New Delhi: India on Wednesday termed as "sensible
resolution" of a sensitive issue the rejection of a petition
seeking a ban on Bhagvad Gita by a Russian court and said it
was glad to "put this episode behind us."
External Affairs Ministry said the court order
demonstrates that Indians and Russians have a "deep
understanding" of each other's cultures and will reject any
attempt to "belittle" our common civilisational values.
"We are happy to learn that the legal case in connection
with the publication, 'Bhagvad Gita as it is', has been
dismissed by the Hon'ble Court in Tomsk in Russian Federation.
We appreciate this sensible resolution of a sensitive issue
and are glad to put this episode behind us," MEA spokesman
Syed Akbaruddin said in a statement here.
He also said India appreciates the efforts of all friends
in Russia who made this outcome possible.
"This demonstrates yet again that the people of India and
Russia have a deep understanding of each other's cultures and
will always reject any attempt to belittle our common
civilisational values," Akbaruddin said.
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna also welcomed the
judgement and thanked the Russian government for its support.
The Russian court today rejected a petition that sought a
ban on a translated version of Bhagvad Gita. Prosecutors in
the Siberian city of Tomsk had argued that the Russian
translation of "Bhagavad Gita As It Is" promotes "social
discord" and hatred towards non-believers.
India had conveyed concerns of its people to Russian
officials in the past one week and asked the government there
to take possible steps to resolve the issue.
Krishna had yesterday called Russian Ambassador Alexander
Kadakin to discuss the issue.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, December 28, 2011, 20:51