Minister Inder Parmar apologises for Raja Rammohan Roy remark:Statement on British-era conversion sparks controversy; clarifies respect for reformer

Madhya Pradesh Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar has apologised for his remarks made at a program in Agar Malwa. During the event marking the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, he had called Raja Rammohan Roy an “agent of the British.” His statement sparked controversy, prompting him to issue a formal apology. Minister’s apology Parmar released a video saying, “Yesterday, at the birth anniversary program of Lord Birsa Munda in Agar, while speaking about his life, I mistakenly said wrong words about Raja Rammohan Roy. I am extremely saddened and I atone for it. Raja Rammohan Roy was a famous social reformer, and I personally respect him. This statement was a mistake, and I apologise.” The controversial statement At the program, Minister Parmar had claimed that Raja Rammohan Roy was part of a British conspiracy. He said that missionary schools run by the British aimed to convert people. According to Parmar, Roy supported this process, while Birsa Munda resisted religious conversion and fought for tribal society. Conversion in missionary schools Parmar explained that during British rule, missionary schools were the main source of education. These schools allegedly attempted to convert students. Birsa Munda, who also wanted to study, left school after realising the missionaries’ intentions and joined the anti-British movement. British support for conversion The minister said that many people were presented by the British as social reformers, but only Birsa Munda had the courage to resist conversions. In his speech, Parmar called Raja Rammohan Roy an “agent of the British,” which caused public backlash. Suppression of tribal history Parmar criticised previous governments for ignoring the contributions of real tribal leaders. He said that those who promoted conversion were glorified, while true heroes like Birsa Munda were kept in the background. 150th birth anniversaries in 2025 Parmar added that 2025 will be special because it marks the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, Sardar Patel, and a special remembrance of Vande Mataram. He highlighted the contribution of tribal communities in forest conservation as highly significant. ​