely aggrieved. He / she will be entitled for remedy and protection. When the expression has no truth in it and then it also means there is an intention behind that expression to cause harm to the affected party. Such an expression is not considered to be a freedom of expression.
In the light of this basic definition and application of what constitutes freedom of speech, let me analyse your accusations and also the topic of the article.
(cont'd)
The easy -to -understand example for where the freedom of expression stops, is MF Hussain. There was an emotional distress caused by his works. None of those depictions were true (say for example in his work on Goddess Saraswathi, the depiction is not the true character of the Goddess). One may argue that he did not do it intentionally. May be the first time, this argument can hold water. But once after the opposition to such depictions have started coming out, every other painting that he made thereafter can not be unintentional. He has certainly trespassed the limit of freedom of expression.
Coming to my article above, the underlying idea is that Kamal, who has been a habitual offender of Hindus has met with his waterloo in Vishwaroopam.
Every nasty dialogue on Hindus and Hindu Gods and nasty depiction of Brahmins in his films were not true in essence and have caused emotional distress to many. By repeating it film after film, he has exhibited his deliberate intention to depict in that way. This can be contrasted to what he is saying now for Vishwaroopam.
He keeps saying that he did not include any material in the movie to hurt the sentiments of Muslims. He has clearly conveyed that he had no intention to hurt or cause distress to the Muslims. He has behaved like a truth telling machine. So there is no intention to hurt Muslims and so he can not be accused.
Did he ever express the same thing to the Hindus any time for any of the movies that hurt the Hindus? Never. That means he had a deliberate intention to say those things that hurt the Hindus. He even proudly gave a statement in his dealings with Muslims initially over this movie that Rama Gopalan of Hindu Munnani might accuse him after seeing this movie but never can a Muslim accuse him for this movie. How blatantly he has conveyed that he knew very well that certain scenes are going to offend the Hindus! This is clearly a misuse of freedom of expression for which he is liable to pay damages - may be in the US and sadly not in India.
We don't see any sensible people or mechanism to tell him all these. We are hopelessly watching him do this for years and seething with anger and anguish. But now a situation has risen when he unintentionally hurt the Muslims by his habitual use of intentional breach of limit of freedom of expression. There is a definite glee over seeing him get what is due, though in small measures, for he deserves a life long distress of karmic rebuttal for what he has done to Hindus.
Even his so-called threat of leaving the country and self-exile if protests are going to continue, is directed at Muslims. He does not want to see them angry with him or go against him. It is a polished way of threatening them "see how I am always your friend, now I have made this movie with all my money and there is absolutely no intention to hurt you. After all this confession, if you are going to be angry with me, what can I do, where can I be, other than leaving the country". It is like some love dialogue of a couple in dual.
(cont'd)
In this context let us see if there is any genuine distress caused to the Muslims by Kamal in the movie. I have pinpointed only 2 issues in the article, (1) stereotyping the Muslim as a terrorist - the visual impact of such depiction would disturb the harmony of the people living together with the Muslims in the neighborhood. (2)Depiction of sheltering the most wanted terrorist in Muslims pockets.
Any Muslim who is having a good relationship with neighbors is likely to apprehend what his neighbors would think when he reads Koran or follows the rituals strictly as shown in the movie. There is scope to believe that many innocent Muslims would become disturbed over this. I have highlighted this part in the article and consider this as an avoidable distress. Moreover making them show in bad light repeatedly to the extent of saying that they shelter the terrorist, one can understand the extent of assuaging the elders / leaders of their community had to do for their youngsters. They will also have to see how others around them view them. These are all small things for others, but real things within the small communities in rural side. The present controversy has highlighted the scope for it and even requires the militant elements among them to tone down. So I don't think there is anything wrong in asking others to stop harping on this image of Muslims which is completely true in Afghanisthan but not true in Tamilnadu.
In my opinion, such depictions would drive the Muslims towards extreme steps while what is needed is to make them join the main stream.
I find an opportunity in the current episode for better developments. Though the Muslims are aware that they are a vote bank, the current development has the potential to make them think whether they must allow themselves to be a vote bank anymore. Vote bank comes into existence when a group or community behaves in a unanimous way. They must now introspect whether it does any good to them to be a vote bank always jumping from one camp to another and vice versa. It is akin to the existence of a paid thug. With education and exposure to outside world, they would start resisting being like this.
None of the Muslims are Muslims by their choice. They are Muslims because their ancestors were not lucky like my or your ancestor in having escaped the line of fire by invading Muslims. Their ignorance about this fact must be removed. Colonial records show that even as late as 1910s, Muslims lived like Hindus and avoided the Mullahs. If you had read Mr Subbhu's Dravida mayai series in Thuglak, in the last week issue he has written how one "Bhagdad Sahib" intervened to question Periyar when he made some uncharacteristic remark. The name Bhagdad Sahib tells about is origins from outside India. The Preachers were brought from Persia but all the others were locals who were forced to convert to Islam.
It is an innate desire of man to know his roots. The Tamil Muslims would also start to search for their roots some day. As long as they are working as a vote bank of Congress or DMK, they can not start that search. They must come out of them. Like how a majority of Muslims lent support to Modi in the recent elections on their own volition and not as a vote bank, conditions must arise in TN for them to cease to be a vote bank and be free to exercise their choice. The current development is a Pillaiyar chuzhi for that time to come.
(cont'd)
I think the other part of your comment has answers from my above explanation. Better not talk like Shinde by saying some one will come tomorrow and ask for a ban. Have clarity of the genuine grievance and intentional hurting as the motive in the name of freedom of speech.
In the present episode, ban order had hurt Kamal than anything else. He continues to blabber as we see in his Mumbai speech. It reminded me of continuing resolve that God makes a man to have which I explained in the article. Experiences are there to make us learn and unlearn certain lessons. His Mumbai speech shows that he has not yet learned lessons. That means his troubles would continue.
Dear Jayasree Mam,
I have a couple of points to make
a)'The treatment of muslims as vote bank stands more exposed than ever before. You may say that JJ also is treating them so. My contention is - let her do that. You cannot stop the vote bank tag to Muslims for the time being. Why allow them to be used in the hands of Congress and DMK? She is the only formidable person to wipe out DMK from the State and from the country. '
I feel that this assertion is very dangerous.If Jaya is going to indulge in votebank politics and polarize communities,How is she different from K?Does it mean that if Jaya practices vote bank politics,it is going to be beneficial for the country.Why this double standards are to be followed?
b)Regarding the sale of rights to Jaya Tv as from multiple news sources and his support for Chidamabaram the point that I am trying to make is vendetta politics,I am not 100 % sure of the reasons but it is evident that she is trying to put kamal in place.I have no love lost for kamal but the way this has been done by communalizing it smacks of bad politics.A few examples of personal vendetta as coming in english newspapers
Ex:1TNEB officials visited the house of Kamal 's advocoate to ascertain if his connections are OK .This was the first time they have ever come to his house.Fairness Here?
Ex 2: Attacks on theaters by ruling party men and the police going all out to stop the shows.
c)We have been commenting even without seeing the film.People who have seen the film do not see any assertions of showing muslims in bad light.The hero is shown as a patriotic muslim and villians i.e the taliban are shown in bad light.Wonder why we should associate with the taliban.It is just like how we had protestors disrupting the Aurangazeb exhibtion who was fanatic causing immense suffering to Hindus.I understand the point that cinema is a powerful medium.Children are influenced easily but it would be too far fetched to state we take all that happens in a film seriously.Any mature adult would not do so else with the kind of negative content shown we would be running around with murders,rapes and all films need to be banned.
4,If this is the way Jaya is moving she is getting close to Karuna and not Modi.As it is, her policies and development record shows she is no patch on Modiji.It would be good if advisors can request her to focus on more pressing issues instead of such vote bank politics.
Another post in the same way that some upper castes have reacted to the situation- Kamal has portrayed Brahmins in wrong way earlier, so let him experience this. Jayalalitha is upper caste, so what she did is OK even if it is pandering to Islamic fundamentalists..
The bulls*it argument is that movies must be made to respect sensibilities of audience. Audience go and watch the film, they are not forced. If the movie depicts them in wrong way, let them not watch it. Let them issue a fatwa or something so that their community do not watch it.
Next thing is, what happens to other communities watching it ? The same thing that happens when someone watches Al Aqeda and Taliban videos in youtube. Do we ban Youtube also ? Internet next ?
It's funny that people are OK watching masala movies with actresses almost naked, bedroom scenes etc. but are worrying about 1 movie on terrorism.
Regarding depiction of Brahmins, Kamal is not the first one to do it. Same advice to you also. DO NOT WATCH IT.
Jaya has shown that she is a psychopant coward bending backwards to the Islamic radicals. SOme of them were even members of former Al Umma who were involved in Coimbatore bomb blasts. To accept her decision is to accept that we are in control of such elements and this is no more a democracy.
Can someone explain how watching a movie creates such an Impact in the society ? I mean we have something like 100 movies yearly.. How many have such impact ? Has anyone started rioting after watching a movie ?
Did anyone stop giving or bribing after watching 'Indian'? Has everyone become responsible after watching 'Anniyan' ? Did terrorism end after 'Kurudhi Punal' ? Did everyone played top on women's navel after watching Chinnakounder ? Then what the hell does that mean ?
"There was an emotional distress caused by his works. None of those depictions were true (say for example in his work on Goddess Saraswathi, the depiction is not the true character of the Goddess). One may argue that he did not do it intentionally. May be the first time, this argument can hold water. But once after the opposition to such depictions have started coming out, every other painting that he made thereafter can not be unintentional. He has certainly trespassed the limit of freedom of expression. "
Who are you to say that he tresspassed ? I find his paintings pathetic. But I cannot say he should not do it. Maybe you draw him nude as a payback. But you or anyone else do not have the right to say he tresspassed the Right. Freedom of expression should be absolute. If you do not like it, do not watch it. Simple.
I am not sure I agree with this article. Personal liking or dislike of Kamal is not the point. Kamal cannot be blamed for what HarmonyIndia did or did not do. Such "guilt by association" theory is irrelevant to the core issue. It's a movie that depicts international terrorism (in fact, there are very few Indian characters). The move is intended for an adult audience and it not intended for kids below 15 (based on its censor certification).
Most people (such as yourself) who pass comments basically arrive from a Hindutva based perspective. Oh, Kamal is a brahmin basher. He is a Hindu basher. So let him suffer. Again, that is not the point.
A movie has been made that has cleared the censors. It has been screened in multiple states (and soon even more states all over India) without incident. So, what is the issue? Fringe Islamist groups (which have alleged connections with other terrorist groups associated with Coimbatore bomb blasts) feel aggrieved by the depiction of terrorists such as Al Qaeda and Taliban. Why? Because they sympathize with Taliban. Simple.
Now, what would a sane head of govt. to do in such a situation? Hear out the grievances of these alleged terrorists, see the movie and check if the allegations are correct. Verify if the movie deliberately portrays Muslims and their faith in a wrong light. Verify if the film says anything seriously objectionable that will hurt people of certain faith in India.
what did this govt. do? Does not watch the movie but instead used the muslim terrorists views to heavy-handedly ban the movie so as to create a huge financial loss to the movie maker. And, by the way, to hell with freedom of expression, it screams.
What do learned commentators such as yourself do? Discuss everything besides the core issue. Great.
Dear Mr Pratap,
I think you have not read the article properly and the comments posted by me, particularly the last comments by me that appear above your comment. And I can see that you have not seen the press conference by JJ and may be aware of only what the media had posted / printed selectively in bits and pieces. All these - my comments and JJ's explanation contain the answers.
Anyway a quick go-through of your objections:
(a) What is dangerous is the Muslim community continuing to be a vote bank of the Congress and the DMK. It is more likely the current controversy is going to break the connection between the Muslims and Congress- DMK. That is good for the nation and for democracy. When are the Muslims going to realise that must not serve as a vote bank? Read the above comments.
JJ in her interview clearly said what would happen if the movie was not banned and some violence takes place. The inevitable police actions quelling the protests would end up with some harm to someone in the protesting group which would be exploited by the DMK and seconded by the media. JJ would be branded as some one hurting the Muslims. So you are ready to accept the DMK and the media do that for JJ but insist that JJ must not take pre-emptive measures to counter that. It is MK who always does politics which no one in TN can deny. The foremost need of the times is to make the Muslims stop being used as a vote bank of DMK and the Congress. If you are not convinced of this statement, it means you are not a keen observer of politics at the centre and TN for at least the last few years.
(b) JJ's explanation was convincing for this accusation on TV rights and personal vedetta. One must know that this idea of TV rights was planted by Savukku - who is known for his dubious intentions.
(c)You have missed the point in my article and comments.
(d) Even Modi would not think like what you say of JJ. And I think you are not aware of what is doing, covering every facet of the society and economy.
Two things worth commenting on Rajesh's first comment.
(1) Yes, I don't have to watch a movie if I don't like it. The issue is what would happen if others watch the movie. What others would think of the people who have been portrayed in bad light. This is the apprehension of the Muslim groups. I have explained enough that perspective in the article and the comments.
(2) Yes some of them are former Al umma people. Did you see the reaction of Jawaharilla after JJ's interview? He kept justifying the Law and order reason that JJ told in the press meet and said that having understood the 'emotional outburst' (உள்ளக் குமுறல்) of them, JJ had taken the right decision to ban the movie to maintain law and order. The message is that they would have unleashed violence and created serious law and order problem if the film was screened. The dull headed interviewer failed to catch up this and failed to counter him.
This message is clearly understood by JJ and even MK knows this. Who had helped them or made them to grow to this level? - It is the Congress and MK's vote bank policy supported by the fanning done by all these pseudo seculars including Kamal. Kamal believed that they would not do this back to him, but he is wrong.
So what to do in this situation? The first requirement is to make them severe their nexus with these political elements. JJ didn't do it, but Kamal initiated it and others of his camp followed suit. Now the Muslims have come to know of the true colours of these 'secular friends' which they repeatedly said in the TV debates. That is the point we - as you call 'the upper castes' - have noted down.
Rajesh's 2nd comment:- Explained in the article and comments of the apprehended impact.
Rajesh's 3rd comment:- Seems he had written this without reading my comments on freedom of expression. For the kind of portrayals done by MF Hussein and of Hindus and Brahmins by Kamal, if we have the law like in the US they would have been punished or restrained. I quoted a website on a judgement like that.
He had written that we can do the same thing as a pay back (drawings). This is most senseless way of approach, to say the least.
@ Kumar Srinivas.
Soon after this controversy broke out, it was Kamal who expressed his association with Harmony India as a justification to say that he would not harm the sentiments of Muslims. Why did he say this association, if not for the kind of works it had done for 'safeguarding Muslim interests' even if it means going to the extent of stalling a show that showed Aurangazeb in bad light?
//Most people (such as yourself) who pass comments basically arrive from a Hindutva based perspective. Oh, Kamal is a brahmin basher. He is a Hindu basher. So let him suffer. Again, that is not the point.//
The fact is that his habits die hard and sometimes turn against oneself. I and many people see this as a "reap what you sow" (முற்பகல் செய்யின் பிற்பகல் விளையும்). This is Nature's law.
