Content Creator Atharva Sudame Removes Video on Social Harmony Amid Backlash

Quick Summary

• Content Creator: Atharva Sudame, a Pune-based influencer with 1.7 million Instagram followers, posted a reel promoting social harmony during Ganeshotsav but faced backlash on social media.
• Reel’s Content: The video depicted an interaction between a Lord Ganpati idol buyer and the maker, emphasizing messages of communal unity.

– The buyer discusses values passed down by his father about fostering Hindu-Muslim harmony.
– The idol maker expresses similar sentiments about creating idols with pure intentions.

• Social Media Reactions:

– Mixed feedback: Some supported the message while others criticized it for allegedly hurting religious sentiments or offering unsolicited advice on sensitive matters.
– Strong negative criticism also emerged in posts like Jaysing Mohan’s remark calling Mr. Sudame’s reel “filth” that misrepresents Pune.

• Response: On august 25, 2025, Mr. Sudame deleted the post and issued an apology stating he did not intend to hurt religious sentiments.
• Supporters’ Views: Academician apoorvanand expressed concerns over violent reactions to Hindu-Muslim unity discussions while praising efforts for promoting such values.
• Political Reaction: Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar highlighted that discrimination is not permitted under the Indian Constitution.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The controversy surrounding Atharva Sudame’s reel sheds light on prevailing sensitivities around interfaith dialog in India. While artistic expressions aimed at promoting communal harmony can be powerful tools in fostering understanding, this instance underscores how deeply polarized such conversations have become online.

India prides itself on its constitutionally enshrined secularism and rich traditions of tolerance. However, reactions both in support of Mr. Sudame and against him reflect divergent public views toward discussing religion openly-a space increasingly fraught with risks of backlash given political polarization.for India as a multicultural democracy, incidents like these raise key questions about balancing creative expression with respect for religious sentiments without curbing freedom of speech altogether. Amid heightened discussions around societal unity during festivals like Ganeshotsav, maintaining constructive discourse will remain critical for fostering enduring inclusivity.

Read More: The Hindu