#NoAryans Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

 #NOAryans: FACTS & MYTHS

 

1.     What are Your Qualifications and Background on Early History of India Especially Prehistory and Early Settlements of India?

 

My research and academic presentations almost a decade ago focused on how genetic evidence disproves the Aryan invasion/migration theory. I also wrote an academic paper almost a decade ago, which was published in an academic book on Sindhu Saraswati Civilization. You can read my paper on the link here: https://www.academia.edu/7893126/Genetic_Evidence_of_Early_Human_Migrations_in_the_Indian_Ocean_Region_Disproves_Aryan_Migration_Invasion_Theories. Currently, my books on Indian History India, A New History and Early Settlement Patterns in India are under publication.

My Brief Academic Background

Lavanya Vemsani is Professor of History in the Department of Social Sciences at Shawnee State University. Prof. Vemsani is awarded BOT (Board of Trustees) Distinguished Teaching Award  (2013) and Faculty Research Award (2020). She was awarded the South Asia Council of the Canadian Asian Studies Association's (CASA/ACÉA) Best Thesis Honorable Mention prize for her Ph.D. thesis at McMaster University. She holds two doctorates in the subjects of Religious Studies (McMaster University) and History (University of Hyderabad). Dr. Vemsani’s published books include Modern Hinduism in Text and Context, Krishna in History, Thought, and Culture: An Encyclopedia of the Lord of Many Names, and Hindu and Jain Mythology of Balarama in addition to numerous articles. India, A New History, and Feminine Journeys of the Mahabharata are her upcoming books. She serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Academic journals including the International Journal of Indic Religions, Associate Editor of Canadian Journal of History, and Editorial Board of Airforce Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs. Dr. Vemsani delivered Keynote addresses as Honorable Guest at International Academic Conferences such as South Indian History Congress and Deccan History Society Joint Seminar on India and Iranian History.  Dr. Vemsani served as the President of the Ohio Academy of History (2019-20).

 

 

2.     Prehistory and Early Peopling of India: A Collaboration of Sciences and Social Sciences

 

As historians, we work to understand the history and the human journey on earth. – we mostly work with written records though. However, for understanding prehistory, we look towards experts in other subjects- such as archaeology, anthropology, geology, linguistics, etc. In this case, though the time span is so far out into the past, we are taking help from geneticists to understand the beginning of the human journey on the earth.

 

3.     What do we know about First Humans?

 

There are two Founder Events (Early Pleistocene Event and Late Pleistocene Event) in this world: the first is that of Homo Erectus (also called Homo Sapiens) and the second is that of Anatomically Modern Humans, AMA, (also called Homo Sapiens Sapiens). The earliest evidence for both founder events is noticed in Africa.

African Origins of Humanity:

•       All non-Africans female lines have inherited a subset of the L3 ancestral line out of Africa. African female genetic lines are different from non-African genetic lines.

•       Similarly, male African genetic lines are different from non-African male genetic lines. Male African Lines belong to A and B. Most of the non-African male genetic lines trace back to M1, and the derivatives C, D, and F. Based on Phylogenetic geography, it has been postulated that YAP (Y-Alu Polymorphism) also known as M1 arose in Africa from M168 and later this M1/YAP departed from Africa in an early dispersal event.

•       C & D- are Directly evolved from M1(YAP)

 

See Question #6-#8 for more information on female and male genetic heritage of India.

 

Similarly, two Founder Events are noticed in the prehistory of India: Australopithecus and AMA. Paleolithic in its three stages of Lower Paleolithic, Middle Paleolithic, and Upper Paleolithic are found across India. This means that the initial founders Homo Erectus known by different names in India- as Siva Pithecus and Rama Pithecus- are spread across India. However, these first humans are replaced by the Anatomically Modern Humans by the Upper Paleolithic period. This second founder event of Anatomically Modern Humans is dated to 75,000-80,000 Years Ago roughly coeval with the Upper Paleolithic period noticed in archeological excavations across India. It is this AMA that is traced in the modern populations of all of India. We all derive our genetic heritage from these Late Pleistocene Founders.

Following this Upper Paleolithic foundational event in India, no Neolithic cultural disruption or displacement is found in either the Archeological record or genetic record to indicate the arrival of any new invaders or large scale migrations, which proves that there had been no new population in India since the foundational event 80 thousand years ago (KYA).

 

4. Does the late Pleistocene Founder's Genetic Heritage Continue in India?

Yes. The genetic heritage of these Late Pleistocene Founders is found in India. In addition, this is the earliest genetic heritage traced anywhere in this world. Hence, almost 95% of the Non-African world population trace their origins to these genetic lines.

