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Open letter on Da Vinci Code ban

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June 1, 2006

Open letter on Da Vinci Code ban

Following in the footsteps of the State Government of Nagaland the State Government of Andhra Pradesh has banned the screening of Da Vinci Code. I am dismayed and I'm sure so are you. This is a prime example of an administration (and the throng of politicians that comprise this organization) pandering to groups for their own vested interest.

AP Political Leaders it appears are more of the former(political) and alarmingly low on the Leadership scale. They make up for their lack of conviction and moral fiber in taking a stand by pandering to different groups that they claim are afflicted and that need their support. Diversity of opinion, so very important to the evolution and advancement of our society is being wrung by the neck and slaughtered in a manner that is not very kosher. Leadership is the courage to state what is right and stand firm on one's word through the changing tide. But that is a story (with no end) for discussion at a later time.

Based on the Chief Minister's rather elaborate profile (http://www.aponline.gov.in/quick%20links/cm/cmprofile.html ), it appears that he has a fetish to feel the pulse of population in the rural areas through his publicised walk about's and palle baatas. The man cleary understands the importance of listening to "vox populi". Let us impress upon him that by banning Da Vinci Code he is only doing a disservice to Christ who I believe, like the Mahatma would be open to criticism, and would only be upset if a naysayer went unheard. There is a voice that is being unheard in the din of vote-bank and caste based politics. This is the voice of people like you and me and the Chief Minister better listen to it.

Mr. Chief Minister, for once do the right thing as a devout follower of your Congress party and Delhi Amma, or is the Vatican / Opus Dei covertly influencing the poor Rythu Bidda through its Italian Connection in New Delhi? Let us watch a movie for what it is - entertainment. I'm sure all true believers know and believe that no matter what the con of man, Christ's goodness will never diminish. The Elected Governments of the States of Andhra Pradesh and Nagaland must credit their populace with the intelligence of deciding between right and wrong and let them decide whether or not they seek to be entertained by a fictional account of Christ's life.

Do not follow the sad precedents set by previous administrations in banning works such as The Satanic Verses, rather let us focus on burning issues that the state faces and let such flash-in-the-pan controversies endure their short life-span in public memory. Should you wish to soldier on and stand firm by your decision, then you must also do justice by banning films/books that have been made mocking the life of Puttaparti Sai Baba and his followers. I'm sure that will be a tough and unpopular choice as the director and author of those movies are prominent public figures with one of them even serving the previous administration in an advisory capacity.

I would request all to please make their voice heard and send an e-mail to the Hon. Governor of AP(governor@ap.nic.in ) and the Chief Minister( cmap@ap.gov.in). Not for your sake but for the sake of Andhra Pradesh so that our Mother State may evolve to be a society that welcomes open discussion and is not stung by criticism.

- Ram Anand

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