At SFI national conference, delegates urged to use culture, social media as tools to counter misinterpretations

The delegate session of the 18th all-India conference of the Students Federation of India (SFI) that began in Kozhikode on Friday called upon the organisation’s members to explore the culture of the country as well as the possibilities of the social media to counter the misinterpretations, dis-interpretations, and the peddling of half-truths and untruths by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Veteran journalist Sashi Kumar and theatre activist M.K. Raina, who inaugurated the session, pinpointed the importance of culture and how it could be used as a tool for the counter attack. “Culture is of less importance in the Left ideology where economics is central. But our enemies are using culture as identity. You need to relook into culture and de-mystify the idea,” Mr. Shashikumar said.

Mr. Raina said that it was the job of today’s Marxists to locate the seeds of modernity in the culture. “Use culture at every level; not just as entertainment, but for compassion and to get a direction. Organise cultural events. Use culture as a weapon of resistance,” he said.

Mr. Sashi Kumar urged the delegates to use social media to spread the truth to counter the ‘new normal’ that is being put forth by the right wing. “The mainstream media is under threat. SFI is in the best place to be the filter to provide an alternative narrative,” he added. Mr. Raina went a step ahead and volunteered to train the youngsters in whatever way he could. “Your mobile camera can do wonders. Use it wisely”, he added.

Earlier, Mr. Sashi Kumar pointed out that India is mirroring the U.S. in that it is suppressing protests, arresting students and raiding universities. “USA is a mockery since it is run by a person who states ‘I am the State’. Sense of ethics, propriety and decency have been thrown out of the window and truth is a casualty,” he said, and called out the world nations for the hypocrisy of allowing Israel to unleash violence and offering impunity, while the resistances are being reported as malice or a disease. He went on explaining the difference between Hindutva and Hinduism and drew parallels with Zionism and Semitism. “Both Hindutva and Zionism are poisonous constructs,” he added.

Earlier, the conference began as SFI national president V.P. Sanu hoisted the flag. Flags brought from the home towns of 122 student martyrs were also set up at the venue. General secretary Mayukh Biswas, national vice-president Nitheesh Narayanan, joint secretary Debanjan Dev, Minister for Tourism and chairman of the organising committee P.A. Mohamed Riyas and other leaders were present.

The conference will conclude on Sunday when Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the public convention on Kozhikode beach.