The first evidence of AMA is found in Africa, but when they left Africa or what happened to them after they left Africa is not clearly known. Whatever may have happened once they left Africa, only a single genetic source is left, which is traced to India. Therefore, the consensus is that India is the first (Sub)Continent for the Non-African Foundational Event.

Some Geographers have offered the explanation that the Toba volcano eruption (75-73 KYA) may have caused the complete destruction of human species leaving only a few human survivors. Whatever may have been the explanation, it is true that India plays a central role in the Foundational Event.

 

5.     How does Archaeological Data Correlate With Peopling of India?

Paleolithic Culture is dated from 7 Million Years Ago. However, the Lower Paleolithic phase is widespread across India with disruptions noted in the Middle Paleolithic phase, while Upper Paleolithic is widespread and the emergence of more sophisticated stone tools across India. Archeologists and historians working on the Early Settlement Patterns postulate that the population replacement might have been complete by Upper Paleolithic Period. AMA is genetically traced to 74,000 years ago. Hence, this also coincides with the Upper Paleolithic period in India. Therefore, it can be said that the Australopithecine may have been the people of Lower Paleolithic and part of the Middle Paleolithic phase, but they may be replaced during this phase gradually to completely replace them by Upper Paleolithic Period, which is characteristically associated with AMA.

 

6.     What are the Origins of AMA and Their Genetic Heritage in India?

The earliest genetic evidence of the oldest AMA is traced to India indicates that India is the most important region in the Foundational Event.

Genetic Evidence:

The human genome holds genetic information encoded in the coiled DNA of the chromosomes, which is an immense document written in four letters. G, C, A, T (guanine, cytosine, adenine, and thymine). Both X and Y-chromosomes are sex-specific chromosomes, and haploid (that has only one combination of X or Y, with 23 chromosomes), while all the other cells have 46 chromosomes. The human Y-chromosome consists of a Non-Recombining Region (NRY), making up 95 percent of its length, flanked by autosomal regions, which is passed intact without a change in the male line except for mutations. Binary polymorphisms of the non-recombining region of the human Y chromosome preserves the paternal genetic legacy of humans that has persisted up to the present. While mtDNA is a female-specific gene passed through the female line from mother to daughter without change except for mutations, therefore permits tracking female heritage.

•       Genetic research shows that Anatomically Modern Humans (AMA) settled in India during late Pleistocene migrations marking a Foundational Event and continued to settle India and then migrate on to Australia and Eastern Asia and then on to West.

•       India shows very old female/mitochondrial DNA (female) with M, N, and R lines. These three founder lines originated in India itself.

•       India also shows very old Y DNA (male) heritage, which is also diverse in India

•       The female DNA Macro Haplogroup M dates to 80,000-73,000 Years Ago, while N and R date between 70,000-50,000 years ago.

•       The male genetic lines: M130 date to 70,000 Years Ago; CDF date to 50,000 years ago while R (from which arise a number of clades of R1a, Ra1a, Ra1a1a, etc.) dates to 43,000 KYA.

7.     What is the Female Genetic Heritage of India?

·      Scholars debated whether M originated in India or outside of India. However, oldest M lines and a large variety of M lines are found in India, hence many scholars favor placing the origin of M in India

·      There is a very young M1 clade in Ethiopia, but it was considered to have been a result of back migration

·      N and later R originated in India itself from M

·      The Haplogroups M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M18, and M25 are exclusive to India as well as M*, C, D, G, E, and Z are observed in Asia- Almost 23 lineages arising out of M trunk are found in India. About 60% Indians have M (58%caste, 42%tribe) genetic heritage

·      The N Haplogroup W is represented by 5% of the population, and the R Haplogroup is represented by its subclade U by its Indian specific branches of U2 (U2i: U2a, U2b, U2c) throughout India at 15% among caste and 8% among tribal population (Kaldma et al. 1999). U7 is noted in Punjab. The recently examined Rakhigarhi skeleton reveals U2b, which is specific to India.

·      Andaman and Nicobar Islanders also show similar genetic heritage although they were classed differently- They show M2 and M4 The British classified them into 19 ethnolinguistic groups upon colonization of these islands. All the people belong to a single genetic source of M from India (Oppenheimer 2004; Tangaraj 2005)

 

8.     What is the Male Genetic Heritage of India?

o   M130 date to about 70000 Year Ago

o   C & D- are Directly evolved from M1(YAP)

o   C&D along with O is commonly found in East Asia along with Oceania and Australia

o   24 Onge and 4 Jorawa of Andaman Islands showed M174 defined D Haplogroup also noticed in Tibet, Nepal, and Burmese population- as well as East Asia.

o   F probably originated (45,000 Years Ago) in India, gives rise to later mutations leading to K, O, P, Q, R.

