PM Modi presented the National Creators Award at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi today. Notably, Kamiya Jani of Curly Tales got the best travel creator award. She faced controversy in connection her visit to Puri's Shree Jagannath Temple, but clarified her Hindu faith and purpose of the visit. The BJP and BJD leaders expressed contrasting standpoint on the issue.
The National Creators Award, as outlined by the Prime Minister's Office, aims to honor individuals who have demonstrated excellence and made a significant impact across various fields, ranging from storytelling to environmental sustainability. In his statement, PM Modi emphasized the importance of leveraging creativity for positive change, positioning the award as a catalyst for innovation and social progress.
Kamiya Jani, celebrated for her immersive travel videos showcasing the cultural richness and diversity of India, was conferred the Best Travel Creator Award. Her work not only captures the essence of different destinations but also delves into the culinary delights and lifestyle nuances, providing viewers with a glimpse into the country's vibrant tapestry.
However, Jani's journey to receiving this accolade was not without its challenges. She found herself embroiled in controversy over allegations of consuming beef, a sensitive issue in India's cultural and political landscape. Responding to the accusations, Jani took to social media to vehemently refute the claims, reaffirming her adherence to Hinduism and clarifying the purpose of her visit to the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.
In a heartfelt video posted on Instagram, Jani expressed her intentions behind the temple visit, emphasizing her reverence for the deity and her desire to showcase the shrine's infrastructure development. She lamented the unfortunate turn of events that led to her being at the center of a contentious debate, asserting her innocence and adherence to religious guidelines.
The controversy surrounding Jani's temple visit didn't go unnoticed by political quarters. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized both Jani and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader VK Pandian for their alleged roles in facilitating the visit, with Union Minister Giriraj Singh condemning Pandian's actions as disrespectful to the sanctity of the shrine. Amidst the uproar, BJD MP Manas Mangaraj questioned the BJP's stance, pointing out the party's prior engagement of Jani to produce films on Hindu heritage and temples.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while refraining from directly addressing Jani's situation, underscored the importance of safeguarding the sentiments of devotees and avoiding actions that could potentially offend religious sensibilities. The episode surrounding Kamiya Jani serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between religion, politics, and media in India's dynamic socio-cultural landscape.
National Creators Award: Whoever Receives the Honor, See the Full List