//A movie has been made that has cleared the censors. It has been screened in multiple states (and soon even more states all over India) without incident. So, what is the issue? Fringe Islamist groups (which have alleged connections with other terrorist groups associated with Coimbatore bomb blasts) feel aggrieved by the depiction of terrorists such as Al Qaeda and Taliban. Why? Because they sympathize with Taliban. Simple.//
True, this face is also going to come out which the radical elements are uncomfortable with. I wrote on the other facet that could affect an innocent and non violent Muslim. The movie is going to hurt the violent Muslims too. That is now becoming the center of attention with the escalation of the controversy.
This part also is the core part that the Muslims don't want the fellow Indians to see. But kamal does not seem to budge - according to them. From today onwards North India where Muslim vote bank politics is ruling the roost is going to see. This is the catch. This is what I say doing a Bhasmasura by Kamal. Even while claiming himself as a friend of Muslims, Kamal is becoming instrumental in creating a visual impact on the minds of the rest of India on this Muslim identity. The Muslims would not forget it. My wish is that this serves as a wake up call for them and change their attitudes which I have written in the last para of the article.
(cont'd)
//Now, what would a sane head of govt. to do in such a situation? Hear out the grievances of these alleged terrorists, see the movie and check if the allegations are correct. Verify if the movie deliberately portrays Muslims and their faith in a wrong light. Verify if the film says anything seriously objectionable that will hurt people of certain faith in India.//
Is this the work of Govt or the censor board? In a situation like this, the govt did what it must do. I think you are not aware of the developments taking place for long before the supposed release of the movie. If you are a Tamil, read the Juvi article given in the last link in the article.
On censor board, I have an observation. I think it was only after the Ad-Gen of Govt questioned the censor certificate to this movie in the court, things developed fastly. Leela Samson said that she would sue him for which he retaliated that he would face it in the court and ask the judge to appoint an committee to enquire into the censor certificates. The Muslim debater in Arnab's show kept saying this to Leela and one can see leela squirming in her seat. Something is amiss in the censor board. If an enquiry is conducted, almost 90% of the films released would face troubles. This is like Kamal doing a Bhasmasura on the film industry.
This is when the filmdom rushed to Kamal to convince him to remove objectionable scenes. If this scam comes out, all those really upper class people (not me Mr Kumar Srinivas, I don't touch money) who have been parading as film icons would be biting the dust.
//what did this govt. do? Does not watch the movie but instead used the muslim terrorists views to heavy-handedly ban the movie so as to create a huge financial loss to the movie maker. And, by the way, to hell with freedom of expression, it screams.//
Ask Kamal. Kamal was willing to show them. But he wanted to show them the previous day to the release so that if they object to anything, he can say what he can do at the 11th hour. This point is noted by the Muslim organizations.
On freedom of expression, I wish we become more educated on what is meant by freedom of expression. I gave an explanation for it from legal sources. Anyone can bring to our notice from legal sources. We will see how it applies to the controversy.
Interesting article and follow up comments. My 2 cents on this. If Muslims want to be seen in good light by their brotherly fellow Hindus, they should START DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
Number one: Declare OPENLY that Hindus are not to be treated as Kaffirs.
Number two: Acknowledge the atrocities done against Hindus in the past, to their temples and to their people.Give solid assurance that these kind of actions will never take place in future.
Number three: Offer mutual RESPECT to Hinduism. This means no conversion, open or in covert ways.
We as a nation can move forward peacefully only then. This applies to the Christians also.
Until then, whether this movie shows Muslims in a bad light or not is an irrelevant point. Common Hindu KNOWS what the average Muslim's mind set. They have not set any great example in the past to think otherwise. I cannot recall objection from any Muslim organization when the Hindus were at the receiving end of Muslim atrocities. For a start,have you heard of any fatwas from the Muslim organizations against Islamists in Kashmir when they drove out the Pandits? No? Thought so.
JJ wisely pointed out age of kamal as 60 and later corrected to 58 purposely to make a dent on his self created image and remind him that he is no more a charming young hero to talk about his imagination of playing big role in future film world ( presumably in reply to kamal interview that he will be a seed and will grow as a tree and later as a choolai- garden.) Therefore he can not be crushed
When the film "Dasavataram" was released,kamal invited karuna family members and had shown them preview show exclusively for their family and others. He did not invite for his own movie the present CM jj.Hence jj rightly pointed out that she is not seeing any movie nowadays only by keeping this in her mind.
i feel that jj message is v well prepared and measured in language which she delivered out of her good memory without reading from the text.
Kamal's interview posted on 31st Jan in CanIndia, Canada;s favourite South Asian newspaper,
"I’ll burn Vishwaroop’s Tamil version in front of Jayalalitha’s office: Kamal Haasan"
Excerpts:-
//Q: Why would the Tamil Nadu government victimise you? You are an iconic actor who has done the state and country proud.
They do not think so. They feel I have been making too many controversial films and I need to be tamed and brought to my knees. So today I am being labelled anti-Islamic because the terrorists in my film owe their allegiance to Al Qaeda.
Kamal Hassan :- They forget I made a film on Hindu terrorism – Hey Ram. They also forget that I was the first actor who stood up and condemned the demolition of the Babri Masjid. I am a friend of the Muslim community. In fact because of my name, I am often mistaken for one at international airports.
****
Q: Why do you become anti-Islamic by showing Islamic terrorism in Vishwaroop? After all so many good Hindi films like Subhash Ghai’s Black & White and Rensil D’Silva’s Kurbaan have shown the identity crisis of the Indian Muslim and his link to terrorism.
That means zilch to these people. The interesting thing is, not one terrorist in my film is an Indian. All the terror activity in the film is located in Afghanistan. Some Muslim brethren objected to references to Al Qaeda. I removed those.
*****
Q: Why object to Al Qaeda being linked to terror activities?
Are we romancing rationality here? I have tried to reason with Ms Jayalalitha. After the court’s verdict I tried to meet her and explain my point of view. But she refused to meet me arguing that the matter is subjudice and that I should meet the Home Minister.
Now, the Home Minister would have the same argument about the matter of being subjudice. I had met him and apprised him of my film and the situation before the court hearing.
And there’s no way the powers-that-be would not know that I met the Home Minister. Not a leaf stirs in the state without her knowledge.
****
Q: This issue has taken on connotations beyond that of a film release…
The world is watching. I think the issue has gone far beyond my film. I am ready to face the consequences. I am going to take the print of the Tamil version of Vishwaroop and burn it in front of the relevant government office. They are aborting my baby.
I might as well give it a proper cremation. I won’t bow down to fascism. This is a conspiracy to finish me off financially. To kill me. To make sure I am never able to make another film. And that is as good as death for me.
Like I said, it is an irrational attack. But I’ve to fight it rationally because we artistes are rational people even if others are not.
***
Q: Why would they target you? Is it because you took up the DTH issue?
It goes much deeper than that and we won’t talk about it. My phone is tapped.
Q: That sounds ominous…Can they finish you off?
They can finish me off. I am a very arrogant man. I have just returned from a very successful world premiere of my film in Los Angeles. From what I’ve been told it’s probably the biggest average grosser among all foreign films released in the U.S.
*****
Q: Which woman do you hold responsible for spoiling your premiere plans this time?
I am not saying anything.
(cont'd)
Q: The Tamil Nadu Govt banned your film even after the censor board cleared it?
Clearly then, the censor board is redundant at least in Tamil Nadu. They should shut their office in Tamil Nadu.
***
Q: The film has been banned in Malaysia where you have a huge fan following?
Yes, my Muslim brethren here in India have spoken to their Muslim brethren in Malaysia.
***
Q: Did you mortgage your house to fund your dreams? That is old-fashioned.
Yes! It may be old-fashioned. But that’s what I’ve always done. Why old-fashioned? It’s the Satyajit Ray passion. He mortgaged everything to make Pather Panchali. I grew up hearing stories of how Ray saab put all his wife’s jewels into making Pather Panchali. I wanted to go many steps further. Okay, now I can be called a Ray Ban (laughs heartily).
***
Q: Are you joking?
This is no ….ing joke. I am serious. I lose everything if the film doesn’t release. I will be a pauper. I believe that no individual should own property. That it should be for the people. Whatever property I have came to me through cinema and I gave it back to cinema. That’s why I pumped it back into the cinema.
If I don’t pay them by February 1, my financiers take all my property. And my financiers are not ones to yield to my plight. I might get arrested. But that’s okay. They arrested Gandhiji too.
****
Q: Vishwaroop is your nemesis?
No. Vishwaroop is my child. Politics is my nemesis. They want to abort my child. I am supposed to talk to Christians, Muslims and politicians to save my child. Why would I address my creativity to fascism?
***
Q: Given your financial crisis, how would you make your next film?
I will collect funds through a public company. I will get like minded people to fund my dreams. But I won’t grovel. I won’t surrender to fascism.
(Complete interview can be read in
http://canindia.com/2013/01/ill-burn-vishwaroops-tamil-version-in-front-of-jayalalithas-office-kamal-haasan/
****
Some discrepancies -
He says the movie ran as the biggest average grosser in the US among foreign films. The movie is running in other parts too. That means the returns are of course there and he can not claim that he would become a paupar if the movie does not run in TN. Of the total budget, he was supposed to get 25 crores as his salary. That puts 70 to 75 crores as his investment. The 30 to 70 crore loss for the delay might perhaps be about the loss in his projected profit of 300 crores. Why then does he make a big drama on his financial ruination?
"What others would think of the people who have been portrayed in bad light. This is the apprehension of the Muslim groups. I have explained enough that perspective in the article and the comments."
Come on.. How much absurd can it get ? If a villain of a movie is a doctor, will people think all doctors are bad ? Just because terrorists are shown as Muslims doesn't mean people will think that Muslims are prone to terrorism.
That stereotype comes when they see Al Qaeda, 9/11, Mumbai attacks, youtube videos etc.
Check out another example of the absurdity of this argument:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Films-cant-depict-lawyer-as-Devdas-HC/articleshow/18282248.cms?prtpage=1
If this argument is accepted, you can ban almost any movie on some or other ground. VasoolRaja MBBS would have been banned by doctors. Shivaji would have been banned by College owners. Maatran would have been banned by Health drink companies. 'Ko' would have been banned by youngsters. Where will it end ?
"The message is that they would have unleashed violence and created serious law and order problem if the film was screened. "
So, if you don't accept their terms, they will unleash violence. What kind of a government is it that accepts this threat ?
"It is the Congress and MK's vote bank policy supported by the fanning done by all these pseudo seculars including Kamal. "
So, how is JJ justified by pandering to these Al Umma people ? If MK did it, shouldn't she show some spine and stand up to the goons instead of succumbing to the same vote bank ?
"Rajesh's 2nd comment:- Explained in the article and comments of the apprehended impact."
No, it didn't. Let me know how come positive movies like Indian, Anniyan etc. did not have any impact in society and only negative portayals have impact ?
"For the kind of portrayals done by MF Hussein and of Hindus and Brahmins by Kamal, if we have the law like in the US they would have been punished or restrained. I quoted a website on a judgement like that. "
How convenient.. You didn't mention the final judgement in the case Hustler vs Falwer which is "the Court found that reasonable people would not have interpreted the parody to contain factual claims, leading to a reversal of the jury verdict in favor of Falwell, who had previously been awarded $150,000 in damages by a lower court."
Which is exactly the case with movies. No reasonable person will believe that things shown in a movie are real and the communities are stereotyped are real. This case of Islamic fundamentalists will not win in the US.
"Suppose that expression has no truth in it, the affected party is considered to be genuinely aggrieved. He / she will be entitled for remedy and protection. When the expression has no truth in it and then it also means there is an intention behind that expression to cause harm to the affected party. Such an expression is not considered to be a freedom of expression."
You once again fails to consider the final judgement in that case. If someone inflicts a offense in a medium which is considered fictional like cartoons, satirical artcles etc. the reasonable people are expected to read them for what they are: Fiction and nothing else. If politicians start protesting every cartoon, then there will not be any cartoonists in the world. Same with movies.
"He had written that we can do the same thing as a pay back (drawings). This is most senseless way of approach, to say the least. "
Wow!! So, protesting on the streets, holding the state to ransom are better than paying back through cartoons and drawings ? I thought we are living in a democracy and not under Taliban..
If you stop the free flow of ideas and speaches, no reforms will occur. People like Vivekananda, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Gandhi, Ambedkar etc would never have achieved what they did if the goons from the 'offended'communities were given their way. Bharathiyar would not have been able to write and spoke against casteism, women empowerment etc. if the goons from that era were satisfied.
What you are asking for a dangerous trend. Stop the hate against MK, Kamal from clouding your opinion. What you are batting for is talibanization of the society slowly. The next generation may not be able to even write blogs like this if this trend continues.
Moreover, Indic traditions have a wonderful history of debate and encouraging it. Let us not follow the Desert bloc habit of fundamentalist positions in everything and get offended by anything.
"Kamal is becoming instrumental in creating a visual impact on the minds of the rest of India on this Muslim identity. The Muslims would not forget it. My wish is that this serves as a wake up call for them and change their attitudes which I have written in the last para of the article"
Come on.. This is not the first film in which terrorists are shown as Muslims and neither is Kamal so famous in North India as some others. This hype that one movie can create so big impact in the minds of people is incorrect. If so, people like Hitler, Gandhi etc. would have been filmmakers instead of the methods they followed to reach out to people.
I would like to conclude by saying that the proper way to register protest is by peaceful demonstrations. If a movie hurts you, take another movie rebutting it. If a blog hurts you, write your own blog. If a cartoon offends you, draw your own rebutting it.
Asking someone to ban something because it offends you is something that should only happen in Taliban rule and should not have a place in Democracy. The State cannot bend backwards to these fundamentalists for vote bank. The courts should be consistent in their judgement and uphold the artistic freedom against goons.
What can be more stupid than people agreeing to movies with semi naked actresses' body parts are shown vulgarly but want to ban a movie on terrorism ?
"Kudanthaiamudhan said... "He did not invite for his own movie the present CM jj.Hence jj rightly pointed out that she is not seeing any movie nowadays only by keeping this in her mind."
LoL!! this site is full of MK, Kamal haters and JJ fans. very few argue with a neutral stance.
Hi all
I request all regualar readers of Madam's blog to view the below link. P.J ( Tamilnadu tawahit Jamad) speech on Vishwaroopam. There are 5 parts. Please watch all the 5 parts and then come to a conclusion.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xx2hqh_vishwaroopam-kandana-pothukootam-pj-part-1_news
Sincere Pranams
Skandan
Shah Rukh Khan and Viswaroopam.
Sharuk is very worried about release of Vishwaroopam. The reason being, Red Chillies a firm owned by Sharuk Khan has done all the Graphics for Vishwaroopam.
Addressing Mr Rajesh's further comments, I think the video link of the 5 parts of the speech by the Muslim leader explains very clearly and logically the holes in the arguments of anti-ban people and also the justification for pro-ban. Instead of writing the same thing to Mr Rajesh, I think I can ask him to listen to that speech. Other readers also can listen and share their comments.
There are of course certain things I wish to say on that speech. The issue on MF Hussain is spoken by that leader. I don't agree that since because he was a Muslim we were against his depictions. Anyone who had depicted like that will have be condemned.
