Denigration of Lord Ganesh in ‘Dainik Sakaal’: justification by representatives

Pune:In the issue of ‘Dainik Sakaal’ dated 8th September published from Pune, a news has been published on first page under the heading ‘Pollution in Hussain Sagar Lake of Hyderabad’. In this news, a cartoon of Lord Ganesh has been shown. In this picture, a big idol of Lord Ganesh is being immersed in Hussain Sagar Lake. Lord Ganesh has been shown as very frightened with His hands up. A staunch Hindu called up the office of the Daily and asked for explanation for denigrating the deity and hurting his feelings. He told the representative of the ‘Dainik’ that he was a regular reader of the ‘Dainik’.

The picture of Lord Ganesh published in that day’s paper was denigration of the deity and hurting feelings of Hindus. The representative told the reader that he should see the topic of the cartoon. There was no ridicule of Lord Ganesh as the topic of the cartoon was pollution. The reader argued that pollution is a separate topic; but it was not right to show Lord Ganesh in such frightened state. He further said that Lord Ganesh is the deity revered by all of us. We worship Him everyday. Still how can one print such things about Him? The representative said that it could be the personal opinion of that reader.

Although he did not think there was anything wrong with the picture. When the reader said that it meant that the representative was supporting the mockery, the representative accepted it. Finally the reader registered his protest and told the representative that he was going to stop subscribing to that paper.

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