B.T. Lalitha Naik sparked controversy in Davanagere by calling Shri Ram, Lakshman, and Ravana cruel, not ideal figures
Davanagere
Controversial writer and rebel author B.T. Lalitha Naik has stirred debate by asserting that characters like Shri Ram, Lakshman, and Ravana in the epic Ramayana are not ideal figures but, in fact, cruel. She made these remarks during the closing session of a discussion seminar held at A.V.K. Women’s College auditorium in Davanagere.
Lalitha Naik criticized the traditional portrayal of these characters, pointing out acts of violence and questionable morality. She highlighted incidents such as Lakshman cutting Shurpanakha’s nose, Shri Ram isolating Sita in the forest over suspicion, and Ravana abducting Sita, which ruined her life. According to her, depicting such actions under the guise of devotion misleads people into accepting cruelty as virtue.
She further emphasized that blind faith mixed with ignorance has dulled critical thinking among society. While temples sometimes promote superstition, libraries and education guide people toward knowledge. She argued that literature and epics are often shaped by human errors, reflecting both virtues and flaws.
Naik also compared other epics, stating that Ramayana and Mahabharata similarly present complex moral dilemmas. She noted the contrast with figures like Buddha, who carried no weapons, and Mahatma Gandhi, who held only a spinning wheel, yet were revered for their ideals. She expressed concern over recent portrayals of Shri Ram wielding weapons such as bows and arrows, suggesting that such depictions deviate from the intended moral and spiritual teachings.
Her remarks have triggered widespread discussion and controversy, drawing strong reactions from both literary circles and the general public regarding the interpretation of sacred texts.