Karnataka | Author Devanuru Mahadeva says he was instigated by unrest in the state to write a book on RSS

One of the tallest figures in Kannada literature, Devanuru Mahadeva has created ripples in it. State Plagued by communal polarization and headed for assembly elections next year, with his new book RSS: Aala Mattu Agla ,RSS: It’s Depth and Breadth ) The 64-page book has sold 1.02 lakh copies in less than a month. The author has partially waived royalties, so far the book has been brought out in Kannada by 30 publishers, and is all set to be translated into five languages ​​- Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi and English.

A prominent Dalit voice, the 74-year-old Mysore writer uses his distinctive style of parables and metaphors to “catch the pulse”. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and communicate about the nature of the organisation, its objectives and agenda in a simple language. Unsurprisingly, the book has also attracted strong counters, with a series of articles criticizing the book published on the front page of an RSS-affiliated newspaper. Mahadev is undeterred and says that he will continue his project of combating “hate and lies”. Excerpts from an interview:

Why did you feel compelled to write about the RSS at this time?

The main reason is the provocation by the RSS, the ruckus created by its allied groups and the many troubles created by the BJP government. Several issues have been troubling me for some time now, and I am making notes on some of them such as the EWS Reservation and the Anti-Conversion Bill, which is said to be ironic. Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Ordinance2022.

Then, textbook revision Hit us in Karnataka. The government behaved very irresponsibly. I objected to the inclusion of a text by RSS founder KB Hedgewar in the books. I wanted to discuss how we would introduce him to the kids. Do we project him as the founder of the RSS, which is based on? Chaturvarna: (caste stratification) Hindu system of religion? Is it good for our children’s education? When a seer objected by writing a letter to the Chief Minister basavanna In the textbook, the education minister said there were some “small mistakes”. When he has destroyed Basavanna’s soul and retained only his body, how can it be dismissed as petty mistakes? I was very upset by all this and wanted to catch the pulse of that moment and ended up writing about RSS.

You have called the RSS a “backward looking, regressive” organisation. What according to you is the organization’s objective and roadmap?

I think RSS stands on three pillars: imposition Chaturvarna: And this ManusmritiThe destruction of Aryan supremacy theory and federalism, which only leads to the destruction of the Indian Constitution. Aren’t most of the laws made by RSS-dynasty governments looking backwards?

Devanuru Mahadeva (centre) at a state level meeting in Bengaluru, 2014. , Photo Credit: V. Srinivasa Murthy

You said that the RSS renders Chaturvarna: Society’s view. But today the organization has the support of a section of the Shudras, Dalits and Adivasis. He has articulated a subaltern Hindutva with anti-caste rhetoric to build a Hindu society. How do you see it?

There is no easy answer to this question. It is true that a section of the oppressed communities has recently fallen victim to the RSS and believes in its rhetoric. The oppressed communities do not ask for much. A smile or a pat on the back fills them with gratitude. Who do we blame for this pathetic condition?

My grandmother used to tell me a story. A four-headed Vish (poison) Brahma (the creator) was killing our people. He came to our village. A boy was running away from her, and came across a washerman at work. The boy explained his situation. As soon as Visha Brahma arrived, the washerman told him that the boy was his son. He took a banana leaf, split it by running a finger through the middle and sat down with the boy to have a meal together with the same leaf. Visha Brahma left. That’s why banana leaves are parting in the middle today, my grandmother used to say. We are the descendants of the boy who was thus saved. Nowadays, I wonder if that four-headed Visha Brahma is really Chaturvarna: And is this story really true?

These days, Dalits and tribals are scared of the possibility of exodus. Chaturvarna: The RSS has changed its strategy and has taken on a new role of protecting the interests of the marginalized. We need to recognize this and make the society aware. On the other hand, there are opportunists among the oppressed, who want to join the RSS and the BJP in power and get instant access to status and money.

Speaking of subaltern Hindutva, the saying that “all Hindus are one” is a philosophy that also asks everyone to be in their place. We can accept all Hindus as one, if all eligible Hindu voters in this country are free to choose caste and Character of their choice. But caste is attached to the individual at the time of birth and we need to fight it.

RSS will complete 100 years in 2025. How have they implemented their agenda since 2014?

What has he done in anti-conversion bill, amendment in textbooks, bringing in GST? What do all of these have in common? Isn’t this the destruction of the Constitution? This is what the book explains. But since for the RSS,’ Akram‘(wrong way) is too’ sakrama‘ (the right way), it’s hard to see through them. We always need to be alert.

You have written that lies play a big role in the modus operandi of the RSS. Others have described the present phase of history as the ‘post-truth’ era. How do you think one should cope with this?

Was there an ‘Age of Truth’ before now? I doubt in the earlier days, Chandamama In the magazine, there was an advertisement with a quote from Gandhi: “Man deceives no one but himself.” If Gandhi can feel that way, what about us, I often wonder.

We have seen increasing communal polarization in Karnataka in the last six months, ahead of the elections next year. What is its counter?

We need to speak in the language of brotherhood and harmony. Every little creative step in that direction counts. Decentralization is needed at all levels. Decentralization of reactions as well. We often need to meet each other face to face. If we stop believing in fake news and do fact checks, half the problems will be solved.

Do you think Hindutva works in Karnataka?

If we look at Coastal Karnataka, we think Hindutva must have worked. People are very religious and devoted to their gods. RSS is exploiting his innocence. before this . in the name of shrinesthey created ethology: (knowledge) in ethology: (Weapon) In order to apply Chaturvarna: in society. Now they have deployed God as a watchman to protect Chaturvarna:, However, I think it has reached a critical point and is now trending down.

For example, I am really amazed by the response this book has received. It has sold 1.02 lakh copies in less than a month and now has over 30 publishers. Students and women’s organizations printing it themselves, taluks have their own versions. The book is also being translated into many other languages. People have accepted the book as their own. What else does anyone need?

You have relinquished copyright to the book and created a new publishing model.

I have not given up copyright. But if the publisher sells it below Rs 40 per copy, then they need not pay me any royalty. Anyone is free to publish this book by informing me. Its purpose is to take the book to the last person of the society.

adhitya.bharadwaj@thehindu.co.in