o   R lineages derive from P1, which is a derivative of K (K2b2a): M45/P1 (k2b2a): R1 (M173), R1a (M17), and R2b (M269) originated in larger Indian Subcontinent

o   Overall the clades C, D, F contribute to about 95% of the genetic heritage of the Non-African World.

o   Y Chromosomal groups of initial settlement C/M130, D/M174, F/M89, and K, as well as several subclades of H, L, R2, and F, are commonly found in India.

o   Subclades of F (FGHIJK, LMN, O (O1-3), and P, Q, R also occur in India

o   The Haplogroups, C, D, F, are found in India and Oceania and places India in the Founder Event

o   No new gene pool datable to 12,000-4,000 years ago is noticed in India. Continuity of these ancient ancestor lineages across India places India in an important position in the founder event of the population of the world continuing from Late Pleistocene arrivals

o   Almost all the Indian population is derived from these male founder lines

 

 

9.     Ancient Skeleton from Rakhigarhi and What Does That Tell About the Population History of India?

It only establishes the continuity of Late Pleistocene genetic heritage definitively. The Rakhigarhi skeletal evidence provided definitive evidence for continuity of Indians in India from the foundation event 80000 Years Ago (KYA). Shows with evidence that India was the first (Sub)Continent founded after Africa and her place in the origin of all Non-African human populations are at the foundation.

The Rakhigarhi skeleton is a female skeleton that revealed U2b2 which originated in India and specific to India. This shows that Indians from Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) shared the same ancestry with the rest of Indians who have all derived from original founders 80,000 Year Ago (see Question # 6 and #7 above to read about the female genetic heritage of India). This genetic evidence is significant considering the fact that it also matched several other ancient skeletons identified as IVC and found across Turkmenistan.

You can read more about it here on the link below:

https://www.cell.com/cell/pdf/S0092-8674(19)30967-5.pdf#secsectitle0010

 

In addition no Neolithic migrations or cultural replacements are noticed in archeological excavations. Archeologica evidence shows the continuity and origin of agriculture separately in India 12000 Years Ago. No new Neolithic arrivals, but only continuity is noticed in settlements since 80000 Year Ago.

10.  What Can We Say With Certainty Now About Peopling and Cultural Development of India?

Indians are Indians. There are no Aryan migrations/invasions whatever colonial theories might have said. Genetic evidence definitely disproves any migration or invasion by new human groups anytime. The modern Indians carry the original Founder genetic heritage through genetic clades that evolved from them in India. Therefore, Indians can say with confidence I am Indian and my ancestors lived here since 80000 Years Ago. No occupation or replacement during prehistory.

11.  What About Linguistics?

Other linguists have to study this closely. But here is what I have to say about it.

India spoke a number of related Prakrit dialects, which gradually evolved into modern languages with the help of Sanskrit syntax and grammar. Tamil is one of the earliest languages to evolve as such, while Malayalam and Punjabi are some of the recent languages to evolve. All Indian languages are closely related to 80-95% similarity with Sanskrit through verbal roots. Another spurious fact popularized by colonial linguists is that languages such as Greek and Latin and a number European languages are close to Sanskrit even though these languages have less than 50% similarity with Sanskrit. It is also appalling that these same colonial linguists classified southern Indian languages as different to promote the racial divide in India although the southern Indian languages are closely affiliated with Sanskrit and have 80-95% similarity. Therefore, I encourage linguists of India to examine Indian languages closely and come up with a theoretical framework to explain the underlying affinity of Indian languages.

12.  What Do You Say About R1a? They Say It Is Evidence of Aryans.

No. That is a myth. Here is why: R or R1a  or any clades of R doesn't represent Aryans. It is found across the world and it is oldest and more diverse in India. The basal R originated in India itself (see Question # 8 for more details on the male genetic heritage of India).

•       R1/M 17 (later named M420) is one of the lines frequently found in India and Pakistan, but also across the Caucasus and Europe

•       R1a is also found in north Africa and Subsaharan Africa- including Cameroon. This is considered to be a result of back migration

•       M17 is found in high frequencies including caste and tribal groups across India

•       Since R1a/M17 and its subsequent lineages are found frequently in India as well as Eurasia, it was considered to support the Aryan invasion/migration 3-4000 years ago into India. M17/R1a was initially thought of a marker of “male Aryan invasion”

•       However, R1a is the oldest in India. R1a in India datable to 36000 Years Ago/Its occurrence in Europe could only be dated to 23,000 Years Ago

•       So its deep-rooting and diversity in India proves the contrary

•       Therefore, R originated in India and R1a is oldest and diverse in India, which shows India is at the base.

