Some Hindu groups behaving like Muslim fundamentalists: Akhtar

January 27, 2016

Kolkata, Jan 27: Claiming that some Hindu groups are now behaving like Muslim fundamentalists, eminent lyricist-scriptwriter Javed Akhtar has said barring such elements Indian society has always been tolerant.

Akhtar"In 1975 I showed a comedy scene in a temple. Today I won't. But even in 1975, I wouldn't have shown a scene in a mosque because that level of intolerance was there. Now the other one is matching it," Akhtar said last night at a literary meet here.

"Now they are joining the club....its a tragedy. Don't say Hindu. Thats a wrong representation. Some Hindu groups," he said at a panel discussion on intolerance.

However, giving the example of Aamir Khan starrer superhit Hindi film 'PK', he said it was the Hindus which made the film click at the box office.

"I really wonder in any Islamic country you would make the same kind of film by taking Muslim symbols will become superhit," Akhtar who has co-written scripts of many Bollywood blockbusters with Salim Khan including 'Sholay', 'Don', 'Seeta aur Geeta' and 'Deewar' said.

He said "we tend to take extreme sides in case of controversies.

"There are people who say intolerance has risen to a dangerous level in the society. I don't believe it. There are people who say there is no intolerance in the society. I don't believe them either. The fact lies somewhere in between. The fact is that Indian society is and was always tolerant. There are certain segments of society, they are always at war," he said.

Attack on the freedom of expression, however, according to him, is not a new trend in the country.

"There was always some kind of attack on freedom of expression. You can say something in an article and in a seminar, but you cannot say the same thing in a documentary and a feature film. It was always like that," Akhtar said.

Amidst the "Award wapasi" campaign by some writers, he has refused to return his Sahitya Akademi award.

"Because I know that this award was given to me by writers so why should I return it?," he said and noted that the jury consists of writers and not policemen or bureaucrats.

"I understand (the case of) Nayanatra Sahgal. She returned it not to get some publicity. Perhaps she felt that this is the way she can protest," he said.

Author Ruskin Bond, who has also not returned his Akademi award, said the literature body cannot stop people from being murdered.

Actress-turned-author Nandana Sen, daughter of economist Amartya Sen and writer Nabaneeta Dev Sen, said there had been concentrated attacks on free thinkers like MM Kalburgi, Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare in the last 12 months which was very disturbing.

When asked about vilification of those who have been expressing their views in public against intolerance, she said, "My father is not afraid of being unpopular and my mother too".

Comments

Yasir
 - 
Thursday, 28 Jan 2016

He is wondering if any Islamic country would make the PK kind of film that will be a super hit. but this duffer doesn't even know that Islam strictly prohibits any symbolic sculpture for worship. you would not have been a known lyricist if you were not fundamental in your field. You better shut your mouth & do your filmy job and not speak of religion or politics without proper knowledge.

rikaz
 - 
Wednesday, 27 Jan 2016

Dinesh, it is not christians who are converting, it is people who are from lower caste want to convert to christianity or islam, they have been deprived by their rights by the upper castes. I think they (so called lower castes) have got full right to change, in fact by doing so they get their due respect with dignity...if you abolish all so called upper and lower caste system in your system, nobody wants to go and take up some other religion.

You people treat those lower castes like a shit.....if they convert to islam or christianity they will be treated like their own and equals...that is the difference my friend....

when you write something think and right...straighten your facts...

Parinatha
 - 
Wednesday, 27 Jan 2016

Mr.Akthar,......first learn what is fundamentalism/........if you want to be perfect in any sector or field ...you must learn fundamentals of the same sector or field......so what your comparison is wrong itself

Sameer
 - 
Wednesday, 27 Jan 2016

Bulls eye. Very well said...

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News Network
March 29,2020

Mangaluru, Mar 29: Dakshina Kannada Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Limited in a statement announced that their milk collection centres across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts will be closed on March 29 and 30.

Due to a shortage of storage space with them, the Union has decided to stop collecting milk on these two days, according to the statement issued here on Saturday.

The sale/retail of milk and milk products won’t be affected in these two days.

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News Network
July 5,2020

Bengaluru, Jul 5: Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has asked officials to ensure that all necessary arrangements for COVID-19 patients must be carried out efficiently and transparently, Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar said.

"Karnataka is in a better position due to the efforts and hard work of ministers, doctors, officials and all staff. The cases have increased in Bengaluru and some other districts in last few days due to various reasons. We all have to work hard and contain the spread of virus," Dr Sudhakar told media on Saturday.

"Responsibilities related to policy formulation, preparation of guidelines, communication to media and management of war room have been assigned to me. Deputy Chief Minister Ashwath Narayan has been given the responsibility of managing COVID-19 care centres and Revenue Minister R Ashoka and Chief Minister's political secretary Vishvanath have been given the responsibility of managing private hospitals. The Chief Minister has instructed all of us to work in synergy," he said.

Dr Sudhakar said the matter of imposing lockdown in the state again was discussed in the task force meeting. "I and Deputy Chief Minister suggested that lockdown is not necessary at this stage. The Chief Minister will take a decision on this matter," he added.

Home Minister Basavar Bommai, Health Minister B Sriramulu, Revenue Minister R Ashoka and senior officials were present in the task force meeting.

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coastaldigest.com news network
January 6,2020

She is one of a few beauty queens who give equal importance to both modelling and academic growth. Within months after completing her MBA in Finance and HR, Shifali Saldanha won Miss India Continent 2019 first runner-up and Miss Glory of International 2019 held in Mumbai.

An alumna of St Aloysius College (AIMIT), this 23-year-old Mangalurean is now a much sought after budding model. “I am enjoying the moment and would like to go with the flow,” says the much-loved daughter of Stephen Saldanha and late Anupama Saldanha.

Over the course of past two years, Ms Saldanha has experienced various nerve-wracking moments. She was shattered when her beloved mother lost battle with cancer and bid adieu to the world a couple of years ago. Yet, she serenely braved all the challenges. Her ‘never give up’ attitude helped her to scale new heights amidst misfortunes and pains.

Speaking to coastaldigest.com about her success in Miss India Continent 2019, which was organised by Dr Mahesh Yadav of Aman Gandhi Film Productions, Ms Saldanha said 15 contestants from different parts of the country were shortlisted for the finale, which had five diverse rounds. 

“The meet and greet session was my favourite phase in the competition as it was an opportunity to interact with the participants from different parts of the country,” recalls the multi-talented, who dreams big. 

The leggy lass’ success wasn’t accidental one. A trained singer and multilingual anchor, Ms Saldanha was already a known figure in coastal Karnataka. She had won the titles Miss Karnataka International- Multimedia 2018, and Miss Beautiful Eyes Mangaluru 2018.

Being a moderate feminist, who carries a go-getter attitude, Ms Saldanha calls upon every woman to be optimistic, challenging and goal-focused.

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