Higher Education Minister in the BJP government Madhya Pradesh Inder Singh Parmar made derogatory remarks against revered social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy, calling him a “middleman of the British, who facilitated religious conversions”.
Madhya Pradesh Inder Singh Parmar (photo:X)
Higher Education Minister in the BJP government Madhya Pradesh Inder Singh Parmar made derogatory remarks against revered social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy, calling him a “middleman of the British, who facilitated religious conversions”.
The remarks evoked sharp criticism from all quarters forcing the minister to apologize for his comments. Taking back his words, he said he had great admiration and respect for Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
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Parmar made the comments at a public function held on 15 November at Agar Malwa in MP to commemorate the ‘Tribal Pride Day’ on the 150th birth anniversary of iconic tribal king and freedom fighter Birsa Munda.
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Speaking on the occasion, the minister said, “Raja Ram Mohan Roy ne Angrezon ke dalaal ki tarah kaam kiya, aur dharmantaran karvaya” (Raja Ram Mohan Roy worked as a British agent and facilitated religious conversions).
He further said, “Dharmaantarana ke chakra ko rokne ka saahas kisi ne kiya tha toh woh Birsa Munda tha” (Birsa Munda had the courage to stop the cycle of religious conversions).
However, the minister’s remarks against the renowned social reformer sparked a huge controversy, forcing the minister to take a U-turn. “I mistakenly made a wrong statement against Raja Ram Mohan Roy yesterday. I feel very ashamed about it and sincerely apologize,” Parmar said in a video statement on Sunday.
“I greatly respect and admire Raja Ram Mohan Roy,” the state higher education minister added.
Born on 22 May 1772, Raja Ram Mohan Roy was an Indian reformer and writer who was one of the founders of the ‘Brahmo Sabha’ in 1828, the precursor of the ‘Brahmo Samaj’, a socio-religious reform movement in India. He is known as the ‘Father of Indian Renaissance’.
Born Ram Mohan Roy, he was conferred the title of ‘Raja’ by Mughal Emperor Akbar.
He made a lasting impact on the fields of politics, religion, education, and public administration.
He is hailed for his tireless efforts for the abolition of the practices of ‘Sati’ and ‘Child Marriage’ in India.
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