The Indian government had advance notice of a move in a Russian court to ban Bhagvad Gita as an extremist text in the form of a letter to Prime Minister's Office (PMO) dispatched as early as November 1. But little action appeared forthcoming.
In the letter addressed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Principal Secretary Pulok Chatterji, Krishna devotees appealed to the government to use some high-level ministerial visits to Moscow, ahead of Manmohan Singh's own trip, to ensure the sacred Hindu text was not banned.
But the hearing in the Siberian court is virtually over and verdict is expected on December 28.
"We are very sorry to inform you that on June 30, 2011, the state prosecutor's office in Tomsk, Russia, has filed a court case asking the court to ban Bhagwat Gita in Russia, translated by Iskcon's founder A.C. Bhaktived Swami Prabhupada," the letter said.
"As a reason the affidavit quoted an assessment by a panel of expert stating that Krishna is evil and not compatible with Christian views," said the letter, written by Iskcon's governing body commissioner Gopal Krishna Goswami.
The letter, also marked to United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi and External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, also mentioned bilateral visits by some top Indian ministers and sought a diplomatic intervention in the case.
The letter wanted Bhagvad Gita to be spared the ignominy of being declared a literature instigating ‘social strife and discord’ and said it was shocking that one arm of the Russian state was against the cornerstones of India's shared spiritual heritage with that country.
"We fear this unprecedented attack will trigger rampant bigotry and would unwittingly make it difficult for the Indian government to be seen fostering security, defence, political and economic ties with an intolerant and oppressive society."
The letter, a copy of which was marked to Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma, also referred to Sonia Gandhi's consistent support to secularism, multi-culturalism and religious tolerance, and her commitment to protect culture.
Since the letter was written, India has had six of its ministers and top officials visit Russia, culminating in Manmohan Singh's own visit on December 15 to 17 for a bilateral summit with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
Those in Russia ahead of the prime minister's visit included Defence Minister A.K. Antony, Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, Commerce Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma, Shipping Minister G.K. Vasan and National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon.
Officials in PMO confirmed receipt of the letter to this IANS journalist in Moscow, while being part of the prime minister's media delegation, and said the Indian Embassy was asked to raise the issue with the Russian side.
Requesting anonymity, some officials in the Indian embassy in Moscow said the case was being followed and discussions were held with the Russian authorities on the matter.