Mahesh Chandra Guru

B.P. Mahesh Chandra Guru (31 January 1957 – 17 August 2024) was an Indian academic who was Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Mysore. He was the first Dalit-Buddhist media studies professor in India.

Known for making controversial statements, Guru has publicly defended and supported beef fests, and has been called 'anti-Ram' and a 'Ram-critic' for his statements against Hindu god, Rama.[1][2] As an activist, Guru openly criticised Brahmanical hegemony.[citation needed]

Guru died on 17 August 2024, at the age of 67.[3]

Education and career

Guru was born on 31 January 1957.[4] He did a BA and MA in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Mysore in 1978 and 1980, respectively. He earned a doctorate degree (PhD) in the same from University of Mangalore in 1999.[4] Guru was previously a research associate at National Institute of Rural Development, and has worked as a lecturer at University of Bangalore and as a reader at University of Mangalore.[4]

Controversies

In January 2015, Karnadu Sarvodaya Sena, a Hindutva organisation, lodged a police complaint against Guru for making derogatory and insulting remarks against Lord Ram. On 17 June 2016, a Mysore court remanded Guru in judicial custody but he was released on bail 21 June.[5] Guru was temporarily suspended by the University of Mysore for the same remarks in 2016.[6]

In 2015, Prof. Guru, along with other three professors, had participated in an event where Bhagwad Gita, a Hindu scripture which is part of Epic Mahabharata, was burnt. In the aftermath of the incident, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) registered a case of "hurting religious sentiments" against Prof. Guru, Prof Arvindamgatti, Prof. Bhagwan, and Prof Bangere Mahesh.[5]

In 2022, Guru criticised the Karnataka state government for wasting money by funding and granting land to Karnataka Samskrit University.[7]

Mahishasura Dasara

In 2015, Guru called Mahishasura, a mythological demon killed by Hindu Goddess Mahishasurmardini or Chandmundeshwari, a Buddhist king and a symbol of human values, equality and justice. He asserted that Mahishasura is being falsely projected as a demon with fictitious stories, and his real name was Mahisha who was ruled Mahisha Mandala.[8]

In 2018, Guru conducted prayers near the Mahishasura statue atop Chamundi Hills, Karnataka.[9] These celebrations are called 'Mahisha Habba' or 'Mahisha Dasara' by the followers.[10][11] In 2020, after resistance in conducting Mahisha Habba, Guru warned the government not to halt the celebrations.[11]

References

  1. ^ डेस्‍क, FP Desk एफपी (19 June 2016). "Ram's critic Prof Guru arrested". Forward Press. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  2. ^ "'Ideology more important than opportunity', Karnataka prof arrested for 'anti-Ram' remarks". The News Minute. 8 July 2016. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  3. ^ Obituary: Mahesh Chandra Guru passes away
  4. ^ a b c "CV of Prof. Mahesh Chandra Guru" (PDF). University of Mysore Website.
  5. ^ a b Ch, Sanjeev; चन्दन, An संजीव (25 June 2016). "Prof Guru freed: The story of a tenacious Dalitbahujan activist". Forward Press. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  6. ^ Team, N. L. "Mysore University suspends professor who was arrested for 'anti-Ram'remarks". Newslaundry. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  7. ^ "activist: Will File Pil If Govt Funds Sanskrit Varsity: Activist | Mysuru News - Times of India". The Times of India. TNN. 25 January 2022. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  8. ^ "Experts, writers say Mahishasura was not a demon | Mysuru News - Times of India". The Times of India. TNN. 12 October 2015. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  9. ^ "Progressive groups to offer prayers near Mahishasura statue | Mysuru News - Times of India". The Times of India. TNN. 9 June 2018. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  10. ^ "Ahead of Dasara, some celebrate Mahisha Habba". The Hindu. 18 September 2017. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  11. ^ a b "Permission sought for Mahisha Dasara". Deccan Herald. 22 September 2020. Retrieved 30 January 2022.