There appears to be no reason why such a huge controversy has cropped up over the decision to present the Gandhi Peace Prize to the 100-year-old Gita Press, which has perhaps published more books than any other publishing house in this country. The award is to mark the centenary of this institution, as also to recognise its constant endeavour to make available Hindu religious books such as Bhagawad Gita, and Ram Charitra Manas, besides the Upnishads and the Puranas, at affordable prices to the common people. The Congress which is spearheading a campaign to question the decision seems to forget that the P.V.Narasimha Rao government had in 1992, issued a stamp in honour of Hanuman Prasad Poddar, amongst the stalwarts associated with this Press, who also edited the Kalyan magazine. The basic objection is that the Gita Press pursued an ideological belief that was in variance with that of Mahatma Gandhi, and conferring the award in his name was an insult to the Father of the Nation. There is no doubt that we all live in times where tolerance for doctrines which are opposed to the one’s we believe in, is virtually absent. Gandhiji was someone, who also embraced those who did not agree with him and in doing so, he evolved as a human icon, revered by people all over the world. The issue which is being spoken about is that the Kalyan magazine did not cover the assassination of Gandhiji in 1948, and took a defensive stand against the banning of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh, following his tragic killing in cold blood on January 30th that year. Yes, it is true that the Gita Press was launched in 1923 with social, religious, spiritual and political objectives and its founders, ideologically had greater proximity with the RSS, Hindu Mahasabha and similar outfits.
However, it does not mean that it was anti-national at any stage. The founders believed in Hindu nationalism and so did many in the Congress. It is important to mention here that Hanuman Prasad Poddar had a close association with both Madan Mohan Malviya and Dr Rajendra Prasad. And why should there be an objection, if a publication is popularizing Hindu scriptures and religious literature. There are many other publications also that follow similar objectives and need to be accorded due recognition. Delhi based Prabhat Publications is a pioneer in promoting books that are consistent with Hindu beliefs, other than also publishing texts that pertain to fiction and so many other topics. Motilal Banarsidas is one of the oldest book shops in the country, that has rare collection of Indian philosophy and religion. Located on Bungalow Road near Kamla Nagar, this iconic book shop is a treasure of information and documentation, which scholars of Hindu philosophy would acknowledge. There are also questions why those who are opposing the Gandhi Peace Prize to Gita Press did not raise any objections when the same prize, a few years ago was awarded to Bangla Bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rehman. The founder of Bangla Desh, is a respected figure in the sub-continent and New Delhi and Dhaka enjoy very cordial relations at one level, particular because India, under Indira Gandhi, had played a major role in creating that country, after West Pakistan politicians and Army declined to honour the poll verdict, which was heavily in favour of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman. It is significant to point out here that Mujibur Rehman was a protégé of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, former Prime Minister of British Bengal and later the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Suhrawardy was also a controversial figure and is also often referred as the Butcher of Bengal for his role in the Calcutta Killings of 1946. The Oxford educated leader stood for Independent Bengal and agreed with this demand raised by Mohammad Ali Jinnah, and which was vehemently opposed by the Congress.
Sheikh Mujibur Rehman was his key aide and some claim, his main political adviser. Even Mahatma Gandhi was anguished by the Bengal massacre and expressed his feelings through a Satyagraha. The point is that history has many facets and it can help disrobe many personalities that have played a prominent role in our lives and international affairs. The Gandhi Peace Prize is an honour and should be viewed as such. The Modern School on Barakhamba Road, one of the few institutions which were blessed stalwarts like Gandhiji, Rabindra Nath Tagore, Jawaharlal Nehru and many others, besides the Delhi University, which has produced legends, should also be honoured with the same prize, since they too have done extraordinary service. Similarly, Hindustan Times, amongst the very few papers, that was associated directly with the freedom struggle and the Father of the Nation, should be considered for the prize next year when it completes 100 years..