Mumbai – IIT Bombay mocks Bhagwan Ram & Mata Sita
Mumbai. A week after the Pondicherry University controversy where characters from the Ramayan were depicted in a manner deemed offensive by many, a similar incident has now come to light at the prestigious IIT Bombay.
In the midst of the IIT Bombay cultural festival, a play titled “Raahovan” was performed as part of the Performing Arts Festival (PAF) on March 31. The play, loosely based on the Ramayan, has drawn significant criticism for its portrayal of Bhagwan Ram and the epic saga. Videos from the event have gone viral on social media platforms, reigniting the debate over artistic freedom versus religious sentiments.
The controversy stems from the perceived mockery and disrespect shown towards revered Hindu gods and goddesses, particularly Bhagwan Ram, Mata Sita, and other characters from the Ramayan. In the play, the names of the characters were altered slightly, and the storyline purportedly aimed to present a “woke” and “feminist” interpretation of the ancient epic. However, many viewers found the portrayal objectionable and insensitive.
The backlash against such depictions has been swift and widespread. Various individuals and organisations, including politicians and student groups, have condemned the play and called for action against the organisers and university management. Social media has been flooded with criticism and demands for accountability, with hashtags condemning the portrayal of Hindu deities gaining traction.
“Mocking Hindu Gods-Goddesses has become a new trend. After Pondicherry University, now in IIT Bombay culture festival, students are seen mocking Prabhu Shri Ram & showing Ramayan in an inappropriate way,” wrote a user on X.
“I request @Dev_Fadnavis to look into this & take strict action against organizers as well as University management.”
Another outraged user said, “After Puducherry University now it’s IIT Bombay that mocked our Prabhu Ram and Mata Sita. Is mocking Hindu gods and goddesses the new normal?? You can’t say JAI SHREE RAM in universities but you can make fun of them”!!
A third irked user stated, “It has become common to mock Hindu Gods and Goddesses. They are promoting wokeism. Ram ji and Sita ji characters referring each other with ‘tu’ n ‘tune’, insulting each other. IIT Bombay, is this what you are promoting? All involved should be rusticated and FIR must be lodged”.
