Adar Poonawalla, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Serum Institute of India (SII), has said that the Government of India must protect Covid vaccine makers against lawsuits claiming adverse effects or reactions to the vaccine shots. He said that the Government must protect vaccine makers from liability. Poonawalla made the comments on Friday during a virtual panel discussion at Carnegie India’s Global Technology Summit.
“We need to have the government indemnify manufacturers, especially vaccine manufacturers, against all lawsuits. In fact, COVAX and other countries have already started talking about that,” said Adar Poonawalla. “This is especially important only during a pandemic to indemnify vaccine manufacturers against lawsuits for severe adverse effects or any other frivolous claims which may come about because that adds to the fear (about vaccines),” he added.
“The government can act: the US, for example, has in fact invoked a law, to say that during a pandemic — and this is especially important only during a pandemic — to indemnify vaccine manufacturers against lawsuits for severe adverse effects or any other frivolous claims which may come about. Because, that adds to the fear and also will bankrupt vaccine manufacturers or distract them if they have to just all day just fight lawsuits and explain to the media what is happening,” he stated.
According to Poonawalla, when “frivolous” claims are blown out of proportion, it affects the confidence of the general public as well and not just ‘anti-vaxxers’. Poonawalla’s comments comes days after a volunteer had sued SII seeking Rs. 5 crore in compensation, claiming that Covidshield had caused adverse neurological effects. The CEO of SII, however, rejected these claims. He said that their reputation was being “unfairly maligned” and has sent the volunteer a legal notice of its own.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday said that next week it will hear the petition filed by senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor seeking contempt action against Republic TV Editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami for broadcasting a show in relation to the Sunanda Pushkar death probe.
Justice Mukta said the application moved by Shashi Tharoor to restrain Goswami from airing any show on the matter which would allegedly defame him, is slated to be heard on December 21. An advocate representing the journalist said an application has filed on his behalf seeking dismissal of the petition filed by the Congress leader.
Shashi Tharoor, through his advocates—Kapil Sibal, Vikas Pahwa and Gaurav Gupta—contended in the court that despite its restraining order which was issued on September 10, the journalist broadcasted a show on October 6 that was allegedly defamatory and objectionable.
The application filed by advocates on behalf of Tharoor stated that the show was in violation of the undertakings given to the court by Goswami that he will restraint from airing a show on the matter.
Delhi HC had asked Arnab Goswami to show restraint in shows pertaining to Sunanda Pushkar death probe
Earlier in September 2020, the court had questioned the journalist of running a parallel investigation and trial in the death of Shashi Tharoor’s wife, Sunanda Pushkar, and instructed him to be bound by his undertaking given in 2017 on showing restraint and bringing down the rhetoric while covering the matter.
Tharoor had filed a suit against Goswami and his channel seeking compensation and damages for making purportedly defamatory comments besmirching him during their reportage of Sunanda Pushkar’s death.
In the application, Tharoor has sought an interim injunction restraining Goswami from levelling defamatory allegations against him with respect to the ongoing trial.
Three years back, in December 2017, the High Court had said that Goswami and his channel had the right to air their stories and no curbs can be placed on them, but it has be tempered and balanced.
After Congress leader Jairam Ramesh issued an unconditional apology to him for falsely accusing him of money laundering, Vivek Doval said that he felt vindicated after the closure of defamation case he had filed against the Congress leader.
Vivek Doval, an investment banker and also the son of country’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, issued a statement after the conclusion of the criminal defamation he had filed against Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. On Saturday, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh issued an unconditional apology to Vivek Doval for falsely accusing him of money laundering based on an article published by a far-left propaganda website Caravan. Interestingly, Jairam Ramesh said that since it was general elections, he thought it would be a good time to make these insinuations against Vivek Doval.
Apology letter accessed by OpIndia
“Today I feel vindicated. Based on our legal actions, wise sense prevailed on Mr Ramesh and he has tendered an unconditional apology to the Court and to us for his actions. His admission that his assertions were in the context of impending elections makes the political motive obvious. He has accepted his mistake and I am grateful that in his letter he has promised to remove his statements from the official website of the Indian National Congress,” said Vivek Doval in his statement released after he accepting apologies from Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.
Doval, in his statement, said that the case was filed after Ramesh had made several unfounded and defamatory accusations against him and his family. These baseless statements were done to defame them for narrow political reasons and create a sense of suspicion against his legitimate professional activity, he added.
