Creative freedom is a tradition, makes us more responsible and careful not to offend any religious beliefs: RSS

*Paromita Das

“Expression of Art should be like a lily flower related to the ground, takes the water from ground, buds flower in the open atmosphere and purify the whole world but is still related to ground”. – – Swami Vivekanand.

Due to the fact that both of these assertions made by individuals, if traced, have their roots in human natural rights, the debate over the limitations of presentation of art and expression and the public’s sentiments on religious matters also becomes complicated. A person is said to have these rights at birth because they apply to him regardless of his caste, creed, or social status simply because he is a human. These rights are generally intended to help him develop his natural abilities, including the freedom to practise and believe in any religion and the freedom to help him improve his artistic ability. Thus, it is frequently difficult to choose which sides to support in a dispute.

All Indian citizens are guaranteed the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 (1) of the Indian Constitution, subject only to the conditions outlined in Article 19 (2), which states that the state may limit the scope of this right on the grounds of security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency and morality, contempt of court, defamation, incitement to commit an offence, and integrity and sovereignty of the state.

The tradition of creative freedom makes us more cautious and responsible, and we should be conscious not to offend anyone’s religious beliefs.

As a rage broke out on a recent documentary “Kali” poster, directed by Leena Manimekalai. The Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) spoke out on Saturday, July 9, 2022, in response to the controversy involving the documentary film poster that depicts Goddess Kali smoking a cigarette. The RSS stressed that no one should offend someone’s religious sensibilities while speaking to the media at the three-day Akhil Bharatiya Prant Pracharaks meet, which is currently taking place in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.

Sunil Ambekar, the RSS’s Akhil Bhartiya Prachar Pramukh, was quoted as saying in an India Today report that “creative freedom has been a tradition in India. However, it is forbidden to insult someone’s religious beliefs. Everyone needs to exercise caution in that area.

Additionally, the RSS demanded that Muslims denounce the beheading of a Hindu tailor named Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur. Hindus, according to the RSS, were horrified by the heinous crime. “Any amount of condemnation is less on the killing in Udaipur,” Sunil Ambekar stated during his media appearance. It is important for Muslim society to speak out against the killings in Udaipur.

Nupur Sharma and those who back her on social media have received numerous death threats from Indian Islamists. In response to this, Sunil Ambekar stated, “It has been going on for a few days that threats have been issued to people. If you disagree with someone, there are peaceful ways to express your disapproval. Nobody has the right to murder another person.
The controversy that started over the Kali poster, a documentary directed by Leena Manimekalai, has led RSS to make these comments. The poster features the Hindu goddess Kali smoking a cigarette and holding the pride flag for the LGBTQ+ community.

Leena Manimekalai, the director, was accused of hurting religious sentiments in numerous cases. When asked about the controversy surrounding this film’s poster, Mahua Moitra, an MP for the Trinamool Congress Party, insulted the Goddess Kali. This caused the controversy to escalate even further.

The fact that the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh will celebrate its centennial year in 2025 is noteworthy. The RSS is discussing its growth plans for the years leading up to its centennial in 2025 during its annual Prant Pracharak meeting. According to Sunil Ambekar, “RSS will have served for 100 years. In 2025, it will commemorate its 100th year. In preparation for “Shatabdi Varsh,” we have established goals for RSS growth.

Top members of the RSS, including Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS chief, Manmohan Vaidya, Arun Kumar, Dr. Krishan Gopal, and CR Mukund, were present for the three-day event.