We the students of Masters in Philosophy (2010-2011) presented a symposium on the topic “Naxalism: An existential dilemma”. The ‘why’ of this topic – the Media Today is flooded with news of Naxals which brings to our senses the relevance of this topic, the India Today is faced with many realities and one of it is surely facing the Red reality of the Naxalism. Therefore, we as a group decided to take this existing dilemma realizing the thought that every citizen of India is affected by the Philosophy of the Naxalites, in thought and action. Thus in our paper we made an attempt to reflect and unveil firstly the ideology of Naxalism by exploring Naxalism as an offshoot of Marxism through the glasses of Materialism, Nihilism and Existentialism. Secondly The rise of Naxalism by giving the origin, and the background of the socio-economic and political situation and the causes that led to the rise of Naxalism in India. Thirdly Is Naxalism: A Way Out by taking a look at the roots of Violence in the tribal belts of India and unfolding the approaches that India as a Nation has taken towards the Naxalites. After which there were possible remedies presented to this existential dilemma, Naxalism: A way out??? Going through this process we came to a possible philosophy of the Naxalites.
The symposium was held in the Academic Hall scheduled from 2:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m. The presentation of the papers led to questions that were life probing, insightful and ethically essential. There were also comments and sharing which made the discussion richer.
This symposium has been for us a learning and growing experience, to understand and think as religious on the meaning of life in a given situation of a nation like ours, India. This has also helped us in an awareness of the need to become ‘good Christians and honest citizens,’ to put it in the words of our father and founder, Don Bosco. All in all, it was an invitation for us to strive to live up to this ideal as Religious, as Salesians, as Christians and as human beings; to be witnesses of peace and love.
Cl. Romero D’Souza SDB
