Govt art and craft college indulges in iconoclastic representation of Goddess Saraswati
Agartala, Tripura, India 
14 February, 2024
Case Summary
The idol of Hindu Goddess Saraswati was depicted in a vulgar way in a Govt college in Tripura. Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged a protest at the Tripura Government College of Art and Crafts on February 15, 2024, over purported vulgarity in an idol of Goddess Saraswati being worshipped at the college premises. Members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-affiliated student body ABVP protested against the idol of Goddess Saraswati placed in the government institute at Lichubagan, claiming that it was “vulgar” and contrary to the spirit of Indian culture and religious sentiments, compelled the institute authorities to drape the idol with a saree. Dibakar Acharjee, Joint Secretary of the ABVP unit of the state, said that the organisation strongly opposed any such initiative by educational institutions, hurting religious sentiment.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case has been added to the hate tracker under the prime category of 'Attack on Hindu religious symbols'. Under this, the sub-category chosen is- Iconoclastic representation of Hindu Gods/Goddesses- An icon is a symbol of someone or something that is revered, or a religious representation of a spiritual ideal. Iconography is of vital significance in the Hindu milieu. It helps connect people’s spiritual beliefs with the real world. Iconography within the Hindu faith takes several shapes and forms. Murtis are of most significance to Hindus, to which daily rituals, prayers and offerings are done. Besides the murtis, there are several other symbols which have deep significance in the Hindu faith – the Om and Swastika for example. Any iconoclastic representation of these symbols, images and murtis is an affront to the religious beliefs and faith of the Hindu community itself since the symbols and icons are deeply religious in nature. In this sub-category of crime, we would record hate crimes and iconoclastic representations, in words, art, or any other form of representations of symbols that hold religious significance for the Hindu community. Since these symbols, icons and murtis are central to the Hindu faith, any iconoclastic representation of these symbols is born out of animosity towards the faith itself, manifesting itself through these symbols and therefore, these representations would be considered religiously motivated hated crimes. The depiction of the Hindu Goddess Saraswati in a vulgar manner at the Tripura Government College of Art and Crafts exemplifies a clear case of mocking the Hindu faith, rooted in religious animosity. Goddess Saraswati, revered as the deity of knowledge, wisdom, and learning, holds a sacred place in Hinduism, and any disrespectful portrayal of her is deeply offensive to devotees. Such iconoclastic representations, especially in a public institution, suggest a deliberate attempt to ridicule or demean a sacred symbol of Hinduism, showing a lack of sensitivity toward religious sentiments. Hinduism holds its deities in deep reverence, considering them sacrosanct. Depicting Hindu idols in an inappropriate or disrespectful manner, as seen in this case where the deity was portrayed vulgarly, is viewed as sacrilegious. Such actions are often driven by deep-seated animosity and deliberate intent to insult Hinduism. This offence against religious sentiments qualifies as a clear example of hate, warranting its inclusion in the hate tracker.
Case Status
Unknown
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Others
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