In a thought-provoking session during the Shekhawati Sahitya Sangam on September 28th, Major Surendra Punia, a special guest, addressed a captive audience on the topic of “India’s Self-Present Challenges and Our Role.” The session, which commenced with a fervent chant of “Mother India,” saw the active participation of scout guides. Major Punia began by emphasizing that the identity of an individual, a family, a society, and a nation is deeply rooted in one’s consciousness and faith. He asserted that faith in one’s country is the key to self-realization and a sense of purpose.
Major Punia articulated that the essence of India is Hindutva, which he clarified is not merely a religious term but the cultural tapestry that has woven itself through the nation for thousands of years. He challenged the notion that India gained true Independence in 1947, highlighting that a colossal ideological scam had taken place in the nation’s history. He argued that history had been systematically misrepresented. India’s glorious past was overshadowed, and the country was portrayed as a dark land, illuminated only by the Mughals and the British. To compound the issue, the responsibility of crafting this historical narrative was entrusted to leftist historians who, he contended, had a limited understanding of India. This distorted version of history was then imposed upon students who were preparing for competitive examinations, further perpetuating the skewed narrative.
Major Punia also pointed out that the Constitution had been tampered with during the Emergency when the term “secular” was inserted. He underscored that India, in its essence, is a nation that upholds equality for all religions, and its soul is encapsulated in the phrase “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family). Major Punia lamented that as a nation, India had lost its independence and had unwittingly veered onto the path of corruption. He argued that unless the citizens developed a sense of pride and admiration for their national heroes and heroines, they would continue to grapple with an inferiority complex.
Major Punia’s speech took a compelling turn when he discussed the prevailing challenges faced by India, with a particular emphasis on what he termed “intellectual terrorism.” Drawing from his own experiences, he illuminated how these intellectual terrorists operated from the comfort of air-conditioned rooms, courtrooms, and positions within government, media, and educational institutions. He asserted that these individuals actively worked to protect terrorists and traitors, effectively undermining national security. Major Punia boldly asserted that intellectual terrorism was, in many ways, more insidious and dangerous than armed terrorism.
Major Punia voiced his concern about the selective intervention of the judiciary, citing examples where courts were opened at night for notorious figures such as Burhan Wani and Yakub Memon. He contended that such selective actions only served to embolden terrorists, eroding the public’s trust in the justice system. He argued that justice delayed is justice denied, and for ordinary citizens, it often takes years to have their voices heard, whereas for individuals like Wani and Memon, special treatment seemed to be the norm.
Continuing his discourse on challenges, Major Punia questioned how Rohingya refugees had managed to find shelter not only on India’s borders but deep within the country, including in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Bangalore, and Delhi. He raised the critical question of whether this could have occurred without assistance and support. Major Punia also critiqued Bollywood for its continued production of films that he perceived as being anti-India.
In conclusion, Major Surendra Punia’s address at the Shekhawati Sahitya Sangam shed light on the ideological scam that has affected India’s identity and history. His remarks served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the nation, including intellectual terrorism, selective judiciary interventions, demographic shifts caused by refugees, and perceived anti-national elements in the film industry. Major Punia’s passionate and thought-provoking speech encouraged the audience to reflect on their role in shaping India’s future and upholding its core values.