AIPSN statement on the Murder of Professor M.M. Kalburgi

The assassination of Professor M.M.Kalburgi, the former Vice Chancellor of Kannada University, Hampi, and a noted scholar on the culture of the people of Karnataka reflects the murderous mentality of the forces of Hindu fundamentalism. These forces have been responsible for spreading hatred and violent intolerance, and have in the last three years been responsible for the murders of rationalist activists and scholars Dr. Narendra Dabholkar (August, 20, 2013), of Sri Govind Pansare(20th February, 2015 ) and now of Professor Kalburgi. A scholar of repute, Dr.Kalburgi's researches on the Vachanankaras of Karnataka had added new dimensions to an understanding of the history and character of this twelfth century reform movement, whose greatest exponent, Basavanna too, faced threats from the intolerant advocates of Hindutva.

Professor Kalburgi had, for many years, faced threats from fundamentalist elements in various communities, most recently from advocates of Hindutva for his opposition to idol worship. He was threatened with dire consequences by these forces when he claimed that the Lingayat community in Karnataka, i.e. the followers of Basavanna, did not belong to the Hindu fold, an issue that some believed would have electoral repercussions.

In a shocking display of their violent methods of settling scores, right-wing Hindutva forces in Karnataka have welcomed the news of Dr.Kalburgi's murder and have threatened Professor K.S. Bhagwan, a retired Professor of Mysore University, with the same fate. Professor Bhagwan too is known to espouse secular causes. Such attacks and threats strike at the root of democracy, which the state is obliged to protect. The state’s duty to defend our fundamental rights to life and to freedom of speech and expression thus needs to be reiterated and also to be demonstrated.

The All India People's Science Network (AIPSN) while condemning Professor Kalburgi's murder, sends its heart-felt condolences to his family.

The AIPSN plans to intensify its campaign for the protection of all democratic platforms that encourage rational discourse on questions related to our lives as individuals as well as citizens. Given AIPSN’s long held commitment to the promotion of scientific temper, this will naturally entail discussions on a rational approach to our past while promoting practices which are based on a rational and scientific understanding of nature and society.

The AIPSN expresses its solidarity with the Bharath GyanVigyan Samithi, Karnataka and the Karnataka RajyaVijnana Parishat, the two constituents of the AIPSN from the state, who in this challenging moment are spearheading the cause for scientific temper by demanding an Anti-Superstition Bill, and have now mobilised their local units to condemn the murder of Professor Kalburgi. The AIPSN appeals to all progressive sections of the people to challenge these forces of reaction, who are responsible for the assassination of Dr.Kalburgi and are a threat to an open society with plurality of opinion. The AIPSN demands speedy action from the Government of Karnataka to bring to book those responsible for this dastardly crime, as well as those forces behind the culprits, who are responsible for repeatedly vitiating the peaceful communal atmosphere in Karnataka, and for seeking to impose their socially conservative and reactionary opinions on the general population, especially by targeting progressive and liberal forces. We also demand of the Central government to expeditiously place in Parliament a comprehensive anti-superstition Bill.

S.Chatterjee                                                                                               

President, AIPSN     

T.Ramesh

General Secretary, AIPSN

30th, August 2015.