ABVP protests Against Play for Insulting Mata Sita at Pondicherry University

A recent protest by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student outfit affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has sparked controversy at Pondicherry University. The protest was directed against a play titled "Somayanam" staged during the university's annual cultural festival. Allegations were made by the ABVP that the play depicted characters from the epic Ramayana in an objectionable manner.

In response to the protest, the Kalapet Police have taken suo moto action and registered a case against certain students and others involved in staging the play. The case has been filed on charges of "outraging religious feelings."

The play "Somayanam" was performed as part of the festival organized by the Department of Performing Arts at Pondicherry University. It aimed to address patriarchal values and societal norms through a TheruKoothu style performance.

The controversy has led to an inquiry by the university, with a committee being constituted to investigate the matter. In a statement, students involved in the production of the play clarified that it was intended to question societal norms and was not aimed at hurting religious sentiments.

However, members of the ABVP have continued to protest, alleging that the play hurt their religious beliefs. They have also been accused of disrupting university activities and creating a hostile environment for students and faculty.

In response to the situation, student organizations such as the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), National Students Union of India (NSUI), and Fraternity Movement have expressed solidarity with the students involved in staging the play. They have condemned the police action and called for stringent action against those propagating misinformation and disrupting academic activities.

Despite the controversy, the students involved in the production of "Somayanam" remain committed to exercising their freedom of expression through theatre. They have urged the university to take appropriate action to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of students on campus.