Decided to pursue case to expose acts of peddling lies and fake news: Vivek Doval
Vivek Doval also added that he decided to pursue the matter in the court of law and filed criminal defamation against the Congress leader to not only clear the name from the allegation but also show that such acts of peddling brazen lies and fake news in public life are exposed.
“We were committed to not only clear our name but also ensure that such acts of peddling brazen lies and fake news in public life are called out by law-abiding citizens,” Vivek Doval added in his statement that is accessed by OpIndia.
The full statement by Vivek Doval read:
“Shri Jairam Ramesh had conducted a Press Conference on January 17, 2019, where he had made several unfounded and defamatory accusations against me and my family. These baseless statements were done to defame us for narrow political reasons and create a sense of suspicion against my legitimate professional activity.
We decided to pursue the matter in the court of law and filed criminal defamation against Mr Jairam Ramesh. The matter is sub judice. We were committed to not only clear our name but also ensure that such acts of peddling brazen lies and fake news in public life are called out by law-abiding citizens.
Today I feel vindicated. Based on our legal actions, wise sense prevailed on Mr Ramesh and he has tendered an unconditional apology to the Court and to us for his actions. His admission that his assertions were in the context of impending elections makes the political motive obvious. He has accepted his mistake and I am grateful that in his letter he has promised to remove his statements from the official website of the Indian National Congress.
Given his stature in public life, we have accepted the apology and have decided not to legally pursue the matter further. We are confident that our moral victory today will send a signal that nobody however high and mighty can stand against the power of truth and righteousness. I once again as a proud Indian proclaim `Satyamev Jayate’.
I would like to thank, with all my heart, my excellent legal team of Mr DP Singh, Sonam Gupta and Divansh Arya. I remain eternally grateful to you Sir, you guided and believed in me when I felt helpless and vulnerable“.
Accepting the apology given Jairam Ramesh’s stature in public life
The letter also stated that Vivek Doval has decided to accept the apology tendered by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh due to the latter’s stature in public life. He confirmed accepting the apology and added that they have decided not to legally pursue the matter further. The apology came after Vivek Doval had filed a defamation case against Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and Caravan Magazine.
He continued, “We are confident that our moral victory today will send a signal that nobody however high and mighty can stand against the power of truth and righteousness. I once again as a proud Indian proclaim ‘Satyamev Jayate’.” He also thanked his legal team for guiding and believing in him.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh’s false allegations against Vivek Doval based on a hit job by Caravan, had invited defamation case
In January 2019, the far-left ‘news’ website Caravan Magazine had published an article targetting Ajit Doval’s son Vivek Doval. The article insinuated wrongdoing on the part of Vivek saying that he heads a hedge fund in Cayman islands even though his father, the NSA, talks about cracking down on tax havens.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had picked up the article to make up false allegations against Vivek Doval. Addressing a press conference, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had alleged money laundering through his company.
Following the hit job, Vivek Doval had moved Patiala House Court and filed a criminal defamation case against the author of the article Kushal Shroff, the Editor of Caravan Magazine and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh who did a press conference based on the Caravan article.
With the high voltage 2021 West Bengal Assembly polls nearing, the Election Commission (EC) is determined to conduct a free and fair election in the state. This is why the commission has already started taking stock of the poll preparedness in the politically volatile West Bengal.
A team of the poll panel led by deputy election commissioner Sudeep Jain is on a two-day observation tour in Kolkata. Jain is scheduled to meet senior IAS and IPS officers including the district magistrates, superintendents of police and police commissioners in various districts of south and north Bengal to gauge the current situation on the ground in the state. Moreover, Jain also met Chief Secretary Alapan Bandopadhyay to seek cooperation from the state government.
Prepared to declare all booths in West Bengal ‘sensitive’: Deputy Election Commissioner
Jain has said that the Election Commission is determined to conduct the 2021 Assembly polls in West Bengal in a free and fair manner and is prepared to declare all booths in the state ‘sensitive’ if the law and order situation so warrant.
A senior EC official also stated that the Commission has asked all the DMs and SPs to send daily report to the EC and identify the trouble makers from now onwards so that arrangements could be made to put all of them behind bars once election notification is issued. He also confirmed that the election body is keeping a close watch on the law and order situation in the state and is willing to take all possible steps so that voters can exercise their franchise.
Jain who is in the state for the next two-days is also likely to coordinate with health officials to find out about the Covid-19 safety measures that need to be put in place during the poll process.
