Kalakshetra and the Persistent Culture of Sexual Harassment in Indian Art Institutions

Kalakshetra, a prestigious dance academy in India, has been rocked by allegations of sexual harassment against several of its senior staff members. The allegations have sent shockwaves through the Indian fine arts community and highlighted the persistent problem of sexual harassment in educational and cultural institutions.

Kalakshetra was founded in 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale, a pioneer of Indian classical dance. The academy is located in Chennai and has a long history of promoting the arts and culture of India. However, recent revelations have tarnished its reputation, with several women coming forward to accuse senior staff members of sexual harassment and misconduct.

The allegations against Kalakshetra follow a pattern of sexual harassment at educational and cultural institutions in India. Over the years, numerous cases of sexual harassment have been reported in schools, colleges, and universities, as well as in cultural institutions such as theatres and music academies. Despite efforts to address the problem, sexual harassment remains pervasive in India.

One of the primary factors is the lack of effective mechanisms to prevent and address sexual harassment. Many institutions do not have proper policies and procedures in place to deal with complaints of sexual harassment and those that do often fail to implement them effectively. Additionally, victims of sexual harassment often face social stigma and retaliation if they speak out, which can deter them from reporting incidents.

In the case of Kalakshetra, the allegations of sexual harassment have been met with a mixed response from the academy’s leadership. Some staff members have denied the allegations, while others have acknowledged that there may have been instances of harassment in the past. The academy has set up an internal committee to investigate the allegations and has promised to take appropriate action if the allegations are found to be true.

The allegations of sexual harassment at Kalakshetra have also sparked a broader conversation about the need for greater accountability in educational and cultural institutions. Many experts have called for stronger policies and procedures to prevent and address sexual harassment, as well as for increased awareness and education about the issue.

The allegations of sexual harassment at Kalakshetra are a stark reminder of the persistent problem of sexual harassment in educational and cultural institutions in India. While the academy’s leadership has taken steps to address the allegations, more needs to be done to prevent and address sexual harassment in these institutions. This will require a multifaceted approach that includes more robust policies and procedures, increased awareness and education, and a cultural shift towards gender equality and respect for women.

Source: BBC News