NRI's Gandhi Video On YouTube Under Fire

The video, shot in the US, shows Prasad clad in Gandhi's trademark attire, pole dancing and stripping for an audience. Records on YouTube show the video, called 'Time to get sexy' was uploaded a month ago.

While Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, saw members of Gandhi Sena holding a silent protest, Varanasi saw a more violent one. Students of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, stopped a train from leaving the Varanasi station and threatened to call for a state-wide shutdown, while the silent protesters demanded action against Gautham Prasad. Children also joined the protest by singing religious songs.

To add fuel to the controversy, two Hindi news channels have been issued a notice by Information and Broadcasting Minister P. R. Dasmunsi, demanding an apology to the nation in their telecasts during prime time, for showing the offensive clip on air. He also warned the Indian media against any attempt to copy or publish the same. The TV channels have now expressed regret, saying they telecast the capsule to expose how the "Father of the Nation was being insulted".

The man in the eye of the storm, Gautham Prasad performed as a clown with Ringling Brothers circus for two years. He currently lives in New York and makes a living by teaching Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and performing stand up comedies.

A message by Prasad, alongside the video says, "The following video portrays Mahatma Gandhi in a way that many people feel is offensive. Please do not view the following video if you may be offended. Furthermore, I sincerely apologize for any offense this video has already caused." However, the man has not taken the video off YouTube yet.

The Google spokesperson in India says they have not received a formal complaint to pull daown the video, but said in a statement, "We take matters such as this seriously and are currently reviewing the clip to determine the best course of action. These issues are complicated as the Internet is an international phenomenon. While technology can bring great opportunity and access to information globally, it can also present new and unique cultural challenges."

The spokesperson gave no indication of whether Google will take action against the said video.