ENARADA.Bengaluru, October 19, 2015
By Guruprasad
[dropcap]Enarada.com gives you the complete picture of the tattoo controversy that has taken the city by storm. We present you exclusive versions from both the parties.[/dropcap]
‘My suggestion taken in wrong context’
The tattoo of an Indian Goddess on an Australian’s shin has divided Bengaluru.
Whiles the BJP activist who first noticed the tattoo claimed that he was merely suggesting Matt Keith( in Pic) about his safety in the country, the Australian claimed of being harassed.
Speaking to Enarada.com, Ramesh Yadav, a BJP activist said, “On Saturday afternoon. I was having lunch with my friends at Konark hotel, Residency Road. I saw a foreigner (along with his girl friend) wearing a half pant and a tattoo of Yellamma Devi on his shin. So, I politely walked and apprised him that the tattoo on was one of the most revered Goddess in Hinduism and it could hurt religious sentiments and requested him to remove it. However, when he said it wasn’t possible, I said it was the season of Navaratri when the Goddesses are offered special pooja. Hence, walking around the city with the tattoo could be dangerous. So, I suggested him to wear a full pant so that his tattoo his hidden. However, the Australian was enraged and hurled abuses at me with cuss words. So, I thought the best way was to inform the cops and requested their presence. Meanwhile, Matt had called one of his friends to the hotel who too started abusing me and friends. As people started assembling, it resulted in a huge commotion. By then, the cops arrived at the scene and tried to calm down the situation. However, Matt and his friends were in no mood to listen. So, we all headed to Ashoknagar police station where in the Australian gave a written apology. Claiming to have been shown as a villain in a section of media, Yadav said “I just want to clarify one thing. My suggestion was in his best interest but was taken in a wrong context and I was portrayed as a villain. I strongly believe in the principle of Athithi Devo Bhava and treat my guests with equal respect.”
‘Forced letter’
Meanwhile, the action shifted from Konark hotel to Ashoknagar police station where Matt wrote apology letter which read, “My name is Matthew visiting from Melbourne, Australia. I am very sorry for offending Hindu religious beliefs by my tattoo. I didn’t know of this auspicious custom in regard to tattoo placement. I will make sure to cover it up until I am in India. Thanking you for educating me on what is appropriate. I am also extremely sorry for using inappropriate language.”
However, later in his Facebook post, Matt claimed that it was not an intentional apology letter but a “forced” letter.
His Facebook post read……”My forced letter of apology that I had to write before I could leave the police station at Ashok Nagar. I should not have to apologise for what is on my skin and be put in a traumatising situation where it is apparently acceptable to be harassed, threatened and mobbed. Tolerance, understanding and equality is what we live by I respect India and Hinduism completely. That’s why I spent 35 hours getting a massive Ganesha put on my back and 4 hours getting the Goddess of the lowest rung of Indian society (Yellamma) on the only bit of space I had left on my body. Because my spiritual journey is my decision, as are the markings on my body. I do not deserve to be victimised and have to physically defend myself and my girlfriend every day. She does not deserve sexual abuse both physical and verbal. We support equality for all, tolerance of everyone and especially for the women in this country. Please support us as we try to bring awareness to crimes of injustice.”
‘Our voices are heard in Bengaluru’
On Monday, Matt in his social media site said, “It hasn’t taken long for our voices to be heard here in Bangalore. Two national newspapers have decided to front page our story, bringing pressure to those who are responsible to protect our freedom to be who we are. The overwhelming support we have received from the people of Bangalore (and abroad) has only further proven how tolerant and accepting this country is. It’s so encouraging to know that out of really ordinary times can come great things, and although our story is relatively mild – there are so many significant injustices that are a direct result of intolerance and the discriminatory ‘reasons’ that justify it. I am not surprised at the reaction of the police commissioner in relation to this incident given how many things occur on a daily basis in India, but it is obvious that safety for those who want to express themselves should be a bigger priority – which essentially includes everyone because everyone should be able to feel safe and okay to be who they are.”
‘Horror story’
Meanwhile, Matt’s girl friend Emily recalls Saturday’s incident in her Facebook post, “I arrived in Bangalore one month ago, with my boyfriend Matt. We had been welcomed by friends with such love and genuine interest about the couple of tattooed white kids that we are. However, whilst we have been welcomed by our peers there has been a wave of blatant racism and intolerance that has been a constant struggle. You hear horror stories about India, this is one. But, Matt and I will not be intimidated by self-styled guardians of morality. We will not sit down when there is no justice. Two weeks ago, I was groped and sexually assaulted at a concert. After being aggressively fondled, I thought to myself ‘surely this is my Indian horror story.’ At every turn it seems that I find myself on the back foot of Indian society. When I leave the house, I have to prepare myself for what is potentially lurking outside. Every day, I defend myself from people who are intolerant of a western women, there are people who merely stare but what is more concerning is the cacophony of insults that is thrown at me, on a daily basis. Yesterday, what we originally thought would be a quiet bite to eat turned into a vicious assault by members of the BJP right wing political party. These men are held with high esteem in Karnataka, with police bending backwards to please them. This meant that Matt and I were victims of being illegally detained. Yesterday, Matt and I found ourselves sitting in Ashoknagar Police station accused of ‘intentionally spreading hatred’. We repeatedly asked to leave, but were detained, although we were told we had not violated any criminal law.”
