‘Lokmat’ renders apology due to stance taken by Warkaris and ‘Hindutvavadis’

Issue related to derogatory matter published against Saint Tukaram

Sangli : On 17th December, a Marathi daily newspaper ‘Dainik Lokmat’ had published controversial matter using the same ‘abhang’ style of Saint Tukaram Maharaj regarding celebration of 31st December. After such objectionable matter was published with reference to Saint and Jagatguru Tukaram Maharaj, it spread a wave of anger amongst all devotees including Warkaris of Maharashtra and they started condemning it through Facebook, ‘WhatsApp’ groups etc. Many people made an appeal to boycott ‘Lokmat’; so also called up office of ‘Dainik Lokmat’ registering their protests. On 18th December’s issue, ‘Lokmat’ gave explanation, in writing, about the same and rendered public apology. Most of the angry responses were received from places like Alandi, Bhosari, Dehu, Chakan, Pandharpur etc where number of Warkaris is large. ‘Shrimant Seva Warkari Sanskrutik Pratishthan’, Sangliwadi in Sangli District has also protested against the same.

The apology published by ‘Lokmat’ is as follows – Matter published under the heading of ‘Jarashi Gammat Samaj-madhyamanchi’ in its Editorial column was not done with the intention of defaming Jagatguru Tukaram Maharaj or to belittle him; but we have been informed that this matter has hurt and enraged Warkari community and even other section of people and we are sorry for the same. – Editor, Dainik Lokmat (The matter published in ‘Dainik Lokmat’ is given below for information of readers and it is not the intention to hurt anyone’s sentiments ! – Editor, Dainik Sanatan Prabhat)    

Objectionable writing

‘Tuka Mhane Jeeva, lagali New Year chi aas; admin desa se party aisa hotase bhaas’. On this admin’s answer was – ‘Tuka Mhane aisa Lobh na karava, nota-bandi asalayakaranane apalaa bandobast apan ch karava’.

Note the discriminatory attitude of ‘Lokmat’ towards Hindus and Muslims !

“On 29th November, an article was published titled ‘ISIS cha Paisa’ in which Arabic words were used in formatting due to which sentiments of Muslim brethren were hurt. ‘Lokmat’ sincerely regrets about this serious mistake and renders apology. This mistake has been committed inadvertently and it never was and will not be our intention to hurt religious sentiments of anyone. ‘Lokmat’ has always believed in the policy of ‘Sarva-Dharma- Sama-Bhav’ and action has been taken against the responsible persons.” Such long explanation was printed in big bracket last year after hurting Muslims’ religious sentiments whereas for mistake committed related to Hindus, so short explanation has been given. (It is the outcome of lack of unity amongst Hindus ! – Editor, Dainik Sanatan Prabhat)

Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat