‘No difference between CPM, Congress and BJP. All are communal’

By Express News Service

C Ravichandran is usually described as an writer, scientific thinker, atheist, public speaker, RSS sympathiser, and Hindutva proponent. But, Ravichandran would insist that the final two descriptions are completely flawed. It was his ebook ‘Nasthikanaya Daivam’ that shot him into the limelight, and he now has attained virtually a cult standing, particularly among the many youth. He shares his views on religion, politics, and science throughout an interplay.

Excerpts:

The idea of atheism has developed previously 20 years. There are rationalists and agnostics… Where do you stand?
Atheists don’t imagine within the idea of God due to the dearth of proof. Even if there’s ample proof, there isn’t a must imagine; it turns into a reality. Agnostic means to be not sure of the existence of god or supernatural powers. I’m an atheist.

When did you come out of the conditioned perception system?
Chronologically talking, I used to hope until fifth grade. I studied in a Christian residential college. I even used to imagine in superstitions like for those who see two mynahs collectively it could carry good luck. Coming out of the assumption system was a sluggish and gradual course of. It didn’t occur in a single day. When I reached sixth grade, I ended praying, and in ninth grade, I even stopped attending spiritual festivals. Though I put an finish to the whole lot associated to faith and perception, there was a part the place I believed that although there was no God, there could possibly be a pressure or a minimum of a vibration. I got here out of that part in my early 20s and entered into full liberation. Now it’s all peace and happiness.

Have you confronted any stress from your loved ones to hope or go to the temple, and so forth.?
My father was a communist and my mom was a believer. Her solely situation was I ought to mild the lamp. But after a degree, she stopped pressurising for that additionally. In my home, I had the freedom to observe what I believed in. Similarly, we haven’t enforced what we stand for on our children. My father turned an atheist after studying the books I wrote.

Atheism in Kerala is usually linked to the ‘Yukthivadi Sangham’. Could you give us some insight?
The Yukthivadi movement has its roots in Sahodaran Ayyappan’s ‘Yukthivadi’ journal. I’m not, in any approach, related to the Yukthivadi motion, and I don’t name myself a rationalist within the Kerala context. The Yukthivadi motion in Kerala had three elementary points — spiritual bias, caste class consciousness and servility to the (Communist) social gathering.

Early rationalists believed that it’s best for individuals to transform themselves to Islam. There was even a ebook titled ‘Ezhavarkku Nallathu Islam’. Back then, they glorified Islam, citing flaws in Hinduism. Similarly, rationalists asserted that caste must be “asked for, talked about, and thought about.” I’m okay with the primary two, however the insistence on “thinking” about caste appeared atrocious and fairly abominable.

Many face caste discrimination even immediately. How are you able to inform them to overlook caste?
Caste is a actuality, I settle for. But how we annihilate caste is what issues. For occasion, an individual who travels overseas is prone to overlook caste; the concept will get wiped off his thoughts. To overlook about caste is a constructive factor. It can be potential to maintain it alive within the minds of individuals. To hold reminding individuals about their roots and the unfair previous solely creates extra darkness of their minds.

But is it that straightforward to want away caste?
Look at how issues are altering for the great. Here we’re sitting collectively at a desk and interacting with out realizing anyone’s caste. A dialogue like this may, maybe, have been not possible many a long time in the past. We ought to encourage the issues that assist individuals overlook caste. Let the injuries heal. Why hold scratching the scabs?

Are you saying issues are getting higher?
Certainly. There is a bent to rue that the previous was all the time good and now we live in a foul period. The reality is that we by no means had a greater previous. We are all delusional a few glorified previous that we by no means had in actuality. During the interval between 1911 and 1920, a census was performed in Travancore and it was discovered that the typical lifespan of an individual was 25 years. Now now we have a lifespan of 75 years. Yet, we are saying that folks previously have been more healthy.

So, you might be satisfied that atheism is the suitable lifestyle?
Well, one can reside as a believer too. You can reside by believing in fortunate colors, purchase simply white shirts if that is what you need. You do not damage anybody. A scientist can ship a rocket to area if each parameter is met. You can launch the rocket after praying at Tirupati too. But in each situations, the parameters must be appropriate. Science is atheistic. But the believer has to do an additional job.

