where will this stop! today these Hindu fundamentalists attacked students claiming that this is disrespectful. more importantly, they now want to dictate what people will draw. next they will have restrictions on what people think, eat and drink. Though I am critical of the media for focussing on trivial issues, in this case, I laud them for bringing this debate and not letting the heat die on communal people. Those who support the communalists will one day realize that their entire life will be dictated one day by the interpretation of religion not as per Vedas or Gita but as per these communal politicians If you are shocked by nudity, you ought to know that Hinduism is the only religion which has a full blown thesis on "aethism" which actively denounces all Gods and Godesses. A regional translation of this was done during Krishnadeva Raya's rule.
These may be features of art but be careful to restrict to unknown faces! And widely public displays are not acceptable for the ell effects on learning minors!
RE:please-educate
by samit vats on May 17, 2007 02:24 PM
"Artistic Freedom" is a nonsense.Degrading Gods and symbol of religion has become a fashion. Editorial Staff of Danish newspaper claimed that cartoons depicting prophet come under the category of freedom of expression.No. of Danish diplomats were sacked from many countries. Our own Secular politicians and the brigade which earns its bread through secularism also condemned Danish Cartoons. Why the same principle is not applied when somebody i.e. artist deliberately degrades gods/symbol of other relegion. The time has come that we need a Universal Law to avoid these kind of incidents.
RE:please-educate
by Ram Sharma on May 17, 2007 02:13 PM
if what mohan is telling is correct, then it is surprising that how these artists call it a freedom of speech. however i think and hope that mohan's information may b wrong, otherwise how so many artists r blaming the protestors.
i think that in india anyone can do anything with the hindu gods in the name of freedom of speech, why don't these people try this on gods of other religion?
They are doing this kind of nonsense again again to to create a scene in public and get publicity. What kind of message they want to convey by potraying GOD/GODESS nude. What good this kind of art do to the society... And these people are taliking freedom ?
"Raise objection, condemn it. by Sahadevan KK on May 17, 2007 12:46 PM - Take the pledge, we will not allow a communal violence here which occurred after the India-Pakistan partition. ""
This is not an election platform for you to resort to this language. If you want to take the pledge, please do. No one stops you.. But stop this Netagiri. you want to express your opinion, please do, also be prepared to listen to others. No need to tell others what to do.
RE:Mr. Sahadevan, This is not your election campaign
by Jas Sand on May 17, 2007 02:39 PM
Modism is atleast interesting - not extremely boring like Sahadevaism :))
RE:Mr. Sahadevan, This is not your election campaign
by Sahadevan KK on May 17, 2007 02:55 PM
Don't disturb the poor people of india more in the name of enjoyment. They are so poor, frustrated only becuase of you like people.
Art is a visual medium. And it definitely has an effect on the people. When they demand their freedom, people also demand their respect. Its not that artists are brought from heaven, so that they should not be questioned. Why NOT the same author did not come in support for the danish cartoonist. why didnt he condemn the protest over the danish cartoon?
This shows, the cowardly attitude of the media and the author of this article in particular.
Mr. Binoy valsan.. There are lot of ways to earn. But not like writing articles like this. If you could not be fair to all, dont meddle with issues like this.
Rediff is deviating from its media fairness a lot. Finally one simple question. Can the author let his dauther & mother to be drawn nude???
RE:The artists should not meddle with people's sentiments.
by babu reddy on May 17, 2007 01:35 PM
Well Said Senthil, for these artists, drawing their mothers or daughters nude amounts to nudity...but not of Hindu gods and goddesses..they are talking about freedom...its just that you can enjoy freedom, but not at the cost of hurting others sentiment...
RE:The artists should not meddle with people's sentiments.
by Guru Chandra on May 17, 2007 01:40 PM
Hi, Finally you have asked one question that is valid and I am also asking the same question to them. Whether most liberalised women artists will draw their own nude pictures and get praised???
Nothing to argue about that artists must have freedom of expression. At the ame time they should also act a responsible citizen. Why on earth they choose such subjects based on public sentiments toward religions which create controversy and play with public sympathy. Depicting goddess Saraswati in nude and like that should not be painted in the name of artists imagination and freedom of expresssion.
RE:Art and moral brigade
by Arkajit Rakshit on May 17, 2007 02:06 PM
Go to khajuraho and konark and find how our gods and goddesses have been depicted. Indians now a days instead of walking forward are walking backwards. Too much of snetiments and that too "relegios". The actual sentiments have vanished. Everyone becoming moral gurdians. And the artist probably having no gr8 calibre getting undue attension by depicting something he knows the morons will definitely scream about.."Hai Indians"
