Social Justice Conclave in Lucknow Highlights Shivaji Maharaj's Secular Legacy
In a significant gathering at Kaiserbagh in Lucknow on Friday, speakers at the Social Justice Conclave underscored that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a secular ruler who actively fought against the atrocities and injustices perpetrated by the rulers of his era. The event was organized to commemorate the birth anniversary of Shivaji, which is observed as Social Justice Day, bringing together activists, academics, and social workers to discuss pressing issues.
Concerns Over Historical Misinterpretation and False Narratives
During the session titled 'Itihas–Sahitya: Myth aur Jhooth ke Gaddmad Hone ke Daur Mein — Aage Kaise Badhein,' participants expressed deep concern over the widespread misinterpretation of history. They highlighted how false narratives are being propagated among the masses through manipulated content on social media platforms, distorting historical facts for ideological gains.
Social worker Raghavendra Dubey argued that portraying Shivaji Maharaj as a fighter for a Hindu Rashtra is historically inaccurate. He emphasized that Shivaji's primary struggle was against oppression and injustice, rather than being confined to religious identity, making his rule a beacon of secular values.
Technology's Role in Spreading Falsehoods
Social activist and satirist Rajeev Dhyani pointed out that right-wing groups are leveraging technology to construct and disseminate false narratives. These groups are falsely claiming Shivaji as a Hindu icon, thereby misrepresenting his legacy to fit their political agendas, which undermines the true historical context of his secular leadership.
Call for Combined Online and Offline Efforts
Social worker Vandana Mishra stressed that the fight for social justice and the protection of Shivaji Maharaj's true legacy requires a dual approach. She advocated for both online activism to counter digital misinformation and offline grassroots efforts to educate and mobilize communities, ensuring a comprehensive defense against historical distortions.
Urging Street-Level Activism for Inclusive Values
Former vice-chancellor of Lucknow University, Roop Rekha Verma, called for proactive measures in the struggle for social justice. She stated, "The struggle for social justice must come to the streets, and we should be ready to take risks to defend inclusive values." Her remarks underscored the need for tangible, risk-taking actions to uphold the principles of inclusivity and historical accuracy in the face of rising false narratives.
The conclave served as a platform to reaffirm Shivaji Maharaj's role as a secular leader and to rally support for efforts to preserve his legacy against modern-day misinterpretations.
