BBC News—India Coronavirus: Tablighi Jamaat Gives Blood for Plasma Therapy
Let me begin my response with the following point:
Regarding the donation of plasma by the Tablighi Jamaat, I want to ask a few questions to them:
When the above YouTube message was forwarded to me, I responded with the following:
My response:
So what? Many others gave without needing any propaganda.
The person who sent that message reacted by writing:
The BJP government does not use propaganda; calling this propaganda is like calling out what the mice are doing on the battlefield at Kurukshetra propaganda.
To this, I replied:
Politicians using propaganda is not new, but charity does not need one. Let your right hand not know what your left hand gives in charity.
The person’s reaction clearly brought out the context of the BBC news—communalizing charity and using it as propaganda to attack the BJP government. It is well known that BBC, which is outrightly a racist organization, used this news to attack the BJP government, which it has never liked. By forwarding such a message, many people who oppose the BJP government are also using it for propaganda purposes.
Many Indians—Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, atheists, etc.—also donated their plasma for COVID-19 therapy. But we Indians never see it as ‘Hindu, Christian, Sikh, or Muslim’ plasma. We never try to communalize our charity. And thankfully, the Indian government—or the BJP government—never issues press releases mentioning how many Hindus, Christians, Muslims, or Sikhs were cured or died from COVID-19.
Recently, I received another video where Muslims were running a community kitchen, preparing meals for those affected by the Corona lockdown. When someone taking the video tried to bring up their ‘communal’ identity, the lead person responded, ‘Don’t bring the communal aspect into our charity. We think only about the hunger of the poor.’ I give a big SALAM to that Muslim janab (gentleman) for conveying the right message.
Yesterday, I had to go to the library to get a book for my mother. Since Vijay was not around, I asked my neighbor, and Hazrath Abdullah took me to the library. He didn’t think he was helping a ‘Hindu’ neighbor, and I didn’t think my ‘Muslim’ neighbor was helping me. We live cordially on a local level, helping each other. I’m surrounded by religious minorities—one Protestant Christian family lives opposite me, a Catholic family lives behind me, and my immediate neighbor is Abdullah’s family. We never see each other through a ‘communal’ lens, but as mere neighbors, helping when needed.
When a racist news agency like BBC produces such messages for mere propaganda, we should not fall victim to it. If you dislike the current government, confront it on principle and remove it through the electoral process. But this kind of propaganda is just cheap publicity, a reflection of frustration against a particular ideology that one doesn’t agree with. We all have the right to disagree with others’ ideologies. What else can we call news that communalizes charity done during a pandemic, if not propaganda? My English is weak, and I can’t think of a worse word—if you have one, feel free to use it.
Politicians will politicize every issue in a democratic country. Thank God BBC only communalizes Indian politics—imagine if it began using caste as a criterion! We would then have Brahmin, Reddy, Yadav, Mudaliar, Paswan, etc., plasma in India. I know several blood groups like A, B, O positive, but thanks to BBC, now I know about communal plasma and blood groups.
We can forgive BBC for this mistake—it’s used to such things. But what can we say about those forwarding such messages just to oppose BJP? Be sensible, and don’t become victims of cheap propaganda from any racist news organization like BBC.
There’s a misperception in India: Any views or news coming from the West about India—especially in British English (thanks to colonial rule)—is seen as absolute truth. The concept of ‘white supremacy’ still lingers in the minds and spirits of many Indians. My words might hurt some, but to make them understand our pain, we not only have to speak their language but also strike at the points that hurt us.
No media today remains unbiased, as commercialization has become the norm everywhere. BBC is no exception, still holding onto the spirit of ‘white supremacy’ in its broadcasts.
I watch BBC World News every day (4:30 to 5:00 pm). It’s called “WORLD NEWS.” First, they begin by saying, “Let’s see what’s happening in the UK, USA, and the rest of the world.” But more than half the time is spent sharing British news or discussing America. Several times, the entire news segment is dedicated to their local problems in the name of WORLD NEWS. For example, during Brexit, they broadcast live debates from their Parliament or interviews with MPs. At that point, I change the channel, saying, “We want to see World News, not your local news.”
For the BBC, still living with the spirit of white supremacy and past imperialism (where the sun never sets), anything that happens in Britain is World News. When the second son of Princess Diana left the Royal Palace with his wife (I don’t even remember his name—he’s not that important for us in India. Our “king-in-waiting,” Prince Rahul of the Congress, is far more relevant), they spent so much time discussing and debating this family drama. But here in India, we aren’t interested in royal family gossip from England.