The speech touches on the remark of Kamal that it is cultural terrorism by Muslims. In the course of his argument to challenge it, he quotes Kamal's personal life and how Shruti Hassan expressed her desire to pair with her own father in a movie. This was selectively quoted in some forums casting a bad impression on the speaker. But when seen in the context I did not see anything wrong in this part of the speech. It would be apt to say that Kamal is causing an inspiration for 'cultural deterioration' (கலாச்சார சீரழிவு) by his way of life.
There was an explanation of "Vishwaroopam" linking it to Vamana avathara. He uses the message of that avatar to say that the movie was aimed at Hindus destroying Muslims by the Vishwaroopam. But he must have checked the Hindu scholars before making this explanation for Vamana avatara - in tune with what he has said that without knowing the real life and religion of Muslims one must not venture out to take movies on them. The concept of Vishwaroopam is not associated with Vamana avathara, but with Krishnavathara. Krishna takes Vishvaroopam to show the cosmic and all pervading and all controlling nature of Himself as God. To return the words of the speaker, he must have known the Hindu concepts before using it in the way he had used in the speech. Perhaps that explanation of Vamana was in mind of Kamal in naming this movie.
The speaker makes a significant point by saying it is a great shame (அவமானம்) for India as a whole to show that the most wanted terrorist was sheltered in India (though in TN in the Tamil version and other parts in other language versions) for 2 long years and went back safely to Afghanistan. This gives an impression that India harbours terrorists and all the premier intelligence agencies are incapable of detecting it. Valid point.
(cont'd)
The speaker zeroes in on the 2 issues I have touched in the article. In other words, a normal person with normal sensibilities would find these two issues objectionable. There is every possibility that the peer group friends casually (without thinking what they mean) can pass a comment to his Muslim friend " என்ன மச்சீ, உங்க ஆளு எப்படி தலையை சீவறான் பாத்தியா?” (Hi buddy, did you see how 'your man' sieves off the head?") The probability of this kind of comment exists in great measures at the local level. It would definitely irk the innocent friend. The commenting friend would, not know the difference between a Tamil Muslim and the terrorist shown in the movie. Since this Tamil Muslim link is shown, it would hurt the Tamil Mulsims.
Same with the depiction of Brahmins. No one outside Tamil nadu can understand the derogation Kamal is heaping on Brahmins in his films, because they are directed at Tamil Brahmins and not the Brahmins of other States.
In this movie, the Tamil Brahmin is depicted in bad light which is not true. There is as well no need to show the identity of the character as a Tamil Brahmin. But he is doing willfully and he must be taught a lesson.
The one word from the speech that made me sit up is the fleeting reference to Mel Visharam. This is where my repeated contention in the above comments that they must become free thinking applies. The Muslims must come into the main stream and adhere to democratic means and thoughts. They exhibited their readiness to listen to democratic process and means in the Vishwaroopam episode so far. That must be adhered in all issues and always.
The link which Mr Skandan has given is again given here:-
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xx2hqh_vishwaroopam-kandana-pothukootam-pj-part-1_news
"I can ask him to listen to that speech. Other readers also can listen and share their comments."
He's making the same bulls*it arguments that you guys have been saying for all these days.
Let me ask one simple question: Real incidents like coimbatore bomb blasts, mumbai terror attacks, 9/11 attacks etc. create image of Muslims in the society 1000000 times more than a single movie can. You conveniently ignored many of my posts where I had asked some basic questions. Good for you.
Im not going to post again until some rational points are made insted of giving links to some Islamic fundamentalist's videos.
Finally, I have observed the only people who support the ban are either the Muslims who are eternally offended by anything that happens anywhere in the world about their religion and some of the upper caste people who have grievances against Kamal and MK and those who are fans of JJ. You guys need to grow up and see the big picture. We are slowly moving towards talibanization of India. Wake up and Smell the coffee.
Dear madam,
The line of thinking that Kamal Haasan has reaped the fruits of his earlier acts in the ban of his movie 'vishwaroopam' is not acceptable to me. In fact it further hurts the sentiments of the vast majority of Hindu public. Why because when the religious sentiments of the majority community was challenged by this crooked minded actor by depictions of hindu-hatred incidences which have no historical background, making mockery of hindu deities and depicting members of brahmin community in bad light, there was no government action initiated. May be because there was no major threat to the law and order situation as the affected people have not chosen to express their opposition in violent ways. The present action on the part of government may encourage all people to express their opposition in future in such ways which will be accorded due importance by the government. Not a positive trend. For the crime committed by the actor in propogating hindu-hatred in his movies, initiating action on him legally / democratically and make him own up his mistakes can only be considered as proper justice. The sentiments of the hindu community cannot be assuaged by the ban of his any other movie. Of course, the right-thinking and knowledgeble public have mentally boycotted this actor long ago which is the greatest failure for any artiste, however successful he may be commercially.
Dear Mr Rajesh,
I am amazed at your rational thinking and I must admit that I am nowhere near you in thinking rationally. Perhaps your grooming in the paasarai of MK and Kamal helped you in this. I must thank you for your a rational and thoughtful suggestion on how we have to register a protest – make a movie in retaliation for the movie we hate, write a blog in retaliation of an offensive blog and draw a cartoon as a rebuttal to an offending cartoon. I can write a blog, that is not a problem. But the problem here is the movie. Why not you suggest me some good producer, director and an actor matching your Kamal’s stature to make a movie as a rebuttal to Vishwaroopam? Let me also become rational like you, make a movie with them as a rebuttal and get back to you for more advice.
"Perhaps your grooming in the paasarai of MK and Kamal helped you in this"
ha ha.. Predictable response.. Let me be clear. I'm a supporter of Hindu Right and consider the Islamic fundamentalism the biggest threat. That's why I'm against any kind of pandering to their threat. I'm no fan of Kamal or MK either. On the contrary, I had little respect for JJ that she will stand out from the rest, but she has proved that she is similar to MK, Kamal etc. When Islamists attack, all of them bend backwards.
But some of the upper castes have behaved like Islamists themselves. Normally they speak against Islam and for Hinduism, but when it comes to their Brahmin caste, they don't worry even if Hindus are affected, their enemies suddenly becomes the dravidian fundamentalists like MK, Periyar and the Islamists become their friends.
That's what happened in this case. Since Kamal is involved and JJ is on the other side, they support the ban even if it means bending to Islamists.
It was really an eye opening incident for me. I naively believed that everyone on the Hindu-Right will speak in the same voice. But I have been proved wrong. People like you have shown your true colours. Thank you for that. One more question: Will you support the ban if it was MK who banned it instead of JJ ? Honest answer please.
"make a movie in retaliation for the movie we hate, write a blog in retaliation of an offensive blog and draw a cartoon as a rebuttal to an offending cartoon."
Yes, I reiterate that. I think that's what democracy means. I don't want to be ruled like Taliban where any offense is paid with blood.
The right to Free speach is ABSOLUTE. Only if there is a direct incitement of violence, it should be banned. Nothing else.
PS: It will expose you better if you or those who are supporting the ban can reply to my earlier points. Or if you find them offensive you can go ahead and 'ban' them or 'remove' them since I had asked some inconvenient questions just like you are supporting the ban of VR. After all, you seem to support Talibanisation.
Dear Mr Narayanan,
I don't think this issue would become a precedent for similar demands for ban in future.Times are such that nothing can happen by the whims and fancies of the people whomever they may be. There is a court to settle all these. Even the current issue is in the court. If Kamal does not want to agree to the demands of the Muslims in the tripartite talks, he can argue his case in the court once the proceedings begin. So I think that worry is unfounded.
Infact every act that JJ does is challenged in the court. Such is the venomous and vehemous opposition to her by the Dravidian loyalists, mainly because they can not continue with their corrupt ways as long as she is power. JJ of today is like a Simma soppanam for them. But Kamal could not bear this challenge to his movie and said that he would go away from country. That is the level of his inner strength and conviction.
You don't seem to agree that he is reaping for what he had done all along. You have said that no action was initiated when he did all those nasty depictions on Hindus. Even now this issue would not have come this far if MK is in Govt. The Muslims would have expressed their objection as they did now and MK would have called Kamal to do something about it. Kamal would have obliged, there is nothing like artistic freedom blah blah for him. All that matters is money and paying his debt on this movie. Who knows, if MK was back power this time too, Kamal would have gone to him or Marans or the grandsons to help him out in the production. Rajini did that in Enthiran. Poor Kamal, he did not have MK in power when he had a finance problem in this movie. In that case, Kamal would have obliged MK and removed whatever scene was asked to be removed by the Muslims.
One example to show that Kamal is guided by business interest and not artistic freedom is that he had retained a scene in the version for American audience which he cut for Indian audience. In that scene the terrorist would say that he is not worried about the safety of the women of his family as the Americans would not harm the women. This is an unnecessary dialogue and I doubt whether any Al queda terrorist would ever say this. But Kamal had this dialogue presumably to please the American audience. Kamal cut this dialogue in the Indian version. Why? Is it to show himself with anti-American communist leanings? Or did he think that by cutting this scene in the Tamil version, he is being Muslim-friendly or else it would give an impression that Americans won't harm the women but Muslims would - a historical fact we have known from the records of invading Muslims? He has absolutely messed up the movie with his half-baked and self=gloated ideologies. He can not afford to do it in a mega budget film. If he does, he has to face the consequences.
For everything a time must come. Kamal is not lucky like Enthiran Rajini as MK is no longer in power. His continuous unleash of arrogant depictions needed time to gather mass. As I told in the article, he had to become resolved to that again and again until it reaches a stage when he would no longer use his good sense. Even now he believes that he didn't do anything harmful to the Muslims. Look at the arrogance in telling that it is not Muslims but Hindu Munnani Rama Gopalan who had to complain. Only arrogance can fight arrogance. That is happening how, but within legal and constitutional framework.
I don't think he would ever think that he was wrong in depicting Hindus in bad light. His metal make up is so well established in the perverted conception of ideas on Hindus and Hinduism that would never change in this birth. He will have to get blows like how he is getting now.
Mr.Narayanan,
we can also look at this way. when 1st party hurt someone, the 2nd party can protest or ignore or silently take the pain. for every action there is an equivalent opposite reaction.
2nd party protest: in this case the 1st party get his action equivalent directly whom he had affected.
2nd party ignore or silently take pain: 1st party for sure will get his action equivalent from 2nd party through indirect ways thro some one else (instrument) or in a different situation or even in next life also. but he will for sure get. This is where the sanchita, prarabhdha karmas comes to play...sometimes u get immediately, sometimes you get late.
I am a regualr reeader of this blog. This one article has invited more than 60comments and even this is spreading some kind of positive and negative vibes and making many uncomfortable.
Madam was educating us and sharing info on so many good things related to sanatana dharma. This post has taken her quality time from that.
This Bhasmasura will get what is due for him. IN the past, we have seen many rationals coming back to Spritual fold at the later part of life, if this incident teaches him a lesson and if he also comes back, let us welcome him.
God bless all
Skandan
Mr Rajesh,
This is becoming a big comic relief in the midst of a serious discussion. You support Hindu- Right? Oh God save Hindus. Can't you have a Chanakya buddhi in an issue like this? Its a waste having you in the fight for Hindu Right. By the way I don't find any point in searching for the 'earlier points' of yours. Instead I suggest that you search for the points in my comments that apply to your points, ok?
Dear Mr Skandan,
After reading your comment, I was wondering whether I really succeeded in putting forth the advantages from the current issue. Most of it, I have written in the comments section only.
Muslim fundamentalism and Christian evangelism can not be checked without a change in the constitution or in the attitude of the rulers in the centre. The Modi mantra 'equal treatment for all and appeasement to none' must be infused in governance. This must be brought out by removing the minority status clause and the right to proselytism. The first requisite for this is to have the Congress out of power and less relevant.
Congress is banking on the Muslims to come back to power. The present controversy has exposed the true faces of all those who claim to be secular and friends of Muslims. The Muslim leader in that video minces no word in saying that. But if you have noticed, he did not criticize the BJP! He only quoted the BJP accusing Shinde's speech on Hindu terror as am example of its objection to freedom of speech. This muted reference may be deliberate as that video was meant for global viewers. We have to analyse answer for this from various angles. But they are clearly upset with secular forces. A revelation may come that they may be better off under a govt like Modi's and here JJ's than under the seculars who are only doing lip service to them. If that happens, we can say that Vishwaroopam issue has been a catalyst for that change of perception.
"JJ of today is like a Simma soppanam for them."
ROFL!! I rest my case your lord..
"I don't find any point in searching for the 'earlier points' of yours."
Hmmm.. what else would you do ? You cunningly brought in the case of Hustler Vs Falwell and I pointed out the final judgement in that case which is against your argument.
I also mentioned that any movie can be banned on some or other group's pressure. you do not want to explain any of that. Fine.
Better put up a title in the blog "I am a fundamentalist Fan of Jayalalitha" and will support whatever she does even if it means supporting Fundamentlists". People like me will simply ignore you.
@ Rajesh,
JJ is simma soppanam, or else Alagiri would not be in a mood to buy peace with Stalin.
Calling yourself as Hindu Right and hating JJ like this would not take you anywhere. You will be isolated, for, your bosses would not be in a mood to listen to you. If you are the boss, then you can not move around as you are shooting on all directions.
You have to have a clarity. An activist is like an arrow that is shot. It knows only one direction and the target. You are behaving like that. But the shooter would know when to shoot and when to keep quiet. If you are an activist, go, do the service, but when it comes to decision taking, an activist cannot do justice unless he has the political acumen.
The problem with activists like you at the grass root level is that they are single tracked. This was the reason for the debacle in HP elections. This was the reason that worked to some extent in Gujarat also in the recent elections. But Modi managed to win on his personal charm - and more importantly on the confidence factor in most of the Muslim dominated areas. That is where he shines as a leader and not an activist. A leader (here the CM) must take along every section of the society and not nurture selective grudges.
If you have seen the latest news, Rajnath has extended an olive leaf to Muslims. His justification, I am sure may not be palatable to activists like you. But when one gets into the shoes of a leader he has to be neutral to all.
The single tracked nature of the activists is one of the stumbling blocks for the BJP in choosing the PM candidate. The activists would not accept anyone other than Modi as PM candidate. But the allies would not accept Modi. If it is someone other than Modi, the activists and cadres would not involve seriously in the poll work. This is a pathetic situation.
But the same cannot be told for other parties. Whether it is JJ or MK or Sonia they have a power to make their cadres to obey and do what they say. But your house looks like a chaotic house of rebellious children not wishing to listen to the elders of the house. As long as activism and political role do not match, this chaos would continue.
(cont’d)
//"I don't find any point in searching for the 'earlier points' of yours."
Hmmm.. what else would you do ? You cunningly brought in the case of Hustler Vs Falwell and I pointed out the final judgement in that case which is against your argument.//
You have not read my comment and the judgement properly. I concentrated on the intention part of it which is also the dictionary meaning of what causes the freedom of speech turn defamatory or punishable. The judgement in Hustler vs Falwell talks about another issue, namely the nature of the person at whom the speech is directed. It says that public figures cannot claim protection from the freedom of speech. But this is not the case with others or the society where the speech can disturb peace.