•       R: Origin and frequent

•       All R clades originate in India are more diverse

•       - R1/M173

•       -R1a/M420/M17

•       -R1a1a/M459

•       -R1b1a1/M269

•       -R1b1/L278

•       Presence of M17 widely across India and its long continuity in India disproves Aryan invasion/migration theories

•       Continuity of Human groups from Paleolithic period onwards is established by the presence of this Genome: 80-30% of Indian possess this gene spread across the nation regardless of caste, tribe or geographical location

•       The genome research supports the spread of R1a from India

•       In addition to this ancient gene flow the R1a is also noticed in the Roma populations in Europe

•       The European M17 is less diverse and dated to only 23,000 Years Ago

The Indian M17 is dated to 36,000 Years ago and hence deep-rooted and diverse in India

 

13.  Final Facts About India and Indians. Historic Origins

Genetic Heritage of India shows only continuity and not a replacement. Aryan migration/invasion is a myth.

 

•       Female and male genetic lines examined in this lecture show continuity of Late Pleistocene founder human groups that first settled the Indian Subcontinent about 80,000 years ago. 80,000 Years Ago marks the adjusted average time of when they may have reached India. Actual dates for Female lines date from 74,000 Years Ago and Male lines from 70,000 Years Ago.

•       Similarly, Male genetic lines related to R examined in this lecture also show continuity from 50,000 Years ago.

•       No population replacement is noticed- certainly, no Neolithic population replacement or discontinuity is noticed

•       No genetic differences between caste, tribe, or language groups is noticed- either in male or in female genetic heritage

•       This disproves any Aryan invasion/migration, let alone population replacement. Not even largescale population addition is noticed in the genetic heritage of India. The genetic lines continue unbroken since late Pleistocene

 

Implications for World History:

•       Continuing Aryan race theories in books does immense injustice to the history of India. It teaches neighbors to hate neighbors, because of language and looks. There is no place for race theories in school textbooks and scholarly literature. Although Indian languages were categorized into Aryan, Dravidian, and Austronesian languages dividing India into different racial groups, based on languages, superimposing Aryan theory, it is disproven, as all language groups share a common genetic heritage.

•       India struggled through millennia, but successfully preserved the longstanding continuous civilization in its people and culture

•       India is the Second region to be settled after Africa in the Foundation Event for Non-African Populations. Oldest population base- 73,000 Years Ago for females and 70,000 for male genetic lines is noticed in India.

•       Oldest Texts and Cultural sources- the oldest textual sources and oldest Paleolithic culture are noticed in India.

•       Oldest agricultural and settlement patterns- independent agriculture, domestication, and culture are also found in India.

•       India is at the root of human civilization- My research shows that India is the storehouse of early settlements and culture of the world, one of the true cradles of civilizations waiting to be explored fully- The first step is getting rid of Aryan racial theories from Indian history.

 

Ayodhya Ram Mandir: After 500 Years the Dream Comes True

 Ayodhya Ram Mandir: After 500 Years the Dream Comes True

 

As the Prime Minister of India Modi laid the foundational stone for the reconstruction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, much misinformation is spread about it. However, examining the issue in historical context will clear much of the misunderstandings. Numerous sacred sites are revered around the world for millennia by people of indigenous faiths. The last millennium had been an era of forceful occupation and destruction of many monuments of indigenous faiths and monuments in India. However, the 21^st century is bringing new awareness and relevance about restoring and continuing the sacred sites of indigenous faiths. Ayodhya is one such sacred place recognized and revered as the birthplace of Rama for millennia. This new temple being rebuilt in the place of the destroyed original temple represents the historical memory dating back to millennia.

The birthplace of Rama, Ayodhya, is the epicenter of Ramayanam (Journey of Rama), A tale of love and sacrifice, which still resonates with more than a billion Hindus in India as well as across the world. Located on the banks of Sarayu river Ayodhya remained the civilizational center of India for thousands of years. Rebuilding the Ram temple in his birthplace begins a revival of this sacred center after a gap of about five centuries. Rebuilding Ram the Mandir is evidence that truth triumphs. There were many efforts to dismiss the existence of a temple at the site by vested groups when that was not possible due to the availability of massive archaeological evidence, these groups began offering alternatives such as building schools, colleges, or hospitals. Humongous efforts were launched by numerous media houses and vested groups to keep the place that is deeply revered by Hindus as the birthplace of Rama away from his devotees. The case dragged on in the courts of law for almost 50 years before finally drawing to a peaceful conclusion.

Rama’s story (Rama Katha) is embedded in the collective memory of India ever since the composition of Valmiki was sung by Lav and Kush, the twin sons of Rama. It is impossible for anyone growing up in India to say precisely when they first heard the name of Rama or Ramayana, for it is so deeply embedded within the invisible fabric of India that ties the populace of this vast land of India together. Spirituality is neither defined nor even forms part of popular conversation, but it is felt at every level each time the name of Rama is uttered or Ramlila is played. Ramnavami, the annual celebration of the birth of Rama marks a sense of this bond shared by all Indians. That deeper internal bond that one cannot name is Rama. The story of Rama has also traveled beyond the borders of India with strong storytelling traditions noticed in Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia. Therefore, the foundation of Rama temple marks the revival of the community not merely in India, but across South and Southeast Asia. Every brick that is worshipped, wrapped and carried to Ram Janmabhumi in Ayodhya decades ago represents the hopes and aspirations of Hindus across the world. The wait had been too long.

