After BJP's warning, Chennai's Loyola college apologizes for 'anti-Hindu' paintings
The well-known Loyola College, a Catholic minority institution in Chennai, has issued an apology following the outrage erupted over some paintings at an expo in its campus which the BJP and other saffron outfits termed as a desecration of Hindu symbols. The BJP said the paintings at the two-day exhibition which concluded Sunday also depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a bad light.
Painting showed trishul, Bharat Mata in inappropriate manner: BJP
The BJP and some pro-Hindu organizations objected to the paintings saying it had portrayed the trishul, a symbol of Hinduism, and 'Bharat Mata', in an inappropriate manner. The college yesterday issued the apology and said that offensive paintings, put up as part of a cultural event, were "immediately" removed. One of the exhibits featured the trishul in a painting related to violence against women.
One of the paintings even likened Modi to Hindu deity
Another painting at the event suggested that Modi was hegemonic and also likened him to a Hindu deity. After BJP and Hindu outfits complained that the paintings had a strong political undercurrent against the saffron party, the college said it respected all religions. "We don't advocate or support anything that is tantamount to disturbing the peace and tranquility of the society," the college said.
Is hurting Hindu sentiments acceptable to you, BJP asks TN-leaders
The BJP state unit questioned the institution if it was okay to target the majority faith. "Why is there no condemnatory statements from any of the leaders here... Is hurting Hindu sentiments acceptable to you?," BJP Tamil Nadu unit president Tamilisai Soundararjan asked.
HMK demands action against those who made paintings
Targeting other political parties, Soundararjan said, "Had the paintings targeted some other groups, there would have been a hue and cry from leaders like DMK chief M K Stalin and MDMK general secretary Vaiko." Hindu Makkal Katchi (HMK) State General Secretary Rama Ravikumar demanded action against those who made the paintings that also mocked Central government schemes like Swachh Bharat as well as RSS.
Deeply saddened, anguished that venue was misused, said the college
The college clarified that it cherished the pluralistic values of the country. The institution, which will complete a century in about six years said it was deeply saddened and anguished that its venue for a cultural-event "Veethi Virudhu Vizha," held on January 19-20 was 'misused'.
'We acknowledge our lapse, sincerely apologize for hurt it caused'
The college said its "illustrious and pluralistic campus was used for derogative exhibits against a particular religious group, social institution, political party and the country's leadership". Kaleeswaran, college's Art and Literary Unit Coordinator, said the offensive exhibits were removed immediately, the moment it was brought to their notice. "We acknowledge our lapse and sincerely apologize for the insurmountable hurt this has caused," he said.
Netizens criticize the college over granting permission for the event
While the college had already issued an apology over the events that happened in its premises, citizens are still enraged over the issue and blame the college for spreading hatred against Hinduism. Highlighting the Church rape case, one writes on Twitter the institution needs to "see a mirror." Another slammed the college for lying over not knowing about the event exhibiting Hindu-hating paintings.
