The Sahitya Akademi’s decision to invite Devdutt Pattanaik to speak at its upcoming seminar on “Indian Mythology: Memory, Retellings, and Translations” has sparked widespread outrage. Pattanaik, often described as a self-proclaimed “mythologist,” has been embroiled in numerous controversies for his questionable interpretations of Hindu scriptures, his abusive behavior on social media, and his repeated anti-Hindu remarks. Such a selection raises serious concerns about the credibility and inclusivity of a government-funded institution like the Sahitya Akademi.
Sick and tired of a govt funded body like @sahityaakademi and @MinOfCultureGoI @gssjodhpur inviting Hindu hating jokers like Namita Gokhale and Devdutt Pattanaik for their events even after TEN whole years of @narendramodi govt being in power! How long do we have to hear ‘change… pic.twitter.com/Cx4b3CJI4X
— Shefali Vaidya. 🇮🇳 (@ShefVaidya) November 15, 2024
However, after intervention from Hindu activists like columnist Shefali Vaidya, the seminar has been dropped.
Happy to inform everyone that @MinOfCultureGoI intervened and minister @gssjodhpur ji ensured that @sahityaakademi scraps this joke of a seminar that had abusive casteist psycho @devduttmyth as a keynote speaker. A huge thanks to Shekhawat ji for taking prompt action on this… https://t.co/2roQbikjJO
— Shefali Vaidya. 🇮🇳 (@ShefVaidya) November 15, 2024
Let’s take a quick look at Devdutt Pattanaik’s dubious history:
Misrepresentation Of Scriptures
Pattanaik is known for distorting Hindu scriptures. He has consistently drawn criticism for his flawed and provocative interpretations of Hindu scriptures. His translations often contain fundamental errors, distorting key Sanskrit terms. He injects sexual connotations into sacred texts, much to the dismay of scholars and practitioners of Sanatan Dharma.
His admiration for Wendy Doniger, another controversial figure in the domain of Indian history and culture, aligns with his tendency to sensationalize and misrepresent traditional Hindu texts.
Abusive Conduct on Social Media
Pattanaik has a long record of using crass language and personal attacks against critics. He has resorted to misogynistic and abusive comments, once admitting to using rape as a tool of revenge in a widely condemned post issued in 2022. His behavior includes hurling insults at people’s families, including abusive references to their mothers.
What kind of message is @IndiaSports sending to women by including Devdutt Pattnaik as a speaker in its ‘National Youth Festival’ event? Abuse women and be hailed as an inspiration for youth? @ianuragthakur pic.twitter.com/7VEt5NL00a
— Swati Goel Sharma (@swati_gs) January 12, 2022
Anti-Hindu Rhetoric
In July 2020, Pattanaik endorsed Nepal’s then-PM’s claim that Bhagwan Ram originated from Nepal and insulted India by calling it a “land of monkeys,” mocking Bhagwan Hanuman.
He has repeatedly targeted Brahmins, fueling divisive narratives and refusing to engage with constructive criticism. He falsely claimed Dalits are barred from entering the Puri Jagannath Temple, a statement that stoked communal tensions and was widely debunked.
Here are a few Hinduphobic posts he made.
Misinformation Campaigns
Pattanaik has spread falsehoods about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), claiming that the Modi government was terrorizing Muslim women by asking for kagaz (documents). His assertions were proven baseless and were labeled as fear-mongering propaganda.
He has linked the origin of the word “India” to casteism, Brahminism, and intolerance, presenting an oversimplified and distorted narrative.
A Pattern of Provocation
Devdutt Pattanaik’s controversial remarks are not isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern of provocative behavior aimed at discrediting Hinduism and its adherents. For instance:
- He claimed the idea of singularity in Indian culture was “Middle Eastern” while misrepresenting Indian pluralism.
- He made bizarre connections between the Rigveda and Indumati, Lord Ram’s grandmother, in a way that conflates mythology and history without scholarly rigor.
- His admiration for contentious ideologues like Wendy Doniger further cements his anti-Hindu inclinations.
Inviting Devdutt Pattanaik to a Sahitya Akademi seminar legitimizes his controversial views and abusive behavior, alienating those committed to preserving India’s cultural and religious authenticity. This decision undermines Akademi’s credibility as a guardian of Indian literature, disregards public sentiment, and overlooks genuine scholars who approach Indian mythology with respect and rigor. Government-funded platforms must prioritize figures who foster inclusive and authentic discourse, rather than divisive individuals with questionable ethics. Institutions like Sahitya Akademi and the Ministry of Culture must be held accountable to ensure their events reflect India’s rich heritage and uphold their responsibility to public trust.
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