Used Twitter account
to entertain others, says Mitra
New Delhi: Journalist Abhijit Iyer Mitra, facing charges of making derogatory remarks on Konark Sun Temple, apologised again Wednesday for his comments on 13th century temple and said that he would appear before the Assembly House Committee October 23.
Mitra told a news agency here that he respects Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.
“I have always held Odisha in high regard. One of the reasons I came to Odisha was to look at this history. If we look at the Ashokan period, Odisha’s contribution to Indian culture is immense, and that was one of the reasons why I went there. If I have hurt anyone’s sentiment through my video, I apologise for it. But the intent was never to hurt anyone,” said Mitra.
“My Twitter account is more of a fun account and I don’t use it as a professional account. I am an academician and if anyone goes through my research writings, there are a lot praising Odisha, and I will continue to do so. Some of the nastier things I said about the CM, the office, the Assembly; I was under immense stress and I would like to apologise for that unreservedly,” Mitra added.