Hyderabad: Filmmaker Sudha Kongara recently made headlines after a controversial statement about prominent leader in the country's pre and post-independence era, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in an interview on a private YouTube channel. This comment sparked considerable debate and criticism, prompting Kongara to render an apology on social media.
In the viral interview, Kongara praised Savarkar as a pioneer of Hindutva ideology, highlighting his support for female education. She noted that Savarkar encouraged his wife’s education despite societal opposition, stating, "He supported his wife and made her study even when everyone in the village was against girls' education."
However, this assertion was incorrect. The actual credit for advocating female education amidst social resistance goes to Jyothiba Phule and his wife, Savitribai Phule. Jyothiba Phule was a prominent social reformer who championed education for women and the oppressed, and Savitribai Phule became India’s first female teacher. Despite facing hostility, including stone-throwing from villagers, they persisted in their mission.
என் தவறுக்கு வருந்துகிறேன். எனது பதினேழாவது வயதில் பெண் கல்வி குறித்த எனது வகுப்பு ஒன்றில் எனது ஆசிரியர் சொன்னதை வைத்து நான் அந்த நேர்முகத்தில் பேசியிருந்தேன். ஒரு வரலாற்று மாணவியாக அதன் உண்மைத் தன்மையை நான் சோதித்திருக்க வேண்டும். அது என் பக்கத்தில் தவறுதான். எதிர்காலத்தில்…
— Sudha Kongara (@Sudha_Kongara) July 27, 2024
Many on social media pointed out this error, leading Kongara to issue an apology. On her X account, the National Award-winning director wrote, "I apologise. For my ignorance. At seventeen when I was just led into the world of women’s studies and I heard this anecdote from my teacher, I didn’t fact check. I should have. As a student of History and rigorous research I should have delved deeper. Thus, my interview was born out of sheer ignorance and no mal-intent ever, to apportion credit for one’s achievements elsewhere. I promise to not give interviews anymore without checking my facts. I thank everyone who corrected me. Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule - forever respect. #VivalaRevolucion!"
On the professional front, Sudha Kongara's recent film, Sarfira, starring Akshay Kumar, was released on July 12. The Hindi remake of her Tamil hit Soorarai Pottru has received a tepid response at the box office.
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