A scuffle broke out between members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and students from Pune University’s Lalit Kala Kendra over a play based on ‘Ramleela’. The play, titled ‘Ramleela’, depicted backstage scenes of actors performing various roles in the Ramleela. According to Shiva Barole, the Pune University unit chief of the ABVP, the play contained objectionable dialogues and scenes, including Sita smoking and using abusive language towards Laxman. The ABVP raised objections and halted the performance, citing offense to Hindu sentiments. The groups had a verbal spat, and the police are investigating the matter.
The clash occurred at Pune University’s Lalit Kala Kendra when members of the ABVP objected to a play titled ‘Ramleela’ staged by the students. The play aimed to showcase the backstage scenes of actors performing different roles in the Ramleela. However, the ABVP alleged that the play contained objectionable elements, including Sita’s character smoking and using offensive language towards Laxman.
Shiva Barole, the Pune University unit chief of the ABVP, expressed the objections raised by the organization. We raised objections to such actions and halted the performance titled ‘Ramleela.’ It is offensive to Hindu sentiments, Barole said. The ABVP later filed a complaint with the police, urging them to register a case.
The Chaturshrangi Police Station, incharge of the case, stated that there was a verbal spat between the ABVP members and the students from Lalit Kala Kendra. We have received information about a verbal spat between two groups on the university campus, and we have called both groups in for further investigation, the police informed.
The clash highlights the clash of perspectives and sensitivities when it comes to artistic expression and religious sentiments. While the Lalit Kala Kendra aimed to portray backstage scenes of the Ramleela play, the ABVP felt that certain aspects were offensive to Hindu beliefs and traditions. The incident has sparked discussions about the boundaries of creative freedom and the need to respect religious sentiments.
As investigations continue, it remains to be seen how the university and the concerned parties will address the issue and find a resolution. The clash serves as a reminder of the importance of open dialogue and understanding while navigating sensitive topics to strike a balance between artistic expression and cultural values.
