To
The Chairman
National Commission for Minorities
Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market, Delhi,
Sub:- Complaint about disrespectful & derogatory use of photo of Buddha.
Sir,
This is to bring into your kind notice by submitting this complaint that a recent
publicity about the president of India, Her Excellency, Mrs. Pratibha Patil’s
visit to Bihar state. A full page display published on 15th of February, 2008
in various local dailies by the Department of Information & Public Relations,
Government of Bihar that depicts the picture in print of the Hon’ble Chief
Minister of Bihar, Sri Nitish Kumar along with the Governor of Bihar, His Excellency,
Dr.R.S.Gavai and the president of India above the Buddha’s head and holiest
shrine of the Buddhists – Maha Bodhi Vihara, ruins of ancient Nalanda University
at the bottom including the sacred Bodhi Tree in the background. These all are
printed in one full page below the photos of those dignitaries mentioned above.
There was also a disrespectful & derogatory use of photo of Buddha published
on 14th of January, 2008 by the Department of Tourism, Government of Bihar.
It is important to note here that many Buddhists feel it as disrespectful &
derogatory use of photo of the Buddha and its shrines and hurted their religious
sentiment. So, I strongly protest about this kind of publicity and lodged this
complaint in your commission for proper action. Action taken in this connection
may kindly intimate soon to this complainant. With high regards.
CC: Media
Yours Sincerely,
Priya Pal Bhante
Chakma Buddhist Temple
P.O.Bodhgaya, Dist.Gaya, Bihar
India, Pin - 824231, Tel: (91) 0631-2200298
Mobile: 9334549079
Alternative e-mail: p_bhante@hotmail.com