Home Minister Amit Shah is also in West Bengal on December 19 and 20 to check the party’s preparedness before the 2021 polls. According to state BJP sources, the Union home minister’s visit is of immense political significance with Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar criticising the “worsening” law and order situation in the state. Several TMC leaders are expected to join BJP in Amit Shah’s presence, including former minister Suvendu Adhikari who left TMC recently.
West Bengal BJP writes to EC
According to reports, recently, a delegation of West Bengal BJP leaders led by Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta wrote to Election Commission to conduct impartial polls and requested an early deployment of Central Police Forces (CPF) in the state. This came in the aftermath of the mob attack on the convoy of BJP chief JP Nadda when he was on his way to attend a party programme at Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency on December 10.
Mob attack on JP Nadda’s convoy
Videos had surfaced where protestors carrying Trinamool Congress flags are seen throwing stones and bricks at JP Nadda and Kailash Vijayvargiya’s car, while the state police stood like mute spectators.
The attack on the BJP chief in full public view had drawn widespread criticism for the WB ruling dispensation. Hours after the attack, the State BJP chief Dilip Ghosh issued a stern warning to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party. Guv Jagdeep Dhankar had also written to the Union Home Ministry raising serious concerns on the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. The Union Home Secretary has written, not once but twice, to the Bengal government asking the state’s Chief Secretary and police chief to meet MHA but Mamata Banerjee has continued to stay defiant.
TMC mass exodus
Amidst all this, the mass exodus which TMC has faced in the last few days, is definitely a cause of concern for the party chief Mamata Banerjee, especially when she is eyeing at her third consecutive term. Trinamool Congress (TMC) stalwart and once Mamata’s close aide, Suvendu Adhikari’s resignation has had a domino effect in the party as 5 more leaders ditched Mamata Banerjee. The political sphere is rife with rumours that the exodus of these TMC senior leaders are ascribed to Mamata Banerjee’s affinity towards election strategist Prashant Kishore and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee.
However, according to recent reports, TMC MLA Jitendra Tiwari has returned to the party within 24 hours of resignation.
On Friday, popular South Indian actor Dhanush took to social media to announce that he has joined the cast of upcoming Hollywood movie ‘The Gray Man’. Sharing the good news with his fans, Dhanush expressed his excitement on working in the film and thanked his fans for the love and support. The Netflix movie for which Dhanush thanked his fans is directed by Russo Brothers, also stars Chris Evans, Ryan Gosling and Wagner Moura in lead roles.
The actor also posted a tweet, saying, “Elated to announce that I will be joining the team of Netflix’s ‘The Gray Man’ starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, directed by The Russo Brothers (‘Avengers’, ‘Captain America: Winter Soldier’). Looking forward to being a part of this wonderful action packed experience. My sincere thanks to my dearest fans from all over the world for all the love and support you have been showing me throughout these years. Love you all. Spread Love. OM NAMASHIVAYA.”
Interestingly, the actor ended his tweet by greeting Lord Shiva, saying ‘Om Nama Shivaya’.
However, the ‘liberal-secular’ media establishment in the country, perhaps did not like Dhanush openly expressing his religious sentiment on Twitter as he announced his new project. The media establishment, indulging in its usual act of chicanery, displayed its Hinduphobia by dropping ‘Om Nama Shivaya’ while reporting Dhanush’s statement.
In their effort to ‘secularise’ remarks made by Dhanush, the ‘liberal-secular’ media ecosystem displayed their Hinduphobic sentiments by axing words from Dhanush’s tweets to limit the influence of actor’s unapologetic and open display of his religion.
Here are the snippets of media reports that edited out Dhanush’s expression of Hindu identity to ‘secularise’ their coverage.
The Indian Express, the epitome of ‘liberal-secular’ media establishment, deliberalely ignored to add ‘Om Nama Shivaya’ in its report even as they posted the original tweet put out by Dhanush.
Not just Indian Express, even ABP News, Deccan Herald, News18 resorted to ‘secularise’ Dhanush tweets by simply axing the religious slogan of ‘Om Nama Shivaya’
Deccan Herald indulged in a similar act. The report by DH was based on a PTI report and it left out ‘Om Namah Shivay’, which Dhanush had included in his statement announcing his new Hollywood Netflix movie.
Even News18 was not far behind in the race of pushing ‘Hinduphobic’ content.
Image Source: Swati Goel Sharma
The dishonesty of ‘liberal-secular’ in reporting facts is glaringly exposed in this incident. The media, which has a habit of absolving crimes committed by minority communities and giving them a ‘Hindu spin’, have now found a new way to tone down the open proclamation of one’s Hindu identity.
