New Delhi (Agency): The Nair Service Society (NSS), an influential organization representing Kerala’s forward Nair community, has taken a firm stand against the recent remarks made by the state Assembly Speaker, A N Shamseer, regarding a Hindu deity. In response to the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) rejecting their demand for action against Shamseer, the NSS has declared August 2 as ‘Save the Faith Day’ and urged its members to participate in a symbolic protest.
The controversy began when A N Shamseer allegedly referred to Lord Ganesha, a revered deity in Hinduism, as a myth without any scientific basis. This statement drew sharp criticism from the Nair community, who hold Lord Ganesha in high regard. The NSS has condemned the remarks, stating that such comments are not acceptable, regardless of the context.
G Sukumaran Nair, the General Secretary of NSS, expressed the organization’s displeasure with the Speaker’s alleged remarks. He said that the NSS had urged Shamseer to withdraw his statement or for the government to take appropriate action, but their concerns were not adequately addressed. Hence, as a mark of protest and to protect their faith, the NSS has called for its members to observe August 2 as ‘Save the Faith Day.’
On this day, all members of NSS and the faithful are encouraged to visit Lord Ganesha temples in their vicinity and participate in rituals and prayers. The objective is to seek blessings for the preservation of their faith. However, Nair emphasized the need for a peaceful demonstration and urged the community not to engage in any provocative or communal actions.
The controversy surrounding Shamseer’s remarks has led to heated debates in the state’s political landscape. The CPI(M) leader, A K Balan, responded to the NSS’s statement, suggesting that either Nair misunderstood Shamseer’s intentions or was influenced by external forces. He accused the NSS of being associated with the Sangh Parivar, a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization.
The situation escalated further as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other Hindu outfits, such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), initiated a campaign against Shamseer, expressing their displeasure over his remarks about Lord Ganesha and the mythical ‘pushpaka vimanam.’
The ruling CPI(M), however, stood firm in its support for Shamseer, condemning the campaign by the Sangh Parivar. They asserted that misinterpreting myths and beliefs as scientific thoughts would hinder the progress of society and science’s development.
The Nair community, a prominent and influential group in Kerala, is known for its cultural and religious heritage. Lord Ganesha holds a special place in their beliefs, making the Speaker’s remarks particularly sensitive to their sentiments.
As the ‘Save the Faith Day’ approaches, the political atmosphere in Kerala remains charged. The government will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the protest remains peaceful and does not escalate into any untoward incidents.
It is essential for political leaders and organizations to be mindful of their statements and actions, considering the diverse religious and cultural fabric of India. A harmonious and inclusive society can only be achieved when all communities are respected, and their beliefs are given due consideration.
The coming days will reveal the extent of participation in the ‘Save the Faith Day’ and the response from the government and political parties. Kerala’s socio-political landscape continues to be shaped by issues related to faith, identity, and representation, making it crucial for all stakeholders to tread carefully and foster unity and understanding.
