IIT Bombay imposes fines up to Rs 1.2 lakh on students for 'derogatory' Ramayana skit
- In Reports
- 12:19 PM, Jun 20, 2024
- Myind Staff
IIT Bombay has fined each student involved in staging the play 'Raahovan' during its annual performing arts festival Rs 1.2 lakh. The play, loosely based on the Indian epic 'Ramayana', sparked significant criticism on social media for its alleged derogatory portrayal of Bhagwan Ram and perceived disrespect towards Hindu culture.
In addition to the substantial fine, almost equivalent to a semester's fee at the prestigious institute, graduating students will receive no recognition in the Gymkhana awards. Meanwhile, their juniors have each been fined Rs 40,000 and barred from using hostel facilities.
The play, staged on March 31, involved students from various departments and academic years. Numerous videos of the performance circulated widely on social media, depicting the audience cheering during a dialogue exchange between the actors portraying Sita and Lakshman.
Complaints were lodged alleging that 'Raahovan' portrayed the lead characters in a negative manner and mocked Hindu culture and religious sentiments. In response, IIT Bombay formed a disciplinary committee which included the students involved in the play.
After extensive deliberation, the committee levied fines and other disciplinary measures. Supporters of the students argued that the play offered a feminist perspective on a tribal society and had received positive feedback from the audience.
However, IIT Bombay has declined to comment on the disciplinary actions taken against the students.
In April, a group of Indian hackers allegedly hacked the website of Centre-run Pondicherry University. They claimed the attack was in retaliation for the university's staging of a play that they deemed insulting to Ramayana and mocking of Lord Ram.
The hackers purportedly disrupted the website through a suspected DDoS attack and threatened further action, including removing the university's page from Wikipedia, a widely used online encyclopedia.
Image source: ANI
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