Welcomes "the film which takes a swipe at superstitious beliefs and false idol worship practiced in the name of religion
New Delhi: Arya Samaj leader Swami Agnivesh Tuesday advocated tax exemption for Aamir Khan-starrer "PK" in view of the movie's "new message" that would encourage scientific temperament among students across India.
Agnivesh welcomed "the film which takes a swipe at superstitious beliefs and false idol worship practiced by some people in the name of religion, said a statement released by his organisation Bandhua Mukti Morcha.
As the film's storyline questions exploitation of devotees and followers in the name of religion, Agnivesh urged people to "ignore the hue and cry made by some of the so-called religious leaders like Swami Ramdev and other religious outfits like Vishva Hindu Parishad or Jamaat-e-Islami Hind".
"It is natural that such religious leaders and institutions are bound to get threatened for their survival as the movie hits out at the blind faith," he said, in the statement.
He congratulated Central Board of Film Certification chairperson Leela Samson for rejecting a review of the screening certificate to the film despite pressure from religious fundamentalists.
"PK" has raked in Rs.246.32 crore and is going strong at the box office, but some of the film's contents have not gone down well with Hindutva elements and the filmmaker is saddened by it.
Protests have been staged in various places like the capital, Bhopal, Agra and Ahmedabad by the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists.
And Rajkumar Hirani, director of the film, is concerned.
"I'm deeply saddened and concerned about the protests by some groups against our film 'PK'. On behalf of the entire team of 'PK', I would like to clarify that we respect all religions and faiths," Hirani, who has directed films like "Lage Raho Munna Bhai" and "Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.", said in a statement.
"Our film is inspired by the ideas of Sant Kabir and Mahatma Gandhi. It is a film which brings to fore the thought that all humans who inhabit this planet are the same. There are no differences. In fact, I have the highest respect for the concept of 'Advait' - the oneness of all humans - that is central to Indian culture, thought, and religion," Hirani said.
"It saddens me to think that a film that upholds this great Hindu principle is accused of being disrespectful of Hinduism. I would like to thank the millions of deeply religious people who have loved the film and expressed their feeling that the film, in fact, upholds the spirit of true religiosity and condemns only the abuse of it," he added.
The director, who also questioned the education system of India in Aamir Khan-starrer "3 Idiots", says the intention of the team of "PK" was not to hurt anyone's feelings.
"I appeal to the groups protesting against our film to see the film in totality and not just isolated scenes. Our intention is not to hurt anyone, or to discriminate against any religion. I would once again like to assure them that I have the highest regard towards all religions, and that we respect all religions and faiths," he said.
"I believe in the great Hindu idea - 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' - the whole world is a family. Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and indeed all religions, teach us brotherhood and love. The intent of the film is to uphold this great thought," he added.
Comments
| Quick linksNews
National
International
Regional
Politics
Education & Career
Business
Science & Technology
Health
Views & Analysis
The Funny Side
© 2012 Awaz Multimedia & Publications. All rights reserved.
Saiyid Hamid, former Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard and former Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), and one of the tallest figures of Muslims in India, has died. He was 94...... More
Also Read: Noted Muslim reformist, educationalist Saiyid Hamid dies
All efforts to locate the missing plane would continue in the coming days, Sutono, a senior official of the Indonesian Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), said on the sidelines of a teleconference with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. ..... More
Also Read: Missing AirAsia plane no mystery or atrocity: Australian Prime Minister
Arab and Muslim world needs to invest in creating world-class universities, scientific research institutions, think tanks and media
The Arab and Muslim world needs to invest in creating world-class universities, scientific research institutions, think tanks and media. Isn't it strange that today not a single university or college ..... More
The Hindu nationalist have constantly dinned into our consciousness that Muslims are separatists, terrorists and communal. There is a suspicion that any political party led and dominated by Muslims would ultimately lead to a second partition of the country.... More
President of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) and Hyderabad MP while participating in a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the issue of religious conversion urged the BJP government to stop those behind the 'ugly agenda' at the same time stating that the such programs would not scare the Muslims.. .... More
Also Read: Post 'conversion attempt', Agra Muslims are more staunch believers in Islam
Ever since the terror attack took place Dec 16 at a school in Peshawar where over 140 people, mostly children, were killed, hashtags like #PeshawarAttack and #IndiawithPakistan have been trending on Twitter, creating a bridge to connect citizens of the two neighbouring nations...... More
Also Read: Dilip Kumar grieves for hometown Peshawar