Prayagraj (UP) (PTI): Prominent Hindu seer Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati on Thursday issued guidelines for filmmakers asking them to refrain from "criticising, disrespecting or ridiculing" Sanatan Dharma.
The seer had on January 3 constituted the 'Dharma Censor Board' to review Bollywood films and keep a check on any "anti-religious" content or distortion of facts about Sanatan Dharma.
Addressing newspersons at the ongoing Magh Mela here, Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati said the guidelines are being conveyed to all filmmakers and they are expected to no longer include scenes and dialogues "criticising, disrespecting or ridiculing Sanatan Dharma" in their films.
"The guidelines are based on the policy of 'jhonko, toko and roko' (talk, intervene, stop)," he said, adding that if the filmmakers do not pay heed, legal route will be adopted.
"A legal cell has also been created for this," he said.
Talking about the Dharma Censor Board, Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati said, "Our experts will see a film when it is released and if we find it suitable for people belonging to Sanatan Dharma, we will issue a certificate."
"At present, films passed by the censor board set up by the government have been found carrying scenes that hurt the sentiments of people. We have repeatedly asked for a religious person to be included in the censor board but this demand has not been accepted. This is why we had to constitute our own board," he said.
Clarifying that the Dharma Censor Board "will act as an assistant to the censor board of the government", the seer said, "We are not questioning their censor board."
Shankaracharya's media in-charge, Shailendra Yogi said the Dharma Censor Board will also ensure that film titles do not hurt religious sentiments of people or disrespect any deity or seers.
The work of this board will not be limited to films or serials, but also cover theatre productions in schools, colleges and universities, he said.
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Ahmedabad, Feb 12 (PTI): India and England cricket teams took the field for the third and final ODI on Wednesday wearing green armbands to support the BCCI's initiative of "Donate Organs, Save Lives" campaign. The BCCI informed this in a statement shortly after the commencement of the match at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
"Both teams are wearing green arm bands to support BCCI's initiative 'Donate Organs, Save Lives'. The initiative is spearheaded by ICC Chairman Mr Jay Shah," the BCCI release stated.
The initiative was announced by ICC chairman and former BCCI secretary Shah on Monday.
Shah wrote on X, "On the occasion of the 3rd ODI between India and England in Ahmedabad on February 12th, we are proud to launch an awareness initiative — Donate Organs, Save Lives."
"Sport has the power to inspire, unite, and create lasting impact beyond the field. Through this initiative, we urge everyone to take a step towards giving the greatest gift of all — the gift of life."
"One pledge, one decision, can save multiple lives. Let's come together and make a difference!" he added.
The initiative was supported by several Indian players, including Virat Kohli and vice-captain Shubman Gill.
"Score the ultimate century. Your organs can help others live beyond your lifetime. Register as a donor and make every life count," Kohli said in a video shared by the BCCI.
Gill added, "Be the captain of life. Just like a captain leads the team to victory, you can lead someone to life by pledging to donate your organs."
Other Indian cricketers to support the initiative were batters Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul.
"One donor can save up to eight lives. Pledge today and hit a six for humanity," Iyer said.
Rahul added, "Play the ultimate winning shot. Your decision to donate your organs can be the match winning moment in someone's life. Be a hero off the field too."
A heartfelt thank you to cricket fans across India and to @BCCI’s captain @ImRo45 and @ECB_cricket skipper @josbuttler for coming together to amplify the message of "Donate Organs, Save Lives."
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) February 12, 2025
Proud to share that we've crossed 22,482 pledges—a testament to the power of sport in… pic.twitter.com/V1uFITLHlC