“The (Kerala) Raj Bhavan’s version depicted Bharat Mata sitting on a lion and holding a saffron flag, which resembled the flag of the RSS. In the backdrop of the painting was a map — and it was certainly not the map of the Indian Republic”. Photo: rajbhavan.kerala.gov.in
Recently, an unexpected and unwarranted controversy erupted in Kerala in connection with World Environment Day, which is observed annually on June 5. Unfortunately, it was triggered by Raj Bhavan.
In Kerala, World Environment Day is widely observed every year. There is massive participation from the people, who plant thousands of saplings across the State. The day has become an occasion for the people to enrich their understanding of the environment and commitment to the cause of it.
The proposal
This year, the Department of Agriculture decided to conduct the inaugural function of World Environment Day at the premises of Raj Bhavan. The Governor, Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar, graciously agreed to inaugurate the event. On the eve of the function, while communicating the details of the programme to the Agriculture Minister’s office, Raj Bhavan proposed that a new practice be followed and floral tributes be paid to a painting. On receiving this proposal, the Minister’s office requested for more clarification. The Governor’s office responded by sending a photograph of the painting, claiming it was the image of ‘Bharat Mata’. Surprisingly, the image was the same one used by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during its functions. Raj Bhavan’s version depicted Bharat Mata sitting on a lion and holding a saffron flag, which resembled the flag of the RSS. In the backdrop of the painting was a map — and it was certainly not the map of the Indian Republic.
After some consultations, the Minister informed the Governor’s office that it is improper to use and glorify such an image at an official function organised by the government. But due to reasons known only to him, the Governor insisted that the function would not be conducted without that image and with his participation. The government was forced to change the venue to the premises of the Secretariat. Every dignitory participated except the Governor.
Reportedly, during the function conducted in Raj Bhavan, the Governor glorified the saffron flag-holding Bharat Mata. He argued that it is the symbol of India. He also criticised the Kerala government and all those who were not ready to uphold his concept of Bharat Mata.
Under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre, controversies between the Governors and State governments have taken place not just in Kerala but also elsewhere. The Supreme Court has intervened in some of these instances. Now, thanks to Governor Arlekar, even Bharat Mata has taken centre stage in these controversies.
A dynamic concept
Bharat Mata is a concept with deep roots in the collective consciousness of the people of India. During the anti-colonial struggle, it was used by various groups with different sociopolitical orientations to inspire and unify all sections of society in the struggle for Independence. Nobody can argue that any particular version is the ‘real’ expression and face of Bharat Mata. This is a broad concept.
Bharat Mata has been interpreted by many according to their own concepts of nation, nationality, and world view. Over the course of time, the RSS, for its own purposes, may have come up with its own idea of Bharat Mata. Governor Arlekar as an individual has the right to believe that the Bharat Mata of the RSS is the only true portrait of the concept. Those with a particular ideological persuasion have the right to think that Bharat Mata should be holding a saffron flag. They would also appreciate finding her seated on a lion. For them, it is also befitting to have a specially drawn map in the backdrop of the painting of their Bharat Mata.
As per its ideological and organisational framework, the RSS has come up with a particular image of Bharat Mata that suits its dream of a ‘Akhand Bharat’ and its militant aggressive nationalism. In RSS shakhas, this version of Bharat Mata may be eulogised. But conceptions of Bharat Mata are abstract and varied. It is futile to impose any one version as the only acceptable and authentic version. The matter becomes even more complicated when the RSS tries to foist its ideological and political preoccupations upon official functions. Governor Arlekar, who has great experience in public life, is expected to know this basic principle. Those who hold constitutional positions cannot show their political leanings. The dividing line between their political commitment and official responsibility should be deeply inscribed in their minds.
What Nehru said
The Governor, and the people who follow his ideological track, may not be happy with former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for various reasons. But Nehru must be remembered on this occasion. He wrote, “Sometimes as I reached a gathering, a great roar of welcome would greet me: Bharat Mata ki Jai — Victory to Mother India. I would ask them unexpectedly what they meant by that cry, who was this Bharat Mata… India was all this that they had thought, but it was much more. The mountains and the rivers of India, and the forests and the broad fields… were all dear to us, but what counted ultimately were the people of India, people like them and me, who were spread out all over this vast land. Bharat Mata, Mother India, was essentially these people. You are parts of this Bharat Mata, I told them, you are in a manner yourselves Bharat Mata, and as this idea slowly soaked into their brains, their eyes would light up as if they had made a great discovery.”
Binoy Viswam, Secretary, Communist Party of India National Council, and former Rajya Sabha MP
Published – June 12, 2025 12:15 am IST