Garikapati Rao must apologise for his misogynistic comments: Women rights’ groups

In his lectures, Padma Shri awardee Garikapati Narasimha Rao has objectified women and slut-shamed them.
Garikapati Rao must apologise for his misogynistic comments: Women rights’ groups
Garikapati Rao must apologise for his misogynistic comments: Women rights’ groups
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Mahila Sanghala Aikyavedika– a collective of women rights organisations in Andhra Pradesh has demanded a public apology from Garikapati Narasimha Rao, including stripping him of his Padma Shri award, for his misogynistic remarks against women. The campaign against Narasimha Rao, who is popular for his Hindu discourses (pravachanam) on mythological texts such as Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Vedas, has been growing louder after a woman journalist compiled the offensive speeches made by him and called him out. The story has several videos where Garikapati is objectifying women and slut-shaming them for wearing “revealing” clothes. In one of the videos, he is heard saying that women are inviting harassment with their skimpy attire.  

Recently, Telangana Bahujan Samaj Party president RS Praveen also joined in condemning the sexist comments made by Garikapati and demanded an apology from him. 

Speaking to TNM, Radha, from Chaitanya Mahila Sangham, and a part of the Aikyavedika said, “The comments made by Garikapati are extremely regressive which would attract a case under the provisions of Nirbhaya Act. He is saying that crimes against women are increasing because of their dress. What kind of logic is this? Are women the reason for crimes against them?”

Demanding an apology for humiliating women in his lectures, she said, “Along with it, the government should also take back the Padma Shri award given to him. He does not deserve to have such an honourable award.” Garikapati was felicitated with the Padma Shri award earlier this year. 

Journalist Vanaja, who had called out Garikapati, said that she has been subjected to harassment under the comments section of the video on YouTube. 

Garikapati has been a controversial figure who has even defended the discriminatory Hindu caste system, saying that the caste system has ensured that there was no “unemployment” because of it. 

Recently, he even faced flak from fans of actor Chiranjeevi for his arrogant behaviour at an event organised by former Union Minister and Governor of Haryana, Bandaru Dattatreya. At the event, Garikapati expressed his displeasure against Chiranjeevi for taking selfies with his admirers that made him wait on the dais. 

Garikapati is a well-known personality in the Telugu states. His discourses are broadcast on radio and popular Telugu television channels. His videos on YouTube receive millions of views. As an influencer, he advocates ‘personality development’ based on Hindu culture. In his lectures, Garikapati often draws lessons from Hindu mythologies and links them with contemporary society.

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