Following a comprehensive two-month investigation into complaints surrounding a play titled “Raahovan” staged during the Performing Arts Festival at IIT Bombay, the institution’s administration has taken disciplinary action against the participating students. The controversial play, purportedly an adaptation of the Ramayana, was performed on March 31 as part of the renowned engineering institute’s cultural event.
According to a notice issued by the IIT Bombay registrar nearly two weeks ago, disciplinary measures were decided upon after a meeting of the Disciplinary Action Committee on May 8, 2024. The notice specifically addressed an undergraduate engineering student directly involved in organising and executing the play.
“The Disciplinary Action Committee meeting was held on 08/05/2024 to look into the complaint regarding the play ‘Raahovan’ performed during Performing Arts Festival (PAF) on 31/03/2024. Mr. [student’s Name] Roll number [Roll Number] was involved directly in executing the play,” the notice stated.
The penalty imposed on the student includes a fine of Rs 1.2 lakh, payable by July 30. Additionally, the student has been barred from receiving any honours at the institute’s Gymkhana Awards, which recognise achievements in academics, athletics, and culture. The notification was sent not only to the student but also addressed to the Dean and Head of the Mathematics Department, along with the student’s parents.
Expressing concerns over the institution’s transparency in handling the matter, a PhD student who was one of the complainants remarked to Swarajya, “Complainants like me made rounds of the registrar’s office several times but were provided no information. Then finally, the registrar’s office shared just this one notice as the concerned student is graduating next month.”
It was also disclosed by the registrar’s office to the complainants that the penalty for graduating students is higher compared to those continuing their studies at IIT Bombay. Notably, the students involved in the play have not been required to issue an apology, which has further fueled dissatisfaction among the complainants regarding the actions taken.
Earlier Organiser highlighted that during the Performing Arts Festival, a group of students at IIT Bombay allegedly denigrated Bhagwan Rama and Maa Sita under the guise of freedom of expression. The play “Raahovan” staged at the Open Air Theatre reportedly depicted scenes from the Ramayana in a derogatory manner, including vulgar dialogues and disrespectful actions towards Hindu deities.
The play portrayed Bhagwan Ram as a ‘devil,’ depicted engaging in physical abuse towards Mata Sita. Scenes featured inappropriate language and gestures, with derogatory insinuations aimed at Hindu beliefs and faith. In one particularly controversial scene captured in a viral video, Bhagwan Ram is seen demeaning Mata Sita, accusing her of willingly leaving their abode to be with Ravan, a demon king. The dialogues exchanged between the characters further perpetuate disrespect towards the revered figures of Hindu mythology.
“You went to another tribe and lived with another man, that is why this kingdom will not accept you back,” the character playing Bhagwan Ram could be seen saying to a girl depicting Mata Sita.
On this Sita says, “Second man, I was a prisoner there?” On this ‘Ram’ alleges that ‘Sita’ crossed the limits of the clan and violated the line (Lakshman Rekha) to go with Ravan. ‘Ram’ is made to say, “You will not say anything, you will only listen to me.” Then ‘Sita’ says, “You had set out to become a man, you forgot to become a human being.” On this ‘Ram’ says, “Now will a woman explain to me what it means to be a man?” In one scene ‘Sita’ says, “It’s a different world out there. And it was good that Aghora (Ravan) took me there.”
The girl portraying Mata Sita further says, “The women there get a good reputation. He told me that he would not touch me without my permission. In him I saw such a man which I had not seen in this tribe. You guys were celebrating and not killing the demon. You have not killed the real demon to date.”
The circulation of the video on April 7 triggered widespread condemnation from various quarters, with many expressing outrage over the blatant disrespect shown towards Hindu deities.
The incident has raised significant debates around artistic freedom, religious sensitivities, and disciplinary measures within educational institutions in India. As reactions continue to unfold, the IIT Bombay administration’s decision to penalise the students has underscored the complexities of balancing creativity and respect for religious sentiments on campus.
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