Kalakshetra Controversy

Dear Devika, 

Never in my wildest dreams would I throw a Vinayakar out from here or anywhere. Perhaps no one will believe it, but Ganesha is my ishta devata and he is probably smiling while I am being tested. There is malice in this and other allegations. I would request all those who even doubt I could do it, to come and see for themselves what the truth is. 

As you well know, Kalakshetra never had idols that were worshipped. A lamp was all that was lit in every place we worshipped, according to Theosophical principles and the highest philosophical principles upheld by our elders. However, one of the wardens, now retired, collected on her own and without the instruction from the management, and much after Athai and Sankara Menon's time, 4 Ganeshas and had them placed outside the dining hall on a pathway, through which all stores and workers pass. It was a place without sanctity. Students were forced to contribute towards pujas and vastrams for the images. All this had to be stopped. It would not have been encouraged nor allowed in Athai's time. We decided instead, to put each of the Ganeshas, one in each of the hostel blocks, on a pedestal where the students would look after the images. 

Everyone appreciated this move. It was well done and each one was welcomed by the students of those blocks. The place vacated was to be used as a place where parents can meet their wards, as it was suitably public. 

I appreciate your concern and thank you for your support to me and to the institute. What more can I ask for at this stage? I only ask whether moving a Ganesha from a path where dogs and children desecrate it to a designated spot in the precincts of each hostel block amounts to 'throwing it out' as has been alleged? And if any of us move an idol in our own house, do we have any right to question that person or family's choice? 

I have no attachment fortunately to this or any other job I have done and would be happy to abdicate if found guilty of these charges. However, it does not take away from the frightening prospect of fundamentalism and its hold upon this or other institutions in India and of our beautiful art forms. Kalakshetra was fundamentally universal and the only truth we were instructed to seek was beauty. 

I realise that all this emanates from our 'own' people. It happened with Athai and with Sir and with Rajaram Sir and will happen with anybody else who sits in this chair. It is a curse upon the institute. Others wish Kalakshetra well, but not our own people. I know who they are for I have the sound advice of Sankara Menon Sir. We know what Athai and he, were harassed by till the very end. 

What can I say? Who am I? I can easily be dispensed with. Has anyone, who has had this lies spread across the globe thought of what it does to their beloved Kalakshetra that they are so concerned about? Were they concerned when nothing was happening here? 

Sorry to burden you with all this. I know you care and feel you might understand the forces that I am dealing with here. They are manifold to say the least! 

Regards, 
Leela