The foundation of atheism is scientific data. There are many complexities within the universe that science can not clarify…
If science does not know one thing, it does not imply every other data system is appropriate. If we can not clarify one thing scientifically, that solely means our data hasn’t reached that degree. We have to seek out solutions. Instead, we should not take a look at a pit close by and leap into it, saying it’s 1,400 years previous or 5,000 years previous.

Science is the trail of inquiry. It goes from proper to raised proper. Many say their books (spiritual texts) have all these experiments and  outcomes. But, you’ll be able to’t conduct these experiments by opening these books. If so, clergymen, mullahs, and poojaris ought to have been on the forefront of conducting experiments. Actually, they’re intellectually handicapped.

Your assertion that Kerala ought to concern political Islam greater than RSS created an issue…
I by no means mentioned that Kerala must be terrified of political Islam. I solely acknowledged a proven fact that Kerala is extra afraid of political Islam than anything. India’s main political risk is from the Sangh Parivar politics however Kerala has a political grammar totally different from that of India. Here, Sangh Parivar forces don’t have any relevance. Kerala’s social dynamics are aligned extra with CPM and Congress. Malayalis won’t ever vote for a celebration that doesn’t stand a profitable probability.

Why do you say that persons are fearful of political Islam?
Take for instance the current dialogue on the dish ‘Kuzhimanthi’. Many individuals who made feedback on the subject have been compelled to retract their place. Why did they must plead forgiveness? They aren’t the kind of people that normally collapse simply. But they needed to. Why? I offers you one other instance.

When a girl from Kerala died in a missile assault by Hamas in Israel, Kerala chief minister, opposition chief, and different political leaders condemned the incident as an assault by terrorists on social media. But, instantly they corrected their statements. If a typical man retracts, we are able to perceive that she or he is doing it out of concern. But, right here the state’s chief minister and opposition chief have been compelled to retract.

What do you consider BJP?
The BJP’s politics shouldn’t be that of Savarkar. From what I understood of Savarkar, he was towards cow politics. Whereas, cow politics is the primary trump card for BJP. If the problems associated to Ram Janmabhoomi or Sabarimala had arisen throughout his time, he would have opposed the primary one and supported the second (entry of girls to Sabarimala).

Have heard you saying that BJP, Congress, and the Left are all the identical… Will you clarify?
I do not see any distinction between them. All are communal. The solely distinction is that BJP does it brazenly. The left social gathering (CPM) and Congress need Muslim votes. At the identical time, they need Hindu and Christian votes. They do the whole lot potential to get these votes. They will have a good time Sree Krishna Jayanthi and assist individuals carry the cross to Malayattoor Church.

BJP goals to ascertain a Hindu nation whereas each Congress and CPM vouch for secularism… How are you able to say that they’re all the identical?
I feel the query is flawed. BJP, as per its manifesto and structure, is a secular social gathering.

Maybe in phrases, however not in motion…
If we take a look at the actions of all events, there will likely be lots to pinpoint. By definition, BJP’s core ideology is integral humanism, drafted by Deendayal Upadhyaya. If you ask what integral humanism is predicated on, it’s purely Gandhism — Swadeshi, Sarvodaya, Swaraj. BJP’s and Gandhiji’s ideologies are similar to one another. The solely distinction is the appeasement of Muslims.

You have mentioned that there isn’t a want to think about Muslims as a minority in India.
The Muslim inhabitants in India is 20 crore. Under the political minority idea, Muslims can’t be thought of a minority in India as a result of 20 crore is a large quantity. Moreover, Muslims have been the rulers of India. Only Parsis, Buddhists or Jains, and even Christianity, may be referred to as minorities. Muslims aren’t just like the Jews in Germany who have been solely 0.75% of the inhabitants. Here in India, they evaluate Muslims with Jews. There is not any comparability.  

Your detractors name you a Sanghi. Are you one?
Being referred to as a Sanghi is widespread in Kerala. With utmost confidence, I declare that I’ve written the utmost variety of books towards the Sangh Parivar. I do not suppose any Sanghi would try this. I not too long ago took up the difficulty of imposing the Hindi language forcefully. I’ve written and spoken lots towards cow politics, which a number of so-called ‘anti-Sanghi’ teams nonetheless share on social media. But I do not communicate or write about how camera-conscious Narendra Modi is. I’ll be referred to as an anti-Sanghi provided that I write or communicate on such issues. I haven’t got time for that. I protest towards concepts, not individuals.

