HVK Archives: Da Gama function runs aground
Da Gama function runs aground - The Pioneer
Shubhadeep Choudhury
()
24 May 1997
Title : Da Gama function runs aground
Author : Shubhadeep Choudhury
Publication : The Pioneer
Date : May 24, 1997
The proposed celebration of 500 years of Portuguese navigator Vasco
Da Gama's arrival at the Kappad beach near Kozhikode (Calicut), has
run into trouble in the face of fierce protest by political parties
as well as individuals.
According to sources in Kozhikode, the controversy may snowball
into a major issue in the district, with political parties and
non-political organisations hitting the streets to condemn the
Government's plan to celebrate the occasion for "promoting tourism
in Kerala".
The media has also taken up umbrage against the programme with
"Chandrika" (Muslim League mouthpiece), "Madhyamam" and other
popular Malayalam dailies published from Kozhikode, frequently
making strong editorial comments against the Vasco Da Gama
celebrations.
The protesters are reportedly holding demonstrations in Kozhikode
in regular intervals. "I, saw one demonstration by intellectuals.
They were saying, 'now we will remember only Vasco Da Gama, what
happens to our local hero Kunhali Marakkar who fought bravely
against him and was killed by that brute," a person who recently
visited Kozhikode, said. "It has become a big issue there", he
added.
Da Gama is said to have massacred Muslims when he sailed to Calicut
for second time. At that time, he is also said to have attacked
and sunk a ship full of Haj pilgrims. These atrocities have
remained in popular memory of the Muslims. who have a strong
presence in Kozhikode.
Naturally, the strongest protests are coming from Muslim groups.
The Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), students' wing of
the Jamiat-E-Islami, was among the first to make in issue of the
plan, which was announced by Kerala Governor during his speech in
the Assembly. On May 17, Sunni leader A P Aboobacker Muslair, also
condemned the proposed celebration.
"Da Gama had hated and persecuted Muslims", he said, quoting from
books written by Muslim scholars at a Press conference at
Kozhikode.
The BJP's stand on the issue is also, surprisingly, close to the
Muslim groups. Party national executive committee member O
Rajagopal, MP, warned the State Government of strong resistance
against any move to glorify "Portuguese aggression". He said that
people would jointly oppose such moves.
Meanwhile, apolitical activists and leading intellectuals hoisted a
black flag on May 16 at Kappad beach, where Da Gama is said to have
landed.
The Congress is yet to show any concern on the issue, while the
ruling CPI(M) is being accused as being one of the chief actors of
the bash. Indeed, the CPI(M) was initially enthusiastic about the
celebrations, but backtracked after sensing the popular mood.
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