Complete destruction of ideals taking place in India: Mallika Sarabhai
Kolkata (PTI): Eminent classical dancer and activist Mallika Sarabhai has voiced disappointment over the "complete destruction of ideals" in the country, alleging that Hindutva' is being shoved down the throat of people in the name of Hinduism.
Hinduism is actually all about asking questions, the 68-year old Padma Bhusan awardee said during a session about her life, career and initiation into the world of dance, at the concluding day of the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival here on Sunday.
"What I am witnessing around today completely decimates me Never had I thought there will be complete destruction of our ideals in India, and so many people blinded by the glory of advertisement and brand-building," she said.
"It is so nice coming to Kolkata and actually seeing (people) of different religions living side by side... which I don't see in a similar way in Gujarat, in Ahmedabad, where ghettoisation seems to be so complete," Sarabhai said.
She claimed that many of her friends are in jail, facing trial for asking questions, apparently referring to the arrests of some rights activists in recent times.
"Hinduism is all about asking questions, as manifested in our scriptures. Unfortunately, it is Hinduism in the form of Hindutva that is quoted to us and shoved (down the throat of people)," the noted dancer said.
Sarabhai, who had essayed the role of Draupadi in Peter Brook's play The Mahabharata' in the 1980s, apart from acting in solo theatrical works Shakti: The Power of Women' and co-directing Women with Broken Wings', said Bengal is among the few states where pluralism still exists in society.
"Kolkata has always given me more love than any other part of the world".
Reacting to her comments, BJP leader Roopa Ganguly said Hinduism is not a religion, but a way of life that is connected to nature.
Hindutva is a Hindi word and Hinduism is a globally known English word. That is the only difference between the two expressions, Ganguly, a former Rajya Sabha MP, said.
"About the ghettoisation comments, shall I ask her (Sarabhai) to go through the population chart of Gujarat and (charts) of all parts of India. As she specifically mentioned Gujarat, I would ask her to check how many people engaged in diamond cutting live there?
"Many of them are from Domjur in West Bengal and they are living peacefully in Surat. What she said is irrelevant," asserted Ganguly, who is also an acclaimed actor.
On Sarabhai's remark about many of her friends being in jail for asking questions, Ganguly claimed she has herself faced media trial for putting forth questions against the West Bengal government.
"Madam, please find out how many cases of molestation and atrocities on women are unregistered in Bengal before talking. This much I would expect from such a great personality," the BJP leader added.
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UP: Govt hospital staff booked for sexually assaulting woman in pretext of ultrasound test
Gorakhpur (PTI): A hospital employee was booked for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in the pretext of an ultrasound test here in the district women's hospital, police said on Saturday.
According to the complaint, the woman, a resident of the Gulriha area, visited the district women's hospital on Thursday morning for an ultrasound test.
She was directed to a room, where Abhimanyu Gupta was conducting ultrasounds. When her turn came, the accused allegedly stared at her and told her to remove all her clothes, claiming it was necessary for the test and that a massage would also be required, she said.
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The woman alleged that once she complied, the accused began making obscene advances and tried to force himself on her. When she screamed, he allegedly gagged her, abused her and threatened to kill her before pushing her out of the room.
She said her complaints within the hospital went unheard, forcing her to approach the police.
Taking cognisance of the complaint, the hospital administration constituted a three-member inquiry committee, officials said.
Senior consultant (paediatrics) Dr Jay Kumar said, "The woman has levelled serious allegations against a staff member. Senior officials have been informed, and a departmental inquiry is underway. Strict action will be taken if the charges are proved."
Kotwali Station House Officer Chatrapal Singh said a case has been registered, and efforts are on to nab the accused.
