THRISSUR: With the aim to counter the criticism faced by the BJP over the atrocities against dalits across the country and to inculcate the value of puranas among the public, a cultural organization associated with the party in Thrissur, ‘Samarpana’, is organising a ‘Ramayana Fest’ named ‘Ma nishada 2016’ in Thrissur Regional Theatre on Tuesday. Though the festival is considered as a cultural and spiritual event, it is learnt from sources close to the party that the event, the first of its kind in Thrissur, is being held to convey to the public that the Hindutva ideology has people belonging to all castes in its fold.
If the programme turns out to be a success, such events will be organized across the state, they added. “The aim of the programme is to convey to the old and new generation the importance of Ramayana in terms of social life and justice and well known figures from all religions will also be taking part in the event,” A P Bharathkumar, associated with Samarpana said.
BJP state secretary B Gopalakrishnan, who is the General Convener of the programme, told DC in view of the 100th anniversary celebrations ‘Misra Bhojanam’, (inter-caste dining of the people from all castes) organized by Sahodaran Ayyappan, tribal leader C K Janu and Akkeeramon Kalidasa Bhattathiripad will be taking part in the fest. “In light of religious conversions and ISIS recruitment cases in the state, several Hindu organisations have informed us that the lack of proper knowledge of the Hindu religion and belief are the reason for conversions occurring among the youth. The fest intends to induce proper knowledge about the religion,” he added.
