A Winter's Tale -- Trouble In Tomsk

Tomsk, Lenin Square

     Stateprosecutors in the Siberian city of Tomsk are trying to ban the Russian translationof the Bhagavad Gita, an important Hinduscripture, because they believe the text too "extremist."

     Thetrial, which started in June, has attracted a lot of negative attention, andsparked protests, whicheven closed down the Indianparliament Monday, according to the Guardian.

     Thecourt's decision concerning the proposed ban was expected on Dec. 19, butofficials pushed back the date until Dec. 28.

     Prosecutorsreportedly took issue with the Russiantranslation of the sacred text called "Bhagavad Gita As It Is",with commentary by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of theInternational Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), because it promoted"social discord" and hatred toward non believers, according to TheHindu 

Pre-1917 photograph of Trinity Cathedral, Tomsk (demolished 1934) 

     However,ISKCON followers and about 15,000 Indians living in Moscow say the proposed ban was brought about by a"majority religious group's" intolerance toward the Hindu religion, the Asia Times reports.

     Protestershave even called on diplomats to intervene in the case. 

     But inan exclusive interview with CNN-IBN,Ambassador of Russia to India Alexander Kadakin explained the government cannot influence the courts. Hedid, however, acknowledge the "madness" must come to an end. He said: 

"...It is not theRussian government that started the case; these are the some petty people infar away though very beautiful city of Tomsk who did it. The government hasnothing to [apologize] for, the government can only testify and reiterate thelove and affection and highest esteem our nation has for Bhagavad Gita."

Tomsk State University

Lastyear, courts banned Adolf Hitler's "Mein Kampf," but a spokespersonfor ISKCON India said comparing the Bhagavad Gita to thedictator's autobiography was outrageous.

     "Tocompare Hitler to Lord Krishna is an insult to Indians across the globe," Vrajendra Nandandas told the WallStreet Journal. "Our culturalidentity and ancient beliefs have been mocked at today."

     If thebook is banned, ISKCON says thegovernment should expect"intensified" protests, the HindustanTimes reports.

Tomsk, 1898

NOTE:   Although I usually try to read the mediocre-at-best Huffington Post as little as possible, this story about the events in Tomsk caught my eye.  

So did this inconclusive and unsatisfying Shroud of Turin story.

I've included all the interesting links in the Tomsk article.  

They're marked in RED.  And remember: