Latest news with #C.SankaranNair
The Hindu
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Why C. Sankaran Nair's legacy cannot be compartmentalised
Recruiting historical figures — particularly stalwarts of the Indian National Movement — into contemporary political narratives has become a recurring strategy employed by Indian politicians. After deftly appropriating icons like Sardar Patel, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the BJP has recently 'discovered' a long-forgotten hero of the freedom struggle: Sir C. Sankaran Nair, the only stalwart from Kerala to have presided over the Indian National Congress. Not to be outdone, the Congress has scrambled to reclaim its former president — a man it had buried in to oblivion for nearly a century. The recent film Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, which portrays Sir C. Sankaran Nair as an unsung hero, has now brought him into the limelight. The political appropriation of Sir C. Sankaran Nair's legacy by both the BJP and the Congress is deeply problematic, given his complex historical positioning. The BJP highlights Nair's criticism of Mahatma Gandhi, particularly in his later work Gandhi and Anarchy (1922), where he questioned Gandhi's non-cooperation movement. By portraying Nair as a 'forgotten nationalist' sidelined by the Congress due to his opposition to Gandhi, the BJP reinforces its broader narrative of the Congress 'erasing' leaders who dissented from the Gandhi-Nehru line. However, reducing Nair's legacy to mere anti-Gandhism is a disservice to his multifaceted contributions. On the other hand, the Congress appears clueless in deciphering Nair's colossal personality, having ignored him for decades. The Autobiography of Sir C. Sankaran Nair, published by his daughter Lady Madhavan Nair in 1966, is a treasure trove for enthusiasts of modern Indian history. His prelude aptly underlines the historical significance of his memoirs, 'Reminiscences are sometimes regarded as the harmless hobbies of the advanced age […] I believe that interest in these reminiscences is not merely personal but historical. To be an octogenarian in a land where this species has become a rarity and to have spent over half a century in front ranks of public life forms perhaps a sufficient excuse for recapturing one's memories […] This has become all the more necessary on account of the publications of such books as the late Mr Montague's An Indian Diary and Sir Michael' O Dwyer's India as I Knew It which contain jaundiced versions of incidents of which I was once spectator and actor'. A liberal humanist Sir C. Sankaran Nair was a cosmopolitan thinker who loathed parochialism and ethnic nationalism. A lifelong member of London's National Liberal Club, he was a staunch advocate of universal liberty and equality. Even during his college days, he boldly challenged British racial supremacy. Once, when Justice Holloway, an English judge, asserted that the English were the only people never conquered, young Sankaran Nair refuted him by citing French historian Adolphe Thiers, who noted that the Normans — descendants of a French duchy — had conquered and enslaved the English. Holloway retorted that Normans and Saxons were of the same stock. 'By that logic,' Sankaran Nair shot back, 'we are all descended from Adam, rendering your argument meaningless!' This exchange epitomised his unwavering commitment to humanist ideals — principles that today's politicians, eager to exhume Nair for political gain, would likely find indigestible. Despite his differences with Gandhi, Sir C. Sankaran Nair shared some common ground with him. Both admired India's autonomous village republics; as a member of the Madras Legislative Council, Nair opposed the Village Cess Bill, fearing it would erode the traditional village system. He expressed hope that a future nationalist government would revive these republics. And similarly, like Gandhi, he was a passionate social reformer and eventually became president of the social reform movement. For Nair, political independence was not an end in itself but a means to achieve social regeneration. He made unsuccessful attempts to reform the matrilineal system among Kerala's Nairs and actively fought against caste oppression and gender disparities in Hindu law. Despite his disagreements with Gandhi, Nair acknowledged his global stature, remarking, 'Thanks to him, India has become a world problem.' However, in Gandhi and Anarchy, Nair sharply criticised the contradiction between Gandhi's doctrine of Ahimsa and his support for the caste system, which, according to Nair, helped align the reactionary elements of Hindu society with Gandhi's movement: 'The caste system is entirely opposed to the 'Ahimsa' (Non-injury) principle. The