Goddess Saraswati Statue Controversy: Tripura College Faces Backlash Over Idol Installation

In Agartala, Tripura, a significant controversy arose on Wednesday (February 14th) over the idol of Goddess Saraswati without a saree. The incident occurred at the Tripura Government College of Art and Crafts.

In reality, students had crafted the idol of Goddess Saraswati, which did not include wearing a saree. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) protested against the idol, accusing it of being indecent.

The ABVP claimed that such an idol goes against Indian culture and religious sentiments. Following this, leaders of the Bajrang Dal also joined the opposition. As the controversy escalated, college authorities decided to dress the idol in a saree.

ABVP Accuses – Idol Made in an Indecent Manner

The ABVP unit in Tripura has alleged that they received early morning news that the government college of Art and Crafts has crafted the idol of Goddess Saraswati in an indecent manner.

Dibakar Acharya, Joint Secretary of ABVP, stated that they reached the college and protested against it. Subsequently, the students draped the idol with a saree. ABVP members demanded stern action against the college authorities and the principal, addressing their concerns to Chief Minister Manik Sarkar.

Clarity from College Administration

The college administration clarified the incident, mentioning that the idol of Goddess Saraswati was similar to those installed in Hindu temples. They asserted that there was no intention to offend anyone’s religious sentiments.

The college authorities mentioned that after the protest, they decided to replace the controversial idol. The disputed idol is now covered with plastic behind the puja pandal. Police were also informed, although no complaints have been lodged yet.