The Crossbill News Desk
A controversy erupted in Madhya Pradesh after Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar made derogatory remarks about celebrated social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy, prompting widespread criticism and a subsequent apology from the minister.
Parmar’s comments came during a public event on November 15 in Agar Malwa, organised to mark ‘Tribal Pride Day’ on the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon and freedom fighter Birsa Munda.
Addressing the gathering, the minister said, “Raja Ram Mohan Roy ne Angrezon ke dalaal ki tarah kaam kiya, aur dharmantaran karvaya” (Raja Ram Mohan Roy worked as a British agent and facilitated religious conversions), reported The Statesman.
He went on to say, “Dharmaantarana ke chakra ko rokne ka saahas kisi ne kiya tha toh woh Birsa Munda tha” (Birsa Munda had the courage to stop the cycle of religious conversions).
The remarks triggered sharp backlash from political leaders, historians, social groups, and citizens, leading Parmar to retract his statement. In a video message issued on Sunday, he said, “I mistakenly made a wrong statement against Raja Ram Mohan Roy yesterday. I feel very ashamed about it and sincerely apologize.”
He added, “I greatly respect and admire Raja Ram Mohan Roy.”
Raja Ram Mohan Roy, born on May 22, 1772, is regarded as a pioneering reformer of modern India. A founder of the ‘Brahmo Sabha’ in 1828 — the precursor to the Brahmo Samaj — he played a key role in advancing social and educational reforms. Known as the ‘Father of the Indian Renaissance’, he championed the abolition of Sati and child marriage and contributed significantly to politics, religion, and public administration. Mughal Emperor Akbar II conferred upon him the title of ‘Raja’.
Parmar’s comments came during a public event on November 15 in Agar Malwa, organised to mark ‘Tribal Pride Day’ on the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon and freedom fighter Birsa Munda.
Addressing the gathering, the minister said, “Raja Ram Mohan Roy ne Angrezon ke dalaal ki tarah kaam kiya, aur dharmantaran karvaya” (Raja Ram Mohan Roy worked as a British agent and facilitated religious conversions), reported The Statesman.
He went on to say, “Dharmaantarana ke chakra ko rokne ka saahas kisi ne kiya tha toh woh Birsa Munda tha” (Birsa Munda had the courage to stop the cycle of religious conversions).
The remarks triggered sharp backlash from political leaders, historians, social groups, and citizens, leading Parmar to retract his statement. In a video message issued on Sunday, he said, “I mistakenly made a wrong statement against Raja Ram Mohan Roy yesterday. I feel very ashamed about it and sincerely apologize.”
He added, “I greatly respect and admire Raja Ram Mohan Roy.”
Raja Ram Mohan Roy, born on May 22, 1772, is regarded as a pioneering reformer of modern India. A founder of the ‘Brahmo Sabha’ in 1828 — the precursor to the Brahmo Samaj — he played a key role in advancing social and educational reforms. Known as the ‘Father of the Indian Renaissance’, he championed the abolition of Sati and child marriage and contributed significantly to politics, religion, and public administration. Mughal Emperor Akbar II conferred upon him the title of ‘Raja’.
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