Critic and orator Sunil P. Ilayidom stressed that plurality is the very foundation of Indian life. He was delivering the Sukumar Azhikode Memorial Lecture on the occasion of the 13th death anniversary of writer and orator Sukumar Azhikode, organised by the Kerala Sahitya Akademi on the theme ‘India: Roots of Plurality.’
In recent times, the Sangh Parivar has been vehemently rejecting this very plurality, which, according to Dr. Ilayidom, is a natural aspect of India. He argued that unity is often an artificial concept imposed on the nation, while diversity is inherent.
Various influences
“India’s past was always marked by diversity that could not be defined solely by religious traditions. The rich cultural fabric of the country has been shaped by diverse communities that have converged from different periods and places. For instance, Hindustani classical music carries Persian influence, and the dance form Kathak emerged from a blending of Persian and folk traditions with India’s national heritage,” he said.
Plurality, he noted, is a vital foundation in the long history of humanity, yet our collective memory does not fully embrace this. Neither modern education nor contemporary social consciousness has made significant efforts to internalise it.
The Hindu nationalists, fearing that Gandhiji’s non-violence approach would weaken Hinduism, opposed his interventions. The concept of Sanatan Dharma, rooted in the Vedas, is vastly different from the inclusive values of friendship and compassion, he added.
Concept of Swaraj
Dr. Ilayidom stressed that to understand the true essence of India, one needs to embrace the diversity within its cultural and historical contexts. Gandhi’s concept of Swaraj and the views of leaders like Pazhassi, Rani of Jhansi, and Tilak were different, reflecting a complex spectrum of thoughts and approaches. The monolithic idea of a Brahmanical state is a dangerous notion that has deep historical roots. To combat it, we need to nurture a larger world rooted in democracy, equality, and fraternity.
A history of sharing
One of the key lessons we must learn, Dr. Ilayidom emphasised, is that India does not have a singular, carved-out past. Instead, it is a history of sharing, merging, and interchanging, a continuum shaped through mutual exchanges. This spirit of interconnectedness dates back to the ancient Sindhu Valley Civilization. Only through the reclaiming of this past, with a strong, conscious effort, can we politically and culturally resist the forces of Hindu nationalism. Such resistance must also take place in the realm of awareness-building.
“Sukumar Azhikode was a person who led this resistance and awareness-building efforts through out his life. Throughout his life, Azhikode upheld these values, and one of the most notable responses to the Babri Masjid demolition in Kerala was Azhikode’s seven-day lecture series at the Sahitya Akademi. In his talks, under the theme ‘What is Bharatiyata?’ Azhikode explored the multiplicity and complexity of India’s heritage. Dr. Ilayidom said we should take inspiration from Azhikode’s life and use his memory as a guiding force to uphold these life-affirming values.
The event was chaired by Ashokan Charuvil, vice president of the Akademi, C.P. Abubacker, Akademi secretary, and V.S. Bindu, a member of the organising committee, spoke.