Rama’s journey is the story of love and sacrifice. Rama lived the true spirit of ‘nishkamakarma'. Rama only considered wishes and happiness of all others, but never considered his own desires under any circumstance. Treated poorly for no fault of his own, Rama accepted every impossible challenge strewn on his path and emerged triumphant. At the tender age of sixteen, he was requested to guard the yagna of Vishwamitra from the destructive demons. Upon successfully guarding the Yagna, Vishwamitra comes to hear about the Swayamvara of Sita at Mithila. Here again, Rama triumphed by raising Siva’s bow, an impossible task, although the bow broke before he could string it.

Selected to rule the empire Rama prepared for the coronation by keeping the ceremonial fast. However, on the day of the coronation, he was asked to leave as the coronation is canceled on the wishes of Kaikeyi, his step-mother. Leaving the empire to Bharata, his step-brother (son of Kaikeyi) for the term of his exile of fourteen years, Rama traverses throughout India reaching Sri Lanka. However, throughout all his travels across India Rama never left Ayodhya in spirit as his brother Bharata ensured Rama’s rule in Ayodhya through placing the footwear (paduka) of Rama on the throne. From Mithila in the Himalayas to Ramsethu which links India to Sri Lanka Rama connected the Subcontinent through his footsteps. Now that the foundation stone laying ceremony is taking place in Ayodhya on August 5, 2020, this thread of harmony Rama created reverberates with resounding energy. The pulse of India quickens with this modern triumph of Rama.

The final year of exile was the toughest of Rama’s travels. Surpanakha arrives at their asram ultimately leading to the kidnapping of Sita. In search of his wife, Sita, Rama met new associates, the best of whom is Hanuman. Upon discovering the location of Sita through the assistance of Hanuman, Rama accomplished the impossible task of building a bridge, now called Ramasethu, to cross the Indian ocean reaching Sri Lanka. Rama emerged victorious with his monkey army over the well-prepared demon army of Ravana. Rama’s return to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana and his just rule is legendary.

The second part Rama’s story is recollected in Uttara Ramacharita. Heeding the suspicion expressed by a citizen washer-man Rama sent his wife to Valmiki’s asram, an unfortunate event, considering the fact that Sita was pregnant at that time. However, as far as Rama, who took the vow of ekapatnivrata (monogamy) his joy left him as Sita left him. However, he never let that waver him from his duty of taking care of his subjects; Rama brought joy to everyone except for himself and his wife.

Rama’s journey is unique demonstration of victory against all historical odds. Ram Janmabhumi temple is reminiscent of Ram’s life full of triumphs and tribulations. Another aspect of Rama’s triumph is seen in the way the construction of the temple is manifested on August 5, 2020, after overcoming numerous legal and political hurdles. Reconstruction of the temple is a welcome move for India, a long-suffering civilization, which is yoked to caring for its long civilizational past as much as forging the path ahead.

India Passes Landmark Legislation on Education

 

India passed New Education Policy a landmark policy outlining the educational outlook for the new millennium. India rose to the challenge of educating a large chunk of its population which constitutes the largest chunk of its population (currently, 50% of the population is below the age of 25). This educational policy if implemented correctly will have a lasting and clear impact on the national education of India.

 

New Educational policy includes 4 parts with 26 articles in 59 pages. The introduction is included as part 0 even though it discusses important aspects of the goals and objectives of New Education Policy. Part I outlines basic goals, resources, concerns regarding the school education of children ages 0-18. Part II discusses basic resources and prospectus for Higher education. Part III examines other key areas of concern and education including Indian languages, Arts, and Culture. Part IV Planning and implementation of the new national education policy such as the constitutions of the advisory body, financing, and implementation.

 

Part III even though included in the end is of utmost importance. A nation’s soul is reflected in her language, literature, and arts. The culture of a nation is an expression of the national spirit reflecting her aspirations and providing inspiration. It is utmost of importance to protecting Indian languages and arts and thereby culture.

 

Part I to III addresses aspects of education at all levels and propose suitable guidelines for implementing the new education policy. Multi-level and multi-disciplinary education with national-level planning is necessary. An important and necessary decision is the focus of ht is a document of pre-primary and primary education as well as the introduction of tri-language formula in secondary education. Welcoming international educational institutions to introduce higher education in India would also help make world-class education available to larger sections of the Indian population.

