Pujyapad Shankaracharya of Puri (Maharajaji), shares with us how the “divide and rule” strategy of the British, that was perpetuated through Gandhiji, continues in contemporary Bharata. He highlights how the traditional varṇa system is being misrepresented and misused for political gains, as below:
Politicians are very skilled at using words or specific terminology to manipulate the public (shabda bhedi ban). They fool people by ridiculing society, in order to achieve their political goals.
What are these words?
Savarna-Asavarna:
Sowing the seeds of unnecessary struggle, they create fights between the savarna (those belonging to upper three varnas) and asavarna (those belonging to last varnas), and loot the public before elections.
Shramajivi-Buddhijivi:
They create divides between shramjivi (wage earners) and buddhijivi (intellectuals) for ulterior motives.
Adivasi-Agantuka:
The recent development is that of adivasi (indigenous people or moolnivasi) and agantuka (outsiders who settled in Bharata), which has created yet another uproar. ‘Adivasi’ is a very misleading word. Tilakji also used this word. The term ‘adivasi’ is a stigma for Bharata. It’s usage implies that Vyasa and Vashishtha were not the indigenous inhabitants of our land (moolnivasi) and had come from outside as ‘Aryas’. This is horrible manipulation of itihasa. Tilakji supported this claim that Aryas came to Bharata from outside. This is the history given to us by the British and the influence continues in “independent” Bharata.
Dalit:
This word is a new introduction for the traditional term “antyaja”. “Antyaja” is a friendly word that means youngest brother or last born (like agraja means the first born or eldest brother). It was used in traditional Hindu society. While “dalit” means ‘the suppressed one’ (word introduced by politicians). Maharajaji gives reference to the story of Raja Harishchandra who was bought by one of antyaja caste. The antyaja caste had wealth, respect, dignity, and a relation of brotherhood with all.
Harijan:
‘Harijan’ was used by Tulasidasji as a praiseworthy word for devotees or bhaktas of Bhagavan.
From the Ramcharitmanas –
जिमि हरिजन हियँ उपज न कामा॥5॥
Desire does not rise in the heart of the devotee of Hari.
हरिजन जानि प्रीति अति गाढ़ी।14
Knowing that he is a devotee of Hari, there was a feeling of intense love.
Gandhiji made such a change, that if someone is called a ‘harijan’ today, it indicates a particular caste (in contemporary context, Scheduled Caste).
Politicians use the above words to create divides within society, and then, control us.
It is important to refine politics. The politicians today have no knowledge of rajaniti but are roaming around as rājanetas.
Definition of rajaniti and vikas (development) as per vedas and shastra:
The creation of individuals and societies that are well-cultured, secure, well-educated, prosperous, healthy, service-oriented, and directed towards the well-being of all.
Read more on the topic of caste politics – SC/ST Act and Hatred towards Hindus
Read about the varna system as per sanatana tradition? Click Here