You supported the CAA and Farm Bill. That could possibly be a purpose…
I’ve additionally brazenly supported the tasks which were proposed by the LDF authorities, corresponding to Okay-Rail, and I assist its choice on the Vizhinjam mission. But no person calls me a Leftist… (laughs).

What is your level in favour of CAA?
If CAA is carried out, lots of people who had been dwelling within the nation as aliens will get an id and a way of belonging. We are giving these refugees citizenship on humanitarian grounds. However, CPM, Congress and different events performed on the concern of Muslims by spreading a falsehood that CAA was being introduced in to throw them out.

But there was a filter towards Muslims…
CAA shouldn’t be one thing that takes away anyone’s citizenship. It is one that offers it. But, it has been combined up with the National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC) which was introduced in Assam. These two are fully totally different. The authorities ought to take away the Muslim filter earlier than implementing it since it’s towards the secular material of our nation.

What do you consider the Sabarimala challenge?
I’ve a special tackle it. Everyone will need to have the equal proper to imagine in or observe a superstition. If a person can devour poison, girls should even have the suitable to take action. It is a matter of gender equality.

Earlier, you mentioned all three events are the identical. But, it was CPM that took a stance supporting the judgment permitting girls’s entry.
When it involves taking a stance after which altering it, there isn’t a distinction between RSS and CPM. Both first stood for the entry of girls however later modified their tune.

So you don’t suppose CPM is progressive?
No. In Kerala, the primary social gathering that claims to be a Hindu social gathering or a celebration of Hindus is the CPM. The distinction between a Hindu chief in CPM and one in BJP is zero or close to zero. The solely distinction is the flag they carry.

How concerning the Left events’ contributions in making Kerala stand out from the remainder?
In the case of literacy or well being, Kerala is on the high. But if we analyse the standing of schooling and well being in Travancore earlier than independence, we are able to see that it was very superior. If you take a look at the financial facet, you’ll be able to see that there’s nothing right here. Nobody is investing right here. We are going within the flawed course. All that is due to communism. Religious superstition impacts solely that exact neighborhood. But financial superstition impacts everybody.

What, in keeping with you, is the political way forward for India?
In my opinion, any politics with out involving Muslims has no future. It will solely be friction-ridden. It is not going to have a constructive end result… It is unethical and never humanistic. The solely reply is inclusive politics. In this period of globalisation, India won’t be able to go ahead by discriminating towards Muslims or Christians — the 2 religions that take pleasure in worldwide clout. Why can’t BJP have an electoral alliance with Muslims?

BJP does not want Muslims to rule…
BJP must try this. Then solely the nation will be capable to go ahead.

You are additionally referred to as “anti-Muslim”…
See, what would it’s good to give an individual an anti-Muslim tag? All one wants is to open their mouth. The complete factor cropped up after I used the phrase “they” in considered one of my speeches. The phrase was misconstrued and I acquired painted as an anti-Muslim.

You say all religions are unhealthy, and Islam is especially unhealthy… How are you able to justify that?
Both Hinduism and Christianity have undergone reformation over years. They have been capable of reform however that has not occurred in Islam. They say that solely an individual who believes in Islam can criticise it. How is that truthful?

Is being religious higher than being spiritual?
A religious particular person is rather like a standard believer besides that he needs to stake a greater declare. Both are the identical.

Society we reside in is witnessing a rise in circumstances of despair and different psychological points. If bhakti is an outlet for reduction, why ought to we villainise it?
Qualitatively talking, bhakti shouldn’t be a great emotion. There are 3 Bs in bhakti — beg, bribe, and brag. You are begging in entrance of God, and it’s not a great high quality. The second ingredient is bribing, you give choices to please God. Bragging is praising God and contemplating God to be a pressure that is aware of the whole lot. Instead of going behind these, it’s much better to imagine in your individual expertise, not damage anybody, and reside in confidence. You can add another B to that. It’s Bali (sacrifice) — which is the final word negation of oneself. Bhakti is distressing more often than not.