Soon after writing that “"The fact that society may find speech offensive is not a sufficient reason for suppressing it. Indeed, if it is the speaker's opinion that gives offense, that consequence is a reason for according it constitutional protection. For it is a central tenet of the First Amendment that the government must remain neutral in the marketplace of ideas.",
(this applies to public servants as this part continues from whether caricaturing a public figure is against the freedom of speech),
the court has said that there are exceptions.
It continues “Admittedly, these oft-repeated First Amendment principles, like other principles, are subject to limitations. In Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire, 315 U. S. 568 (1942), we held that a state could lawfully punish an individual for the use of insulting " fighting' words -- those which by their very utterance inflict injury or tend to incite an immediate breach of the peace."
Here the distinction of whether the affected party is a public figure or a common citizen did not matter. What mattered was that if the speech tends to incite immediate breach of peace, then the state has the right to curb it and punish the speaker. Note the focus is on reaction or the result or repercussion that is apprehended.
All these are in American law. For our discourse we have to take the salient features that form the basis of that law on freedom of speech and not on who won and lost. The salient feature is the intention clause. Where it does not apply is in the case of public figures, but where it applies is when breach of peace is apprehended.
Moreover the case in this issue is on a parody on a public figure that appeared with a disclaimer "ad parody -- not to be taken seriously."
Can you say that by putting a disclaimer in the beginning of the movie, that the incidents and characters are fictitious, the offense of freedom of speech is neutralised?
In the case of Vishwaroopam, is it a parody on Muslims or Tamil Brahmins? Or is it a case of mocking at a public figure? The apprehension of disturbance to peace was the cause for the ban. The above quoted judgement fits verbatim to the Vishwaroopam ban.
(cont’d)
//I also mentioned that any movie can be banned on some or other group's pressure. you do not want to explain any of that. Fine.//
I think you are not reading my comments other the ones addressed to you. You have missed the role of courts in all these. We have a final recourse to courts.
On the possibility on clamour for ban on movies on some or other group’s pressure, do you know how many movies had been banned in the past and by whom. Better listen to the Muslim speaker in part 1. He gives you the list. Your MK had done that quite a few times and none other than the same people – the film industry people had demanded the ban on such cases.
The first ever ban on a movie in TN was done by the Congress govt. It was for a Hindu cause! for MK’s dialogue in Parashakthi that it was not God but stone! Podhumaa?
// Better put up a title in the blog "I am a fundamentalist Fan of Jayalalitha" and will support whatever she does even if it means supporting Fundamentlists". People like me will simply ignore you.//
Why do you want to interfere in my freedom of speech in naming my blog or writing what I want? What business you have to do that? Whether you ignore me or not, in what way it is going to affect me ? Did I call you with vetthalai –paaku thattu to come and read my blogs?
And it surprises me what the title “Non random thoughts” holds for attracting any one, for you to say that you would ignore me (my blog) if the title is otherwise. Infact I made a prayer in the title of the blog that vandals must not come to my blog. Somehow I thought of the prayer when I read your comments. Not that you are a vandal, but that it forces me to come out of my nature to write all this stuff in a kind of eye for an eye which you subscribe to. More than this, I am worried if this is what all the activists of Hindu Right think and behave. Even after I hinted on the need for “Chanakya Buddhi”, why are they like this? God save Hindus from them!
I am the first anonymous since its confusing. JJ's response to media was brilliant though she has definitely lost some popularity due to this incident.
Kamal Hassan's response was very immature.I think he banked too much on his charisma and popularity to tide over Muslims or to fight state govt ban(Surprise considering his last movie flopped). Both of which failed.
Threatening to migrate is a cheap stunt and a bit ungrateful towards a state(and film fraternity) which is so welcoming to one and all.Has he forgotten that Karnataka banned Mahanadhi(since they are being so gracious now)? We never saw such reaction then.
The Bollywood guys who are so welcoming him now have never ever stood up together for anyone who faced a ban.
The grass may look green on the other side I hope he realises that.
" In other words, a normal person with normal sensibilities would find these two issues objectionable. There is every possibility that the peer group friends casually (without thinking what they mean) can pass a comment to his Muslim friend " என்ன மச்சீ, உங்க ஆளு எப்படி தலையை சீவறான் பாத்தியா?” (Hi buddy, did you see how 'your man' sieves off the head?") The probability of this kind of comment exists in great measures at the local level. It would definitely irk the innocent friend. The commenting friend would, not know the difference between a Tamil Muslim and the terrorist shown in the movie. Since this Tamil Muslim link is shown, it would hurt the Tamil Mulsims. "
I am a fan of Jaysree Ji and a fan of this site.I want to make it clear here that I am on her side on all her views except on this.My question is: What are the Tamil Muslim community afraid of? That the ( Hindu)public will come to know that Muslim terrorists recite Koran when chopping people' head off? That Islamists are terrorizing and bombing one and all in the name of their faith? That suicide bombers recite Koran before blowing themselves in a crowded market place?
This is common knowledge and so true of their faith. No amount of white washing will alter this basic fact that Islam was from it's very beginning and to this day, a violent cult. Let these innocent Tamil Muslim proclaim first, loud and clear, from the roof top of their mosques on Fridays that fellow Hindu brothers are not Kaffirs and Hindus and Hinduism deserve respect.
Until then Madam, I will not label anyone as innocent Muslim. They are just " reluctant Muslims" who will not follow the true doctrine of their religion but afraid to come out in the open and say so. All we Hindus are doing now is basically shutting out the true nature of their faith from these "innocent Muslims(!!)", by shielding them from ground reality. It is high time Muslims are liberated from Islam.
Here is " Vishwaroopam original" from Pakutharivu.
http://hayyram.blogspot.com.au/
Dear Mr rk,
The most wanted outcome is spelt by you that "It is high time Muslims are liberated from Islam."
How could that happen? Will the episodes like the present one help in that? By repeatedly telling them and showing them with gory visual scenes we are making them not to forget or shun those ideas. In the 3rd paragraph of the article, I have indicated that they had to shun the militant portions of Koran. The jihadi element of Koran is no longer valid in today's world. Now what they have asked for is the shunning of these elements from the movie.
We can take this in 2 ways, one a sincere thought that they dont want to subscribe to these ideas of Koran and therefore don't want a depiction of them and two that they indeed subscribe to these views but are apprehensive that they are exposed in the movie. I have expressed this early in the comment section.
That is why I said a churning is happening now. I hope the abundant publicity that the Muslims are getting in this issue and the suspicion on them as supporting Terrorism in seeking the ban would certainly make them tone down. IF they are genuinely for removing the stigma of negativity of those Koranic elements, it is imperative that we as a society do not keep harping on those issues of Koran.
We all know how all the Muslims of India share a fraternity within themselves. In this episode the Muslim bodies in North India or even those outside Tamilnadu did not share the perception of TN Muslims on the movie. If they have wanted they could have joined the chorus, but for reasons best known to them they have remained silent. That makes it a purely an issue with TN Muslims and not Muslims of India.
Then why should Tamil Muslims feel aggrieved is something we come to know from what they say. Their interviews and the speech in the 5-part video give their side of reasons. Those reasons look acceptable. Those reasons centre around the problems that may crop between Muslims and others who live as "maamam - machaan". This expression applies to college friends or teen age friends.
We know that caste skirmishes are there among college students here and there. Even a casual remark on this film can trigger a fight between Muslims and non-muslims. This kind of sensitive nature of the polarization in terms of caste and community is present in TN than anywhere else in India.
I must say that something good had come out of the churning. It was reported yesterday, that the filmdom agreed that they have to be more cautious wrt public sentiments while making films. If they are making a movie for entertainment and business, better not dabble anything on castes and communities. This film could have been taken without showing the heroine as a Brahmin girl. The terrorists could have been shown without any religious identity. Most absurdly of all, the prayers of all religions by all the people in the scene before the bomb attack could have been avoided. What does Kamal want to convey? That prayers of certain religions would pay and others would not? Why promote these kinds of ideas in a medium which everyone likes for entertainment?
Read a fine post on the legality, rationality and proportionality of the ban on Vishwaroopam:
https://www.facebook.com/chandramowleeswaran.viswanthan/posts/461420570579961
Most part of this post is in Tamil but the legal ideas are in English.
For non Tamil readers, let me write here the salient features:
It quotes from a previous judgement:-
"Private rights may be temporarily overridden when there is a conflict between public interest and private rights."
# On the opinion of many what is wrong in showing the terrorism scenes which many already know:-
Apprehension of law and order is the basis of this ban and it is valid on all accounts of legality, rationality and proportionality.
At one level it is argued that the visual impact of movies is real and can not be ignored, therefore censoring is done. However the censoring authority may not be palpable to the impact in a place after the movie is shown. It is because, the censoring authority is at one place from where he / she can not know the conditions in other places in India. In other words, what is censored at one place is shown throughout India irrespective of a probability of different ground situations in other parts.
At another level it is argued that in the case of depiction of scenes of religious nature, if its depiction threatens the right to profess, practice and propagate the religion, the interference is needed to protect that right. The demand for the removal of certain scenes by Muslims is legally valid from this point of view. The author says this as follows:
//இந்த அடிப்படையில் கவனிக்கும் போது to profess, practice and propagate religion எனும் அம்சங்களுக்கு விரோதமாக நடக்கும் செயலை கண்டிப்பதும் தடுப்பதும் அரசின் கடமையாகவும் ஆகிறது
ஒரு திரைப்படத்தில், எந்த ஒரு மதத்தினரின் நம்பிக்கைகளை புண்படுத்தும் காட்சி, வசனம் எதுவுமே அந்த மதத்தினர் தங்கள் மதத்தின் நியதிகளை வலியுறுத்திக் கொள்ள to profess, practice and propagate religion எனும் அம்சங்கள் மூலம் வழங்கப்பட்ட உரிமைகளுக்கு எதிரானது என்பதாகவே அர்த்தம் கொள்கிறேன்//
This raises a further question what if this right to profess, practice and propagate leads to conversion. This had been debated by the founding fathers and told by them that there are adequate powers with the State to stop misuse of this right, meaning, conversion.
"ஒரு திரைப்படத்தில், எந்த ஒரு மதத்தினரின் நம்பிக்கைகளை புண்படுத்தும் காட்சி, வசனம் எதுவுமே அந்த மதத்தினர் தங்கள் மதத்தின் நியதிகளை வலியுறுத்திக் கொள்ள to profess, practice and propagate religion எனும் அம்சங்கள் மூலம் வழங்கப்பட்ட உரிமைகளுக்கு எதிரானது என்பதாகவே அர்த்தம் கொள்கிறேன்//"
Well, how can criticism not be a part of democracy and only 'profess, practice, propogate' are allowed ? In any case, criticism does not affect any of the 'profess, practice and propogate' part of it at all. It just questions the existing belief system. Islam has been stagnant from 7th century precisely because of the lack of criticism and reform movements. The ban of this movie only confirms this stand.
Let the bloody history of Islam be whitewashed in Indian history and only the good parts be shown. Let the Muslims live in a deluded world that their forefathers were kind emperors and their current brothers in Afghan Taliban and AL Qaeda are innocent victims of some Zionist conspiracy.
The upper castes in India supporting the ban simply because of their loyalty to JJ just pander to the fundamentalists.
Let me ask another simple question. Brahmin groups took Kamal to court for Dasavatharam for portraying Shivites and Vaishnavites in bad light. But the court dismissed the case. How is that justified. Does this argument of 'Profess, Propogate and Practice' not apply in that case ?
The bottomline is simple: The State, even the courts fear Islamist fundamentalism more than any other group. So when they threaten, everyone piss in their pants. This ban just reinforces that.
Jayasree JI,I read your response and thank you.I am sorry Madam. I do not agree with your views on this. In my opinion,the peaceful Tamil Muslim should START making reconciliatiory moves, in some ways, to show fellow Hindus that they respect them and their religion. No point calling your mates as Macchi and Mamma, if there is no sincerity at the bottom of these friendly gestures.Simple deeds from them like declaring(openly)Hindus as non Kaffirs will go a long way than any of these token gestures.
@Abi, I agree with you. I believe the Brahamin lady in this movie loves chicken briyani! Apparently there are jokes about 4 armed Vishnu and crucification.
We idiot Hindus will still support this opportunistic KH in the name of freedom of speech/art, etc. Until Hindus unite and vote as a single unit, nothing will change.
Dear Mr rk,
I respect your views. Perceptions do differ, but there can be no second opinion that Muslims' mindset must change. But I don't think by supporting a ban or opposing it with Muslim's complicity in it, we can change the Muslim mindset or concede them an advantage. If we want a real change to happen, it lies in modifying the constitutional clauses that support them and in making them cease to be vote banks. It is the second factor I have harped on, in this article.
On another side we have to keep posting articles of the kind done by Ali Sina and Rajagopalan (in Tamil) and keep bringing out genetic, historical and authentic information on the Indian roots of Muslims through our write-ups. Mr Gurumurthy had listed out some sources for collecting the information. The Census records of the British period is another source of information that shows that Muslims lived as Hindus only, even celebrated Durga Puja, did tarpanam to forefathers until 1910. It was only after the Jinnah factor came into place and the Congress appeasement officially started in the Independent India, they forgot their connect with their original roots.
In the current circumstances where education is getting a thrust and more and more people are depending on the internet for information, information of the Hindu roots of Muslims would gradually and silently reach the educated Muslims. In this context let me recall what Mr NS Rajaram told on AIT. Officially AIT continues in texts books and in some records. The govt does not listen to doing away with AIT in them. In such a circumstance he says that we must make a change in the perception of the people by constantly writing on the hollowness of AIT so that people who read them continuously and over years would start accepting the hollowness of AIT and not subscribe to the official version. Over a generation this happens and it is true as nowadays we can see people talking about "the discredited AIT" in their discourses and articles.
Similarly the exposure of the Muslim horror and Muslim fundamentalism in internet itself would make a change in the minds of the present and upcoming generations of Muslims. It is they who have to fight it and come out. We have to do the facilitating role. It is like a silent and non-violent transition that is possible within 2 generations. If you have noticed, the top link in the right-hand side bar in my blog is on Muslim horror on Bharat, titled as “Know your Hindu past”. The spread of this awareness must not be on revenge sense or eye for an eye attitude.
(cont'd)
The youth always has the vigour and tendency to rebel. The suffocating restrictions that the Muslim youth are experiencing within their community would certainly work against Muslim fundamentalism. Today the Kashimiri girl signing in music band has been issued a fatwa. Our role is to give her the constitutional protection. Only in that way we can weaken the Muslim arrogance. If the govt bungles like how Rajiv did in Shahbanu case, it is means playing to the vote bank politics. So the core issue is vote bank politics. There is no gainsaying that it is the Congress that is the chief architect of vote bank politics. In the light of these, I consider the ban issue as having a potential to weaken the forces that play vote bank politics.