 

Part 0 takes pride in creating a landmark educational policy for the 21^st century while simultaneously inculcates the education in India’s traditions and value system. The NEP included cultivation of those aspects of rounded personality for success and happiness termed ‘soft skills’ such as emotional intelligence in addition to the cultivation of 21-century job skills through education.

 

What is of utmost importance to me as well as a number of scholars involved with education come in Article.0.7.

 0.7. The rich heritage of ancient Indian Knowledge has been a guiding light for this Policy. The aim of education in ancient India was not just the acquisition of knowledge, as preparation for life in this world or life beyond schooling, but for complete realisation and liberation of the self. World-class institutions of ancient India, such as Takshashila, Nalanda, Vikramshila and Vallabhi set the highest standards of multidisciplinary teaching and research and hosted scholars and students from across backgrounds and countries. The Indian education system produced scholars like Charaka and Susruta, Aryabhata, Bhaskaracharya, Chanakya, Madhava, Patanjali, Panini and Thiruvalluvar, among numerous others. They made seminal contributions to world knowledge in diverse fields, such as mathematics, astronomy, metallurgy, medical science and surgery, civil engineering and architecture, shipbuilding and navigation, yoga, fine arts, chess, and more. Indian culture and philosophy has had a strong influence on the world. These rich legacies to world heritage must not only be nurtured and preserved for posterity but also researched, enhanced and put to new uses through our education system. For instance, they can be integrated into a holistic education to help develop the creativity and originality of students and to encourage them to innovate.

 

For a child to emerge as a thought leader, it is important that the basics are taught not just in necessary job skills but also the necessary background and balance rooted in one’s own culture. As an agriculture dominant nation, we can put this in other words as follows: New crops only grow on a perfected soil of farm with enriched environment. The efforts on perfecting the soil may not be visible in the end but form the most important part of the growth cycle. We have to begin with what we have and cultivate with the best effort and hope for the best output. If the groundwork is forgotten, the crop fails.

 

Article 0.13 brings forward the essential aspects of the New Education Policy. Keywords are highlighted including, flexibility, multi-disciplinary, no hard separation between subjects, which is futuristic in its conception. The document also envisions continuous monitoring and policy guidance as necessary.

 

As noted in Article 0.14 the policy touched all aspects of education in this document. If implemented correctly this policy will help India rediscover her soul and emerge renewed from under the colonized minds imprisoned for over 900 years. Very few nations have this opportunity that India has come to at this point in time. Entering the new millennium forging ahead with a new education policy rightly rooted in Indian culture, the leadership has made the right effort to direct the nation on the path of victory.

0.14. This National Education Policy aims at building a global best education system rooted in Indian ethos, and aligned with the principles enunciated above, thereby transforming India into a global knowledge superpower.

 

 

 Highlights of NEP for Primary and Secondary Education

• Healthy meals, the introduction of Health Counselors 
• Home language for primary education
• introduction of the second language in grade 3 and 3 languages in Secondary school
• co-curricular and extra-curricular activities
• introduction of foreign languages- not just English but Asian as well as other European languages
• importance for arts and languages    
• peer-to-peer tutoring
• Community volunteering to educate children & young adults
• crafts and skills education including coding

 Higher Education

• Focus on professional, teacher and quality education
• focus on research 
• quality and equity

This vision document brings forward futuristic education policy for India ensuring equitable and inclusive education for all. This is the most needed step for independent India. Even though India achieved independence in 1947 educational policy was only sketchy in the past. This new NEP fills lacunae left over by the previous policies while also addressing concerns and aspirations simultaneously. All Indians must welcome and join the implementation of this educational policy wholeheartedly. 

CNN's Faux Pas on Hinduism is not as Innocent as It Looks

CNN’s faux pas on its first segment based on Hinduism may not be as innocent as it looks, it has the potential to evolve in to structured discrimination of Hindus. CNN’s Believer’s first segment on Hinduism reminds one of a dangerous precedent from the past. This is exactly the type of misrepresentation with partial and selective expositions that could lead to misunderstandings, which can eventually lead to discrimination and mistreatment of fellow human beings. In case of Hindus this had already happened once with regards to Roma (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8136812.stm) who were considered heathens during the early modern period while subjecting them to discrimination and mistreatment across Europe, this discrimination only increased later pushing the Roma into gas chambers during Nazi era. The Roma are still subjected to continued discrimination across Europe (http://romafacts.uni-graz.at/index.php/history/third-migration-emancipation-process/third-migration). Roma are the untouchables of Europe, tucked away from public gaze. Roma are not allowed to live in decent neighborhoods, not hired for jobs, and their children are constantly subjected to harassment and bullying in society and educational institutions. Television series like the Believer aired on CNN last night does nothing to further understanding of spirituality in Hinduism, but can create and perpetrate similar discriminatory attitudes towards Hindus across the world. The footage is filled mostly with disgusting imagery, containing filth, disgusting images, comical drama, that appeared distasteful, uncultured, and bizarre. Aslan’s explanations of caste, karma, and sect are all misinformed, amateurish at best. Karma binds soul to the world of maya. How can one understand karma without understanding maya? This is exactly the central issue with learning about Hinduism, which is subjected to selective interpretations to push well-known categories and classification introduced by colonial administration with a view to control the masses of India. It presents only half of what the theory karma purports according to Hinduism. I am not going to discuss caste, maya, and karma here for lack of space, but part of the problem also rests with the current system of knowledge, which only offers partial and misleading representations of Hinduism.

