In the midst of the Gyanvapi controversy, the remarks of a professor of University of Delhi has triggered yet another controversy. People have taken to social media to condemn, as well as show their solidarity. Read to find out more.
The Kashi Vishwanath temple- Gyanvapi mosque controversy has again taken the place under the limelight as a local court of Varanasi directed the authorities to keep the mosque sealed. This has come after a “shivling” was reportedly found in the complex after the videography survey was carried out. The three day survey was undertaken according to the court’s directions, under tight security. Amidst the controversy, the remarks made by the professor of University of Delhi has sparked another row of controversy.
Professor Ratan Lal, who is an Associate Professor of History at Hindu College, DU, put up a post on Facebook on May 17, 2022 whose translation read, “If this is Shiva Linga, it seems that perhaps Shiva ji was also circumcised.” This post has received heavy criticism on social media. Founder And Editor-In-Chief of ‘AmbedkarNama’, the comment section of the post made by the professor has comments which are condemning his words. A large number of people found the professor’s words a misfit for his position. A translation of a comment on the facebook post read, “The language of satire or protest should not be like this. This is a very bad language, especially when that person is holding the post of a teacher or professor. This is a poor way to promote yourself. The word ‘Acharya’ has a direct relation with conduct …. Sir. Your comment only seems to air hatred. Understanding your opinion and satire as a language student, I say this comment is incomparable and unlimited. You take it back, that’s fair. We all understand whatever is going on in the country. This Gyanvapi (Blind well) campaign is going to divert the issues of real public care.”
However on Twitter, many people have come forward to show their support to the professor. #WesupportProfRatanlal has been started on Twitter. In the tweets to show solidarity, people are condemning the criticism. They find this as an ambush on freedom of speech. A tweet by Ashish Gautam read, “Hindu Rashtra Trying to Snatch Freedom of Speech Which is Our Fundamental Right So Bahujans Speak Up Loudly !”
https://twitter.com/hashtag/WesupportProfRatanlal?src=hashtag_click
In recent developments, reportedly, the Professor has been booked by the Police over his objectionable comments on the Gyanvapi controversy. A case has been filed against him under IPC section 295-A (malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings). In conversation with The Indian Express, Dr Ratan Lal expressed that he was not expecting threats and abuses for his remarks on the ‘Shivling’.
“I have not yet received any notice from the police, but if I do, I will cooperate with them. I was not expecting threats and abuses for this statement. There is a long tradition of critique in Hinduism from Phule, Ravidas and Ambedkar. Here, I haven’t even critiqued it, it is just an observation. In our country, religious feelings get hurt over anything. What will people do, just put patti on their mouths?”
-Ratan Lal in conversation with The Indian Express
Less than 24 hours ago, the professor went live on his Facebook account in regards to the criticism he received from his post.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=561650088710046&id=100001701033623
Moreover, the professor had send a letter to the Prime Minister, the President of India, the Home Minister, Government of India, and the Chairman of Scheduled Caste Commission, Government of India. He highlighted that previously he had been receiving threats because of his criticism and comments on government and social activities. However, in the letter, he brought the striking difference between the threats he used to receive and the threats he is receiving into light. Currently, it has reached the heights of receiving murder threats, as the professor claims.
With the professor being booked by the police, we await for any further development of the situation.
Read Also: Guiding Lights in ‘Unprecedented Times’: DU Professors
Ramjas College: Protest for Absorption of Ad-hoc Professors
Featured Image Credits: DU Beat
Ankita Baidya
Comments are closed.