With India cricket team outclassing Australia in the 1st innings of the much-anticipated Day-Night Test match in Adelaide, it came as a rude shock to cricket fans when the Indian batting lineup crumbled down like a deck of cards on Saturday morning.
India had posted a decent total of 244 runs in the first innings and quickly ripped through the mighty Australian batting lineup. India, looked at a comfortable position by the end of the 2nd day, to dominate its arch-rival with a lead of 53 runs. But, in a bizarre turn of events, India struggled to make any impact and bundled up in just 21.2 overs with the lowest ever innings total of 36.
Scorecard of Indian cricket team (Photo Credits: Espn Cricinfo)
While Indian batting has improved drastically in overseas conditions, on Saturday, the team broke its earlier record, dating back to 1974, when it had scored a paltry 42 runs at Lords’ Cricket ground against England. With 6 runs short of its earlier lowest innings total, the performance of Indian cricket team has taken the fans by disbelief.
Lowest innings totals of Indian cricket team (Photo Credits: Espn Cricinfo)
What went wrong?
Indian 2nd innings was marred by the failure of the opening batsman, Prithvi Shaw. While night watchman Jasprit Bumrah and opener Mayank Agarwal managed to keep their wickets on the 2nd day, the scenario changed completely at the start of the 3rd day.
With the Australian pace bowlers taking the advantage of the morning session, coupled with a slight swing of the ball, the Indian batting lineup nicked to either the wicketkeeper or the slips. The likes of Pujara, Kohli, Rahane and Vihari were out for 0,4,0 and 8 runs respectively.
Scoreboard of Indian cricket team (Photo Credits: Espn Cricinfo)
The Australian bowling lineup quickly got rid of the lower-order batsman. With Mohammed Shami retired hurt following an injury, it meant that the Indian team were dismissed for the lowest ever total of 36. With a paltry total of 89 runs, India’s defeat in the first test match against Australia is thus inevitable.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday issued an unconditional apology to Vivek Doval, son of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval for falsely accusing him of money laundering based on an article published by a far-left propaganda website Caravan, that likes to count the caste of martyrs. The apology came after Vivek Doval had filed a defamation case against Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and Caravan Magazine.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh apologised to Vivek Doval after losing the criminal defamation case filed by the latter against the Congress leader. The Congress leader said that he had uttered defamatory statement against Doval in the ‘heat of the moment’ and regretted doing the same.
Vivek Doval, son of NSA Ajit Doval had filed a defamation case against Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and Caravan Magazine for their alleged defamatory statement and article against him.
Apologising to Vivek Doval, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, “I gave the statement against Vivek Doval and made several allegations in heat of the moment as it was the time of elections. I must verify it”.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, I gave the statement against Vivek Doval and made several allegations in heat of the moment as it was the time of elections. I must verify it.
The Congress leader issuing apology said, “I want to clarify that these statements or accusations were made drawing conclusions from an article that was published the previous day in The Caravan magazine. As the case progressed, I realised that perhaps the same independent verification may have been in order.”
He added, “However, the General Elections were close and the questions raised in the article seemed appropriate for being highlighted in making certain insinuations against you and your family.”
Jairam Ramesh also said he would also urge the INC to remove the press conference available on their website.
Following the apology by Jairam Ramesh, Vivek Doval said that he has accepted Congress leader’s apology, however, he added that the criminal defamation case against Caravan magazine will continue.
The apology came after a Delhi Court on Saturday closed the criminal defamation proceedings against Congress leader Jairam Ramesh after he tendered an apology to Vivek Doval in connection with his press conference over The Caravan’s article titled ‘The D Companies’.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh made false allegations against Vivek Doval based on a hit job by Caravan, had invited Defamation case
In January 2019, the far-left ‘news’ website Caravan Magazine had published an article targetting Ajit Doval’s son Vivek Doval. The article insinuated wrongdoing on the part of Vivek saying that he heads a hedge fund in Cayman islands even though his father, the NSA, talks about cracking down on tax havens.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had picked up the article to make up false allegations against Vivek Doval. Addressing a press conference, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had alleged money laundering through his company.
Following the hit job, Vivek Doval had moved Patiala House Court and filed a criminal defamation case against the author of the article Kushal Shroff, the Editor of Caravan Magazine and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh who did a press conference based on the Caravan article.
A war of words has ensued between BJP leader Kirit Somaiya and embattled Shiv Sena legislator Pratap Sarnaik after the former alleged irregularities in the housing projects undertaken by the Sena MLA’s Vihang Group. It is pertinent to note that Pratap Sarnaik is current under ED investigation and only a few days ago, Pakistani credit cards were found in his possession.
