In the recent Lok Sabha session, KC Venugopal, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress, passionately defended the principles of Gandhian Hinduism. His speech drew a clear line between the inclusive, non-violent philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi and the divisive ideology associated with Nathuram Godse, Gandhis assassin. Upholding Gandhian ValuesKC Venugopal emphasized the importance of adhering to the values that Mahatma Gandhi stood for, including non-violence, tolerance, and inclusivity. We believe in Gandhis Hinduism, not Godses, he declared, highlighting the stark contrast between Gandhis vision of a harmonious society and the extremist views propagated by Godse. Venugopals statement resonated deeply with many, reminding the nation of Gandhis enduring legacy.#Kerala Congress MP @kcvenugopalmps Motion of thanks on the Presidents address in Lok Sabha, Why is the President insisting the government has a clear majority Technically they are in power but what was the pre-election situation in the countryYou told 400 plus then you come… pic.twitter.com/6Xj61odkjH— South First (@TheSouthfirst) July 2, 2024During his address, Venugopal called for unity and peace, urging lawmakers and citizens alike to embrace the principles of love and compassion that Gandhi championed. He criticized the rise of divisive politics and stressed that the true essence of Hinduism lies in its ability to unite, not divide. His speech served as a poignant reminder of the need for communal harmony in todays polarized political climate.Godse vs GandhiIn his speech, Venugopal mentioned a controversial statement stating that Mahatma Gandhi and Godse both learned and preached Bhagwat Geeta where, Gandhi learned Krishnas message, nonviolence, tolerance, respect for women whereas Godse learned violence, murder, and intolerance from Bhagwat Geeta.Veer Savarkar learnt violence & intolerance from Bhagwat Geeta - Congress MP KC Venugopal.Theyre now openly abusing our religious books.. 😡😡😡 pic.twitter.com/gAI6yQYn9p— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) July 2, 2024Criticism of Divisive IdeologiesVenugopal did not shy away from criticizing the ideologies that seek to fragment society. He argued that following Godses ideology would only lead to further division and strife. Instead, he advocated for a return to Gandhian principles, which promote mutual respect and understanding among different communities. This, he asserted, is crucial for the nations progress and well-being.Venugopals speech garnered mixed reactions from the members of the Lok Sabha. While some applauded his unwavering commitment to Gandhian values, others criticized his stance as politically motivated. However, the underlying message of promoting peace and unity found a broad base of support among many lawmakers and citizens.The Legacy of Mahatma GandhiMahatma Gandhis philosophy of non-violence and inclusivity has long been a cornerstone of Indian ethos. Venugopals speech underscored the relevance of these values in contemporary society. By advocating for Gandhian Hinduism, Venugopal sought to remind the nation of the importance of maintaining the spirit of tolerance and understanding that Gandhi embodied.