The film is located in Banaras, focusing on understanding the Aghori tradition from inside out. It involved the author mostly roaming through Banaras, zooming in and out of shots taken on the banks of Ganges, interspersed with snippets of interviews with whoever agreed to talk to Aslan. The theatrics of Aslan’s conversion with Aghoris on the banks of Ganges is beyond reprehensible. Although Aghori sampradaya (Saiva monks in Kapalika tradition) known as a tradition beginning five hundred years ago, much of its history is shrouded in mystery; its media discovery and fascination is only recent, dating to only the last two decades or so. Although there were a number of other media expositions on Aghori tradition, none are as amateurish as this one. Another film on the same subject, National Geographic’s Taboo, is much more carefully filmed and contextualized philosophically. Although the series, Believer, is billed as a documentary, its presentation on Aghoris, is sloppy at best and can be described as a failed attempt to understand the current state of Hindu faith. As much as it begins with the faulty assumption that any one can go on a short trip and learn about any religion by immersing oneself in esoteric rituals for a short time, its failure is apparent in its format of TV presentation. This assumption is further exasperated, when such experience is filmed for worldwide showing, which qualifies as reality TV rather than documentary. To top it off the whole process is marred by immature presentation and explanations filled with mistaken notions of Aslan that can lead to dangerous consequences. If there is anything that came out of this bizarre theatrics on the banks of Ganges, it is that Aslan emerged as a competent reality TV star.

Even though a first look at the film leaves one horrified, as most of its footage contains shocking imagery to elicit sensation, even a bit of disgust, a careful second look of the film confirms only mediocrity and lack of authentic research on the part of its maker. With such sloppy sensationalist approaches it is unlikely that it might have any perceptible benefits of informing the public of religion. It is questionable if he had any goals for this episode on Hinduism rather than indulge in his comical trip through the most esoteric sects one could find.

All that is accomplished by Aslan in this episode is confusing class (varna) with caste (jati). The classification that he showed of the five castes is a mistaken system of classes adopted from Western understanding of Hinduism, long debunked by Historians (see Bernard Cohn, S.N. Balagangadhara, and Michael Wood). I don’t know if it demonstrates the naiveté or utter lack of knowledge on the part of Aslan that asserts caste is about purity and pollution, while in reality it is about professional divisions. Also the pyramid Aslan showed in regard to castes is in fact classes (varnas) and not castes (jati). Another important feature Aslan ignores is that, caste is a cultural feature of India common to all religions of India, and not specifically Hindu in its nature. FYI Aslan, Islam also has castes in India, and Islamic lower castes are given reservations based on caste system by the government of India. The current understanding of caste is brought on by colonial systematization of caste in India while neatly arranging it in a tiered system akin to that of the medieval social system found in Europe. Showing this tiered diagram to explain caste is as faulty as explaining feudalism in the medieval European society with a similar tiered diagram. Caste is dynamic and diverse across India. Caste is neither uniform across India nor tiered as neatly as demonstrated by Aslan on the show. I suggest Aslan read social scientists such as Bernard Cohn (An Anthropologist Among Historians; Structure and Change in Indian Society) and Sumit Guha (Beyond Caste) to understand the nuanced and diverse social structure of caste in India.

More over India has moved away from caste 67 years ago when it adopted its new constitution in 1950, which provides most sweeping and generous social program of the world based on caste. The reservation system mandated in the constitution provides, scheduled castes, tribes and backward castes with a reserved 50% of seats in all educational institutions for all available specializations, as well as in all government jobs, and public offices. Students based on their status of belonging to schedules caste, tribes or backward castes performing well below average are admitted and educated at no cost to the families with generous scholarships and provided jobs, and job related promotions. This is not limited to one generation or first generation college students, but for all people belonging to the scheduled castes, tribes, and backward castes. Nowhere in the world is such a generous program of social benefits ever enacted in the history of mankind. It is one of the bedrocks of Indian democracy even though it creates a system of privilege for reserved categories in public office, employment and promotions.