C Ravichandran is usually described as an writer, scientific thinker, atheist, public speaker, RSS sympathiser, and Hindutva proponent. But, Ravichandran would insist that the final two descriptions are completely flawed. It was his ebook ‘Nasthikanaya Daivam’ that shot him into the limelight, and he now has attained virtually a cult standing, particularly among the many youth. He shares his views on religion, politics, and science throughout an interplay.

Excerpts:

The idea of atheism has developed previously 20 years. There are rationalists and agnostics… Where do you stand?
Atheists don’t imagine within the idea of God due to the dearth of proof. Even if there’s ample proof, there isn’t a must imagine; it turns into a reality. Agnostic means to be not sure of the existence of god or supernatural powers. I’m an atheist.

When did you come out of the conditioned perception system?
Chronologically talking, I used to hope until fifth grade. I studied in a Christian residential college. I even used to imagine in superstitions like for those who see two mynahs collectively it could carry good luck. Coming out of the assumption system was a sluggish and gradual course of. It didn’t occur in a single day. When I reached sixth grade, I ended praying, and in ninth grade, I even stopped attending spiritual festivals. Though I put an finish to the whole lot associated to faith and perception, there was a part the place I believed that although there was no God, there could possibly be a pressure or a minimum of a vibration. I got here out of that part in my early 20s and entered into full liberation. Now it’s all peace and happiness.

Have you confronted any stress from your loved ones to hope or go to the temple, and so forth.?
My father was a communist and my mom was a believer. Her solely situation was I ought to mild the lamp. But after a degree, she stopped pressurising for that additionally. In my home, I had the freedom to observe what I believed in. Similarly, we haven’t enforced what we stand for on our children. My father turned an atheist after studying the books I wrote.

Atheism in Kerala is usually linked to the ‘Yukthivadi Sangham’. Could you give us some perception?
The Yukthivadi motion has its roots in Sahodaran Ayyappan’s ‘Yukthivadi’ journal. I’m not, in any approach, related to the Yukthivadi motion, and I don’t name myself a rationalist within the Kerala context. The Yukthivadi motion in Kerala had three elementary points — spiritual bias, caste class consciousness and servility to the (Communist) social gathering.

Early rationalists believed that it’s best for individuals to transform themselves to Islam. There was even a ebook titled ‘Ezhavarkku Nallathu Islam’. Back then, they glorified Islam, citing flaws in Hinduism. Similarly, rationalists asserted that caste must be “asked for, talked about, and thought about.” I’m okay with the primary two, however the insistence on “thinking” about caste appeared atrocious and fairly abominable.

Many face caste discrimination even immediately. How are you able to inform them to overlook caste?
Caste is a actuality, I settle for. But how we annihilate caste is what issues. For occasion, an individual who travels overseas is prone to overlook caste; the concept will get wiped off his thoughts. To overlook about caste is a constructive factor. It can be potential to maintain it alive within the minds of individuals. To hold reminding individuals about their roots and the unfair previous solely creates extra darkness of their minds.

But is it that straightforward to want away caste?
Look at how issues are altering for the great. Here we’re sitting collectively at a desk and interacting with out realizing anyone’s caste. A dialogue like this may, maybe, have been not possible many a long time in the past. We ought to encourage the issues that assist individuals overlook caste. Let the injuries heal. Why hold scratching the scabs?

Are you saying issues are getting higher?
Certainly. There is a bent to rue that the previous was all the time good and now we live in a foul period. The reality is that we by no means had a greater previous. We are all delusional a few glorified previous that we by no means had in actuality. During the interval between 1911 and 1920, a census was performed in Travancore and it was discovered that the typical lifespan of an individual was 25 years. Now now we have a lifespan of 75 years. Yet, we are saying that folks previously have been more healthy.

So, you might be satisfied that atheism is the suitable lifestyle?
Well, one can reside as a believer too. You can reside by believing in fortunate colors, purchase simply white shirts if that is what you need. You do not damage anybody. A scientist can ship a rocket to area if each parameter is met. You can launch the rocket after praying at Tirupati too. But in each situations, the parameters must be appropriate. Science is atheistic. But the believer has to do an additional job.

