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NEW DELHI, INDIA � SEPTEMBER 08: (From left) Mridula Mukherjee, director Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, former president of India, Dr APJ Kalam, author OP Kejriwal and publisher Ramanand Tiwari at the launch of the book, Benaras Illustrated by James Prinsep, at Nehru Memorial Museum and Library in New Delhi, on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. (Photo by Ramesh Sharma/India Today Group/Getty Images)
NEW DELHI -- After writers, artists, filmmakers and scientists, over 50 historians today came out strongly against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not making any reassuring statement following concerns over "highly vitiated atmosphere" prevailing in the country.
A total of 53 historians including leading names like Romila Thapar, Irfan Habib, KN Pannikar and Mridula Mukherjee have in a joint statement released by Sahmat raised their serious concerns over recent developments.
"Differences of opinion are being sought to be settled by using physical violence. Arguments are met not with counter arguments but with bullets," the statement said referring to the Dadri lynching incident and the recent ink attack on Sudheendra Kulkarni during a book launch function in Mumbai.
"When writer after writer is returning their award of recognition in protest, no comment is made about the conditions that caused the protest; instead the ministers call it a paper revolution and advise the writers to stop writing. This is as good as saying that intellectuals will be silenced if they protest," it said.
This was particularly worrying for historians who have already experienced attempts to ban their books and expunge statements of history despite the fact that they were supported by sources and the interpretation is transparent, they said.
"What the regime seems to want is a kind of legislated history, a manufactured image of the past, glorifying certain aspects of it and denigrating others, without any regard for chronology, sources or methods of enquiry that are the building blocks of the edifice of history," the statement said.
The historians expressed concern over the silence of the Prime Minister on the issue. "And when it is hoped that the Head of Government will make a statement about improving the prevailing conditions, he chooses to speak only about general poverty; and it takes the Head of the State to make the required reassuring statement, not once but twice."
The statement urged the state to ensure an atmosphere that is "conducive to free and fearless expression, security for all sections of society and the safe-guarding of the values and traditions of plurality that India had always cherished in the past."
"It is easy to trample them down, but it is important to remember that it will take too long and will be beyond the capacity of those who are currently at the helm of affairs, to rebuild it once it is destroyed," the statement said.
At least 36 writers including leading names like Nayantara Sahgal, Ashok Vajpeyi, Uday Prakash and K Veerabhadrappa had returned their Sahitya Akademi awards, and five writers stepped down from official positions of the literary body, protesting against its "silence" over "rising intolerance".
The Akademi had yielded to the unrelenting protests by calling an emergency meet and issued a strong condemnation of the killing of Kannada writer M M Kalburgi and others while urging litterateurs to take back awards.
Yesterday, agitating students from FTII unilaterally withdrew their 139-day-old strike but vowed to continue protests as ten eminent filmmakers returned their National Awards voicing solidarity with them and against growing intolerance in the country.
Scientists including three Padma Bhushan recipients Ashoke Sen, PM Bhargava and P Balram announced their decision to return their awards. This move comes after two sets of scientists over the past two days petitioned the President urging him to initiate "suitable actions".
This posture unblocks your whole body by opening your hips and spine, building better endurance. It also helps in de-stressing your whole system — you'll feel lighter and relaxed, yet energetic enough to perform better in bed. Directions: Stand on your knees, and slowly grip your heels with your hands pushing your hips forward, arching your back and dropping your head backwards. Breathe normally holding the posture for 10 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times. (credit:Bharat Thakur)
Marchariasana(02 of06)
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A supple spine goes a long way in experimenting and lasting longer. This move helps build spinal strength and relaxes the lower back. Breathing rhythmically in this position, will also aid harmonising your breath with your partner — a popular tantric move to connect better. Directions: Place your knees and hands perpendicular to the ground, on the floor. Now inhale slowly while arching your back towards the floor. Hold for a moment and slowly exhale arching your back away from the floor, upwards like a cat. Repeat this cycle 10 – 20 times in a slow rhythmic fashion. (credit:Bharat Thakur)
Badhkonasana(03 of06)
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This posture primarily opens the hips and the inner thighs, increasing your endurance and your flexibility (in the groin area) to try more positions.Directions: Sit with your back straight and bring your feet together. Gently press your knees with your palms stretching the groin region and try to bring your knees all the way to the floor. Hold for 20-30 seconds. Repeat 3 times. (credit:Bharat Thakur)
Setu Bandhasana(04 of06)
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This pose strengthens your pelvic muscles and your core. It will also ensure a rush of blood to your genital area as it stimulates the basic chakra in your body, increasing your libido. Attempt to perform Kegel's exercises in this position to strengthen your pelvic muscles further. Directions: Lie on your back with your knees bent, and bring your feet as close to your buttocks as possible. Squeeze your thighs and buttocks, then lift your torso and press down on your feet. Try to lift your navel as high as possible. Hold the position for at least 30 seconds and work your way up to 3 minutes. When you have completed the set, slowly lower your back to the mat one vertebra at a time until you are flat on your back with knees still bent. Repeat the exercise 3 times. (credit:Mickey Mehta)
Anjaneyasana(05 of06)
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Aside from stretching your thighs, this position strengthens your pelvic floor. The weight bearing on your pelvis will increase the blood flow to the area, aiding cellular regeneration (a process that slows down as you age, reducing your libido). It also helps increase your balance capabilities for standing postures.Directions: From a standing position, step your right leg forward a few feet, and bend your right knee keeping your left leg straight. Your knee should be at a right angle to the floor. Do not allow your knee to extend past your ankle. Your arms can rest on your hips or if you need support, place them on either side of your right foot. Feel the stretch in your inner left leg and the strengthening in your right leg. Take 10 slow deep breaths as you hold the position. Return to the standing position, and do the same on the other side, bringing your left foot forward into the lunge. (credit:Mickey Mehta)
Mandukasan(06 of06)
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Staying in this asana takes some endurance, which will stand you in good stead when trying a position you are not comfortable with. It helps build flexibility in the groin and thigh area as well.Directions: Stay on the mat in a table pose. Keep your ankles behind your knees and turn your feet towards the sides. Keeping your palms pressed to the floor lower yourself on the elbows and arms. Exhale and press your hip backwards to feel the stretch in your hips and thighs. Breathe in and hold for 30 counts. Rock your hip forward as you relax your breath. Come back to normal position and repeat. (credit:Mickey Mehta)
-- This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which
closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions
or concerns about this article, please contact
indiasupport@huffpost.com.