The filth and dirt of the ghats and Ganga River may have been cleaned by the temples if only they had the resources and wherewithal to do so. Alas they are prevented from doing so by the government of India, which took over their resources and management, taking away the donations of Hindu temples, while at the same time all minority religions of India are allowed to administer their religious and religiously affiliated institutions independently with tax free status (https://www.amazon.com/Crimes-Against-India-Tradition-Hinduism/dp/1440111588). What would be the uproar in the USA if such act were to be passed in the USA in which government takes over all the Churches and their resources, freely using their resources to support other minority religions such as Islam and Judaism? This skewed system of religious institutions act of India 1951 unfairly treats Hinduism and Hindu temples, rendering Hindu organizations helpless, fending for themselves on meager resources, while Hindu temples and sacred spaces are not maintained and face utter negligence under government administration. State governments monopolize the income from Hindu temples using it for any purpose they may deem fit, even allocating funds to other minority religions such as Islam. Endowment boards are corrupt, thus further in the mismanagement of funds.

Overarching remarks in opposition to Hinduism, such as the one in which Aslan says,“more and more Hindus are attracted to ideals of Aghoris,” making it seem like social service and caring for the fellow beings are the ideals of only Aghoris and not part of Hinduism in general. The ideals that Aslan so painstakingly characterizes as Aghori ideals are merely Hindu ideals, which have always guided all Hindus for over 5 thousand years. Hindu social service is not negated merely because Aslan refuses to acknowledge it in this film. Does that mean all the social service activities undertaken by all of the Hindu organizations for thousands of years suddenly come to naught as soon as he discovered the Aghoris? And that too only one person, an Aghori, reformed (Bhagavan Ram) at that remains to be the sole representative of Hindu ideals and inspires others? What about the rest of the billion Hindus? What about Ramanandis, Srivaishnavas, Chaitanya traditions? What about the present day sadhus, Sri Sri (founder of Art of Living), Sadhguru (Isha Foundation), Chinna Jeeyaswami, and many more Hindu sadhus known for their service?

What this show is trying to accomplish, by presenting contradictory aspects of Aghoris simultaneously, is to drive home unsubstantiated criticism of Hinduism:  On the one hand the show accurately presented strange practices of Aghoris, depicting it as one of the most bizarre sects of Hinduism, not commonly an acceptable practice among Hindus. On the other hand, he inaccurately presented Hinduism as callous towards the underclass. In addition, Aslan also tried to present Aghori as the most moral sect of Hinduism, negating all other benevolent practices and ideals of Hinduism, thus rendering mainstream Hinduism as heartless. Aslan at times took drastic measures to present Aghori as the most benevolent practice of Hinduism, while negating all other services and ideals held by Hinduism and numerous Hindu practitioners and Sadhus with sweeping generalizations. Monastic traditions across India accept followers and serve without placing any limitations on caste; several groups also have female orders. His shortsighted presentation only reveals his utter lack of knowledge and lethargy to consult current research and subject experts.

Effectively what Aslan is doing in this film is incorrect. It cannot be considered an inadvertent faux pas committed by Aslan, since he is experienced with writing and media presentation. It seems that he intentionally presented Aghori as the  option of Hinduism, successfully adding one more stereotype, in addition to the stereotypes that already exist in connection with Hinduism. Hence, the blame rests equally with Aslan as well as the CNN that chose to air the show. It seems to suggest that as bizarre as it might seem Aghoris may be one of the best options of Hinduism. He repeatedly and mistakenly characterized Hinduism as based on caste and hence not caring for its fellow beings. With one sweeping generalization he negates the 5 millennia of history of Hinduism to push his agenda of presenting Aghoris as the only acceptable spiritual practice among Hindus. What does this do for Hindus across the world? It presents them as insolent, apathetic, given to callous tendency bound by karma. What is the consequence of such far-reaching conclusion in presenting a strange sectarian group of monks as holding higher ideals than the whole of Hinduism followed by approximately one billion Hindus? This faulty presentation outlines mainstream Hindus to be subjected to ridicule and discrimination.

An immediate and short-term solution for this issue is that Hindus and Hindu leaders must not shy away from asserting their own practice and denouncing what is presented on this show. Even better, Hindus must banish CNN, its falsehoods and misrepresentations. Hindus and friends of Hindus (may they be Muslim, Christian, Zoroastrian, and Jewish Indians) must boycott CNN-IBN channel as well as their annual awards as a symbol of their insincere coverage.

The only long term solution for such misrepresentations and stereotyping is in offering more education on Hinduism. A good beginning would be to start with reforming educational curriculum in primary and secondary schools. Hinduism should be taught as the benevolent religion that it is, rather than a callous faith with rigid caste boundaries.

Previously published on MyInd.net 

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