Meanwhile, watching WION (World In One News), the Indian version of BBC, even during major local events in India, they still cover world news with some local updates. The only part of BBC that truly covers the world is the weather forecast, and even then, more attention is given to the weather in Asia, particularly the Indian subcontinent. The rest of the time, we’re left watching their local issues under the guise of “World News.” For them, no world exists outside British imperialism and interests.
I’ve already written about BBC’s racial prejudice on my blog. You can read it for more information. [see: https://dayanandbharati.in/fanaticism-in-the-name-of-freedom/]
So, if any Indian wants to oppose BJP, do it based on Indian news. Every Indian has the right to criticize any party in India. But quoting elitist newspapers like The Hindu or secular historians like Ramachandra Guha won’t get you far (e.g., his piece, “3 Traits of Modi That Have Cost India Dearly” on NDTV). Who even reads The Hindu or follows scholars like Guha? Only some marginal intellectuals who never actively participate in politics or exercise their democratic rights by voting.
In fact, serious secular scholars like Guha only further alienate elitists who oppose Modi, frustrating them even more. There is no hope in Congress. These so-called secular and pseudo-secular scholars can’t muster any serious opposition to BJP. Their criticism remains mere political entertainment for elitist Indians. Meanwhile, BJP, with its strong, organized network, is further strengthening its grip on Indian politics.
We all know The Hindu’s anti-BJP stance, so can it claim to be an unbiased, neutral, and objective Indian media outlet? Show me one news channel or newspaper that remains truly neutral. Even WION, which manages to stay somewhat objective and neutral, subtly leans toward pro-BJP coverage.
Where are Barkha Dutt, Rajdeep Sardesai, Sagarika Ghose, and Karan Thapar? Why didn’t anti-BJP media houses keep them or continue using their services? It’s because these figures can’t influence the common Indian masses, who don’t watch English news channels or read English newspapers. The majority of elitists watch these channels and read newspapers to get some news, but they don’t engage in the democratic process to challenge the Sangh Parivar.
1. Did you give plasma because the Quran commanded you to do so? In other words, did you give it as part of your religious faith and activity?
2. Did you give plasma as charity or to demonstrate your generosity?
3. Did you give plasma in order to “rectify the negative image that has been created by the (BJP) government and media”? In other words, is it a positive act or a negative reaction to someone’s propaganda against you?
4. Did you give plasma as part of your duty (dharma) or responsibility as a fellow human being?
You could ask the same questions to any Christian or Hindu. However, to Hindus, I would rephrase question 3: Did you give plasma in order to support the Hindutva agenda of the BJP and endorse their vilification of the Tablighi Jamaat?
If anyone answers with anything other than reason three, then my response would be that it is mere PROPAGANDA.
If I were a Muslim, particularly a member of the Tablighi Jamaat, I would want to challenge the Editor of BBC and ask: Why do you want to paint such a bleak and negative picture of our natural duty as Indians? Why bring our faith into this?
According to my understanding, every Muslim is expected to remain loyal to the country of their birth. If one does not wish to live in a non-Muslim country, they should move to a Muslim country.
The British were known for their ‘divide and rule’ strategy. Though they were removed from India, now, in an attempt to avenge their humiliation, they use their media to continue this agenda. We all know the BBC’s anti-BJP stance, so why should we take their propaganda as gospel truth?
Of course, calling anyone who opposes the BJP government “anti-national” or “terrorists” is dangerous. But many Indian journalists, in the name of human rights, try to protect actual terrorists and rapists, conveniently ignoring the rights of those affected by these same terrorists. In today’s world of commercialization, I don’t trust any news from any media. To live as an authentic Indian, I don’t need to read newspapers or watch all types of news or social media. In fact, I never read newspapers in any language. I only watch WION for real world news (3:30 to 4:00 p.m., particularly Gravitas from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m.) and sometimes BBC (but I change the channel when they turn to local news) and one Tamil news program (Quick 100 news in 30 minutes, though I stop watching after the first 80 as the last 20 are about sports and entertainment). In my everyday life, interacting with my neighbors (though interactions have decreased due to COVID-19), I’m not influenced by any media—BBC, WION, Hindu, or social media. I particularly have reservations about secular and pseudo-secular scholars like Guha.@ They have their own agenda and cater to elitists. While writing many books and giving interviews to anti-BJP media like NDTV might add to their reputation, it won’t serve the common people, who have no time for such scholars.
