Skip to main content

Why not regard Godse, murderer of Gandhi, a devotee of Hindu nation?: Saffron 'historian'

Ramchandra Guha, Vishnu Pandya
Counterview Desk
Saffron ideologue-historian Vishnu Pandya, who chairs the Gujarat Sahitya Akademi, has justified his views on Nathuram Godse, that he was a patriot, and so was Gandhi, but added, it should be seen within a context. Pandya, in a message to Counterview, which carried the story “Now, top Gujarat ‘litterateur’ close to Modi says: Godse was patriot, so was Gandhi” (republished in The Wire), has said, “Gandhi was born in Porbandar, just 60 km away from my hometown” to suggest how close he is to Gandhi.
Pandya's message, sent in Gujarati, read, “The person who killed Gandhiji was a murderer, which was also proved in the court…", but adds, "Godse’s final statement says that he believed in Hindu Rashtra (nation). Hence, should he not be regarded as a devotee of the Hindu nation?”
As for his defence of Sadhvi Pragya, an accused in the Malegaon terror attack, who won a massive mandate to become a member of Parliament from Bhopal, Pandya, known to be close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said, “The verdict was a democratic slap on the face of those who talk of Hindu or saffron terror.”
Meanwhile, sharply reacting to an article published in the Hindustan Times by Ramchandra Guha, where the top historian of contemporary India has quoted Pandya’s view that both Godse and Gandhi were patriots, the saffron ideologue has written an open letter to Guha, titled “I am not Gandhi, Godse or Guha”, explaining his position.

Text of the letter:

I happened to read your article titled "Godse Worship goes Mainstream in India” where you have mentioned my name. And therefore, i believe it is your duty and my right that you listen to me. Believing that 'Hindustan Times' is an ethical newspaper and I insist that my letter should be published in toto so that the other side of the coin of your article can also be known to the readers.
1. Firstly, you have written this article on the base of a debate on a Gujarati television channel. Before writing, if you would have contacted me and asked, I would have clarified in which reference it was written.
2. A very important matter is that I am not an RSS Ideologue. I am not a spokesperson of the RSS, either. Yes, i was an editor of a magazine 'Sadhana' that is inspired by RSS ideology for 15 years (1967-76). And I actively opposed Emergency imposed in India (1975-76) and pre-censorship, wrote articles, went to the court (leader of People's Union of Civil Liberty, CT Daru, was my lawyer) and for a year was also imprisoned. I don't know whether that time you were writing the history of cricket or not.
3. I was convener of ‘Gujarat Biradari' and 'Abhinav Bharat' with Vimla Tai Thakar, an associate of Jayprakashji and social thinker. I penned her biography too. The preface of my imprisonment story was written by Durga Bhagwat. Lieutenant General SK Sinha has written a preface of my book. I was convenor of a Gujarat Sahitya Academy committee for the study of the borders of Gujarat with Babubhai Patel, Chief Minister and Gandhian political leader of Gujarat.
I am a writer of novels, essays, history and journalism and am recipient of Padmashri for it in 2017. I am Chairman of the Gujarati Sahitya Akademi. Various institutions have conferred me with awards including 'Gujarat Gaurav' and Hon DLit from Gujarat University.
4. The reason why I am writing this is, you have blamed such a person for having respect for not Gandhiji but Godse.
5. If you would have listened to or read my lecture 'Gandhiji and Partition' under the Gandhi Lecture Series at the Bhavnagar University, or you would have read my book 'Gandhi-Sardar-Subhash', you would have thought twice before blaming me in the article.
6. Without sharing the reference of the whole discussion you have quoted that, "If Gandhi was a patriot, so was Godse". What was the context to that reference? The murder of Gandhi is and will be forever a cruel and despicable incident for every citizen of not only India but all over the world. There cannot be any rescue or excuse for that. 
But from the complete statement of Nathuram Godse, one can at least come to the conclusion that he had the Hindu nation in his mind and for the nation he committed the deed. In such circumstances, can he be considered nationalist or patriot or nation lover of the 'nation' as per his definition or notion of 'nation' – true or false or not? Why is this not reviewed without partiality and prejudice?
7. Important matter in this to be paid attention is that efforts were done to prove involvement of RSS in the murder of Gandhiji. Though the court declared the Sangh to be innocent, the activity of revenge continued by some people or groups. Residence of so many in Akola and Pune were set to fire. In the opinion of many, around 8,000 people had lost their lives. And if the number is wrong, a documentary research should be done which will be the sign of justice, that too I had stated in the same discussion.
I had also quoted an important incident of Padmabhushan Shatayu Pandit Saatvalekarji who had earned the name and fame from his study and research of Vedas whose home was burnt turning his whole library into ashes. (Yes, Honourable Historian sir, his knowledge treasure was turned to ashes). The only reason was that he was from RSS. 
Saatvalekarji moved to Pardi of South Gujarat from Maharashtra and I confirmed the truth of all these detailed information during my personal meeting with him there. While condemning the murder of Gandhiji, such incidents also should be condemned, that what you have not done in the article.
8. You have mentioned in your article that I have considered Pragnaji to be Saint or Saadhvi. 
Yes, her right to be addressed or considered Saint or Saadhvi cannot be stripped off. As per Hindu philosophy she left her home and relatives and worked without any worldly bondage and so only she won the election with such majority mandate. Is it ordinary matter that a simple or common Saadhvi defeating the ex- Chief Minister?
9. The significant matter is that just for being accused of the Malegaon case, she was condemned by the Home Minister of the then Central Government and others with the phrases like 'Saffronized Terrorism' and 'Hindu Terrorism'. Not only that, but the imprisoned woman had to suffer awful oppression from the jail authority. 
In fact, this was double crime as it was oppression of a woman that too imprisoned. Police officer Karkare should be surely praised, but should one keep mum about the outrage against Sadhvi Pragnaji? There is no fanaticism or casteism in the questions above. They should be examined with pure historical vision beyond any partiality or prejudice.
Our Prime Minister is also from the RSS. He declared "Swacchata Abhiyan" following the steps of Mahatma Gandhi.
Sir, Your name is Ramachandra. Almighty Ram judged the case of a washerman without being partial for his wife Sita. If you read history of 1948, you will come across facts about Gandhiji visiting Sangh Shibir in Vardha, the planning of Sangh leaders to save Gandhi in Delhi, declaration of mourning of the death of Gandhi at all the office of Sangh, strong condemnation of murder of Gandhiji and humble statement by the then Sarsangh Sanchalak MS Golwalkar in the correspondence with personalities like Nehru- Sardar- Ambedkar- Shyamaprasad Mukherjee.
All these details one will find in chapter ten of the book 'Samagra Guruji'. I am a hardcore historian (hope you remember that Ramon Magsaysay winner Ela Bhatt had also drawn your attention on the fact of history of Gujarat). Fifty years of my life I have given to journalism, and being a person from literature, strongly supported by historical facts, I declare here that we'll examined facts , and fearless presentation of the same is my way of freedom of expression of thoughts.
***
(Letter slightly edited for style. Click HERE for original)