former has dedicated one of the main castes to death. Its function is to kill and be killed.' Stalwart of secularism Nair was neither a social conservative nor a status quoist. In his presidential address at the Amaravati Congress, he articulated his vision for a secular India: 'To break down the isolation of the Hindu religion, to remove the barriers preventing free social intercourse, to extend education to the lower classes, and to elevate women to equality with men, we require a strictly secular government in thorough sympathy with liberal thought and progress.' He initially opposed sectarian universities like the Banaras Hindu University, fearing they would foster communal strife. Mixing religion with politics repelled him, and extreme nationalism was anathema to his principles. Nair firmly believed in constitutional methods and rejected political fanaticism. This conviction led him to oppose Gandhi's non-cooperation movement as well as the Khilafat agitation. As Gandhi's influence grew, Nair receded from active politics, accepting his role with stoicism. In 1911, he wrote in The Contemporary Review (London): 'English law recognises the equality of all human beings, while Hindu law, rooted in caste immutability, divides society into rigid compartments. English law is individualistic; Indian law is communalistic. Under English law, England progressed astonishingly; Hindu law perpetuated a stagnant society, hastening its enslavement.' Nair admired Buddha and Christ, and even published an article on the Biblical sisters, Mary and Martha of Bethany, contrasting the West's action-oriented ethos (epitomised by Martha) with the East's contemplative tradition (symbolised by Mary). As the Viceroy's council member in charge of education, he advocated English as the medium of higher education, believing it essential for India's political progress, social reform, and women's emancipation. It is doubtful whether the BJP, with its conservative social outlook, can genuinely embrace Nair's liberal secularism. Protector of free speech Nair was a fearless practitioner of free speech. As the third Indian appointed to the Viceroy's Executive Council, he oversaw education, health, and land. During World War I, as the member in charge of ecclesiastical affairs, he was presented with a draft prayer for churches, seeking Allied victory. Nair refused, stating: 'Christ does not take sides in war. 'He who lives by the sword shall perish by the sword'— that is His teaching.' His defiance cost him the ecclesiastical portfolio, but he never compromised his principles for political expediency. Even the Viceroy felt the sting of his candour. After resigning from the Viceroy's Council in protest against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Nair had a final interview with Viceroy Chelmsford, who asked if he had a successor to recommend. 'Yes,' Nair replied, pointing to his peon. 'What?' exclaimed the shocked Viceroy. 'Why not? He is tall, handsome, wears his livery well, and will agree to everything you say. An ideal council member!' This fearless wit contrasts sharply with today's political climate, where the BJP nurtures an ecosystem of 'repressive tolerance'— mirroring the Congress's authoritarianism during the Emergency. A thorough pragmatist K.P.S. Menon, Independent India's first Foreign Secretary and Nair's son-in-law, wrote in Builders of Modern India: C. Sankaran Nair (1967), 'Once, I remarked to Nair: 'Your time in the Viceroy's Council must have been the most fruitful period of your life.' 'Fruitful?' he exclaimed. 'It was hellish… hellish.' After a pause, he added: 'Still, perhaps it was fruitful. I would have no regrets if I advanced Indian unity as I did Indian freedom.' Nair's tenure — hellish for him but fruitful for India — cements his place among the nation's builders. Unlike many of today's politicians, whose careers are fruitful for themselves but hellish for the nation, Nair embodied selfless service. He was a political realist. As Menon noted, 'The vision of 'Mother India,' with its emotional overtones, held no appeal for Sankaran Nair. He never romanticised a golden past, nor did he see India as a mystic entity, as Jawaharlal Nehru sometimes did. To him, India was a land of millions — ignorant, illiterate, half-starved, superstitious, and shackled by caste.' Tragically, India's reality remains as deplorable today as in Nair's time. If politicians genuinely care for the masses, they should learn from Nair's selflessness and integrity rather than exploit him for propaganda fodder. Sir C. Sankaran Nair was a visionary liberal, a secularist, and a fearless advocate of justice — qualities scarce in today's political landscape. Reducing him to a partisan mascot insults his legacy. Faisal C.K. is Deputy Law Secretary to the Government of Kerala.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kesari Chapter 2 OTT Release Date: When and where to watch Akshay Kumar's courtroom saga online
