Demand for temple control, Dahod 6 year old’s murder, and Hema panel report
Oct 1, 2024
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Deeptiman Tiwary, a journalist, delves into the rising calls to end government control over Hindu temples, examining its historical roots and the ongoing debates surrounding religious freedom. Aditi Raja reveals the tragic case of a six-year-old girl murdered in Dahod, which has shattered community trust in educators. The discussion also touches on the Justice Hema Committee report, highlighting alarming issues of harassment faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, sparking urgent conversations about accountability.
The rising demand to end government control over Hindu temples highlights long-standing controversies and complexities in contemporary Indian society.
The tragic murder of a 6-year-old in Dahod has profoundly impacted community trust in educators, prompting parents to reconsider school attendance.
Deep dives
Demand to End Government Control of Hindu Temples
There is a growing demand among right-wing groups to end government control over Hindu temples, stemming from controversies such as the one involving the Tirupati temple. Currently, many important temples are managed by boards and trusts that include government representatives, which raises concerns about the administrative control exerted by the state. The government takes a portion of the temple offerings, typically used for secular purposes such as education and health, but critics argue that this is discriminatory against the Hindu community compared to the management of places of worship for other religions. This issue of control dates back to colonial times when the British enacted laws to manage temple affairs, and it continues to be a point of contention in contemporary Indian society.
Shocking Murder of a 7-Year-Old Girl in Gujarat
The tragic murder of a 6-year-old girl in Gujarat's Dahod district has devastated the local community and raised concerns over the trust in teachers. After being picked up by her principal under the assumption she would be taken to school, the family soon discovered that she had gone missing when other students returned home. Following a frantic search, her body was found in the school backyard, leading to revelations that the principal had allegedly attempted to assault her and subsequently smothered her to silence her. The incident has compelled parents to rethink sending their children to school alone, casting a shadow over the role of educators in the community.
Implications of the Hema Committee Report on the Malayalam Film Industry
The Justice Hema Committee report has reignited attention on the pervasive sexual harassment faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, leading to the first case being filed based on its findings. The report details alarming accounts of harassment and lack of basic facilities for women, indicating a culture where 'compromise' and 'adjustment' are norms that every woman must navigate. Additionally, the report highlights the existence of a powerful mafia within the industry, which perpetuates these issues by unofficially blacklisting those who speak out. This systemic abuse and the lack of accountability raise serious questions about the treatment of women and the need for comprehensive reforms in the film industry.
First, The Indian Express’ Deeptiman Tiwary discusses the rising demand to end government control over Hindu temples, exploring its origins, extent, and the reasons why the courts have been reluctant to address the issue.
Next, The Indian Express’ Aditi Raja reports on the murder of a seven-year-old girl in Gujarat's Dahod district, an incident that has shaken the local community and caused them to lose trust in the word “teacher” (12:20).
And finally, we take a quick look at the first case registered based on the Justice Hema Committee report, which was released last month and outlined the problems faced by women in the industry (23:05).