Brahmins are targeted with disconcerting vitriol
In the sacred land of Bharat, where the heartbeat of an ancient civilization echoes through the ages, a disconcerting crescendo of vitriol has surged against the Brahmin community, weaving a sinister narrative of blame and persecution. The cultural resurgence of Bharat has fanned a tsunami of scapegoating, where the Brahmins find themselves unjustly burdened with the weight of societal ills. A large section of Bharat seems to be ensnared in a collective trance, willingly participating in the perilous game of assigning blame to a singular community for the myriad challenges that confront our society.
Even after 75 years of independence, a disconcerting reality persists — a significant faction of the Indian polity continues to extract political currency from fostering animosity towards the Brahmins. Nowhere is this more palpable than in the heartland of my state, Tamil Nadu. Recent months have witnessed a disturbing acerbity towards Hindus in general and Brahmins in particular. The affection for the Tamil language is cynically weaponized, manipulating sentiments for political gain.
Brahmins, integral cords in the intricate tapestry of Tamil Nadu, have been instrumental in fostering cultural, linguistic, and scientific progress among the Tamil people. To undermine their contributions is to risk the forfeiture of the splendour and grandeur that define our great culture.
In the realm of arts, Brahmins have been instrumental in the revival of Tamil arts. E Krishna Iyer, a luminary in the world of Bharatanatyam, breathed life into this dance tradition, now synonymous with Indian classical dance. Across the globe, from California to London to Chennai, Tamil parents proudly send their children to Bharatanatyam classes. Similarly, the patrons of Carnatic music, the classical music of South India, predominantly hail from the Brahmin community.
In literature, U V Swaminatha Iyer, affectionately known as Tamil Thaatha, played a pivotal role in the rejuvenation of Tamil classical literature. His meticulous efforts, alongside C W Damodaram Pillai, preserved timeless works like Cilappatikaram, Manimekalai, and Purananuru. Subramania Bharati, a beacon of excellence in Tamil poetry, catalyzed cultural reawakening and social reform, setting the stage for the revitalization of Hindu identity nationwide. The novels of Kalki Krishnamurthy continue to captivate Tamils worldwide.
The scientific contributions of Tamil Brahmins stand unparalleled among Indian communities. Nobel Laureates like Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, and Venkatraman “Venki” Ramakrishnan have enriched our understanding of the world. Srinivasa Ramanujan, the brilliant mathematical hailing from Erode, stands as an everlasting wellspring of inspiration, his legacy resounding through the corridors of time and spanning continents. Ramanujan credited his mathematical discoveries to Goddess Namagiri Thaayaar (நாமகிரித்தாயார், an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi). As someone coming from the very town where this prodigy was born, I’ve always found solace and guidance in Ramanujan’s life, especially when confronted with intricate challenges. Renowned American mathematician, Ken Ono, reverently deems Ramanujan a monumental source of inspiration, a luminary whose brilliance continues to illuminate the path for generations of mathematicians.
Are we to deny future young mathematicians of Tamil Nadu Ramanujan’s enduring legacy?
In the melancholy of Bharat’s freedom struggle, the voices of Varahaneri Venkatesa Subramaniam Aiyar, Vanchinatha Iyer, and Subramania Bharati, all resonant notes from the Tamil Brahmin melody, echo with fervor. Bharati, the poet maestro, wove verses that ignited the flames of nationalism and social justice. Together, they crafted a passionate saga of resilience, adding vibrant hues to the canvas of Bharat’s fight for independence.
Yet, amidst this tapestry of brilliance, the political climate in Tamil Nadu has soured to a point where the rhetoric of violence against Brahmins, dormant since the 1960s and 1970s, is resurfacing. The haunting question looms large: are we witnessing the prelude to a modern-day Kristallnacht? The historical atrocities against Chitpavan Brahmins in Maharashtra and Saraswat Brahmins in the Kashmir Valley serve as ominous warnings. Political leaders and public intellectuals like K Annamalai and J Sai Deepak have been warning us about this.
Decades before Marx penned the Communist Manifesto, the Maruthu Pandiyar brothers beckoned all the oppressed people of ஜம்புத் தீவு/ जम्बुद्वीप (Jambudvīpa) (ancient Sanskrit term for Akhand Bharat) to unite against foreign invaders. Today, we stand at a crossroads, called upon to unite against the subversion and treachery perpetuated by those who seek to exploit divisions. Our oath to ஜம்புத் தீவு பிரகடனம்/ जम्बुद्वीप प्रकटन (Jambutheevu Prakadanam) should bind us together, transcending caste and religion, for the sake of our enduring dharmic civilization.
Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
Currently splitting his time between pioneering cutting-edge products that leverage the latest technologies and contributing to the discourse on the Dharmic civilization, Kumar brings a unique blend of technical expertise and cultural insight to the forefront. In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Kumar is actively involved in the repatriation of cultural artifacts to Bharat, underscoring his commitment to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the Dharmic civilization. Furthermore, he dedicates efforts to raising awareness about India's significant contributions to the First and Second World Wars, shedding light on often overlooked historical narratives.
Kumar has previously written articles about various topics for Oxford Menorah (www.ojc-online.org), New Europe (www.neurope.eu) and Wireless-Quarter (www.nordicsemi.com/Wireless-Quarter).
- Jambhu Theevu Pragadanam - January 20, 2024
