Title: Controversies Surrounding Tamil Nadu’s Hindu Religious Endowment Department: Debunking Fake News
Introduction:
The Hindu Religious Endowment Department in Tamil Nadu has been embroiled in various controversies, with several misleading claims and fake news circulating on social media platforms. These false reports have sparked a great political debate, with Prime Minister Modi’s statement adding fuel to the fire. In this article, we aim to shed light on the truth behind some of the major controversies surrounding the department.
September 2023 Ban on Ganesha idol procession:
In September 2023, rumors surfaced that Hindu Religious Charities Minister Shekhar Babu had imposed a ban on Ganesha idol processions, leading to widespread backlash. However, it was later revealed that the ban was actually in place due to Covid-19 precautions and to discourage public gatherings during the festive season. The Tamil Nadu government had mandated that individuals could carry idols themselves, but processions were prohibited. The spread of this misinformation stirred up unnecessary controversy.
June 2023 Buddhist Symbol in Hindu Religious Endowment Department Notification:
A false claim made rounds on social media, suggesting that the Hindu Religious Endowment Department had replaced its traditional symbol with a Buddhist symbol after the DMK came to power. However, it was proven that the same symbol had been in use since as early as 1958, appearing in the department’s monthly magazine ‘Thirukoil.’ The misinformation aimed to create a false perception regarding the department’s religious affiliations.
April 2023 HRCE causes youth to die in Tirthawari event:
Former Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami accused the Hindu Religious Charities Department of negligence in organizing the Theerthavari event, resulting in the tragic death of five youths in Nanganallur, Chennai. However, it was clarified that the temple responsible for the event was privately managed and not under the jurisdiction of the department. Efforts were underway to bring the temple under the HRCE, but the tragedy was not a result of their negligence.
June 2022 Cell phone tower over the temple hall:
A viral photograph claiming that the Hindu Religious Endowment Department had allowed a cell phone tower to be erected on top of the Tirumogur Kalameka Perumal temple hall was found to be misleading. The tower in question was actually a thunderbolt tower built by the administration in 2014. The image was misinterpreted, leading to false accusations of the department profiting from the installation of cell phone towers.
August 2021 Status of Priest Training Institute:
A photograph of a dilapidated Archakar Training Center building in Madurai circulated on social media, creating an impression of the department’s callousness towards priest training. However, the picture was taken in 2013, and it failed to reflect the actual condition of the training center. The institute was established in 2007, and despite initial opposition, all castes were eventually allowed to become priests in 2015.
Conclusion:
The Hindu Religious Endowment Department in Tamil Nadu has faced its fair share of controversies and false claims. It is important for individuals to fact-check information before forming opinions and spreading misinformation. The Department plays a crucial role in maintaining and preserving Hindu temples and traditions in the state, and it is essential to differentiate between genuine concerns and baseless rumors.