1. Controversy erupted at Tripura Government College of Art and Crafts over an idol of Goddess Saraswati worshipped on Wednesday.
2. Activists protested the idol’s alleged vulgarity, leading to its replacement with a new one.
3. The incident sparked debates on cultural sensitivity and religious sentiments.
Agartala, Feb 15: A wave of controversy engulfed the Tripura Government College of Art and Crafts as a group of activists staged a protest over the purported vulgarity of an idol of Goddess Saraswati worshipped on Wednesday at the college premises.
The incident, which unfolded amidst puja rituals, culminated in the replacement of the idol with a new one, sparking debates over cultural sensitivity and religious sentiments.
The agitation, led by members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the Bajrang Dal, and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), gained momentum as protestors converged at the college, denouncing the idol as “vulgar” and contradictory to Indian cultural values.
Their objections centered on the portrayal of Goddess Saraswati, a revered figure in Hindu mythology, which they deemed offensive and disrespectful.
The controversy unfolded during puja rituals, with students witnessing the unfolding drama.
In response to mounting pressure from the protestors, the college authorities resorted to draping the idol with a saree initially, aiming to mitigate the escalating tension.
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However, as demands for action grew louder, the authorities ultimately opted to replace the idol altogether.
The protest, which unfolded in the capital city of Agartala, saw ABVP, a student body affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), calling for stringent measures against the college administration.
They urged Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha to intervene, highlighting the need to uphold religious sensitivities and cultural decorum.
While the college authorities maintained that the idol adhered to traditional sculpture forms commonly observed in Hindu temples, critics argued that it crossed the boundaries of cultural acceptability.
The decision to replace the idol was seen as a compromise aimed at quelling the growing unrest and restoring harmony within the college community.
Following the uproar, the new idol was veiled with plastic sheets and positioned discreetly behind the puja pandal, marking the culmination of a contentious episode that underscored the delicate balance between artistic expression and religious reverence.
As debates continue to rage over the incident, it serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting diverse religious beliefs and cultural sensibilities in a pluralistic society.
