RSS can't be treated as untouchables, says NBT chief

Newly-appointed chairman of the National Book Trust (NBT), Baldeo Bhai Sharma, a former editor of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) mouthpiece Panchajanya, has said the Sangh and its followers should not be treated as “untouchables” just because of their ideology.

He said that the Sangh and its activists have been doing “lot of good works” for the welfare of the people of the country, ranging from healthcare to education.

“The RSS is helping people through more than 1.50 lakh service centres it has set up across the country. They are working even at a location where it is difficult for an ordinary person to reach.

The Sangh can not be treated as untouchable just because of its ideology. You cannot promote intellectual untouchablity in this country,” Sharma, who assumed charge of the NBT on March 3, said in an interview to Deccan Herald.

The Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry appointed Sharma, a journalist and former RSS Pracharak, as the new chairman of the NBT on March 2, asking veteran Malayalam fiction writer A Sethumadhavan to resign from the post six months before his three year term was due to be expired in September.

“How can one undermine my contributions as a journalist in my 35-year long career just because I was an editor of Panchjanya?  I have not authored any book but written over 300 articles on various topics ranging from education, culture to politics. My task has always involved reading and writing,” Sharma said, when asked if he was appointed to the post because of his RSS background.

He quickly added that Panchajanya too is “no different” from any other current affairs and news publication, wondering why he should be excluded from taking over any other responsibility.

“As I take office, I should not be judged by my ideology,” Sharma, who is still a senior resident editor of a Hindi newspaper, said, making it clear that there was “no question of discrimination” in publication of books on the basis of “language, caste, or religion” during his term.

Promotion of patriotism, social harmony, inculcation of values among students through quality books on various topics are among his key priorities, he said, when asked if the NBT would now follow the RSS line in publication of books.

“What is RSS Agenda? The RSS does not have any agenda. It only talks about patriotism, character building and country’s interest. What is wrong in it?” he added. He said literature had nothing to do with any religion, caste or creed, assuring that he would maintain the “secular character” of the NBT and further build upon the works and contributions of his predecessors “following the guidelines of the HRD Ministry.”

When pointed out that the RSS wants the history of this country to be changed because of it’s belief that it is more west-oriented, he said.

“None can change the history of this nation which is founded on its fundamental values. If you prejudiced, you will see that such things are happening.

There is need to widen one’s thinking.  There is need to see country’s society and its fabric in a holistic manner.”

Sharma said publishing books for children wil be one the thrust areas for the NBT during his term. “We want to promote reading habit among students. We will bring books for children with more interesting and motivating stories on country’s legends and culture.”