Comment: You need to acknowledge the communalism that the BJP fosters in this country. Not saying others don’t, but they are masters at it.
Response: When Congress first used ‘communalism’ for vote bank politics, the BJP responded in kind, but did so better.
Comment: BBC is not racist. The journalists are Indians. Not everything opposed to the BJP is racist, communal, or leftist.
Response: Do you believe that Indian BBC journalists work solely for ideology and not salary? When these same journalists switch to other news media, they adapt to the agenda and ideology of that outlet to survive. It’s true that not everything opposed to the BJP is racist, communal, or leftist, but this applies to the BJP as well. Not agreeing with pseudo-secularists does not make one fascist or ultra-nationalist.
Comment: Labels like “terrorist” and “racist” are easily used to describe others who differ from us. When used by people in power, these labels do not foster unity but create divisiveness. Without dialogue, there can be no lasting peace. Dialogue must be based on mutual agreement and respect.
Response: Engaging in dialogue with terrorists and racists may provide political entertainment for pseudo-secular parties, but it’s the innocent people who pay the price. Sometimes firm action is needed first, and if the other side is willing to learn, then dialogue can follow. However, history (such as with ISIS) shows that dialogue often proves futile.
[29/04, 8:28 a.m.] C…: BBC News – India coronavirus: Tablighi Jamaat gives blood for plasma therapy
[07/06, 10:19 p.m.] Dayanand Bharati: So what many others gave without needing any propaganda
[07/06, 10:49 p.m.] C….: Bjp govt does not use propaganda , swamiji to call this propaganda is like called out what the mice are doing on the battlefield at kurukshetra propaganda.
[08/06, 10:49 a.m.] Dayanand Bharati: Politician using propaganda is not new, but charity does not need one. Let your right hand does not know what you give in charity by the left hand
[08/06, 11:02 a.m.] C: That is not propaganda swamiji. They have been vilified unjustly.
[08/06, 11:03 a.m.] C….: Trying to rectify the negative image that has been created by the govt and media is not easy.
[08/06, 8:14 p.m.] C…..: Not everything is dualistic pro this and anti that. You need to be able to see the communalism that bjp fosters in this country. Not saying others do not. But they are masters of it.
[08/06, 8:19 p.m.] C….: BBC is not racist. The journalists are indians. Human rights is beyond race and religion. Not everything opposed to bjp is racist and communal and leftist. Have a good night’s sleep , do not waste your time responding to my comments on your blog. 🏽
[08/06, 11:05 p.m.] Dayanand Bharati: In the name of human right the same indian journalist defend the terrorist., Espiar etc.
[08/06, 11:07 p.m.] C….: Terrorist like racist are easily used labels for others different from us. Calling someone that does not allow for open dialogue. And when used by people in power who are in majority it does not help, but only causes divisiveness, not unity.
[08/06, 11:08 p.m.] C….: I hope I can atleast hide behind the Hindu. Which media outlet do you hide behind. Don’t tell me me your views are sruti:)
[08/06, 11:11 p.m.] C….: Without talking there is no lasting peace. Of course the terms for the dialogue needs to on the basis of mutual agreement and respect
[08/06, 11:11 p.m.] C….: From where do you get your news then?
[08/06, 11:12 p.m.] C….: So the Hindu newspaper is also western propaganda
[08/06, 11:12 p.m.] C: Why do you assume I do.
[08/06, 11:13 p.m.] C: It is good to get all views.
[08/06, 11:24 p.m.] C: The British are continuing their communalizing through their media and we are innocent now.
[08/06, 11:24 p.m.] C: You have not answered my question about the Hindu.
[08/06, 11:32 p.m.] C: Does it not help all Indians to know that the same Muslim group that was called ‘ terrorists’ even in spreading the virus, vilified as thoughtless, are giving blood. I think it does help reduce the over vilification of this group and also all the conspiracy theories about them.
[09/06, 4:32 a.m.] C: https://www.ndtv.com/opinion/3-traits-of-modi-that-have-cost-india-dearly-by-ramachandra-guha-2242669
[09/06, 4:32 a.m.] C: Not racist BBC!
[09/06, 4:33 a.m.] C: Not Congress either.from a respected Indian historian and scholar.
6-9-2020
Reference
@ See: https://dayanandbharati.in/phobia-part-one/
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