Born in Kashi with a family of a Communist father, libertarian mother, proud Sanatani Grandmother, and Gandhian freedom fighter Grandfather, my diverse upbringing has laid the foundation for my lifelong commitment to pluralism and inclusiveness. My educational journey from Queens College to State Ayurvedic Medical College, Gurukul Kangari in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, has further enriched my perspective. My life journey aligns with the spirit of my beloved Kashi, a synonym for pluralism, diversity, and inclusiveness, where I am driven to nurture hope, honor, and human dignity.
The ideals that guide me stand in stark contrast to the ideas propagated by Hitler, which directly oppose the ethos of pluralism and diversity inherent in both Kashi and the Indian Constitution. My grandfather shared vivid accounts of the emergence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the pardon of Savarkar, both supported by the British Colonial state. He recounted our family’s non-violent struggle against colonial power and subsequent prosecution. Concurrently, my Sanatani Grandmother instilled the values of diversity, pluralism, and inclusiveness through her teachings in the context of Varanasi, contributing to my foundation of spiritual democracy and contextual secularism.
Championing the cause of marginalized communities and combatting the menace of caste-based patriarchy aligns with my life’s purpose. In this pursuit, I have opposed many divisive ideologies, including those propagated by Modi.
A pivotal moment came when I received an invitation from the prestigious Oxford Union on March 12, 2019. The invitation read, “It would be an honor if you were to join us in debate and continue this fine tradition. We would be delighted, therefore, were you to speak on the motion: This House Has No Confidence in Modi’s Government.”
The invitation went on to discuss Narendra Modi’s governance, highlighting its polarizing aspects. It acknowledged India’s journey as the world’s largest democracy, independent from colonial influences, and called for a critical examination of the Modi government. The debate, historically focused on Her Majesty’s Government, now aimed to scrutinize India’s leadership as a testament to the Union’s commitment to independent political discourse.
On May 17, 2019, I confirmed my participation in the debate. Despite subsequent communication, the dialogue halted abruptly, leaving me wondering about the motive behind the silence. My article “Western nations look at India as a market” was published on my blog, shedding light on the issue. Media vigil highlighted the non-participation of Yogendra Yadav, further raising questions about the Oxford Union’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
My experiences with the Oxford Union have left me pondering: Where lies the true spirit and values of this esteemed institution? Is it fostering an inclusive and diverse world, as its legacy suggests? These reflections only deepen my resolve to uphold the ideals of pluralism, diversity, and human dignity that have been nurtured within me, driven by the lessons learned from my city of Kashi.