How thin is the line between freedom of expression and censorship? While we ponder over that listening to all kinds of arguments, the administration of Loyola College, Chennai, was forced to remove a few paintings displayed at its cultural event, after Twitterati and the right wing accused them of being 'Anti-Hindu'.
"We are deeply pained, saddened and equally anguished that the venue to conduct a cultural event, Veethi Virudhu Vizha has been misused, our illustrious and pluralistic campus was used for derogative exhibits against a particular religious group, social institution, political party and the country’s leadership. We would like to reiterate that we immediately removed the exhibits the moment it was brought to our notice," read the press release issued on behalf of Dr Kaleeswaran, Coordinator, Art and Literary Unit, Loyola College.
The paintings were displayed at Veethi Virudhu Vizha, a two-day-long cultural event at Loyola, that began on Sunday. While a painting has Modi disguised as Hanuman, carrying a Mountain in one hand and a gada with the US flag on the other, another one shows Lotus (BJP's symbol) petals transforming as rats, with Rafale Deal written next to it. Other artworks mocked the ruling party for the dipping value of Indian Rupee against the dollar and the RSS for allegedly murdering Gauri Lankesh. Another painting of a woman that had replaced the vagina with a trident.
"I request all patriotic Hindus to file a petition to file a petition to take action against Loyola Christian College," H Raja, BJP National Secretary tweeted. A few Twitter users have responded to the artwork by superimposing Anti-Christian images on the paintings.
