Patna: Art and culture minister Pramod Kumar has made it clear that women’s dignity cannot be compromised in the name of art, saying that obscene, vulgar or derogatory content has no place in Bihar’s cultural landscape.His remarks came after members of the ‘Nai’ community submitted a memorandum seeking the removal of a song, ‘baap chalawe saloon’ sung by Ganesh Lajawab Yadav, allegedly containing objectionable and insulting references to women from social media platforms and demanding prompt action against the singer.Kumar said Bihar’s rich tradition of folk music and folk songs must be preserved, but not at the cost of social dignity or harmony. “Art cannot become an excuse for obscenity, vulgarity, offensive language or caste-based content,” he said.He said the matter had been brought to the department’s notice and the process for necessary action had already begun. All steps would be taken in accordance with the law, he added.The minister stressed that respect for women, particularly the dignity of daughters and daughters-in-law, must remain non-negotiable. Any objectionable remark or act that insults women or disturbs social harmony would invite action as per the rules, he said.He also underlined the need to draw a clear line between preserving folk traditions and allowing offensive content to flourish in their name. Bihar’s folk art and music, he said, are a vital part of its cultural identity and must be protected with equal regard for dignity, social harmony and women’s respect.