Kesari Chapter 2 OTT Release Date: Akshay Kumar recently played the character of C. Sankaran Nair in this historical drama alongside R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday. The film opened to positive reviews in theatres on 18th April this year and is now ready to make its digital debut. Kesari Chapter 2 will be streaming on JioHotstar starting June 13, 2025. Kesari Chapter 2's cast and crew Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, the biographical saga is produced by Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films. Other than the lead trio, Kesari Chapter 2 also stars Regina Cassandra, Simon Paisley Day, Alexx O'Nell, Amit Sial, Mark Bennington, Sammy Jonas Heaney, Steven Hartley, Krish Rao, Rohan Verma, Alexandra Moloney, Jaipreet Singh, Luke Kenny, Atul Kumar and Deepak Antani among others. Kesari Chapter 2's plot overview The plot follows lawyer C. Sankaran Nair as he takes on the British Empire in court after the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Determined to expose the truth behind the brutal killings, Nair files a case in London, accusing the British of orchestrating a state-backed atrocity. With help from young lawyer Dilreet Gill, he gathers suppressed evidence while facing threats, political pushback, and a biased legal system. The film builds to a tense courtroom showdown against British official Neville McKinley. Though the verdict doesn't bring justice to the victims, Nair's bold stand forces the world to confront the Empire's brutality. His legal fight becomes a turning point in India's freedom movement, proving that even in the face of power, truth can make history. Kesari Chapter 2's review The Times of India rated the movie 3 out of 5, and a part of their review read, 'The recreation of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre tugs at your heartstrings, the injustice fuels your anger, and the legal battle keeps you hooked. The tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre is a well-documented chapter in history. Yet, this deep dive into the lesser-known case that shook the Empire makes for an incredible tale. Its gripping narrative and stellar performances make it a must-watch fare.'
Pink Villa
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Kesari 2 Box Office Early Estimates Day 30: Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday's film aims for Rs 60 lakh; relies on Saturday holiday
Kesari 2 Box Office Early Estimates Day 30: Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh has completed a month of its release at the box office. Starring Akshay Kumar, the legal drama takes us on the journey of C. Sankaran Nair, who fought a battle with the Crown while uncovering the truths about the 1919 genocide incident. Kesari 2 is eyeing Rs 60 lakh today. Kesari Chapter 2 is co-produced by Dharma Productions, Cape of Good Films, and Leo Media Collective. The courtroom drama recently entered its fifth weekend. As per early estimates, on Day 30, the Akshay Kumar-led movie will have a jump of Rs 20 lakh from what it earned on the 29th day of its release. It is likely to earn in the range of Rs 60 lakh while relying on the Saturday holiday. Based on the book titled The Case That Shook the Empire, Kesari 2 fetched a total collection of Rs 87.6 crore till the fifth Friday. It will remain under the Rs 90 crore mark while finishing its current weekend tomorrow. Ideally, the business of Kesari 2 would be growing by double; however, as Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning hit the screens on Saturday, the courtroom drama has failed to receive the desired growth. Apart from Mission: Impossible 8, Kesari Chapter 2 is running parallel to Raid 2, the sequel to Raid. The legal drama marks the spiritual sequel to Kesari (2019). It is yet to be seen how Akshay Kumar's new movie sustains amid the competition with MI 8 and Raid 2. After Kesari Chapter 2, Akshay Kumar is pinning high hopes on Housefull 5, which will hit the screens on June 6, 2025. Kesari Chapter 2 in cinemas Kesari Chapter 2 is running in cinemas nearby. You can book your tickets from the online ticket-booking websites or at the counter. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more updates. Disclaimer: The box office figures are compiled from various sources and our research. The figures can be approximate, and Pinkvilla does not make any claims about the authenticity of the data. However, they are adequately indicative of the box-office performance of the films in question.
