Prasanna Urges Ideological Unity to Counter Savarkar at Bengaluru Event

Noted Gandhian and theatre personality Prasanna warned on Sunday that failure to defeat the ideology of V.D. Savarkar would lead to severe consequences, comparing the potential outcome to the historical suffering experienced by the people of Germany.

Speaking on the theme "Gandhi in Today’s Crisis Situation" at an event in Bengaluru, Prasanna called on varied ideological factions to shed their sectarian divisions and build common ground. He noted that individual groups could not succeed if they remained isolated in their traditional stances.

He stated that stubbornly clinging to separate Communist, Lohiaite, Socialist, or Congress ideologies would make it impossible to defeat Savarkar’s ideology, appealing directly to diverse forces to join hands in the effort.

Prasanna argued that acquiring political power alone cannot resolve the prevailing cultural crisis. He emphasized that the perspectives of both Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar are vital when addressing the annihilation of caste.

Prasanna observed that Ambedkar is widely respected for sounding the call for the annihilation of caste, but expressed regret that he is instead being portrayed as a leader who created caste divisions. He added that observing contemporary dynamics among upper castes helps clarify the cultural interests that Gandhi had highlighted.

Also addressing the gathering, Communist Party of India (Marxist) State secretary Prakash K. accused the Union government of undermining Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of decentralisation. He stated that the Centre is systematically stripping State governments of their constitutional powers.

Prakash K. further alleged that moves to centralise administration and overturn Gandhi’s decentralised framework were part of a broader effort to turn education into a commercial commodity.