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Amidst the increasing tension between America and Iran, a statement given during a TV debate in India has now become a topic of discussion at the international level. Delhi University professor and political analyst Prof. Iran has given an official response to a statement by Sangeet Kumar Ragi. Regarding this statement advocating strict action against Iran citing the examples of Mahabharata and Brahmastra, Iran termed it as ‘intellectual bankruptcy’ and thinking contrary to international law.

During a debate on a private news channel, America-Iran tension was being discussed. During this time Prof. Sangeet Ragi said that in view of Iran’s action, America should now take strict steps. Giving the example of Mahabharata, he said that when Lord Shri Krishna had told Arjuna during the war that some enemies are ‘worthy of Brahmastra’, in the same way Iran has now become the subject of similar behaviour.

During the debate, when he was asked whether America should use nuclear weapons, he said that even if there is no nuclear weapon, then a very powerful weapon should be used, which has the same effect as a nuclear weapon. This statement quickly went viral on social media.

What answer did Iran give?

Pro. Sangeet Ragi’s statement evoked a strong reaction from Iran. Iran said that using mythological references like Mahabharata and Brahmastra to justify modern foreign policy or war is completely misleading. According to Iran, the purpose of the epics is to provide moral, philosophical and cultural teachings, not to legitimize military action against a country. The Iranian response said that linking a complex international crisis to an episode from the Mahabharata and talking about the destruction of an entire country is against international law, military strategy and political wisdom.

Iran also said that advocating a destructive option like nuclear weapons against a country with a population of about 90 million is not a sign of strength but of “intellectual bankruptcy”. Such statements promote conflict rather than any practical political solution.

Who is Prof. Sangeet Kumar Ragi?

Pro. Sangeet Kumar Ragi is a senior professor of the Department of Political Science of Delhi University and has also been the Head of the Department. He is known as an expert on Indian politics, public administration and political ideology. He has been teaching in Delhi University for more than two and a half decades. His expertise is considered to be in Indian politics, public administration and Indian political thought.

The name has also been associated with RSS

Sangeet Ragi has been associated with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for a long time. He is counted among the leading academicians and political analysts of right-wing ideology. He often expresses his opinion on TV debates and contemporary political issues. Pro. Ragi writes regular articles for various newspapers and online forums.

He is also the editor-in-chief of the magazine ‘Indian Studies Review’. In the year 2022, his book ‘RSS and Gandhi: Thought of India’ was published, which was much discussed. Apart from this, he has also been a member of the Content Review Committee of the Prime Minister’s Museum constituted by the Ministry of Culture.

Why is the whole matter in discussion?

This dispute has come to light at a time when tension between America and Iran is continuously increasing. In such an environment, a statement given in a TV debate became the cause of international reaction. However, it is important to clarify that this statement is made by Prof. The views were the personal views of Sangeet Ragi and should not be seen as the official policy or stance of the Government of India. At the same time, Iran in its response also expressed objection to these statements and stressed the need for international law and diplomatic solution.