By IANS
Ranchi : Tanabhagats, who claim to be followers of Gandhian philosophy, are up in arms over the Jharkhand government’s decision not to include them in the team participating at the Republic Day celebration in New Delhi.
This year, the culture of Tanabhagats would be highlighted at Republic Day tableau in New Delhi. The public relations department has, however, selected around 12 artists to play their role.
The decision to hire artists to play the role of Tanabhgats has irked the Gandhian followers.
The Tanabhagats are on a sit-in at Morabadi ground here to protest.
Tanabhagts follow the Gandhian philosophy and do not eat chicken and mutton and do not consume liquor. They practice non-violence and wear dhoti and kurta made of khadi. In Jharkhand, there are more than 5,000 Tanabhagats.
“The artists hired by the state government cannot give the impression of real Tanabhagats. They cannot showcase our culture, tradition and philosophy,” said Kedi Guru, president of Jharkhand Pradesh Tanabhagats Kalyan Samittee (JPTKS).
“When we can present our culture and tradition, then what is the need for hiring the artists?” he asked.
Reacting to the protest by the Tanabhagats, public relations director Gandura Munda said, “It is a practice to hire artists to showcase the culture and tradition of the state on every Republic Day.”