‘Vulgar’, Saraswati idol without sari in college sparks row, ABVP protests, covers idol with plastic sheet

AGARTALA: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Bajrang Dal activists protested against misrepresentation of Goddess Saraswati. The protests were in connection with the Saraswati pooja held at a government college in Tripura. A video on social media depicted Saraswati idol without a traditional saree.

ABVP activists protested that the idol was not dressed in a sari, a traditional Indian dress, as vulgar. The protest was led by Dibakar Acharjee, general secretary of ABVP unit in Tripura. Bajrang Dal activists came forward supporting them.

Today is Basant Panchami and Goddess Saraswati is worshiped all over the country. Acharjee said that the idol of Goddess Saraswati was displayed in a vulgar manner in the Government Art and Craft College.

The protesters compelled the institute to drape the idol with a sari. ABVP demanded Chief Minister Manik Saha to intervene in the matter and take action against the college authorities.

The explanation given by the college authorities is that they had no intention to offend religious sentiments and that the idol adhered to traditional sculpture forms observed in Hindu temples. After it stoked a controversy, the idol was covered with plastic sheets. Meantime, the police informed that no one has lodged a complaint.