Mysore/Mysuru: In a pointed response to critics of Mahisha Dasara, retired Professor B.P. Mahesh Chandra Guru said that celebrating the event is a Constitutional right. “We have been celebrating Mahisha Dasara while exercising the rights enshrined in our Constitution. Yet, despite this, detractors persist in causing chaos, leading us to question our very Indian identity.”

He was speaking at the State-level seminar titled ‘Mahisha Mandalada Adi Dore Mahishasura – Ondu Charithrika Nota’ (Mahishasura: The First King of Mahisha Mandala – A Historical View).

This seminar was organised by the Mahisha Dasara Celebration Committee and the University of Mysore Research Scholars Association at the auditorium of the University Fine Arts College in Manasagangothri on Sept. 10.

Taking a firm stance, Prof. Guru labelled those opposing Mahisha Dasara as ‘political terrorists’ and asserted his commitment to providing them with a fitting response.

He emphasised a distinction between mythology, which he viewed as a collection of falsehoods, and history, grounded in verifiable facts.

He argued that while Chamundeshwari, a revered deity, might be considered a ‘lie’ in his view, Mahishasura was ‘true’ and deserving of recognition. He criticised attempts to perpetuate falsehoods for political gain, highlighting the importance of revealing the truth in history.

Prof. Guru condemned attempts to mislead the public and keep them in the dark, asserting that such actions amounted to a continuation of historic subjugation. He cautioned against using myths, based on falsehoods, to manipulate people, underlining that what might be seen as nourishment for some could be poison for others.

Writer Dr. Krishnamurthy Chamaram stressed the need to uncover buried truths in history and educate the majority of society about these findings.

Urilinga Peddi Mutt Seer Sri Jnanaprakash Swamiji called for preserving the integrity of history, likening it to the sanctity of a mother’s womb.

The seminar’s discussions and related matters concerning Mahishasura will be compiled into a book to be published on Oct. 13, with the goal of shedding light on the historical facts surrounding Mahisha.

Sri Jnanaprakash Swamiji underscored the coexistence of Chamundeshwari and Mahisha, emphasising their importance without disturbing social harmony. “There is a huge difference between Chamundeshwari and Mahisha. But we won’t disturb harmony in the society, in the name of Mahisha Dasara celebrations. Like how their God is important to them, Mahisha is also important to us,” said Sri Jnanaprakash Swamiji.

Writer Siddaswamy, journalist Amshi Prasannakumar, rationalist Prof. K.S. Bhagawan, Dr. Shivaraj and Dr. Chinnaswamy Sosale, were present.