The foundation of atheism is scientific data. There are many complexities within the universe that science can not clarify…
If science does not know one thing, it does not imply every other data system is appropriate. If we can not clarify one thing scientifically, that solely means our data hasn’t reached that degree. We have to seek out solutions. Instead, we should not take a look at a pit close by and leap into it, saying it’s 1,400 years previous or 5,000 years previous.

Science is the trail of inquiry. It goes from proper to raised proper. Many say their books (spiritual texts) have all these experiments and  outcomes. But, you’ll be able to’t conduct these experiments by opening these books. If so, clergymen, mullahs, and poojaris ought to have been on the forefront of conducting experiments. Actually, they’re intellectually handicapped.

Your assertion that Kerala ought to concern political Islam greater than RSS created an issue…
I by no means mentioned that Kerala must be terrified of political Islam. I solely acknowledged a proven fact that Kerala is extra afraid of political Islam than anything. India’s main political risk is from the Sangh Parivar politics however Kerala has a political grammar totally different from that of India. Here, Sangh Parivar forces don’t have any relevance. Kerala’s social dynamics are aligned extra with CPM and Congress. Malayalis won’t ever vote for a celebration that doesn’t stand a profitable probability.

Why do you say that persons are fearful of political Islam?
Take for instance the current dialogue on the dish ‘Kuzhimanthi’. Many individuals who made feedback on the subject have been compelled to retract their place. Why did they must plead forgiveness? They aren’t the kind of people that normally collapse simply. But they needed to. Why? I offers you one other instance.

When a girl from Kerala died in a missile assault by Hamas in Israel, Kerala chief minister, opposition chief, and different political leaders condemned the incident as an assault by terrorists on social media. But, instantly they corrected their statements. If a typical man retracts, we are able to perceive that she or he is doing it out of concern. But, right here the state’s chief minister and opposition chief have been compelled to retract.

What do you consider BJP?
The BJP’s politics shouldn’t be that of Savarkar. From what I understood of Savarkar, he was towards cow politics. Whereas, cow politics is the primary trump card for BJP. If the problems associated to Ram Janmabhoomi or Sabarimala had arisen throughout his time, he would have opposed the primary one and supported the second (entry of girls to Sabarimala).

Have heard you saying that BJP, Congress, and the Left are all the identical… Will you clarify?
I do not see any distinction between them. All are communal. The solely distinction is that BJP does it brazenly. The left social gathering (CPM) and Congress need Muslim votes. At the identical time, they need Hindu and Christian votes. They do the whole lot potential to get these votes. They will have a good time Sree Krishna Jayanthi and assist individuals carry the cross to Malayattoor Church.

BJP goals to ascertain a Hindu nation whereas each Congress and CPM vouch for secularism… How are you able to say that they’re all the identical?
I feel the query is flawed. BJP, as per its manifesto and structure, is a secular social gathering.

Maybe in phrases, however not in motion…
If we take a look at the actions of all events, there will likely be lots to pinpoint. By definition, BJP’s core ideology is integral humanism, drafted by Deendayal Upadhyaya. If you ask what integral humanism is predicated on, it’s purely Gandhism — Swadeshi, Sarvodaya, Swaraj. BJP’s and Gandhiji’s ideologies are similar to one another. The solely distinction is the appeasement of Muslims.

You have mentioned that there isn’t a want to think about Muslims as a minority in India.
The Muslim inhabitants in India is 20 crore. Under the political minority idea, Muslims can’t be thought of a minority in India as a result of 20 crore is a large quantity. Moreover, Muslims have been the rulers of India. Only Parsis, Buddhists or Jains, and even Christianity, may be referred to as minorities. Muslims aren’t just like the Jews in Germany who have been solely 0.75% of the inhabitants. Here in India, they evaluate Muslims with Jews. There is not any comparability.  

Your detractors name you a Sanghi. Are you one?
Being referred to as a Sanghi is widespread in Kerala. With utmost confidence, I declare that I’ve written the utmost variety of books towards the Sangh Parivar. I do not suppose any Sanghi would try this. I not too long ago took up the difficulty of imposing the Hindi language forcefully. I’ve written and spoken lots towards cow politics, which a number of so-called ‘anti-Sanghi’ teams nonetheless share on social media. But I do not communicate or write about how camera-conscious Narendra Modi is. I’ll be referred to as an anti-Sanghi provided that I write or communicate on such issues. I haven’t got time for that. I protest towards concepts, not individuals.

