West Bengal Governor RN Ravi blamed previous governments for weakening national unity by opting for Western models instead of sticking with Indian culture and ethos.
Speaking as the chief guest at the Devrishi Narad Jayanti and Narad Samman distribution ceremony at Sisir Mancha in Kolkata, organised by Biswa Sangbad Kendra, Ravi said that such an approach has affected India’s global standing.
The programme was attended by Organiser editor Praful Ketkar, state minister Kalyan Chakraborty and other dignitaries. Seventeen journalists including veteran scribes in the field were felicitated during the event.
“After independence it was thought we will bring back our culture and ethos that what our grandfather’s had given us. But they were so much impressed by the western philosophy they ignored our own culture and that created division,” Ravi said.
“There were divisions, new tribes, new castes came up. States were created on the basis of language; districts were created on the basis of ethnicity and even religion – we went on getting divided. Instead of inclusion there was exclusion,” he added.
The Governor also criticised the approach of previous governments on national security issues saying, “Just nine months later 26/11 our prime minister signed a document with Pakistan saying that we are both victims of terrorism.”
Ravi was referring to the Sharm el-Sheikh Joint Statement signed in 2009 between then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani, nine months after the Mumbai terror attacks.
“As a result, China and Pakistan humiliated us and we accepted it. Now see the situation — what happened today, after Balakot and Pulwama we did surgical strike, after Pahalgaon we had Operation Sindoor. I don’t think they will be able to come out of it,” Ravi said.
Highlighting India’s rise globally, he said, “India is the fastest growing economy of the world. The whole world looks at Bharat with hope. In space we have gone to that part of the moon which no country has even reached. We were not taken seriously but in the last 10 years not a single decision was taken without India on the table and this is done with Indian dharma.”
Without naming the Trinamool Congress, Ravi also criticised political parties for questioning constitutional institutions when decisions went against them.
“Look at the noise they made about SIR. When a decision is in favour you kept quit but when against you doubt judiciary. You are trying to create anarchy,” he said.
“The judiciary or Election Commission should be respected — they should not be doubted. That creates doubt among the people and destroys the roots of democracy,” he added.
The Governor also stressed the role of media in nation-building, cautioning against misinformation and sensationalism.
“Reporting should be in the interest of the nation. Disseminate such news that boosts national morale instead of demeaning the country. Country is above politics and it should not be compromised,” he said.