The Gujarat unit of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is set to host the ‘Sajjan Shakti Sangam’ on December 22 at Gujarat Vidyapith, a varsity founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. The event will bring together prominent individuals from various sectors to discuss key issues such as social harmony, environmental conservation and the promotion of locally made products.
However, the decision to hold the event at Gujarat Vidyapith has sparked a heated debate, with critics questioning the appropriateness of the venue.
Sudarshan Iyengar, a Gandhian scholar and former vice-chancellor of the university, voiced strong reservations about the RSS hosting the event at this iconic institution.
Iyengar, who served as vice-chancellor from 2005 to 2014 and as a trustee from 2000 to 2022, argued that it was “improper” for the RSS to organise an event at the university founded by Gandhiji.
“It is a known fact that the RSS ideology is totally opposite to the Gandhian philosophy,” Iyengar said. “There are many other places where the RSS could have organised this event, but they have chosen Gujarat Vidyapith to assert their dominance over an institution founded by Gandhiji.”
He further criticised the RSS for its decision, noting that no such event was ever held at the Vidyapith during his tenure as vice-chancellor and trustee.
“Is it that the RSS will now start following Gandhiji’s ideology by organising its event at the Vidyapith? It does not seem so,” he added.
In response to the controversy, Gujarat Vidyapith’s current vice-chancellor, Harshad Patel, clarified the university’s position, stating that it rents its premises to external organisations for various events.
“Our estate department records show that our buildings and spaces have been rented out to various organisations, including political parties, in the past. We have no link with those holding events here,” Patel explained.
RSS on Objections
On the other hand, state RSS spokesperson Vijay Thakar downplayed the controversy, describing it as unnecessary. “On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the RSS, we are organising events in every district and Gujarat Vidyapith is just another venue. In the past, we even held an event at a cafe run by the Navajivan Trust, also founded by Gandhiji,” Thakar said.
He further defended the event’s alignment with Gandhian values, stating that the subjects to be discussed—such as social harmony and encouraging the use of domestic or Swadeshi products—are in line with Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology.
“So how is this event against Gandhiji’s values?” Thakar questioned.
Gujarat Vidyapith is a regarded university in Ahmedabad. The “Father of the Nation” and leader of the Indian independence struggle, Mahatma Gandhi, established this institute in 1920. Since 1963, it has been recognised as a university. Its objective was to support Indian-run schools for Indians that were not under the financial or political authority of the British government.
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