Pink Villa
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Kesari 2 Box Office Early Estimates Day 29: Akshay Kumar's movie targets Rs 40 lakh on fifth Friday
Kesari 2 Box Office Early Estimates Day 29: Kesari Chapter 2, which is centered around C. Sankaran Nair and the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, is reaching near to its finish line at the box office. Starring Akshay Kumar as the main lead, the courtroom drama has entered its fifth weekend after finishing a theatrical run of four weeks. Kesari 2 is targeting to net Rs 40 lakh today. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, Kesari Chapter 2 has been maintaining a steady hold at the box office. The trajectory has been good these days, as it is all set to bid goodbye to the cinemas. Early estimates suggest that the Akshay Kumar starrer will earn in the range of Rs 40 lakh on the fifth Friday. Going by the estimates, there is a drop of Rs 15 lakh from what it earned on the fourth Thursday. Yesterday, the courtroom drama collected Rs 55 lakh net business. The total collection of Karan Johar's co-production stood at Rs 87.75 crore at the box office in the 28 days. Kesari Chapter 2 stars Akshay Kumar as Justice C. Sankaran Nair. R. Madhavan plays the role of Advocate Neville McKinley and Ananya Panday is cast as Dilreet Gill. It is currently locking horns with Raid 2, which has been performing extraordinarily since its release. This is to note that Kesari 2 had a low opening week, which has impacted its overall performance at the box office. The legal drama, which also stars R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday, could have been a hit, provided the film had a strong hold in the first week. Now, the Kesari sequel will settle as an average grosser by the end of its theatrical run. Kesari Chapter 2 is running in cinemas nearby. You can book your tickets from the online ticket-booking websites or the counter. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more updates. Disclaimer: The box office figures are compiled from various sources and our research. The figures can be approximate, and Pinkvilla does not make any claims about the authenticity of the data. However, they are adequately indicative of the box-office performance of the films in question.
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First Post
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Akshay Kumar's 'Kesari Chapter 2' faces plagiarism allegations, this writer says 'The dialogues were copied from my poem and...'
Centered around lawyer C. Sankaran Nair and the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the historical courtroom drama film is directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and produced by Dharma Productions read more Akshay Kumar's 'Kesari Chapter 2' released in cinemas on April 18. Now, Youtuber and poet Yahya Bootwala has accused the makers of plagiarism in a now deleted post on Instagram. Yahya Bootwala wrote, 'So @nisoooooooooorg sent me a clip 4 days back from the movie Kesari 2 of dialogues he felt were copied from my poem, titled Jallianwala Bagh, published 5 years ago on @unerasepoetry YouTube channel.' 'Here are the two clips, and honestly, this is a clear copy-paste, and it's not like they've tried to hide it as well; matlab phusphusana jaisa shabd bhi uthaya hai. Yes, logo ke khayal mil sakte hai; people can think in a similar way, but kisi ek topic par bilkul ek jaisi lines likh dena is anything but a coincidence,' the poet added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bootwala also said, 'As writers, the worst thing you can do to a fellow writer is pick their material up, blatantly use it without giving credits, and this is what I feel dialogue writer @ has done here. If you've ever felt attached to my work, please tag @karanjohar @karanstyagi @dharmamovies @akshaykumar and @ananyapanday so that this reaches them.' Centered around lawyer C. Sankaran Nair and the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the historical courtroom drama film is directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and produced by Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films. Kesari: Chapter 2 showcases aftermath of one of India's darkest historical events - the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The film sheds light on how Sankaran Nair, a senior Indian member of the Viceroy's council and once knighted by the Empire, stood up and fought for the truth after the brutal massacre in 1919. The story highlights how Nair proved that the massacre was not a reaction to a riot, but a calculated act — what we would today call genocide.
