New Delhi, Jan 26: The authorities in at least three districts of Rajasthan and Gujarat have ordered schools to not play Ghoomer song from the controversial movie Padmaavat during Republic Day 2018 celebrations. One of the circulars, sent out by the district primary education officers of Mahisagar and Bhavnagar, mention “social and cultural controversy surrounding the film Padmaavat in the state”, while the other mentions the warning from Karni Sena which states an “apriya ghatna” or an undesirable incident if the Ghoomar song is played or included in a dance performance.
“The memorandum, a copy of which is attached, has requested that ‘Padmavati’ song Ghoomar should not be played, or danced on, in any of the government and non-governmental schools, colleges and other institutions of Udaipur district on January 26,” the circular states. It also mentioned that the movie was renamed Padmaavat after protests. (Also Read: Karni Sena Blames Sanjay Leela Bhansali For Attack on School Bus in Gurugram)
“This is to inform you that in the present time, there is a social and cultural controversy surrounding the film Padmaavat in the state. Therefore, in case of any cultural programme or celebrations organised in your school, please make sure that songs of this film are not played. If the songs of this film have been included in any upcoming cultural events, you are hereby directed to suspend such performances. Please make sure that no untoward incident should take place (in the school) due to the use of songs from this film,” states a circular sent by the Mahisagar district education officer.
On the circular issued in Mahisagar district schools, district collector M D Modiya said that the government has not sent any such orders to the schools that prohibits Ghoomar song from the movie Padmaavat. Gujarat education minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama also denied having issued any such orders in the schools. (Also Read: Padmaavat Row: Suraj Pal Amu Taken Into Preventive Custody; Karni Sena Continues Protest)
“No such directions or orders have been issued by the government to ban songs of Padmaavat in schools or colleges or any other event outside institutions. If officials have issued such orders, keeping in mind peace and safety of all, it is their own decision, using their own intelligence and discretion,” he was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.