On Friday, Sarnaik sent a notice to Somaiya, asking him to prove the allegations levelled by him or publicly apologise to him in the next 15 days, failing which Sarnaik will file a Rs 100 crores defamation suit against the former MP. The notice further added the allegations made by Somaiya were ‘infantile’ and were made with the express purpose of reviving his political career.
Somaiya on Wednesday convened a press conference in which he accused Sarnaik of cheating middle-class home buyers, alleging that the building constructed in Thane by Sarnaik’s Vihang group does not have permissions to increase its floors from nine to 13 and that the Thane Municipal Corporation has given orders to demolish the structure. He also added that the construction at Thane’s Vihang Garden by Sarnaik’s Group is illegal.
“TMC Declared Both Buildings illegal. In 2012, Thane Municipal Corporation ordered the demolition of 9 to 13 floors. However, no action has been taken till now. OC is not received till date,” he added.
Sarnaik had then rubbished the allegations, accusing the BJP leader of dredging up old issues that were already resolved with the municipal corporation.
“Kirit Somaiya is trying to tarnish my reputation using a 10-year-old issue. Although the work of the OC has been delayed, the FSI has not been violated in the project. We had explained that we have constructed a civic school in exchange of the transferable development rights (TDR). The notice was then taken back,” said Sarnaik, adding Somaiya will have to either apologise or face a defamation suit.
On the other hand, unfazed by Sarnaik’s threat of slapping a Rs 100 crore defamation lawsuit, Somaiya said, “I will welcome Pratap Sarnaik’s notice of defamation.”
Two weeks back, Somaiya had asked why Sarnaik and family were running away from the ED investigation of Rs 175 Crore related to MMRDA and TOP Securities Fraud.
Pratap Sarnaik moves privilege motion against media outlets for reporting recovery of Pakistani credit card from his residence
Meanwhile, Sarnaik has also sent a letter to the state legislature secretariat seeking admission of his breach of privilege notice against print and electronic media outlets for defaming him by publishing stories based on a tweet of actor Kangana Ranaut. The letter was in response to news reports of a Pakistani credit card being recovered by the ED from Sarnaik’s residence.
Earlier last week, news reports claimed that a credit card registered under the name of a Pakistani national is recovered from the premises of the Shiv Sena legislator Pratap Sarnaik. It was also reported that the Pakistani credit card was registered on the address of the Shiv Sena MLA.
In a new development on Friday, the Kerala police have arrested 11 accused, associated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) for vandalising Subramaniam temple in the Thrikkadeeri, Palakkad district of the State. The goons arrested had also reportedly attacked BJP and RSS workers.
As per reports, the accused also includes the committee members of CPI(M) in the area. The party workers have now been booked for creating enmity between communities and hurting religious sentiments. Visuals from the CCTV footage showed goons, who were celebrating outside temple premises, stealing money and damaging the temple property including lamps and festoons.
Following their victory in the recent local body polls in Kerala, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has unleashed a series of violent attacks in the State. While speaking about the incident, BJP spokesperson Tom Vadakkhan has slammed the incident as a ‘polarising campaign’ of the Left in the State.
It is pertinent to remember that the BJP won 28 seats out of 52 in the Palakkad Municipality. CPIM’s onslaught against the BJP comes after the party made inroads in Kerala, with 13.28% votes, through Trivandrum corporation and Palakkad municipality. BJP has also won seats in Kannur and Kasargod, thereby creating a situation of panic for the incumbent Communist party.
BJP/RSS offices vandalised, party workers attacked by CPIM goons
As per reports, BJP offices were attacked by CPIM goons in the latter’s stronghold in Kanjangaadu in Kasargod district of Kerala. Similar attacks were carried out in Appatti and Puthiyakotta. Party workers from the CPIM attacked BJP offices in Arayi Karthika and Arayi Palakkal. During the act of vandalism, window panes and doors were broken, followed by the destruction of materials kept within office premises.
Two BJP party workers, who were at the office at that time, was also brutally assaulted by the CPIM goons. Reportedly, they also pelted stones at the residence of BJP leader Umanatha Rao’s daughter. The goons also threw crackers into the house of a BJP candidate from Nelikkat, Madhavan. As a consequence, his wife sustained critical injuries during the attack.