The catch 22 situation which I wrote in one of the comments expose the secular forces vis-a-vis the vote-banking of Muslims. What is going to happen to the cosy relationship between the seculars and Muslims must be keenly watched. Another advantage of this controversy has been explained in the last paragraph of the article. The pressure is going to be more on Muslims to show that they are peaceful and for peaceful neighborliness. This controversy has also put them under the scanner of whether they support terrorism or only stand for their religious sentiments. The final outcome of the tripartite talks had shown that they had to go cautiously on the factor and had only stuck to the second factor with the effect that could not insist on total ban but insist on muting the Koranic verses without cutting the visuals for most part. With the attention of entire India on them, they cannot afford to show themselves as supporting terrorists. This is good step towards taming them down.
(cont’d)
Dear Mr rk,
As usual a series of comments, but I thought I have to put forth my perception. You have said in another comment, “For a start,have you heard of any fatwas from the Muslim organizations against Islamists in Kashmir when they drove out the Pandits? No? Thought so.”
I am asking you – have you ever thought of the ethnic cleansing of Brahmins from Tamilnadu by all and sundry? The Brahmin population is at 2% today from 3% hundred years ago – when Dravidian movement of anti-Brahmanism started. You can see it continuing even today – take a look at the comments for this article itself spewing venom on Brahmins. They say that you support JJ because you are a Brahmin. Nearly 50% of people of Tamilnadu supported her in the elections. Were they are Brahmins?
Now the 2% of Brahmins is going to dwindle to less than 1% within the next 2 decades thanks to the change in the US policy to grant green card to STEM students. This is going to benefit the Indian students in general and among them the Tamil Brahmins more! The intelligentsia has just woken up to this second generation brain drain and are warning the policy makers, but to the Tamil Brahmin this is a blessing from God as it gives him the much needed relief from a suffocating environment.
Even for a film ban, we heard all round choruses of people abusing JJ mainly because she is a Brahmin. I was accused on the same plank here. Don’t say or think that anti-Brahmin mood is reduced in Tamilnadu. It is still there and promoted by the so-called thinkers and writers and of course by Kamal and MK’s grandsons in films in the name of freedom of speech. I have firsthand experience and even suffered which if I speak here would become the subject of TV debates tomorrow. A young student known to me personally is shocked to experience this in the premier institution where she studies and finds it difficult to survive in their midst. People are raising a hue and cry when Kamal said that he would go out of Tamilnadu. Here I advised this Brahmin student to quit the institution and go abroad where she can pursue her studies in a peaceful environment. I take the clue from Chanakya who says “Do not live in a country that does not allow you self respect, honour, means of living, a family, kith and kin, friends, well wishers, WAYS OF EDUCATION AND SELF DEVELOPMENT. Quit such country. It is not fit for living.” (Chanakya neeti – 1-8)
How many people have realised that this is also an ethnic cleansing - of Brahmins from Tamilnadu? Almost all of them who land in the US or anywhere outside India are not behaving like what Kamal thinks. These people have better satsangs in their regions, they learn Vedas – rudram. Chmakam, pancha sooktham, prabhandam etal – an opportunity and an environment which they don’t get in Tamilnadu. The best of the archakas are leaving for the foreign countries to serve in the temples there. Soon a time is going to come when temples in TN are not going to have efficient archakas. Somehow this realisation has set in now as we hear people asking Brahmins to take up vaideekam as full time occupation. Without the environment, this would not happen. Even deivam would leave such a country that does not value and respect its servants. ‘Pai-n-naga-p- paayais surittik koL’ - Thirumazisai Alwar’s instruction is there.
Thank you Madam for your kind reply. My frustration arises on seeing the eunuch mentality of the Hindus. we have been offering olive branch to the Islamists for yonks. I do not think this has made any difference to their mentality. The Vice Chancellor of Algarh uni, a devout Muslim, wanted Hindus to be de classified as non Kaffirs. The Islamic mob will not have it and he was hounded out of the Uni and had to into hiding. Patience and peace and Gandhian way will lead only to Hindu extinction.
What you say on Brahmins is so true. I left India for Oz over 37 years ago, partially due to the Brahmin hatred in TN. Now , we have a group of fantastic Hindu priests here at our Venkateswara temple! TN loss is Sydney's gain.
Dear Mr rk,
//Patience and peace and Gandhian way will lead only to Hindu extinction.//
Don't lose hope. A responsible Centre or a responsible judiciary that does not play to the tunes of politicians can alter the situation. I am hopeful of Courts becoming custodians of democracy. This is inevitable in a democracy as it matures.
extinction of brahmins fm TN:
Dear Madam,
attrocities have been done to Tamil brahmins, but still do brahmins feel so unsafe in TN? atleast after MGR it has been better i thought. yes there is no scope for Government jobs. still there are Open category in Defence/ Administrative services and ofcourse lot of Private sectors and opportunities as selfemployed. where there is a will there is a way to live. when one can tolerate Aussies/US or anywhere in world for livelihood why not in TN or India? does the community use this as an excuse for their own ambitions to earn in foreign currency & comforts than protect their dharma and motherland.
Sheela
Dear Ms Sheela,
You are free to draw your conclusions, but talk to the affected ones, you will know. The situation is worst in medical education. I can not speak more in an open forum like this. Self imposed curb on my freedom of speech:)
From: Balaraman S
Date: Mon, Feb 4, 2013 at 6:40 PM
Subject: My comment on Vishwaroopam
To: Jayasree Saranathan
Dear Jayasree Madam,
I also share the apprehension expressed by RK about the extinction of Hindus from India in a period of 30 or 35 years from now, the way things are going on for the past so many years since our independence. Fortunately I will not be there to undergo the sufferings but I am seriously worried for the coming generations on that account.
In this connection I wish to bring out the thought process shown in a Phantom comic in 1950's (published in Illustrated Weekly of India, a magazine from the Times group which had closed down some years ago) in my school days.
In one episode the people of Benghalla who are under the protection of Phantom complain to him that there was a ferocious monster who was tormenting them and making their life miserable. They asked him to save them from this villain.
When Phantom comes face to face with this new villain, he mocks at Phantom and says "So you are the saviour of these people! I have seen and dealt with so many of your kind of heroes. I can crush you in a second like an egg!".
Now it was Phantom's turn to mock at the villain and he says "So you say that you are a hero and that you will crush me like an egg? What is so great in crushing an egg, since even a child can do it easily".
"But can you crush a coconut?" and picks up a coconut and crushes in no time with his bare fingers! He picks up another coconut and breaks it by hitting it against his shoulder.
He demonstrates the cracking of coconuts in different ways by crashing each coconut on his forehead and on various parts of his hand.
This makes the villain furious and attacks Phantom ferociously. After a short time Phantom reduces him to a pulp.
But here is the clincher as the villain says after his defeat "I realise now that you are really a true hero worthy of huge respect. From now on you are my master and I will be your slave. Your every word will be my command from now onwards" and proceeds to work under Phantom in the service of the pygmies of Benghalla.
(Perhaps Salim and Javed got their inspiration from this episode of Phantom for their story line in Zanzeer since after Amitabh defeats Pran in his own den - without a police uniform and the power of his police station as mocked at by Pran - and tells him to close down his den, become a good man and do good for the people etc. Pran promptly listens to it and obeys! He subsequently became his chela or shishya in the film!)
This was only a story but look at the solid logic presented here!
All our politicians are like this villain who are so eager to win the "respect" of their subjects by "solving" their problems but they end up by only breaking eggs instead of coconuts since they take the easiest route possible.
So our "secular" politicians want to show themselves as heroes of the "downtrodden" minorities by insulting and humiliating the hindus at the drop of a hat, the dravidians want to show their heroism by mocking at brahmins and so on.
So is there any wonder when Kamal Hassan keeps mocking at brahmins in all his films for some cheap thrills since he knows that there will be no backlash or wild reactions from them?
But when the tide turns against him the cheap thrills and the cheap profits he had reaped would vanish in thin air as at present.
But being the fake hero he started crying 'I will quit the country to settle in a secular country'.
It is very easy to follow the path of least resistance, but ultimately you will only end up with egg on your face!
Now that his problem has been resolved to some extent with the TN govt revoking the ban on his film, he will not quit the country now and settle in some secular country.
But he will renew his mocking of brahmins with new vigour for sure, since only in comics and films villains learn their lessons and become good people, not in real life!
Bala
Dear Madam,
my views on extinction if had offended i am extremely sorry. it was asked to you with genuine interest if there will be a change. i do watch agraharam streets which has only names devoid of the useful colorful kolams and spiritual aura.
mistakes have happened out of sheer ignorance and non brahmin hindus are also (though considerably low)aware of injustice and understand importance of vaideeka brahmins.
Many ancient temples in TN display the silent injustice happened.
Though many justify as Yugadharma i could not digest this personally.
Sheela
No no no Sheela. No need to say sorry. I can make out the intention of the writer from the tone and language of what is written. You were not wrong in asking that. I could make out that you didn't get what I conveyed in my earlier comment on extinction. Instead of elaborating it I thought I can ask you to talk to the affected one.
Today there are no agraharas, but Brahmins are spread in modest accommodations across the state. The painful part of growing as a Brahmin is on the education side. Particularly for the bright students of the community (one must know that not all Brahmins are very good in studies and not all students of other castes are dull in studies. Statics show that other castes are leading in education.), a matter of 1 point difference means losing a good college with govt fee to other castes who can get the seat with much lesser marks.
Also know that majority brahmins have meager income and have no ancestral properties like the other castes. Every Brahmin child grows up with helplessnes and frustration by the time they reach 10th and 12th standards. Most of them land up in 2nd and 3rd class colleges where they have to shell out good amount of money whereas the low performers than them reach the cream institutions.
Particularly in medical education, the presence of Brahmins is next to nil in the last 10 years due to less number of seats, high rate of reservation and reservation for service candidates at the MS level. These institutions are manned by people groomed in Dravidian thoughts with anti-Brahmin hatred. Even the few Brahmins who study in these institutions try not to reveal their identity or else they would be booed by the people around them for silly reasons - like, if they did not wish them, that is Brahmin superiority or Brahmin arrogance. Whereas they would not bother about scores of others who had crossed them without wishing them. They show their bias in exam results.
Every Brahmin who manages to get a seat for higher studies abroad gets a sense of worth as he gets an acknowledgment for his merit.
By having gone there, they are not leaving dharma or have not stopped serving Dharma. Most of the best compilations of Vedic and Tamil sukhtas, pasurams and commentaries are done by NRI Brahmins only. They have more faith in Vedic and other rituals than anyone else back home in India.
Dear madam,
I want to share a few thoughts on your below passage:
"Now the 2% of Brahmins is going to dwindle to less than 1% within the next 2 decades thanks to the change in the US policy to grant green card to STEM students. This is going to benefit the Indian students in general and among them the Tamil Brahmins more! The intelligentsia has just woken up to this second generation brain drain and are warning the policy makers, but to the Tamil Brahmin this is a blessing from God as it gives him the much needed relief from a suffocating environment. "
It is no doubt, a relief for members of Brahmin community to go to US, as the environment in TN is suffocating for them, as you have pointed out. In my opinion no community should be made to leave their homeland which they have inhabited for thousands of years. It is the duty of the government to see to it. As I read your good evaluation of the functioning of the present TN government, it should be possible for the administrators to take stern action against trouble mongers and weedout (or least keep under check) the communal elements from public institutions. After all no government can claim to have achieved anything great, if it fails to protect the legitimate rights of its law-abiding citizens. Another point to note is that when more people of this community leave the state, the remaining members will find the atmosphere more suffocating as their numbers are reduced further.
You have also commended the lifestyle of the Brahmin migrators in their new land in the following passage:
"These people have better satsangs in their regions, they learn Vedas – rudram. Chmakam, pancha sooktham, prabhandam etal – an opportunity and an environment which they don’t get in Tamilnadu. "
It may be true, for the first generation of migrators. Their future generations if they are brought up in western society, face the risk of adopting the western ways of thinking and lifestyle, thereby losing their cultural identity, unless they have a strong passion for their culture. This concern is borne out of the fact that in western societies (as I understand from what I read and heard) an individual's rights and freedom are accorded utmost priority as against the Hindu way of life in which an individual's duties are regulated for the welfare of the society. In India, though the present constitutional setup may be different, people are still guided by these age-old values and therefore in my opinion any traditional Indian community can practise their culture and perform their religious and social duties better living in India.
What is the solution for the suffocating atmosphere in TN, then? In my opinion leaving the state for a better environment is definitely a solution as a temporary measure. I strongly believe that the brahmin community can reverse this suffocating atmosphere borne out of false propoganda of vested interests, with a strong determination to follow its tradition and culture, with better cooperation among its members, and establishing themselves in the social and administrative setup. They should establish and run more institutions of modern secular education for the benefit of their community members to earn a decent livelihood. The traditional vedic way of life should always be kept up which will only keep Brahmin community as one entity.
With the help of fair governance at the state level and spreading awareness on the real history of India and TN among the public, I hope this can be realised in the long run. I acknowledge with respect the service you are rendering, in spreading the much needed awareness in this regard.
Above all, tamizh nadu has been a land of vedic culture continuously from time immemorial and the services of all communities in this noble feat has been recorded in our ancient texts. Hence, I believe, efforts by vested interests in ethnic-cleansing of any traditional community from tamizh land will be thwarted by the Gods themselves.
Dear Mr Narayanan,
I will write to those points where I think I have something to say, on other issues, I concur with you.
//it should be possible for the administrators to take stern action against trouble mongers and weedout (or least keep under check) the communal elements from public institutions.//
It is difficult. May be it will take a generation for the change to happen. Those who are manning govt institutions come through quota and a majority of them are steeped in Dravidian thought. If DMK comes back to power, these elements are going to grow more. I must say that in JJ’s regime they are keeping a low profile. They are the staunch critics of JJ because even the basic requirement of reporting to duty in time is kept under watch in JJ’s regime. You ask them what their grievances are, they cannot say anything other than ‘aaNavam’, agambhavam’ (arrogance ). They cannot cite any worthy reason to say this. The bottom-line is that they have to adhere to rules and regulations under JJ’s regime. They cannot be removed. At best they would remain low as long as JJ is there in power. If DMK comes back to power, it is back to square one.
// On first generation migrants to the US and 2nd generation off springs//
Discussion on this would take us away from main topic and it is too vast too. But I wonder whether most of what you have written in that paragraph holds good for Brahmin NRIs. Most of them are intact with their customs and adhere to their precepts and maintain contact with respective acharya mutts in TN. I can say this for sure for Srivaishnavites.
//I strongly believe that the brahmin community can reverse this suffocating atmosphere borne out of false propoganda of vested interests, with a strong determination to follow its tradition and culture, with better cooperation among its members, and establishing themselves in the social and administrative setup. They should establish and run more institutions of modern secular education for the benefit of their community members to earn a decent livelihood. The traditional vedic way of life should always be kept up which will only keep Brahmin community as one entity.//
How? Where is the money and support? And also Vaideekam was not the only avocation of Brahmins, whereas teaching was the main avocation until 1960s. Even among Brahmins not everybody is capable of entering vaideekam. Lot of pre-requisites are there, may be, I will ask Mr Ramanathan who is a software engineer but does Vedic adhyayanam, to write an article on this. Traditionally the Brahmins were categorized into 6 activities in studying-part itself. You can read them in Tamil in this article on mine:- http://thamizhan-thiravidana.blogspot.in/2011/07/61_12.html
As per this only one sixth of the Brahmins were engaged in Vedic studies. Others parts were about teaching.
