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27-second clip selectively edited
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HJS warns of legal action over distorted video clip
Panaji, Goa – During a discussion on the subject of St Francis Xavier on ‘Gomantak TV’, the views expressed by Dr Manoj Solanki, the Goa State Spokesperson for the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS), are being presented in a highly distorted manner. In response, HJS has issued an official clarification.
Dr Solanki clarified, “The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti does not support any caste-based system. I said no such thing. Neither I nor the Samiti hold such a position. In the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Bhagwan has stated – ‘Chāturvarṇyaṁ mayā sṛṣṭyaṁ guṇakarmavibhāgaśaḥ’, meaning the Varna system is based on ‘gunas’ (qualities) and ‘karma’ (actions). We believe in a system based on merit and conduct, not birth.”
He further added, “The full video of my interview should be aired by ‘Gomantak’. My statements have been edited and distorted. This defamation of me and the Samiti through the spread of lies must cease, or I shall file a defamation case.”
Malicious editing by Gomantak TV
HJS stated in its announcement, “Broadcasting a mere 27-second snippet on social media instead of the full discussion to distort the original statement is a malicious act. Dr Solanki did not mention any specific caste anywhere; he merely clarified, based on the 13th verse of the fourth chapter of the Bhagvad Gita, that the Varna system is founded on ‘qualities’ and ‘actions’. Do the critics not accept the Bhagvad Gita?”
Dr Solanki also explicitly stated in his speech that all Varnas are equal and that a person’s Varna is determined by their karma. To illustrate this, he cited the example of Maharishi Valmiki, who became a sage through the power of spiritual practice (Sadhana). This historical context is being misrepresented as part of a conspiracy to sow division within Hindu society.
Concerns over creating divisions in society
Taking advantage of the ignorance regarding religion among Hindus, certain writers and self-styled researchers are attempting to create divisions in society. It is against this backdrop that HJS is conducting its work on Dharmashikshan.
Furthermore, the following question was raised: “How much trust should the public place in those who claim that the land of Goa and Konkan was not created by Bhagwan Parshuram?”
Also, there were deliberate attempts by other speakers during the discussion to spread anti-Brahmin sentiment. HJS has described this as deeply unfortunate. A philosophical discussion regarding the spiritual practice of the Shudra varna has been misrepresented to incite tension within society.
Final appeal and warning
The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has appealed to the public: “Do not believe incomplete or edited video clips; instead, seek the full truth.”
A stern warning was issued that should such defamation continue, legal action will be initiated against the concerned individuals.