Times Now reported that a Rashtriya SwayamSevak Sangh (RSS) office in Karthikapally in Alappuzha was allegedly attacked by CPIM workers on December 16 (Wednesday). The police have now lodged a case against 5 miscreants involved in the attack. CCTV footage, that has emerged following the attack, shows goons barging into the office premises.
A video of a cartoon show has gone viral on the social media platforms, in which the makers have openly displayed their hatred towards Hindus by depicting Yoga and Hindu saints in a shameful manner. A cartoon show on the public broadcaster Doordarshan named – “Sheikh Chilli and Friends” has stoked controversy after it mocked the tradition of Yoga and caused massive disrespect to Hindu Sadhus.
In one of the episodes of the show, Sheikh Chilli, who is apparently depicted as a Muslim, can be scene humiliating a Yoga guru.
In the episode, the character Sheikh Chilli and his friends, along with a Gennie can be seen challenging the Yoga performing Hindu Sadhu. The makers, in a subtle way, has used the platform of cartoons to attempt and discredit the practise of Yoga.
At the end of the episode, the makers have also gone onto depict the Hindu Yogis as ‘witches’. In a way, the makers intended to depict the tradition of Yoga and Hindu saints in a demeaning way and they have done it successfully using the state resources.
Why Sheikh Chilli was being played on Doordarshan
In August 2020, Discovery Kids, the kids’ channel from Discovery India had partnered with Doordarshan to telecast select episodes of the several children’s cartoons on the public broadcaster. As part of the understanding, starting July, select episodes of animated series, Little Singham, Kisna and Sheikh Chilli and Friendz, are being showcased on national broadcaster at 8 am on DD National, every day.
At the time, Shashi Shekhar Vempati, Chief Executive Officer, Prasar Bharati, had said, “Over the last three months, we have showcased iconic programming to engage and entertain audiences even as the country braced with a pandemic. Discovery Kids’ programming on Doordarshan is another important chapter in this journey. I am grateful to Discovery for coming forward and sharing this content for the larger good of society.”
Sheikh Chilli and Friendz, co-produced by Apsons Entertainment Pvt Ltd., revolves around the adventures of an innocent boy Sheikh Chilli and his friends of Jhunjhun Nagar. His heart in the right place, but his plans and actions are a source of humour as well as trouble for his friends. Kisna, co-produced by Cosmos Maya, is a story of an adventurous and amusing young boy from Anandnagri and his adversary the wicked Raja Durjan of Andhernagri. Using his superpowers, Kisna, along with his friends, try to solve every problem with wit and valour.
As the video went viral on the social media, the enraged netizens questioned the public broadcaster about its intent and slammed Doordarshan for telecasting such anti-Hindu propaganda openly.
Author and Columnist Renee Lynn, disturbed by the anti-Hindu propaganda, pointed out that the video Muslim kid beating a Sanyasi is being served to the children by DD National on National TV. She also noted that the video was spreading hatred against Hindus.
She also asked why are Hindus always an easy target, highlighting that the show was disrespect for Yoga Gurus and their knowledge.
A Muslim kid beating a Sannyasi. This cartoon is being served to our children by DD National on National TV. It’s spreading hatred against Hindus. Why are Hindus always an easy target? This message is disrespect for Yoga Gurus and their knowledge. Say NO to Hindu discrimination ! pic.twitter.com/DeDIjz7fMo
A concerned Hindu also expressed his shock over such shocking cartoon being served to the young children. He demanded the government to take action against those in Prasar Bharati who allowed this cartoon to be telecast and demanded the arrest of the makers of cartoon for spreading hate against Hindus
This is completely shocking cartoon served to our children’s. A Muslim kid beating a Sannyasi. The GOI should take action against those in @prasarbharati who allowed this cartoon on @DDNational .Also the makers of #SheikhChilli should be arrested for spreading hate against Hindus https://t.co/0peTRf46NQ
‘We have stopped its broadcast’: Prasar Bharati sources said after Hinduphobic episode went viral
After the Hinduphobic episode of Sheikh Chilli went viral on social media and inspired outrage, OpIndia reached out to its sources in Prasar Bharti, asking how the public broadcaster might proceed after the broadcast of the children’s show was being questioned.
The source in the know confirmed to OpIndia that the broadcast of Sheikh Chilli, which was a part of special content to engage children during the lockdown, will not be aired of Doordarshan any longer.
It was explained that private broadcasters shared content with DD on a gratis basis and other than Sheikh Chilli, several other cartoon shows like Chotta Bheem etc were aired. However, since the content of Sheikh Chilli is clearly not in tune with what children should be watching, it will now be pulled off air.
