Hari Padman, who has been arrested by the Chennai police on allegations of sexual harassment has reportedly given his statement to the police denying the allegations.
A report by Dinamalar citing police sources noted Haripadman saying that teaching Bharatanatyam cannot be taught like physics or chemistry and that it becomes inevitable to make physical contact while teaching the art.
“In Bharatanatyam, one has to move the whole body and emote. While teaching Bharatanatyam, the students should be taught how to move the hips, back and so on. If they are not in the correct position, it can be taught only by contact. If some students or others view this wrongly, then nothing can be done. While teaching, both the student and the teacher should focus on the art only. There can be no mental confusion regarding this. There shouldn’t be. If there is a mistake in the mudras shown by the fingers, it can be corrected only by touch. They say that this is wrong now and the students have filed a complaint against me.”, Hari Padman was quoted saying.
He also said that during his 20 years of many female students have studied under and none of them complained.
“They are today teaching Bharatanatyam in different countries. Not even one of them raised complaints against me. They say that calling a student home is a crime. It is true that students have come to my home and I’ve taught them Bharatanatyam. Students come for training before they go for programmes out of town or during vacations. When they have asked for permission to come home, I have given them. Whenever students come home, my wife and children are also present. If something wrong is being done, would they tolerate it? Many of the students know my family well. Even today, they are friends with my wife and children. If I am indeed a pervert, can I do this in front of my family? After all these allegations, would my family be compassionate and help me if I’m guilty?”, Hari Padman had said.
About complaints of him messaging students, he said that he would be willing to take the punishment if they show even one message with wrong intentions.
“If I say certain things, I would be called arrogant. I am definitely proud of my expertise in the art. In general, only women are considered good at Bharatanatyam. However, many professors are jealous and resentful that despite being a man I am exceptional at this art.”, he had said.
He further added “Among professors in Kalakshetra, there is not only competition with respect to work but also for power. Some are ready to do anything to become the Director. I am of the opinion that this power play has resulted in these complaints. Many students have been manipulated into giving this complaint. There are many forces who are conspiring to shut down this college. In general, I consider that there is a large scale attempt to smear Kalakshetra. I have been used as a tool in this attempt.”, he said.
He added that the truth will be revealed if there is a fair investigation.
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