Kerala Governor's Controversial Remarks on Hindu Castes

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar claims that the Hindu religion did not originally include castes, attributing their introduction to the British census efforts. Speaking at the Silver Jubilee of Puthumana Thanthra Vidyalayam, Arlekar emphasizes unity and highlights the importance of training irrespective of caste at the institution.

During the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Puthumana Thanthra Vidyalayam, Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar made a contentious statement about the historical structure of the Hindu religion, asserting that castes were a British addition from the time of the colonial census.

The Governor highlighted the institution's commitment to inclusive training in tantri, calling for a unified Hindu society. He urged the community to overcome the caste divides present despite constitutional safeguards.

Arlekar referenced the 2003 declaration by Puthumana Maheswaran Namboothiri, which echoed the progressive Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936, allowing all castes access to temple worship.

(With inputs from agencies.)