Guha replies

Thank you for your letter. Except for the semantic question of whether you are an  RSS ideologue or merely a person impressed by RSS ideology there is nothing in your letter that changes or challenges anything I had said in my article.
Incidentally, in my Gandhi biography I quote from a speech of Golwalkar in December 1947 where he expressed his wish to have the Mahatma 'immediately silenced'. The Organiser poured abuse on Gandhi as well, What you say or claim now about the matter is neither here or there; the historical record is absolutely clear that the RSS absolutely detested Gandhi in the last year of his life. 
I would love to come and have a  conversation with you in Ahmedabad, and had your ideological kinsmen not stopped me from taking a job in Gandhi's city that might indeed have been possible.

Pandya disagrees

Thank you, but your are wrong. Golwalkar never said or wish "Gandhi  immediately silenced". I don't know why you mention this falsehood. 

Comments

TRENDING

Aurangzeb’s last will recorded by his Maulvi: Allah shouldn't make anyone emperor

By Mohan Guruswamy  Aurangzeb’s grave is a simple slab open to the sky lying along the roadside at Khuldabad near Aurangabad. I once stopped by to marvel at the tomb of an Emperor of India whose empire was as large as Ashoka the Great's. It was only post 1857 when Victoria's domain exceeded this. The epitaph reads: "Az tila o nuqreh gar saazand gumbad aghniyaa! Bar mazaar e ghareebaan gumbad e gardun bas ast." (The rich may well construct domes of gold and silver on their graves. For the poor folks like me, the sky is enough to shelter my grave) The modest tomb of Aurangzeb is perhaps the least recognised legacies of the Mughal Emperor who ruled the land for fifty eventful years. He was not a builder having expended his long tenure in war and conquest. Towards the end of his reign and life, he realised the futility of it all. He wrote: "Allah should not make anyone an emperor. The most unfortunate person is he who becomes one." Aurangzeb’s last will was re...

Beyond his riding skill, Karl Umrigar was admired for his radiance, sportsmanship, and affability

By Harsh Thakor*  Karl Umrigar's name remains etched in the annals of Indian horse racing, a testament to a talent tragically cut short. An accident on the racetrack at the tender age of nineteen robbed India of a rider on the cusp of greatness. Had he survived, there's little doubt he would have ascended to international stature, possibly becoming the greatest Indian jockey ever. Even 46 years after his death, his name shines brightly, reminiscent of an inextinguishable star. His cousin, Pesi Shroff, himself blossomed into one of the most celebrated jockeys in Indian horse racing.

