Dear Juha,
This URL was posted ONLY because the topic was discussed on his list
in the past.
I have no Aryanist cause, like many others who promote AIT and its
euphemistic versions, and so I am NOT on a recruitment campaign. What
amuses me however is your own endorsement of Thapar's appointment,
which is disturbing.
As for her appointment to Kluge Chair, it was a forgone conclusion
that her appointment would not be rescinded. One would not expect
established academics to admit that the appointment was not a good
choice. Yet, as a resident of a democratic country respecting Free
Speech, I practiced my right by signing an online petition written by
someone I do not know, and by writing a letter to Prosser Gifford of
LOC (and then making it public at
http://www.bharatvani.org/klugethapar.doc). His own reply to me (via
telephone and via a fax) was much more polite to me than your own
email. Could you explain how the campaign misfired? Or how my letter
was 'abusive', other than the fact that it ruffled the feathers in
Marxist circles. On the contrary, I noted that after anti-Thapar
protests, VERY FEW Indologists of repute signed pro-Thapar petitions,
very few came out openly in her support. Most of her supporters were
from Indian Communist circles, and from the American-European Leftist
circles. The fact that her appointment was promoted by David Ludden
to start with, is also quite eloquent in its own way. As for Thapar's
scholarship, another review might enlighten you further of her shoddy
scholarship, which rather speaks poorly of LOC in appointing her
http://www.bharatvani.org/Romila_Thapar_Early_India.htm
I hold no brief for the Sanghis and am not associated with them in
any way, and your attempt to associate me with them is typical of
Marxist ideologues et al, who indulge in stereotyping others to
dismiss their arguments. It certainly makes me suspicious of your own
political interests in such academic matters.
If Koenraad Elst did not participate here, he may have his own
reasons. He keeps so busy that he does not even respond to emails
sent by his friends. In short, he keeps very poor health which
prevents him being regular in discussions. FYI, he is in the US right
now, so why not try contacting him? As for him replying to Dr Hock,
he has actually discussed with Dr Hock in person. So, he is not
shying away from any discussion on purpose.
BTW, I do not understand how on the earth someone interested in India
from 'here' can really get a good understanding of what is going on
there from elitist English newsmedia of India. It is like trying to
understand the US through ABC. It may surprise you that of the 10
most widely read newspapers in India, only 1 is in English and the
remaining 9 are in Indian vernaculars.
I do not want to further this discuss here. Please correspond
privately if you wish.
Vishal
--- In cybalist@yahoogroups.com, Juha Savolainen <juhavs@...> wrote:
>
> Vishal,
>
>
>
> Have you already forgotten that Koenraad Elst was invited to defend
here his views about the Indo-European dispersal? In particular, I
(and many others, I think) hoped that he would defend his critique of
Hock´s argument against "Out-of-India" views. Well, a lively and
interesting discussion did follow but Elst politely declined to
participate.
>
>
>
> If the alleged bad press of Sangh parivar-minded scholars and
writers is the issue, then why an earth do you keep sending these
ideological infomercials? Do you really think that people here, at
least those of us who are interested in matters Indian, fail to see
what is going on? Do you really think that you will recruit here new
members for the Cause by sending us updates of ideological
testimonials? If so, I am not anymore surprised by your role in the
abusive campaign to prevent the appointment of Romila Thapar to the
Kluge Chair at the Library of Congress (and to nominate Elst
instead). Well, that campaign misfired completely. Any lessons to be
learned here, eh?
>
>
>
> Regards, Juha Savolainen
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> vishalsagarwal <vishalsagarwal@...> wrote:
> It is well known that the issue of Aryan origins has got mired with
> various kinds of ideologies inside and outside India during the
last
> 150 years. The following article now summarizes the linkages of the
> Aryan invasion debate with various political ideologies, with a
> special reference to India
>
> Title: The Politics of the Aryan Invasion Debate
> Author: Koenraad Elst
>
> Website address:
> http://koenraadelst.bharatvani.org/articles/AryanpoliticsJIES.html
>
> Sincerely,
>