Dear Madam,
When I said that the brahmin community must continue their vedic way of life, I only meant to say that they should continue to do their daily karmanushtanam and veda adhyayanam as per their family tradition, along with their bread earning profession. (I didnot mean to say that everyone has to take up full time vaideekam) This I specifically emphasised, as engaging in similar activities like veda parayanam gives a sense of unity, cooperation and will help bind the community together. I live in Karnataka state and normally every brahmin here practises atleast some veda adhyayanam and I only wanted to express the benefits our community will derive by performing this duty, based on my personal experience. In our place, there are a few vedic scholars who teach veda adhyayanam in their home free of cost, considering it as one of their duties. This can happen in every place without any expenditure. I look forward to the article by Sri Ramanathan on further information on the subject.
I am happy to read the contents of your blog " Thamizhan Dravidana? ". The article on classification of society during Tholkappiyar's time makes an interesting reading. After Kanchi seer, the other person I came across who has dwelt deep into the ancient thamizh texts to bring out their correct meaning is yourself. Keep posting, madam.
Dear Mr Narayanan,
I brought up the vaideekam part because of late some voices are being heard in Tamilnadu that Brahmins must go back to Vaideekam.
I agree with your suggestion that Brahmins must not give up the daily anushtanam. If they can't do anything, atleast let them not give up gayatri mantra.
In this context let me state that these daily rituals and japa are not confined to Brahmins only. Every Hindu must develop the habit of daily japa on their personal God or Ishta deiva. There is Shiva mantra, Narayana mantra, Durga mantra and so on. In Silappadhikaram, the Brahmin whom Kovalan met on the way to Madurai asked him to recite 5-lettered Shiva mantra or 8-lettered Narayana mantra when he would be crossing a forest on the way. He gave other advises too on worship and dips near Thirumalirum cholai. But under the influence of the Jain monk, Gavunthui adikal, who accompanied Kovalan, he did not do them. However he recited the mantra while crossing the forest. There again instead of reciting the mantras as advised by the Brahmin, he recited Durga manta and crossed the forest safely.
Why I am bringing this here is that japa was part of Tamil's life even in Silkappadhikaram times.
The Dravidian and atheistic mindset had erased them from the lives of many Tamils. Today an impression has been created that Brahmins alone are doers of rituals and with that they claim superiority. But all the Tamils irrespective of their castes had done their japa and followed their traditional rituals until a century ago.
It is true that Bhakthi cult is smoothly and pleasantly vibrating in Karnataka. I had lived in Mysore for sometime and enjoyed the a very peaceful ambiance of Bhakthi. In fact it is my wish that I must spend my Vanaprastha days in Melkote Thiru narayana puram.
In contrast, I am sorry to say this - that ambiance is missing in Tamilnadu. Here Bhakthi is treated as a trade with God. The level of non-vegetarianism is very high which certainly plays a role in the inner Guna-mix of the people irrespective of their faith in God. The first step towards Bhakthi is shift to vegetarianism.
My thanks for your compliments on my Tamil blogs. But I politely refuse to accept your admiration putting me after Kanchi Periyava. Periyava is like God, I am a servant. The servant repeats what God says, due to His blessings. The servant can never be comparable with God but would always remain a servant. May be you can say that I am blessed by Periyava.
Though by my family tradition I am not connected to Periyava, I had the opportunity to do a small service in his name on his 100th year Jayanthi. I was a member of the Jayanthi celebrations in my place and arranged an arts exhibition for which TN Seshan was invited. I was given the chance to deliver the vote of thanks on that occasion in which I daringly (!) gave advice to Mr Seshan quoting an incident from Periyava's life. It was timely, because Mr Seshan was fuming at that time (and in his speech on that day) as the then central govt was trying to curb him by mooting the idea of bringing additional Election Commissioners.
I read Peiyava's teachings on that Jayanthi year mainly for the speeches I had to make in the meetings, but ended up evolving a better person. I gave up silk from then onwards. I was able to make out-of-box thinking inspired by the way he deals with an issue. Prominent example is his explanation on Pati vradha dharma as the highest virtue.
Being myself an amateur painter, I made an image of Periyava for that exhibition. Just made of thin strokes, his close up image with a calm face and a raised hand in blessing, would greet anyone entering my house.
The fatwa on Kashmiri girls band is gathering storm. Expectedly none of them who shouted in support of Kamal's movie for freedom of speech are heard now. That is the level of hypocrisy with our freedom lovers.
As I wrote earlier in the comments, we have to do facilitating support for the Muslims to fight against the fundamentalists in their religion. The entire nation must speak in one voice and speak loudly against the fatwa. This would encourage more Muslims to come out and oppose the fundamentalists. In the absence of politicians rising to the occasion, the matter must go to the court. I think the court itself can take cognizance of the curb on the fundamental right by this fatwa and start enquiring.
If any Tamil Muslim group ( the innocent Machis and Mamans) speak OPENLY against the Grand Mufti of Kashmir and his fatwah,I will take back what I said about them.
//If any Tamil Muslim group ( the innocent Machis and Mamans) speak OPENLY against the Grand Mufti of Kashmir and his fatwah,I will take back what I said about them.//
Ha ha, nice one, but they wont because they can't. Only when the Muslims themselves question their Muftis, something can happen. Not when we scream from roof tops. Whatever we do will be branded as Hindu vs Muslim vendetta. But nothing can happen unless the Muslims themselves rise against their leaders. Such a thing can happen when their basic needs are affected by their leaders. That is what is happening in Kashmir girl band episode. The affected parties need some support to challenge their Muftis and others who are suppressing them.
This is a fit case for us to give support to them, give publicity to the suppression done in the name of Islam and take the fight to its logical end. Unfortunately, there is deafening silence everywhere except the Times Now debates. The print media which gave front page coverage for Vishwaroopam issue, has not highlighted this as an important issue. The problem is with us in our double standards. I wonder if Vishwaroopam would have got that publicity if JJ was not in the picture.
Respected Madam, In the recent Past, i never heared such an inspiring speech. NAMO Speech in Delhi. If you have missed watching, pleasee see the link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xTkKB3oNb4
Pranams
Skandan
185Dear Madam,
Thanks for ur reply & agree with you on education system last few decades which make Brahmin students shy to reveal their identity.
Abroad they are viewed as Indians so situation is better.
Not only as student , even in a corporate atmosphere many find difficult to stick to their discipline.
Atmosphere has become guna mix as u said,it needs a lot of guts to withstand pressure. Cinema & few ideologies have influenced more in TN. Tamilians in general who were highly civilised, courteous, disciplined have become like different species. We can see how the heroes in Tamil movies are projected (likes of Dhanush) and we have too many comedy channels resulting in a cult spread & people immitating vadivelus & santhanams in their conversations.
we hope these reach a saturation point & stop somewhere.
one of movie Michael madhana kamarajan an old brahmin lady is shown as a petty thief in those days even I have enjoyed those scenes unknowingly. today when i look back i feel bad, how old ladies who have renounced everything would have felt watching this stupid comedy.
its sheer ignorance of majority who are brainwashed and hope God forgives.
i do have friends across brahmin communities and understand your points.
Thanks
Sheela
"here is deafening silence everywhere except the Times Now debates. The print media which gave front page coverage for Vishwaroopam issue, has not highlighted this as an important issue. The problem is with us in our double standards. I wonder if Vishwaroopam would have got that publicity if JJ was not in the picture."
What are you talking about ? This issue was equally condemned in Social Media as VR issue so much so that Omar Abdullah keeps updating the status of the case in Twitter. Just because it is not discussed in TN doesn;t mean there is deafening silence.
Moreover, in this case, the State has clearly said that it will not support the Fatwa and did not bend backwards to the Islamic fundamentalists. Today, the online abusers who threatened the girls were arrested too.
This is ewhat JJ should have done. Instead, she sided with the fundamentalists instead of arresting them saying law and order. Unfortunately, we have to cite Omar Abdullah as an example here which in itself tells the sad state of affairs in this country.
For all its claims of rationality and dravidianism, TN remains a state that has sold its souls to the Muslims and Christians. Whatever they ask, it is delivered at their doorsteps. Neither JJ nor Karunanidhi is exempt from this. It is stupid at this time to support JJ for what she did.
Dear Madam,
I had recently stumbled upon your blog (My misfortune that I seemed to have missed your blog entries for so many years) I have tried to catch up by spending all my office hours reading these blogs. They are very interesting and enlightening.
I happened to see this entry on Vishwaroopam and was curious about your thoughts. I must say that I have felt almost the same -- If Kamal Haasan is unable to stay and fight the elements, and wants to leave, he can. We should not stop him. i.e. if he is a quitter - India can do very well without him. We have too many problems to solve, and do not need emotional blackmailers for films, when rapists are still not yet condemned.
The comments and the replies have been somewhat exciting and saddening.
It reminds me of my anguish when I came to Tamil Nadu from Karnataka, not realising the Brahmin / Non Brahmin sentiments, being targeted by Brahmins for being a Non-Brahmin - as though I had convived with Karunanidhi to ensure that the Brahmins suffer. I had mostly brahminical traits - eating vegetarian food only, doing my prayers regularly, attempting to read Sanskrit and understand what the great books told. Our families are extremely Hindu in nature and behaviour.
But I failed as it turned out to be a completely protected domain, and could not penetrate it. There is an invisible wall, even to willing Hindu non-Brahmins, which puts off our attempts, and we land up in limbo.
Every movement is generally instigated by some sort of injustice - perceived by one community.
Not all the movements would have triggered by a mischief mongering fellow.
However in the present state of affairs, I sincerely believe that the issues faced in Tamil Nadu are mainly political in nature, and they should be set aside as such. The percentage of ignorant lot is very high. By ignorant I mean, those who are educated, but not open to spiritual aspects. The ability to look beyond and to believe that a person is never totally bad or totally good is simply absent.
The paradox is that the average Tamilian is still God fearing when compared to any other community. Our dependence and respect for the Brahmin community has been evergreen and always present, when compared to any other state.
I think your readers are very well read (from the way arguments have been put across in the posted comments section) and very mature. We all wish to set aside politics and business, and revive what we had lost in the past 100 or 200 odd years.
I pray that Brahmins, Non-Brahmins, Muslims and Christians from Tamil Nadu are able to look at the state as one, and do something really valuable.
Although this seems altruistic, when we see ourselves from the perspective of the developed country, I am sure we would all be ashamed by our reality and poverty.
I think you are doing the best that you can. Your blogs are very enriching and I am almost able to fill up my blanks. I wish that God gives you the strength and energy to continue to enrich our lives with very very valuable information related to Hinduism, in such a way that all the community look at our past in an unaffected manner, and work towards a goal.
Thanks
HI ABI,
I think u have not read this portion of Madam's in comment's column:
quote:
Only when the Muslims themselves question their Muftis, something can happen. Not when we scream from roof tops. Whatever we do will be branded as Hindu vs Muslim vendetta. But nothing can happen unless the Muslims themselves rise against their leaders. Such a thing can happen when their basic needs are affected by their leaders. That is what is happening in Kashmir girl band episode. The affected parties need some support to challenge their Muftis and others who are suppressing them.
Hope this answers your question.
if you could have watched daily motion link given by Mr. SKandan
Muslims rightly say, you can tolerate if your mother chides you and you cannot tolerate your neighbour chiding.
When JJ is in scene too many rumour mills are churned by media which has started brainwashing Tamilians long back.
JJ is seen by Cineworld and few sections still as an actress and pass petty judgements. While she has transformed into a better person long back many could not realise, even realised some could not accept.
Sheela
Hi Sheela
"I think u have not read this portion of Madam's in comment's column:
quote:
Only when the Muslims themselves question their Muftis, something can happen."
First of all, I do not care what happens to Muslims in this country. All I want is the elected State not to bend backwards to any kind of fundamentalism. Unfortunately, the Indian State in many cases has bent backwards to the Islamic and sometimes Christian fundamentalism. It is the Indian State comprising of elected Governments that I have a problem with. I don't give a damn on what happens to Muslims or their leaders.
"Muslims rightly say, you can tolerate if your mother chides you and you cannot tolerate your neighbour chiding."
This argument is not correct. As Rajesh has argued earlier, a movie is JUST a Movie in the same way as a book or a cartoon or an article. Arun Shourie has written many books against Islam and the Indian version of crooked secularism. That doesn't mean he is chiding Muslims.
Noone has any right to say that something is offending them and so it should be banned. Yes, there have been movies banned before as well and that is also wrong. Karunanidhi banned Da Vinci code to please some Christian extremists. JJ did similar thing with Vishwaroopam. I do not see any difference here. Both of them do not want to antogonise minorities and both of them behaved the same way as sny Arab country's government would.
In a democracy, all kinds of opinions will be coming out and we should learn to live with that. If you find something against your belief, either criticize it or ignore it. You DO NOT have the right to ban any opinion. I would apply this rule to even Owaisi's speeches. Hate speeches are also a part of democracy and the police only made him a hero by arresting him. They should have let him free but watch his activities behind the scenes so that he does not create any problem.
Otherwise, you are just letting the ground to all kinds of fringe groups setting the agenda for movies, books, newspapers etc. which will make India an autocracy and not democracy.
Atleast the Kashmir Government stood behind the band. If it was in TN, JJ or Karuna would have banned them also and people commenting here would have welcomed that as well saying you cannot offend Islam.
Conclusion is that Democracy is nothing without Freedom of expression especially in the field of Arts. Just learnt that some christian groups want some scenes to be cut in Kadal movie and Muslim groups have already expressed their dissent against another movie Singam 2 where the Villain is a Muslim. See, how pathetic this getting to.
Read this excellent article by Savukku:
http://savukku.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1758:2013-02-04-18-36-09&catid=1:2010-07-12-16-58-06&Itemid=19
Hi abi,
its question of understanding level of different sects in a society.
for you movie is just a movie.
for me movie is a bluff which one can live without.
for kamal a religion is as personal as having sex.
for someone his religion will be his life & breathe.
What is the role of TN in making film innocence of Muslims which created unexpected road blocks in Chennai?
Religion is an emotional quotient which any Government thinks twice on issues.
when both parties are adamant in their views a temporary ban to cool situation is sensible and foremost to make a balance for Govt.
Its silly to compare a situation like temporary ban with Fatwa?
Cinema in general either has good expressions or inspiration & its unnnecessary to worry too much for someone's game to make money.
Thanks
Sheela
Dear Madam,
In your blog this is the first time I have seen the highest number of comments for this post and I want my comment to touch the century mark.
Kamal & JJ both are Good, Bad & Ugly too (eccentric characters)
Dear Sri Vedamgopal,
True to your name you have stuck to our tradition and posted your comment as 101st and not 100th :)
By the way, if you meant that this is the highest number of comments for 'a' post in my blogspot, it is not true. Moola,aslesha.. article seems to be evergreen with highest number of reads, always remaining in the lead and highest number of comments.
Two observations from this - (1) moola, aslesha factors do continue to play havoc in the matrimonial affairs, and (2) obsession with films among the general public.
@ Skandan,
Thanks for the link. I watched it on the day of speech. It was a good speech but with lot of Déjà vu ideas. Watching how people / media are reacting to it.
