BHUBANESWAR: Historian Anil Dhir has raised objection to a book reading session by author William Dalrymple at the Mukteswar Temple to be held on April 05, 2019.
In his letter to the authorities, Dhir has clearly mentioned the gross violation of Orissa Ancient Monuments Preservation Act 1956. He has given several points to support his argument. Firstly, Mukteswar temple, being a protected monument of the ASI, cannot be used for such a jamboree.
The event is to promote and publicise his latest book ‘Nine Lives’ which is published by Bloomsbury. It is a purely private affair with commercial interests and allowing this to be held at the premises of a protected monument is irrational. He opined that if the ASI has given permission for use of the premises for such an event then it is against all norms.
Besides flouting the rules of the ASI and National laws, it is a gross violation of The Orissa Ancient Monuments Preservation Act 1956. Section 16 of the Act provides for penalty for imperiling and putting to risk any monument of the state, he said.
Mukteswar is a living temple where ritualistic worship is conducted every day. It will hurt the sentiments of the Hindus if the temple is misused for such purposes. Tomorrow, the ASI and Odisha Tourism may as well let out the premises of the protected monuments for commercial events, marriages and parties. The book that is being promoted is not on Mukteswar temple which makes the session even more absurd, he stated.
He requested the authorities to withdraw permission if it has been given. He warned that if this was being done without the knowledge of the ASI, then the authorities should intervene and stop this sort of activity in the protected monument premises.
The historian has written several letters to the government officials against the holding of the annual dance and music festivals that are held at the various temples. He said that the damage these jamborees cause is well known to these officials.
He urged the officials to take immediate action to stop the event. The Odisha Tourism has placed advertisements to all for attending the event. He also opined that uncontrolled crowds at such events do indeed imperil and put to risk a valued heritage structure.