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“I am neither anti-Hindu nor anti-Muslim”: Vidyanand Bapat’s clear response on the issue of noise pollution
Pune: Vidyanand Bapat, who has raised his voice against the use of DJs, loudspeakers, and ear-splitting noise during the Ganeshotsav festival, was asked, “Is your stance anti-Hindu?” Bapat replied unequivocally, “I am neither anti-Hindu nor anti-Muslim. My opposition is solely against unnecessary and excessive noise pollution.”
Bapat stated that his position is not directed against any specific religion or community. He opposes the deafening noise generated at temples, mosques, political rallies, and any other public events equally. He asserted that noise pollution constitutes a violation of citizens' fundamental right to peace and quiet.
When asked about loudspeakers on mosques, Bapat said, “That is a logical fallacy. Just because one person kills a cow, it does not justify another killing a calf. One wrong act does not legitimize another. Many petitions have been filed regarding mosque loudspeakers as well, and the courts have issued rulings concerning noise pollution at all religious sites. The Muslim community itself has developed a ‘Masjid Azan’ app, which helps reduce noise pollution.”
He also clarified his stance regarding *Dhol-Tasha* (traditional drums) and other traditional instruments. “Regardless of tradition, motorcycle horns, silencers, DJs, loudspeakers, and *Dhol-Tasha* all fall into the same category. If a custom violates the human right to peace, it must be stopped. Practices like *Sati* and child marriage existed in the past but were abolished,” Bapat said.
Vidyanand Bapat has repeatedly emphasized that his struggle is solely for the sake of citizens' health, peace, and public order. He opposes noise pollution caused in the name of religion but is not against religious freedom or festivals.
This stance has placed Bapat at the center of current discussions. His clear position, voiced against the backdrop of the Ganeshotsav festival, has sparked a debate on social media as well.
Pune: Vidyanand Bapat, who has raised his voice against the use of DJs, loudspeakers, and ear-splitting noise during the Ganeshotsav festival, was asked, “Is your stance anti-Hindu?” Bapat replied unequivocally, “I am neither anti-Hindu nor anti-Muslim. My opposition is solely against unnecessary and excessive noise pollution.”
Bapat stated that his position is not directed against any specific religion or community. He opposes the deafening noise generated at temples, mosques, political rallies, and any other public events equally. He asserted that noise pollution constitutes a violation of citizens' fundamental right to peace and quiet.
When asked about loudspeakers on mosques, Bapat said, “That is a logical fallacy. Just because one person kills a cow, it does not justify another killing a calf. One wrong act does not legitimize another. Many petitions have been filed regarding mosque loudspeakers as well, and the courts have issued rulings concerning noise pollution at all religious sites. The Muslim community itself has developed a ‘Masjid Azan’ app, which helps reduce noise pollution.”
He also clarified his stance regarding *Dhol-Tasha* (traditional drums) and other traditional instruments. “Regardless of tradition, motorcycle horns, silencers, DJs, loudspeakers, and *Dhol-Tasha* all fall into the same category. If a custom violates the human right to peace, it must be stopped. Practices like *Sati* and child marriage existed in the past but were abolished,” Bapat said.
Vidyanand Bapat has repeatedly emphasized that his struggle is solely for the sake of citizens' health, peace, and public order. He opposes noise pollution caused in the name of religion but is not against religious freedom or festivals.
This stance has placed Bapat at the center of current discussions. His clear position, voiced against the backdrop of the Ganeshotsav festival, has sparked a debate on social media as well.
Bapat stated that his position is not directed against any specific religion or community. He opposes the deafening noise generated at temples, mosques, political rallies, and any other public events equally. He asserted that noise pollution constitutes a violation of citizens' fundamental right to peace and quiet.
When asked about loudspeakers on mosques, Bapat said, “That is a logical fallacy. Just because one person kills a cow, it does not justify another killing a calf. One wrong act does not legitimize another. Many petitions have been filed regarding mosque loudspeakers as well, and the courts have issued rulings concerning noise pollution at all religious sites. The Muslim community itself has developed a ‘Masjid Azan’ app, which helps reduce noise pollution.”
He also clarified his stance regarding *Dhol-Tasha* (traditional drums) and other traditional instruments. “Regardless of tradition, motorcycle horns, silencers, DJs, loudspeakers, and *Dhol-Tasha* all fall into the same category. If a custom violates the human right to peace, it must be stopped. Practices like *Sati* and child marriage existed in the past but were abolished,” Bapat said.
Vidyanand Bapat has repeatedly emphasized that his struggle is solely for the sake of citizens' health, peace, and public order. He opposes noise pollution caused in the name of religion but is not against religious freedom or festivals.
This stance has placed Bapat at the center of current discussions. His clear position, voiced against the backdrop of the Ganeshotsav festival, has sparked a debate on social media as well.
