Documentary sparks protest by area Hindus

Protesters picket Channel 3 over the airing of a PBS program they say unfairly portrays Hindus in their conflict with Muslims.

By BABITA PERSAUD, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published September 20, 2002

TAMPA -- In the pouring rain Thursday night, about 40 local Hindus picketed WEDU-Ch. 3's offices on North Boulevard, protesting the airing of the documentary Soul of India.

The protesters said the hourlong TV program was biased and failed to "capture the soul of India," said Nainan Desai, who organized the protest.

The local Hindus said the documentary focuses on Hindu extremists in Gujarat, where many of them are from.

It shows images of bombings and violence between Muslims and Hindus. They said it is sympathetic to Muslims without showing the plight of the Hindus. The numbers used in the documentary are exaggerated, they said.

The fear is that Americans -- in the post Sept. 11 world -- will see that and think that is what India is like, said G.M. Ramappa, a physician who is president of the Hindu Temple of Florida in Carrollwood.

"It shows Hindus as terrorists," he said. "Hindus are not terrorists. Hinduism is a peaceful religion. India has never invaded any country."

"Hindus don't even kill cows," added Desai. "We are vegetarians."

The documentary "is clearly intended to send mischievous and incendiary messages to the community," he said. It stirs "hate in a community."

The protesters held signs that read: "India is tolerant," and "India is the world's largest democracy."

WEDU wasn't the only station to be hit with protests. Hindus across the country have launched similar protests.

Local Hindus asked WEDU not to air the program, which is part of PBS's weekly international news series, Wide Angle. Its slogan: "Six Billion People; 200 countries; somebody's got to cover it."

But WEDU refused, saying that would be censorship.

"We are in the business of showing all kinds of viewpoints," said Heather Mudrick, WEDU spokesperson, adding "PBS is the most unbiased station out there."

Instead of canceling the program, WEDU executives aired a half-hour panel discussion after Thursday's show.

The four-member panel included Desai, who was happy for the opportunity, but said, "We would have preferred if it was canceled."

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright