MS Golwalkar on Uniform Civil Code: There is a debate in the country regarding the Uniform Civil Code. Recently, after advocating UCC on behalf of PM Modi, the discussion on this issue has intensified. Mixed reactions of political parties are also being seen on UCC. Those opposing UCC are now remembering late RSS leader Madhavrao Sadashivrao Golwalkar.
Congress leader Manish Tiwari had recently tweeted about Golwalkar that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader Golwalkar was also against the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). After which the name of MS Golwalkar is in discussion. He gave an interview in 1972 to KR Malkani, editor of the English newspaper ‘Motherland’. In which he kept his point on UCC. This has also been written in ‘Shri Guruji Samagar’. Which is a compilation of Golwalkar’s letters, interviews and talks.
What did Golwalkar say?
Golwalkar was asked whether you do not think that there is a need for a Uniform Civil Code to promote the spirit of nationalism? On this he said that I do not think so. What I have to say on this issue may surprise you and many others, but these are my thoughts. I should speak the truth that I see.
He was asked whether you do not agree that uniformity is needed to promote national integration? On this, Golwalkar had said that harmony and uniformity are two different things. Uniformity is not necessary for harmony. India has always had limitless diversities. Despite this, our country has been strong and well organized since ancient times. For unity, we do not need uniformity, but harmony.
Said this about Muslims
Golwalkar said that in my view, the reason why many people realize the need for a Uniform Civil Code is because they think that the Muslim population is growing disproportionately. Because their men are allowed to have four wives. I am afraid this is a negative way of looking at the problem. My point of view is completely different. As long as Muslims love this country and its culture, they have the right to live according to their lifestyle.
He was asked that do you not believe that Muslims are opposing Uniform Civil Code only because they want to maintain their separate existence? On this, Golwalkar had said that I have no quarrel with any caste, community or class that wants to maintain its personal identity or existence, as long as this desire for separate existence does not distance them from the feeling of nationalism. .
What did you say about the constitution?
Golwalkar was asked that the Directive Principles of the Constitution state that the state shall strive for UCC. To which he said that it is fine. It is not that I have any opposition to the Uniform Civil Code, but just because something is in the constitution does not make it desirable. Then it is also that our constitution has been created by manipulation of some foreign constitutions. It has neither been created from the Indian perspective of life nor is it based on it.
If Uniform Civil Code is not necessary, then what is the need of Uniform Penal Code? On this question, Golwalkar had said that there is a difference between the two. The civil code is related to the individual and his family. Whereas penal law is related to justice system and other things.
Golwalkar was asked whether it was worth keeping Muslim sisters in purdah and allowing them to become victims of polygamy? On this he had said that if your objection towards Muslim practices is based on human welfare then it is appropriate.
“Muslims themselves should reform their old rules and regulations”
He had said that reformist approach is right in such matters, but it would not be right to have an approach to bring everyone equal through law in a mechanical way. Muslims themselves should reform their old rules and regulations. If they come to the conclusion that polygamy is not right for them, I will be happy, but I do not want to impose my views on them.
Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar was the second and longest serving Sarsanghchalak of the RSS. He was popularly known as Guruji Golwalkar and was the head of the RSS for 33 years from 1940 to 1973.
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