Shankaracharya Questions Caste-Based Abhorrence Against Storytellers in Etawah; Asks Why Refusal to Listen to the Katha if Purified?
UP News: The incident of caste-based misconduct against storytellers Mukutmani and his associate Sant Kumar in Etawah has taken a new turn. Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand has issued a sharp statement on this issue for the second consecutive day. He stated that if water or urine was sprinkled on the storytellers to "purify" them, then why was there a refusal to listen to their katha? This question targets not just the incident, but also the underlying mindset. He questioned if nothing changed due to the sprinkling, then why was it done in the first place?
Questions Raised on FIR
Swami Avimukteshwaranand also questioned the police action. He said that an FIR should have been filed against the two storytellers who were attacked by the villagers. Arrests should have been made immediately after the incident, but they were let go. The case was registered only after the entire village protested and exerted pressure. He also questioned how two identity cards emerged when there was doubt regarding the identity of the storytellers.
Calling 'Pandit' a Deception
The Shankaracharya said that the storytellers added the word 'Pandit' to their names, which led people to believe they were Brahmins. However, due to incorrect pronunciation, suspicion arose, and the truth came out during questioning. This was a kind of deception. He said that the villagers' mistake was that they resorted to violence, which should not have happened. But those who deceived are also not excusable.
Also Targeted Those Playing Politics
The Shankaracharya also targeted the leaders who were trying to give a political color to this incident. He said that attempting to gain political advantage by promoting class conflict is wrong. He said that using this incident as a pretext to create tension and stone-pelting between the Yadav Mahasabha and the police forces is a way of creating divisions in society. Such people should also be arrested.
Can Anyone Become a Storyteller?
In response to this question, Swami Avimukteshwaranand gave a balanced view. He said that those who say that the work of a storyteller is associated with a particular caste in our scriptures and traditions are also not wrong. On the other hand, if someone believes in a different idea, that also has its validity. He said that those who are leading the society should try to establish harmony between the views of both sides.
Respect After Being Beaten, What Kind of Message Is This?
Speaking on the Etawah incident, the Shankaracharya said that it has been observed for the first time that a person is coming after being beaten and is being welcomed publicly by offering a shawl. Generally, sympathy is expressed for the victim, and assurance is given for justice. But here, they are being felicitated, which is unnatural.