****
@ Sheela,
//one of movie Michael madhana kamarajan an old brahmin lady is shown as a petty thief in those days even I have enjoyed those scenes unknowingly. today when i look back i feel bad, how old ladies who have renounced everything would have felt watching this stupid comedy.//
The dress code of that old lady in the film MMKR is that of a widow following austerity – is an info I want to point out. A reading of the 5-part articles by Hayyram would give more instances on how the film industry has treated Brahmins with disdain. The links are given here.
http://hayyram.blogspot.in/2009/05/blog-post_5138.html
http://hayyram.blogspot.in/2009/05/2.html
http://hayyram.blogspot.in/2009/05/3.html
http://hayyram.blogspot.in/2010/12/4.html
http://hayyram.blogspot.in/2010/12/5.html
Also don’t miss the recently written commentary on Vishwaroppam by Hayyram. It appears on the right side of the above posts
*****
@ Abhi
//Moreover, in this case, the State has clearly said that it will not support the Fatwa and did not bend backwards to the Islamic fundamentalists. Today, the online abusers who threatened the girls were arrested too.//
No action against Fatwa, but action against abusers. Strange logic of support to Omar Govt!
*****
@ Kadambari.
Welcome and thanks for your comments.
//It reminds me of my anguish when I came to Tamil Nadu from Karnataka, not realising the Brahmin / Non Brahmin sentiments, being targeted by Brahmins for being a Non-Brahmin - as though I had convived with Karunanidhi to ensure that the Brahmins suffer.//
May be you can narrate your experience so that Brahmins would know why and where they are perceived so.
//I think your readers are very well read (from the way arguments have been put across in the posted comments section) and very mature.//
My thanks to you and to the readers who make this happen. Many a time my blogs on Sanatana issues were the result of thought provoking questions and observations by the readers. According to me, the best one is on animal sacrifice.
//I pray that Brahmins, Non-Brahmins, Muslims and Christians from Tamil Nadu are able to look at the state as one, and do something really valuable.//
I second your view.
"What is the role of TN in making film innocence of Muslims which created unexpected road blocks in Chennai?"
Exactly, the Islamists have no reason to react to a movie on the Internet created by someone in the US on the roads in Chennai. They should have been arrested and taught a lesson and the State should have set an example. But we allowed that to happen thereby letting the Islamists to react to anything that happens anywhere in the world.
Saddam Hussein is hanged, Indian Muslims take the streets. A movie is released in Internet, Indian Muslims riot in the streets. Riots happen in Assam, Muslims in Mumbai riot and attack the police. Their version of global Islamic brotherhood concept is detrimental in any democracy and it shows their allegiance to their religion above the country they live in.
"Religion is an emotional quotient which any Government thinks twice on issues."
Well, it looks like this rule is applied only to Muslims and Christians. Why don't we see Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs etc. riot in the streets for something that happens to their religion ? As you people have mentioned, Hinduism has been denigrated in many movies and marxist books, but we do not see Hindus reacting to them on the streets. Sardar Ji jokes have been going around for decades. We do not see the Sikhs getting offended and riot.
You will not see this kind of Minority fundamentalism anywhere else in the world. In no other country will the minorities be so emboldened to burn a train coach full of pilgrims of a majority community and still the blame is put on the majorities for the riot it resulted in.
In the Netherlands, one filmmaker was killed for an offensive film on Islam and the entire political discourse has changed there resulting in right-wing parties getting popular. We have had 1000s of such incidents and yet nothing happens.
The blame squarely lies on the politicians and the State which panders to the fundamentalists for votes. If we let this happen, we are definitely going towards another Partition. Already Assam-Bengal area is turning against India due to illegal migration. South TN is becoming a Christian state slowly. Rajiv Malhotra's 'Breaking India' is turning to be true.
"when both parties are adamant in their views a temporary ban to cool situation is sensible and foremost to make a balance for Govt."
Well, that didn't happen in Dasavatharam right ? The court ruled that nothing is against Brahmins and the movie was released. If the Brahmins went to the Government, would they have got the ban ? I'm sure it would not. So, there is a seperate rule for Hindus and for minorities.
"Its silly to compare a situation like temporary ban with Fatwa? "
Today, it's a movie. Tomorrow it could be Reservation, funds for their pilgrimages, state funding of their bodies etc. Once they have proved that they can hold the government to ransom, they will not stop. That is how Islam works everywhere. First they claim victimhood under democracy, slowly they become votebanks and then they start setting the agenda.
"No action against Fatwa, but action against abusers. Strange logic of support to Omar Govt!"
let them issue fatwa, it's upto the people to follow it or not. A Fatwa in itself does not mean anything and we do not need to care about it unless someone considers it seriously and attacks the victims. In this case, the abusers threatened the girls that they will be raped and killed and so they were rightly arrested. There have been 1000s of absurd Fatwas issued before and we cannot go and arrested those who made all of them. Also, in VR case, the Islamists could have issued a fatwa and asked their communities not to watch it. But they chose blackmailing.
"A reading of the 5-part articles by Hayyram would give more instances on how the film industry has treated Brahmins with disdain."
See, these kinds of blogs are also an example of freedom of speech and they help create awareness. Imagine some dravidian fundamentalists attack these bloggers. Will it be justified if the state bans these blogs even temporarily just to 'cool' down the situation ?
//let them issue fatwa, it's upto the people to follow it or not. A Fatwa in itself does not mean anything and we do not need to care about it unless someone considers it seriously and attacks the victims.//
The core issue is the girls band disbanded. If it is dismissed as their choice, we are only fooling ourselves. The serious issue is the intimidation potential of the fatwa which has been unchecked by the govt and secular media / persons.
Namastay Mam,
Why in general TN is looked as anti-brahmin state? In fact, very famous temples are there in TN onlyh. I am a brahmin and I wont find such an anti-brahmin culutre in AP or I could not perceive it, not sure.
SURYA.
Dear Abi,
i agree with ur outburst on attrocities. rushing to street does not happen for a Hindu cause probably we are brought up as an empathising mind than as an agitating mind.
do we have uniform civil codes for all religion in a secular country. Gandhis & Nehrus did not have the courage either to declare as Hindusthan or atleast with uniform civil codes for all religions as secular country. now problem is in its roots when new country India was born!! We have so many entangles in this problem and i only said blaming state government does not work. with the given space she has played prudently i would say.
Funny thing is we Hindus empathise for our religion, secularism, expressions & what nots more for a movie than for our Ramjanma bhoomi, Ayodhya!!
Many of us should accept we have not even thought to visit Ayodhya and see for ourselves what is the truth behind!!
While we wait in theatres to watch a fiction born from a confused rationalist just for gossips.
Sheela
I think I can share some of my views on freedom of speech.
Freedom of speech is essentially a western concept, much like secularism. It is not an Indian concept. Texts like Thirukkural do not give unbridled acceptance to whatever one thinks can be spoken out. When it says "solluga sollil payanudaiya, sollarka sollil payanilaa sol" it recommends a curb on what to speak - depending on what impact it creates and whether it serves a positive purpose in having said. It goes even a step further in 'poimaiyum vaaymai idattha" kural - in which it justifies even a lie if it serves a good cause.
The 2 chapters (adhikaram) of Thirukkural, namely Payanila sollaamai (not telling those words that have no value addition) and Sol vanmai (the power of the tongue) are about the limits of freedom of speech.
Every verse of Payanila sollamai adhikaram is a gem on why one must not speak everything that one thinks or likes.
Keeping a tab on what to speak and what not to speak is one of the causes for the success of the family system down the ages. Ask you mother or grand mother, they will have a tale to say on how they managed to have peace at home or made things work by their talks or less talks or talks in sync with a situation.
Our nation is also like a family of people of different characteristics. If the people don't exercise their freedom to talk or express in a way that does not affect the harmony of the nation, there will be strains all over. The situation today is that except Brahmins everyone else would react violently if others prod them in the name of freedom of speech. When Brahmins defend by writing blogs like Hayyram did, people call it freedom of speech. Strange! The root cause for these blogs was the film industry's misuse of freedom of speech!
If one can not differentiate between situations and instances where freedom of speech applies or not, and appreciates the need for restraint on expression for the harmony and for a larger good, there is no value addition in the discussion.
"Freedom of speech is essentially a western concept, much like secularism."
Well, if that is an argument, then democracy, nation-state, Constitution for the whole country, centralized judicial systems are all western concepts as well. We have chosen to use them, so we cannot omit freedom of speech alone which is an integral part of democracy.
The moment you chose democracy as the way that the country will function, freedom of speech and expression becomes an important tool with which the dissent is expressed. Otherwise, contrarian voices will become extinct. Sadly in India, it is the Hindus who have to keep quiet not to hurt the sentiments of minorities. The minorities can propagate their religion, use evil measures to convert people tempting with money etc. but the moment someone from the majority community questions that he becomes communal.
"Keeping a tab on what to speak and what not to speak is one of the causes for the success of the family system"
Family system is not based on an absolute democracy concept. It is meant to sustain and nurture relationships. But I would also argue that the silence that you have mentioned is usually thrust on the women to a large extent and not on Men. Much like the way the majority community is asked to keep mum on pseudo-secularism issues.
"If the people don't exercise their freedom to talk or express in a way that does not affect the harmony of the nation, there will be strains all over."
This is an over exaggeration. Hyderabad did not burn because of Owaisi's speech nor did anything happened because of Togadia's speech. Riots are usually built up over a period of time like from 1984-1992 or as in Gujarat. Ironically, these major riots have roots in the cases like Shah Bano, Salman Rushdie etc. when the State backed the fundamentalists initially and realized very late that they have given space for the Majority to feel helplessness over a period of time.
This is precisely the reason that people like me are worried by what's happening in TN recently. Yielding of space to the fundamentalists, especially Islamists always results in terrible consequences. Today, it's a movie, tomorrow it could be something significant, like reservation. Once these fundamentalists have tasted blood, they are not going to stop it. I's sure that we are going to hear more of these people who are involved in the VR incident in the future using their clout to ask for more demands.
In fact, I would even go on to argue that forcing the majority community to be quiet and repressing them for too long or letting the minority fundamentalism too long always have produced dangerous results.
"The root cause for these blogs was the film industry's misuse of freedom of speech! "
Well, the dravidians will claim that the upper castes have suppressed the lower castes for a long time and so they are paying back with movies. But as you have seen, it cannot go on for too long. As true democracy grows and tools like the Internet becomes extensively available, these things will be questioned. Movies like Anniyan have started portraying the upper castes in a positive light even if the comedy scenes are still not that kind.
I myself am not an upper caste, but I do feel that the upper caste portrayal in Tamil cinema is not fair. I infact get criticized in my circles for telling this openly, especially among the elders but the people of my generation understand it and they too have begun to question their parents and relatives.
That is the positive impact of freedom of speech. If my elders have banned me from speaking in the 'interests of larger good', it would never have happened.
"appreciates the need for restraint on expression for the harmony and for a larger good, "
The flaw in this argument is you assume that the threat for a ban is ALWAYS in the 'interest of the larger good'. In most cases, it is the opposite. The threat usually comes from a very few people who have the capacity to organize themselves (because of money power and lack of any useful work) politically claiming that they want to work for the interests of the society or a community, when in truth they have not done anything of value to them.
In the VR case, the person in the video argues that the relationship between the 'Maaman-Machaan' between Hindus and Muslims would have been spoiled. But in my opinion, it is spoiled now more than that because even a normal Hindu is going to ask his Muslim friend why they are so possessive about their religion and why can't they see the country above religion.
If the movie really portrays Indian Muslims in bad light, many Hindus might have themselves agreed about it and discussed about it with their Muslim friends. If not, they would have shrugged it as a different movie. But this episode has killed that debate and has created an artificial silence. Hindus are going to see Muslims with suspicion and moderate Muslims are going to be more and more defensive about their religion.
In conclusion, in 99% of the cases, the threat for a ban on the freedom of speech is not in the 'interest of the larger good' but only to pander to a few fringe groups who never represent the whole community or a caste. They are vocal and disruptive and the State should feel ashamed to give in to their threats.
"do we have uniform civil codes for all religion in a secular country. Gandhis & Nehrus did not have the courage either to declare as Hindusthan or atleast with uniform civil codes for all religions as secular country."
The constitution asks for it. It's only the politicians who have backstabbed it. Another classic case of pandering to the Mullahs and Islamists in the name of 'larger good'. I'm sure the Muslims would have been better if there was a Uniform Civil code implemented in 1947, but the power structures in the community has successfully blocked it so that their dominance is not broken.
"more for a movie than for our Ramjanma bhoomi, Ayodhya!! "
Well, we reacted in 92 but have not got what we wanted. Wonder where our 'larger good' has gone now, after all we are 80% of the population. Why is the 'larger good' argument not applied to the Hindus and the Hindu causes also ? The answer to that question is the truth behind this 'larger good' argument, which is political power and vote bank politics.
"While we wait in theatres to watch a fiction born from a confused rationalist just for gossips. "
I hold no place for Kamal but worried more about the Islamists who have succeeded this time. Only time will tell what this results in.
Only on 3 places I find it necessary to state my opinion on Abhi's comments as I find the rest of the ideas of his comment as repetition of ideas - like beating around the bush and whimsically shifting from one issue to another and not taking cognizance of my ideas on the various basics (like constitutional changes)and how issues must be seen case by case and situation by situation (which I call as discriminatory wisdom or judgement and analysis of issues). Similarly, what is the larger good in one situation can not be applied to other situations.
(1) Freedom of speech is a western concept whereas Judiciary system is not. We had an unwritten Constitution in Pre-Independant Bharat based on Hindu Dharma satsras. Justice system based on Hindu dharma was supreme in this land. Example can be read in the enquiries of Rama to Bharata when the latter came to the forest to request Rama to return (ayodhya khanda - chapter 100)
(2)I explained the family system as that was the basic unit of the nation in ancient Bharat. Family - grama - Nagara - desa = all these worked on the same principle as far as (the explanation I had given on )speech part is concerned. Can anyone overrule Thirukkuiral's payanila sollaamai? Each verse in that adhikaram fits into some instance of misuse of freedom of speech that we have seen somewhere in our country. Though our country was ruled by kings, the basic system was democratic and functioned much similar to family system. Colonial records and temple inscriptions bear testimony to this.
(3)It is not correct to term the judicious use of freedom of speech by our women in our families as a silence thrust on the women. What is written in my comment was of the wise acts of women is using speech properly for maintaining the harmony of home. Even now our mothers and grand mothers play a strong role in the family. No one can deny this. The very concept of husband and wife relationship has the wife as the power of force or thought.
Dear Mr Narayanan,
Mr Ramanathan's article on the life style of Brahmins has been posted.
http://jayasreesaranathan.blogspot.in/2013/02/how-difficult-is-life-of-brahmana.html
"I find the rest of the ideas of his comment as repetition of ideas - like beating around the bush and whimsically shifting from one issue to another and not taking cognizance of my ideas on the various basics"
If that is the conclusion that you come to, then it's a waste of time commenting here. You seem to like only fanboys who only accept whatever you are saying. You are not ready to engage a different point of view and is now saying I'm beating around the bush.