PUCL files complaint with SC against Gujarat police, municipal authorities for 'unlawful' demolitions, custodial 'violence'

By A Representative   The People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Justice of India, urging the Supreme Court to initiate suo-moto contempt proceedings against the police and municipal authorities in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The complaint alleges that these officials have engaged in unlawful demolitions and custodial violence, in direct violation of a Supreme Court order issued in November 2024.

How the slogan Jai Bhim gained momentum as movement of popularity and revolution

By Dr Kapilendra Das*  India is an incomprehensible plural country loaded with diversities of religions, castes, cultures, languages, dialects, tribes, societies, costumes, etc. The Indians have good manners/etiquette (decent social conduct, gesture, courtesy, politeness) that build healthy relationships and take them ahead to life. In many parts of India, in many situations, and on formal occasions, it is common for people of India to express and exchange respect, greetings, and salutation for which we people usually use words and phrases like- Namaskar, Namaste, Pranam, Ram Ram, Jai Ram ji, Jai Sriram, Good morning, shubha sakal, Radhe Radhe, Jai Bajarangabali, Jai Gopal, Jai Jai, Supravat, Good night, Shuvaratri, Jai Bhole, Salaam walekam, Walekam salaam, Radhaswami, Namo Buddhaya, Jai Bhim, Hello, and so on. A soft attitude always creates strong relationships. A relationship should not depend only on spoken words. They should rely on understanding the unspoken feeling too. So w...

Haven't done a good deed, inner soul is cursing me as sinner: Aurangzeb's last 'will'

Counterview Desk The Tomb of Aurangzeb, the last of the strong Mughal emperors, located in Khuldabad, Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, has this epitaph inscribed on it: "Az tila o nuqreh gar saazand gumbad aghniyaa! Bar mazaar e maa ghareebaan gumbad e gardun bas ast" (the rich may well construct domes of gold and silver on their graves. For the poor folks like me, the sky is enough to shelter my grave).

CPM’s evaluation of BJP reflects its political character and its reluctance to take on battle against neo-fascism

By Harsh Thakor*  A controversial debate has emerged in the revolutionary camp regarding the Communist Party of India (Marxist)'s categorization of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Many Communists criticize the CPM’s reluctance to label the BJP as a fascist party and India as a fascist state. Various factors must be considered to arrive at an accurate assessment. Understanding the original meaning and historical development of fascism is essential, as well as analyzing how it manifests in the present global and national context.

State Human Rights Commission directs authorities to uphold environmental rights in Vadodara's Vishwamitri River Project

By A Representative  The Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) has ordered state and Vadodara municipal authorities to strictly comply with environmental and human rights safeguards during the Vishwamitri River Rejuvenation Project, stressing that the river’s degradation disproportionately affects marginalized communities and violates citizens’ rights to a healthy environment.  The Commission mandated an immediate halt to ecologically destructive practices, rehabilitation of affected communities, transparent adherence to National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, and public consultations with experts and residents.   The order follows the Concerned Citizens of Vadodara coalition—environmentalists, ecologists, and urban planners—submitting a detailed letter to authorities, amplifying calls for accountability. The group warned that current plans to “re-section” and “desilt” the river contradict the NGT’s 2021 Vishwamitri River Action Plan, which prioritizes floodpla...

How polarization between different ideological trends within the communist movement sharpened in India

By Harsh Thakor*  This article is a rejoinder to A Note on Slogans of “Left Unity,” “Unity of the Communist Revolutionaries” and “Mass Line” by Umair Ahmed, published on the Nazariya blog .

Vadodara citizens urge authorities to adhere to environmental mandates in Vishwamitri River Rejuvenation Project

By A Representative   A coalition of environmental activists, ecologists, and urban planners in Vadodara has issued an urgent appeal to state and municipal authorities, demanding strict compliance with court-mandated guidelines for the upcoming Vishwamitri River rejuvenation project. Scheduled to commence in March 2025, the initiative aims to mitigate flooding and restore the river, but citizens warn that current plans risk violating National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders and jeopardizing the river’s fragile ecosystem, home to endangered species like crocodiles and Indian Softshell Turtles.  

Lata Mangeshkar, a Dalit from Devdasi family, 'refused to sing a song' about Ambedkar

By Pramod Ranjan*  An artist is known and respected for her art. But she is equally, or even more so known and respected for her social concerns. An artist's social concerns or in other words, her worldview, give a direction and purpose to her art. History remembers only such artists whose social concerns are deep, reasoned and of durable importance. Lata Mangeshkar (28 September 1929 – 6 February 2022) was a celebrated playback singer of the Hindi film industry. She was the uncrowned queen of Indian music for over seven decades. Her popularity was unmatched. Her songs were heard and admired not only in India but also in Pakistan, Bangladesh and many other South Asian countries. In this article, we will focus on her social concerns. Lata lived for 92 long years. Music ran in her blood. Her father also belonged to the world of music. Her two sisters, Asha Bhonsle and Usha Mangeshkar, are well-known singers. Lata might have been born in Indore but the blood of a famous Devdasi family...