The Pondicherry University Department of Performing Arts presented a play on Friday, March 29, as part of the yearly Ezhini 2K24 cultural festival. But the performance disparaged Hindu gods, including Lord Hanuman and Goddess Sita. On March 30, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged a protest at the institution against this. The student organization also released a statement on March 31st regarding this.ABVP PU Students protested against the recent incident held on 29th March 2024 at a fest organised by DPA, Pondicherry University Ezhini 2K24, where a play mockery of the Ramayana, including depicting Sita offering beef to Ravana and distorting Hanumanjis character. pic.twitter.com/pDRGNb9yU7— ABVP Tamilnadu - South (@ABVPSouthTN) March 30, 2024It was reported in an ABVP Tamil Nadu X post that the play misrepresented Hanumanjis persona and depicted Sita offering beef to Ravana. Additionally, the performance depicts Sita dancing with Ravana and not protesting to her kidnapping by him. The group on the university campus staged large-scale demonstrations against this show.The Controversial DepictionThe play, titled SOMAYANAM, was performed as part of a cultural event organized by the university. However, its content and portrayal of revered Hindu figures quickly became the center of heated debate and outrage. In one of the scenes, Sita, a central figure in the Hindu epic Ramayana, was shown dancing alongside Ravana, the antagonist in the same epic. Furthermore, the depiction of Sita offering beef to Ravana added fuel to the fire, as it was deemed highly offensive and disrespectful by many.ABVPs Reaction and Call for ActionThe ABVP, a prominent student organization known for its advocacy of Hindu values and cultural heritage, wasted no time in condemning the plays content. They argued that such depictions not only hurt religious sentiments but also crossed the line of artistic freedom by disrespecting deeply held beliefs and traditions.XIn a statement released by ABVP representatives, they expressed their strong disapproval of the play and called for immediate action from the university authorities. They demanded an apology from those responsible for conceptualizing and staging the play, as well as disciplinary measures to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future.Supporters of Artistic Freedom vs. Respect for Religious SentimentsThe controversy surrounding the Pondicherry University play raises important questions about the balance between artistic freedom and respecting religious sentiments. While artists and performers often seek to push boundaries and provoke thought through their work, it is essential to do so without causing offense or disrespecting beliefs held sacred by communities.Supporters of artistic freedom argue that creative expression should not be censored or restricted, even if it challenges established norms or beliefs. However, critics contend that there must be limits to artistic expression, especially when it comes to sensitive religious or cultural subjects.Universitys Response and Way ForwardAs the controversy continues to escalate, all eyes are on Pondicherry Universitys response and how they plan to address the concerns raised by ABVP and others. The university administration is under pressure to acknowledge the harm caused to religious sentiments and take concrete steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
