"The backward classes have come to realise that after all education is the greatest material benefit for which they can fight....' -- Dr BR Ambedkar
Past few years have seen the rise of many 'educated' persons supporting statements of politicians who propagate irrational and/ or unscientific ideas. Whether 'pushpak vimaan' being discovered long before present planes or 'Rama setu' bridge, despite questionable scientific explanation, many academicians and scientists have been supporting and trying to 'logically' prove their correctness in every way possible.
The Hindu right has made a virtue of anti-intellectualism, ignorance, and fake news/ propaganda in the last 5 years. A tweet on the matter by Nissim Mannathukkaren, department chair, associate professor, development studies, Dalhousie University, Canada, says, "...The joke is on the ' educated' elite/ middle class supporters of Modi who have made idiocy and ignorance fashionable."
Mannathukkaren explains, "Rather than reduce this to the personality of Modi or his lack of knowledge, I am more interested in the fact ... and how people have been asked to believe the most illogical irrational, untruthful statements coming out, especially from the PM".
He also elaborates on the Balakot strikes and Modi's cloud theory. It is well known how the mainstream media is propagating such absurd statements.
Why are the elites/ intellectuals supporting such irrational thinking? One reason may be that the right wing party is essentially a pro-rich, pro-upper caste, and these 'educated' persons expect to derive some additional benefits.
Though there may be some persons from backward classes, Dalits, marginalised sections, Muslim and Christians, women, etc. joining the group supporting BJP, large chunk of upper castes, specially Brahminical castes, feel secure in the right-wing rule (backed by Hindutva forces) rather than a 'secular ' party leaning towards left or having a soft corner for poor.
Another reason could be the availability of technology. Rich and middle class have the access of modern gadgets like smart phones, laptops, computers, etc. These elites feel insecure as assertion by Dalits, Adivasis, marginalised sections, Muslims, etc. increases, and they express their disapproval by supporting absurd statements, which indirectly help in maintaining existing the Brahminical status quo which is on the verge of falling apart.
Poorer sections rarely have access to modern technology. Domestic workers, servants, farmers, small artisans, etc. have little money to purchase these, as they are concerned with their daily bread earning jobs. Hence, their voice is not heard as widely as that of the elite.
A major reason is shutting up of logical and truthful thinking. Over the last five years, most of the institutions have been placed in the hand of right-wing Hindutva intellectuals, who are adept in completely muzzling expression of counter-ideas and questioning. The entry of marginalised section into premier institutions is made tough and mostly difficult so that power of upper castes is not diluted.
In this situation, the oppressed and exploited are being pushed further backwards. There is an invisible undercurrent of promoting old idea of Brahminism and suppressing lower castes in this scheme of things. A drastic change in the system is necessary.
The so-called educated persons' absurdity should be countered by consistent rebuttals by giving quick responses. Both technical devices like computers, smart phones, etc. should be used to stop social media spreading lies and false unscientific ideas, as well as mass movement campaigns should be held in nook and corner of the country.
There are many indications of Hindutva forces gaining power after elections. They do not hesitate to manipulate any situation, even electoral machines. They have the backing of the powerful rich, Brahminical class to assist. Therefore, Dalits, backward classes, Muslim and other minorities should join hands to thwart Hindutva fascist forces by proactive movement towards alternative politics which transfers economic and political power from upper caste/ class to the poor and the downtrodden.
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*The writer from everywhere and anywhere supports scientific education
Why are the elites/ intellectuals supporting such irrational thinking? One reason may be that the right wing party is essentially a pro-rich, pro-upper caste, and these 'educated' persons expect to derive some additional benefits.
Though there may be some persons from backward classes, Dalits, marginalised sections, Muslim and Christians, women, etc. joining the group supporting BJP, large chunk of upper castes, specially Brahminical castes, feel secure in the right-wing rule (backed by Hindutva forces) rather than a 'secular ' party leaning towards left or having a soft corner for poor.
Another reason could be the availability of technology. Rich and middle class have the access of modern gadgets like smart phones, laptops, computers, etc. These elites feel insecure as assertion by Dalits, Adivasis, marginalised sections, Muslims, etc. increases, and they express their disapproval by supporting absurd statements, which indirectly help in maintaining existing the Brahminical status quo which is on the verge of falling apart.
Poorer sections rarely have access to modern technology. Domestic workers, servants, farmers, small artisans, etc. have little money to purchase these, as they are concerned with their daily bread earning jobs. Hence, their voice is not heard as widely as that of the elite.
A major reason is shutting up of logical and truthful thinking. Over the last five years, most of the institutions have been placed in the hand of right-wing Hindutva intellectuals, who are adept in completely muzzling expression of counter-ideas and questioning. The entry of marginalised section into premier institutions is made tough and mostly difficult so that power of upper castes is not diluted.
In this situation, the oppressed and exploited are being pushed further backwards. There is an invisible undercurrent of promoting old idea of Brahminism and suppressing lower castes in this scheme of things. A drastic change in the system is necessary.
The so-called educated persons' absurdity should be countered by consistent rebuttals by giving quick responses. Both technical devices like computers, smart phones, etc. should be used to stop social media spreading lies and false unscientific ideas, as well as mass movement campaigns should be held in nook and corner of the country.
There are many indications of Hindutva forces gaining power after elections. They do not hesitate to manipulate any situation, even electoral machines. They have the backing of the powerful rich, Brahminical class to assist. Therefore, Dalits, backward classes, Muslim and other minorities should join hands to thwart Hindutva fascist forces by proactive movement towards alternative politics which transfers economic and political power from upper caste/ class to the poor and the downtrodden.
---
*The writer from everywhere and anywhere supports scientific education
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