This paper opened my eyes to various aspects of Indian culture and history. What's fascinating is it all stemmed from Professor Chaturvedi's curiosity about the origin of his name. Who knew that the man standing in front of me every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 9:30 (that is, whenever I actually attended lecture...) had some unique ties to such people as Gandhi and Savarkar?
Professor Chaturvedi's talks with Upendra Parchure, the son of Dr. Dattatrey Sadashiv Parchure, were interesting to read about. (It was frustrating to learn that Dr. Parchure had died only a few years before Professor Chaturvedi decided he wanted to speak with him!) I believe the emphasis Upendra Parchure placed on his father's masculinity is significant. The people who were against Gandhi criticized his tactics for being weak. They preferred violence and force to passive resistance and peaceful methods. What's ironic or interesting is that Gandhi in Hind Swaraj also wanted his passive resisters to show masculinity. Hmmmm...
Gandhi on Masculinity
•“They lack real physical strength or courage.” (37)
•“We have become emasculated and cowardly.” (44)
•“…render us effeminate…” (44)
•“I should prefer to be killed by the arrow of a Bhil than to seek unmanly protection.” (44)
•“Believe me that a man devoid of courage and manhood can never be a passive resister.” (93)
1 comment:
these are some great observations about the similarities/differences between gandhi and savarkar and parchure all talking about and use the idea of masculinity, in order to describe and even prescribe certain aspects of their beliefs and practices. nice.
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