Attempts being made to convert India into a Hindu nation: Pawar

Mumbai: NCP chief Sharad Pawar today alleged that attempts were being made to convert India into a "Hindu Rashtra" distorting history in school textbooks and implored historians to come together and "pen the truth" for the sake of generation next.

"Some people are working with an intention of converting India into a Hindu Rashtra by distorting history in school textbooks. This will prove to be dangerous as this will harm the secular fabric of the country," Pawar said while addressing a seminar at Y B Chavan here.

He said that an awareness needs to be created among the youth that some people are trying to "corrupt" their minds to spread poison in the society.

"Articles need to be written, discussions should take place on this issue as it is a grave matter," he said.

"Some people are spreading rumours that Shivaji Maharaj was anti-muslim. The fact is that he placed Muslims in important positions in his army. Spreading such hatred is not good for secularism and national integration," he said.

He said that to counter the existing atmosphere, historians need to come together, meet regularly and pen the truth so that "original history" can be shown to the country.

"If these unscrupulous elements succeed, what will we teach the next generation? There must be a mechanism or institutions to take measures to correct distorted history," he said, adding that he will provide help in correcting facts in every possible way.

"I am the trustee of two institutions - Nehru Science Centre and Y B Chavan Centre. Historians can use the infrastructure at Nehru Science Centre and take responsibility of publishing materials against these attempts and we will circulate the material," he said.

Pawar said that a separate 'history wing' will be set up at Y B Chavan Centre, and historians can take up the responsibility of organising seminars and discussions there.