Dr. Vikram Sampath - EXPOSING FALSE Indian History - Gandhi, Godse & Nehru | The Ranveer Show 273

Vikram Sampath explains that many young people are frustrated with the current Indian education system for teaching a biased and incomplete version of history. He highlights that textbooks often focus on a Delhi-centric view and portray India as a nation of 'losers', ignoring the significant contributions of various regional empires and figures. He criticises the linear, non-violent narrative of the freedom struggle, arguing that it overlooks the armed resistance and revolutionary movements that also played a crucial role in achieving independence.

Sampath discusses the importance of the 1946 Naval Mutiny, which began in Bombay and spread across India. He cites Clement Attlee, then British Prime Minister, who reportedly stated that the heroics of the Indian National Army and the subsequent naval mutiny more significantly influenced Britain's decision to grant independence than Gandhi’s non-violent movement. Sampath questions why these critical events are often omitted or downplayed in school textbooks, suggesting it was a deliberate move by post-independence authorities to control the historical narrative.

Sampath argues that after independence, the ruling elite, particularly under Nehru’s government, orchestrated a narrative that only glorified the non-violent movement and downplayed contributions outside this framework. He mentions that even in 2016, Delhi University textbooks referred to figures like Bhagat Singh as 'revolutionary terrorists', a term coined by colonial masters. He also highlights the silencing of dissenting historians like R.C. Majumdar, who was removed from a government project for wanting to present a critical view of Gandhi.

Sampath delves into the life and legacy of V.D. Savarkar, dispelling common misconceptions. He highlights Savarkar’s early revolutionary activities, including leading India’s first organised secret society and burning foreign clothes, for which he was rusticated. Sampath notes Savarkar’s seminal work, 'The First War of Indian Independence,' which inspired many revolutionaries. He addresses the controversial 'mercy petitions' written by Savarkar during his imprisonment in Kalapani, explaining that these were common legal applications for political prisoners and not apologies. He also clarifies Savarkar's concept of 'Hindutva,' stating it was a cultural and national identity, not a theological one, aimed at unifying all people devoted to the land of Hindustan, irrespective of religion.

Sampath describes Kalapani (Cellular Jail) as one of the most horrific aspects of Indian history, an 'Indian Bastille.' He recounts the inhumane tortures endured by revolutionaries, including forced labour, unsanitary conditions, and psychological torment, which led many to madness or suicide. He emphasises that no Congress members were sent to Kalapani, only revolutionaries. Sampath advocates for Kalapani to be a place of pilgrimage for Indian students to understand the immense sacrifices made for freedom and urges an apology from British authorities for these atrocities.

Sampath discusses Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi, noting Godse's initial admiration for Savarkar and his eventual disillusionment when Savarkar became more pacifist. He explains Godse's extreme motivations, particularly his anger over the Partition and Gandhi's demands for India to pay 50 crores to Pakistan amidst the Kashmir incursions. Sampath details the botched assassination attempt before the final murder and the surrounding political climate. He highlights that while Savarkar was implicated in Gandhi's murder trial, he was honourably acquitted by the court, and this acquittal was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.

Sampath stresses India's need to make peace with its past, especially given the current internal divisions. He argues that distorted histories, like the whitewashing of crimes and genocides, allow 'ghosts of the past' to continue harming future generations. He calls for a 'Truth and Reconciliation' process, advocating for an honest assessment of history without succumbing to political correctness or communal sensitivities. He believes that understanding history fully, with all its complexities and unpleasant truths, is crucial for building a more unified and prosperous future for India.