CENSORING OTT
   Date :19-Jan-2021

Time and Tide_1 &nbs
 
AS THE debate over censoring the content on offer on Over The Top (OTT) platforms goes on in the country, another controversy has erupted over depiction of deities in a web series. Some Bharatiya Janata Party leaders have demanded ban on Amazon Prime Video’s new series ‘Tandav’ for allegedly mocking Hindu deities. The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has taken note of the complaint and will act accordingly but the issue yet again raises the need of controlling the content on the OTT platforms. ‘Tandav’ is not the only series that is being questioned for showing Hindu deities in poor light. Last year witnessed uproar on the social media over poor depiction of religious and Godly figures as well traditional practices in many web series. The freedom that the OTT platform offers due to lack of censorship has been misused on previous occasions too as the makers and writers used those to peddle their own beliefs. The question is not about mocking at a particular faith or religion, it is about vitiating societal atmosphere when some elements are hellbent on polarisation of religious views in the country. Censorship for OTT platforms is clear need of the hour.
 
NEW HEROES
 
AN INTERESTING bowling statistic from the Brisbane Test tells that hosts Australia have been bowled out twice in a Test at their fortress, The Gabba, on only three occasions in last 32 years. Two teams to achieve that were the West Indies and New Zealand. On Monday, India became the new entrant to the elite club by dismissing Australians in both innings of the ongoing fourth Test. What makes India’s achievement extraordinary is the bowling attack that did the seemingly impossible. With an overall experience of just four Tests between them Mohd Siraj, T Natarajan, Shardul Thakur, Navdeep Saini and Washington Sundar knocked the Aussies twice over. This is no mean feat for a bunch of rookies playing against the best in Australia. Keep the newcomers’ feat in comparison with the bowling attack that the Windies and the Kiwis had at disposal and one will realise the measure of what the Indian youngsters have managed. This Test match entirely belongs to the debutants and the greenhorns who never buckled under pressure despite the absence of proven performers. They have given Indian cricket fans some wonderful memories to cherish for their lifetime.