I mentioned your comments point by point and gave the opinion from the other side. But you have written nothing of that sort and say in general that I'm beating around the bush without bothering to explain.
It's your blog and you have every right to conduct yourself this way. But If you are not ready to engage an alternate viewpoint, you may disable the comments or give a warning at the end saying that whoever opposes your point of view will not be accepted.
Anyhow, thanks for allowing atleast the comments to be displayed. I'm not returning here, not that you should be bothered about it. Bye.
PS: One final question. You mentioned your mother, grand mother etc. controlled their speech sometimes for the good of the family ? If it's not about women oppression, why didn't you mention your father and grandfather in the same breath ?
@ Abhi
//
PS: One final question. You mentioned your mother, grand mother etc. controlled their speech sometimes for the good of the family ? If it's not about women oppression, why didn't you mention your father and grandfather in the same breath ?//
This part of your comment is an apt example to show that one can not make a blanket statement on anything and everything. It is all situation based and issue based. What I have written in my comment is the role of women (rather than men as it is very rare to come across an instance of a man exercising the judicious mix of discriminatory sense of right and wrong in a given situation)in application of proper speech. (some extra info on this in the next comment)
Today we have many studies to show that women are physiologically better enabled to communicate better and with timely intuition. The thickness of corpus collosum and the size of pineal gland are higher in women than in men making them better species of judgmental capacity, intuitive abilities and communication skills. Many a time our women have diffused tension within the family by judicious intervention and application of speech. If you think this is a sign of oppression, that is because of western influence in your thought. There are of course many instances of oppression and suppression of women, but this particular issue is on judicious use of speech by women and can not be termed as a sign of oppression. My contention is that one can not just like that hop from one issue to another without taking cognizance of the basic thread of one issue and bring in another just to make oneself sound an adept on argumentation. You may think that you are arguing well but it looks lack of sense of proportion which requires no counter explanation because you will continue to exhibit what you possess and express the same thing.
With all this I would even intuitively say that Abhi is not a she but he, because with all the background knowledge you seem to possess on issues, you have not exhibited the sense of proportion of a she. I am sure that those of the men who possess such knowledge and also exercise judicious sense of proportion would have their corpus collosum thickened. Any evolutionary increase in intuition and inner knowledge comes with Nayaki bhava though the body may be that of a male. Even those saints who attained Mukthi without outwardly exhibiting nayaki bhava were in effect nayaki in the mind, as their goal was Paramatman who is the only nayaka of the supreme kind.
Going out of the topic, but wrote this to show the difference and the need to develop our sense of discrimination as we gather more inputs of knowledge. Any sifting of it must come with a proper sense of clarity and proportion.
I wrote
//What I have written in my comment is the role of women (rather than men as it is very rare to come across an instance of a man exercising the judicious mix of discriminatory sense of right and wrong in a given situation)in application of proper speech. (some extra info on this in the next comment)//
This is a baala paatam in astrology. The beginner in astrology would have to first analyse the signs as male and female. One must see where the lagna and moon sign fall. If both are in male signs, the native will exhibit male tendencies of vigour, courage and domination. If both are female signs, the native would exhibit feminine qualities which include conciliation, better communication and tactfulness. Common examples we give for explaining this are that of Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa. Karunanidhi has both his lagna and moon sign in female signs (cancer and Taurus). Jayalalithaa has both her lagna and moon sign in male signs (Gemini and Leo). We can understand from their style of functioning, temperament and handling of their family, what is male and female behaviour.
From Bala Gauthaman on the hanging of Afzal Guru
//It is the same UPA Government to refuse to hang Afzal Guru in the name riot and law & order issue. Now it is the same UPA government which hanged Afzal Guru. Then it was the Muslim vote bank, now it is to douse public anger. No National Security, no consistency in ideology, only consistency is to stick in chair to listen to His Master’s Voice.//
Exactly - this is the way politics is shrouding every decision of the govt. Among other issues mentioned above, the need of the hour is to have the Congress stop playing the vote bank politics of minorities. In the light of this, I find JJ's action having an impact on weaning away Muslims from Congress as a vote bank. This would have long term implications for better state of politiking in the country.
Dear Madam,
I managed to read through all the comments and find your reply to my comment :)
You had suggested that I could narrate my experiences on the Brahmin / Non-Brahmin divide.
Frankly I have moved beyond, and I dont think of them anymore than harmless arguments.
I realised there are more problems in life than these divides.
But the livid arguments during school and college days made us very uncomfortable to even speak with one another for at least a couple of days.
If you feel that any of these statements are harmful/unwarranted please discard the comment, and do let me know.
I believe that to move forward we need to know and accept what we are, hence an emotionally mature person will be able to look at how his / her behaviour & characteristics is perceived, understnad why this thought process has occurred, decide whether to react or not, and then plan how to react.
With this "disclaimer-of-sorts" I am posting the following.
The basic underlying problem was that all though the Forward caste students got more marks they were stuck with inferior colleges and inferior friends. Very understandable.
But according to me, the fundamental basis of "reservation" was to allow distribution of superior students equally so that there is a possiblility that a good student can be an inspiration to the others.
I am 100% sure that this has happened.
There could also be cases where the good student may have succumbed. Probably this is the kind of "collateral damage" that the people who initiated reservation may have thought would be minimal or acceptable. The family suffering from this will never be able to accept it
Unfortunately this policy of reservation has been extremely misused. Brahmins were directly and totally affected by this policy. Many other castes managed to find loopholes, hence the angst among the Brahmin community.
My views are as follows.
1) Brahmins are generally very smart when it comes to administration because self discipline, parayanas, japas are a way of life.
2) Brahmins have access to a lot of information and hence are able to come out of any tight situation
3) Brahmins have understood the need for keeping the Hindu way of life alive and have jealously guarded and transferred knowledge from generation to generation within their own families
4) Brahmins generally are more confident, as their language skills and communication is far superior.
1) Comparably the number of pious and devout non-Brahmins are quite few.
2) Non-Brahmins have some level of technical skills (whether agriculture or engineering) but not connected when it comes to latest information. Non-Brahmins are not very open to anything new.
3) Refusal (direct or indirect, perceived or real) to teach non-Brahmins mantras, japas (or) inability to learn mantras or japas have made the non-Brahmins believe that Brahmins have magical power which they dont want to share. This feeling of being scorned or spurned would have brought a feeling of resentment, and probably the divide.
4) Lastly the reservation policy has caused some kind of inferiority complex, where the student feels undeserving, but is trying to keep up in order to come up in life. Language skills and communication of the majority of the lot definitely has scope for improvement.
This very human nature to compare oneself with the others and keep a mental scorecard to check "how much cream we are" i.e. how are we better than others is a problem that can go out of hand when people face some kind of poverty I.e. - daridram - the extreme feeling of loss. This feeling comes with extreme attachment.
These thoughts dissipate only when we start looking at ourselves as complete, believe ourselves to be one, accept ourselves as we are and bravely move forward.
Your blogs tells me that these differences of caste, religion, or nakshatram, rashi etc are just some kind of classification for pattern matching to help us to a common goal.
I do not know if I have exactly responded to your suggestion. But that would be my view in total.
Thanks
Dear Ms Kadambari,
Thanks for sharing your views. Initially I thought you had some specific instances of grudge against Brahmins. You have chosen not to express them here. I would say any misdemeanor is a misdemeanor whomever does it. Everyone must have the habit of self introspection and strive to be harmless to others.
On Brahmins having the potential to harm others or suppress others, I request you to read the next article on "How difficult is the life of Brahmana" to know how most Brahmins led their lives until a century ago.
The issue of repression in terms of appropriating educational opportunities is a misnomer as most Brahmins were engaged in teaching jobs only until 1960s. To know the level of standard and commitment of these Brahmin teachers, one can refer to the net sources of "Beautiful tree" by Dharampal.
Vedic education was the forte of Brahmins whereas other subjects were dominated by other castes. Dharampal's account contains valid data to show this. Even in sangam times, only other castes dominated the educational scenario as can be seen from the higher number of other caste people having penned sangam texts. Refer my Tamil article,
http://thamizhan-thiravidana.blogspot.in/2011/07/64.html
What Karunanidhi has got for quoting about Brahmins dominating educational opportunities is very very meager and confined to early decade of 20th century - not before and not after. In fact it was the middle 2 varnas - kshatriyas and vaisyas who dominated the educational scenario and continue to dominate denying opportunities to both the SC, STs on the one side and Brahmins on the other.
Please refer my 2nd article in the series on Brahmins:
http://jayasreesaranathan.blogspot.in/2012/03/were-brahmins-bad-sequel-to_06.html
You can continue with the other articles in the series following the above link to know where Brahmins and others stood in the society.
On the question of caste conflicts, the currently held ideas are completely invalid and false if one goes through the colonial records on valangai and idangai and conflicts known from temple inscriptions of the regions where caste conflicts are localized. I have taken notes on these issues and would write them someday.
Having said all these, I must say that reservation policy has pushed the Brahmins to more hard work. Today if you look at a matrimony site for a particular sect of Tamil Brahmins, nearly 90% of the boys are working abroad. This is not a cause of cheer, but of concern.
I have not touched upon most of your points. Readers are free to express their views.
Thanks Madam,
Just to quickly mention, there has been no specific instance to cause any grudge. They were just few arguments during school / college days which made us introspect a lot. I guess it was also the age where we were trying to figure out our place in soceity in terms of "how good I am, at which subject, and what sujects to specialize in" Those times it was just medical or engineering - choices were less, we were were not so well informed and opportunities to pursue anything new was risky, and hence those issues.
Most of my other points could also be irrelevant today. I am not sure how the scenario is among students presently.
We have new age problems, and most kids are born to parents from different castes / culture / language. Those issues that I had mentioned may cause a blank among young readers.
Regards
Dear Madam,
on Ms Kadambari's 4 points on preconceived notions on Brahmins by Non Brahmins are absolutely true.
above points gets outscored once we understand its brilliant genetic factor a resultant product for austerities & tapas done for several generations.
Next 4 points on NBs:
Pious & devout NBs are also not less, technical skills are also abundant.
Learning mantras/japas/excel in traditional music & divine instruments like veena and for positive intuitions we need something more.
That is non polluted atmosphere which is mainly through vegetarianism. What we consume has great effect in body and mind.
when body & mind comes out of inebriation our abilities increase multifold. Divine & positive cosmic energies need atmosphere without pollution.
Sheela
Dear Ms Sheela,
You have made a valid stress on vegetarianism. Until the advent of Dravidian and atheistic ideology, most people were vegetarians only and believers of God as well. There was no competitiveness between Brahmins and others. Each one had their own lifestyles.
May be I can quote some information from Dharampal's Beautiful tree.
In the book "Voyages to the East Indies" written by Austrian traveler, John Phillip Wesdin who was in India from 1776 to 1789, it is said,
//The Indians are of opinion, that their country is the most beautiful and happiest in the whole world: and for that reason they have very little desire to be acquainted with foreign kingdoms. Their total abstinence from all FLESH, and the express prohibition of their religion which forbids them to kill animals, prevent them from dissecting them and examining their internal construction.//
Note that there is total abstinence form flesh. This book was written in the 18th century showing thereby that there was complete vegetarianism in India in the 18th century, implied as until 18th century. How did this change?
The same author of that book says
//I seldom saw in India a person either lame, crooked, or otherwise de¬formed.// All this was possible with the strict vegetarian food they were taking.
(cont'd)
While writing on the study of sanskrit the author tells about the topics for discussion. These topics are on everyday morality. In his words,
//That the reader may be better enabled to conceive some idea of the morality of the Brahmans, I shall here subjoin a specimen of these sentences.
I. What is the use of study, if the object of it be not to learn knowledge and fear, which is true wisdom?
II. Why have we ceased living in the forests, and associated ourselves in cities and towns, if the object of our doing so be not to enjoy friendship; to do good mutually to each other, and to receive in our habitations the stranger and wanderer?
III. The wounds occasioned by a slanderous tongue occasion far more pain, and are much more difficult to be healed, than those which proceed from fire and the sword.
IV. Of what use is it to thee to shut the door of thy house? It is necessary in order that thy wife may learn to be upon her guard.
V. He who revenges an injury enjoys a pleasure which endures only a day; but he who forgives receives a satisfaction which will accompany him through life.
VI. Modesty becomes every one, but is a particular ornament to the learned and rich.
VII. The state of a married pair, who never deviate from the path of honour, virtue, and mutual duty, is as difficult as that of those who impose on themselves the several penances.//
One can see how awareness is raised on various social and personal obligations through the discussion on these topics. The Brahmins who were raised so were the teachers of the rest of the community. The portfolio arrangement in the name of varna system benefited everyone mutually.
What is described above was the condition on the 1700s. Within the next 250 years, our collective community system was vitiated, destroyed and divisive hatred was planted in our midst. One can see the gradual planting of this hatred in the colonial census records of the 1800s by British authors claiming themselves as researchers. They talked about Aryan blood, Brahmin blood, Manu blood and what not - in their limited wisdom of analyzing our scriptures and wrote all filth which the Dravidian chauvinists picked up and most Indians still continue to believe even today.
One will be surprised to find that the only kind of oppression by Brahmins written in these chronicles is that of Parasurama's war on Kshatriyas!! Another quote they wrote was on Manu smrithi! They did not see any oppression in India, but assumed it to be so, quoting Manu neeti.
Dear Ms Sheela and others,
The discussion on Brahmins is going on in the next article. May be we can continue Brahmin - non- Brahmin discussions under that article.
One reader has given the links to Paramacharya's version which is quite informative. A quote form him shows how Brahmins were not actually not threats to others and how others like chettiars, vellalars were philanthropists and custodians of Hindu dharma, vedic culture and Brahmins.
//The Vedic religion prospered in the past not only because of the patronage extended to the Brahmins by the Hindu rulers. People belonging to all varnas then were anxious that it should not become weak and perish. They saw too it that the Brahmin community did not weaken and contributed generously to its upkeep and to the nurturing of the Vedic tradition. Today you see hundreds of Vedic schools deserted. There are few Brahmin boys willing too study the scriptures. Who had raised the funds for the Vedic institutions? [In Tamil Nadu] the Nattukottai Nagarattars, Komutti Cettis and Vellalas. The work done by Nagarattars for our temples indeed remarkable. Throughout Tamil Nadu, if they built a temple they also built a Vedic school with the belief that the Vedas constituted the "root" of the temple. This root, they felt, was essential to the living presence of the deity in the temple and for the puja conducted there. Similarly, the big landowners among the Vellalas made lavish donations to the Vedic schools. //
Dear Jayasree Madam,
I picked this blog post due to latest political situation in TamilNadu.
Will either Kamal or Rajini ever form a political party and/or come to power?
Hope you have their Jathagam analyzed..
Regards
Radha & Gopi
Dear Radha and Gopi,
I have written many times in the past on the probability of Rajinikanth entering politics. You may read a recent one written by me in June 2017 here in the comment section: http://jayasreesaranathan.blogspot.in/2017/05/4-early-pandyan-history-found-in-raghu.html?showComment=1496489186276#c4445303409902368070
For Kamalahasan the authentic birth details are not known. If his birth date is 7th Nov 1954, (as in Wikipedia), some good combinations are there. Certainly he has better combinations than others in politics now.
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