BJP leader and Union Minister Pratap Chandra Sarangi hasstirred a controversy with his remark that the published Indian history is ‘misleading’ and should be rewritten.
Speaking on the sidelines of a function here on Wednesday, Sarangi said the history of the nation was recorded by some persons influenced by foreigners.
The history has been written wrongly portraying the patriotism and heroism of Indians.
The sooner it is rectified, it would be better for Indians. Efforts have been made to create differences between religions and people of different regions, he said.
“The Indian history in its present form creates differences between Hindus and Sikhs, north India and south India. Differences have been made on linguistic basis. The Indian languages are based on Sanskrit which is the common link,” Sarangi observed.
“The Indian history says the Indians entered the country through Caspian Lake in ancient days. This theory is a baseless thing and has made lots of damage to the people of this country,” he said.
Besides, Sarangi said, the part of the history which says tribals are aborigines and others are foreigners is a blatant lie. “Mixed race happened from Vedic period. Veda Vyasa’s mother was from the fishermen community and his father Parasara was a Brahmin. The Vedic literature also signifies that on sacred scriptures everyone has equal rights; and this shows the brilliancy of the Indian culture,” he added.
In a reaction, BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra said, “Many things relating to Odisha have been omitted in the Indian history. The sea voyage of Odias and other aspects of the rich past of the community will be put together and brought to public notice.” He is not sure why Sarangi made the “wrong history” statement.
Senior Congress MLA Suresh Kumar Routray said, “I do not agree with Sarangi’s remarks. The country and the State have rich history and no one can deny this. The Union Minister’s statement is a mere political ploy.”