You supported the CAA and Farm Bill. That could possibly be a purpose…
I’ve additionally brazenly supported the tasks which were proposed by the LDF authorities, corresponding to Okay-Rail, and I assist its choice on the Vizhinjam mission. But no person calls me a Leftist… (laughs).

What is your level in favour of CAA?
If CAA is carried out, lots of people who had been dwelling within the nation as aliens will get an id and a way of belonging. We are giving these refugees citizenship on humanitarian grounds. However, CPM, Congress and different events performed on the concern of Muslims by spreading a falsehood that CAA was being introduced in to throw them out.

But there was a filter towards Muslims…
CAA shouldn’t be one thing that takes away anyone’s citizenship. It is one that offers it. But, it has been combined up with the National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC) which was introduced in Assam. These two are fully totally different. The authorities ought to take away the Muslim filter earlier than implementing it since it’s towards the secular material of our nation.

What do you consider the Sabarimala challenge?
I’ve a special tackle it. Everyone will need to have the equal proper to imagine in or observe a superstition. If a person can devour poison, girls should even have the suitable to take action. It is a matter of gender equality.

Earlier, you mentioned all three events are the identical. But, it was CPM that took a stance supporting the judgment permitting girls’s entry.
When it involves taking a stance after which altering it, there isn’t a distinction between RSS and CPM. Both first stood for the entry of girls however later modified their tune.

So you don’t suppose CPM is progressive?
No. In Kerala, the primary social gathering that claims to be a Hindu social gathering or a celebration of Hindus is the CPM. The distinction between a Hindu chief in CPM and one in BJP is zero or close to zero. The solely distinction is the flag they carry.

How concerning the Left events’ contributions in making Kerala stand out from the remainder?
In the case of literacy or well being, Kerala is on the high. But if we analyse the standing of schooling and well being in Travancore earlier than independence, we are able to see that it was very superior. If you take a look at the financial facet, you’ll be able to see that there’s nothing right here. Nobody is investing right here. We are going within the flawed course. All that is due to communism. Religious superstition impacts solely that exact neighborhood. But financial superstition impacts everybody.

What, in keeping with you, is the political way forward for India?
In my opinion, any politics with out involving Muslims has no future. It will solely be friction-ridden. It is not going to have a constructive end result… It is unethical and never humanistic. The solely reply is inclusive politics. In this period of globalisation, India won’t be able to go ahead by discriminating towards Muslims or Christians — the 2 religions that take pleasure in worldwide clout. Why can’t BJP have an electoral alliance with Muslims?

BJP does not want Muslims to rule…
BJP must try this. Then solely the nation will be capable to go ahead.

You are additionally referred to as “anti-Muslim”…
See, what would it’s good to give an individual an anti-Muslim tag? All one wants is to open their mouth. The complete factor cropped up after I used the phrase “they” in considered one of my speeches. The phrase was misconstrued and I acquired painted as an anti-Muslim.

You say all religions are unhealthy, and Islam is especially unhealthy… How are you able to justify that?
Both Hinduism and Christianity have undergone reformation over years. They have been capable of reform however that has not occurred in Islam. They say that solely an individual who believes in Islam can criticise it. How is that truthful?

Is being religious higher than being spiritual?
A religious particular person is rather like a standard believer besides that he needs to stake a greater declare. Both are the identical.

Society we reside in is witnessing a rise in circumstances of despair and different psychological points. If bhakti is an outlet for reduction, why ought to we villainise it?
Qualitatively talking, bhakti shouldn’t be a great emotion. There are 3 Bs in bhakti — beg, bribe, and brag. You are begging in entrance of God, and it’s not a great high quality. The second ingredient is bribing, you give choices to please God. Bragging is praising God and contemplating God to be a pressure that is aware of the whole lot. Instead of going behind these, it’s much better to imagine in your individual expertise, not damage anybody, and reside in confidence. You can add another B to that. It’s Bali (sacrifice) — which is the final word negation of oneself. Bhakti is distressing more often than not.