- The Role of Historical Context in Shaping Savarkar’s Views
- Contrasting Savarkar with Broader Indian Nationalist Movements
- Engaging Q&A Session Highlights Audience Curiosity
- Why This Lecture Matters in Today’s Political Landscape
- IBA Karachi’s Commitment to Intellectual Growth
Karachi: – The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi held an enlightening public lecture titled “Savarkar and the Making of Hindutva”, presented by Professor Janaki Bakhle, a distinguished historian from the University of California, Berkeley. The event took place at IBA’s City Campus, attracting academics, students, and history enthusiasts eager to delve into the ideological and historical dimensions of Hindutva.
Dr. S. Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director of IBA Karachi, opened the lecture by introducing Professor Bakhle’s celebrated book, Savarkar and the Making of Hindutva. He highlighted the book’s importance in understanding the roots of Hindutva, praising its deep scholarly insights and relevance to today’s political and social discourse.
Exploring Savarkar’s Ideology and Influence
Professor Bakhle’s lecture comprehensively analyzed Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, one of India’s most polarizing historical figures. The discussion traced Savarkar’s journey from a revolutionary anti-colonial activist in the early 20th century to a central architect of Hindutva ideology.
Professor Bakhle emphasized that Savarkar’s ideology, often referred to as “Hindu fundamentalism,” was deeply rooted in his time’s historical and regional context. She explored his strong anti-Muslim sentiments, explaining how these were shaped by local historical circumstances rather than direct interactions with Muslim communities.
In her talk, she also positioned Savarkar on the far-right spectrum of Indian nationalist thought, contrasting his divisive views with the more inclusive nationalist movements of his contemporaries.
Audience Engagement and Key Takeaways
The lecture concluded with an interactive Q&A session, during which attendees explored various aspects of Savarkar’s revolutionary activities, his contributions to political thought, and the controversies surrounding his legacy. Professor Bakhle addressed questions clearly, offering nuanced perspectives on the complexities of Savarkar’s ideology.
Significance of the Event
Events like this reflect IBA Karachi’s commitment to fostering intellectual growth and promoting discussions on pressing historical and political themes. By hosting such thought-provoking lectures, IBA provides a platform for meaningful dialogue and critical inquiry into ideologies that continue to shape modern societies.