Banglore, March 08: With an increase in the number of controversies coming to light, networking sites have gained popularity among those who want to vindicate a crime, or simply connect with the world.
After the videotape of the self-proclaimed godman, Swami Nithyananda’s alleged affair with a Tamil actress was made public, questions were raised about his sanctity.
However, the Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam website’s mission page claims that this is a conspiracy aganinst the swami and has also uploaded a video of the swami’s statement on the controversy.
The website, which was last updated on Sunday at 12.00 pm says, “At this moment, we feel that a mix of conspiracy, graphics and rumour are at play in these recent events that have unfolded.
We are working on a legal course of action and will come up with updates in due course.” The website also adds, “In these trying times, we wish to reassure lakhs of devotees and well-wishers whose sentiments have been deeply hurt by this conspiracy.
We thank all the devotees and disciples for standing with us during these times. For those who have experienced the blessings and the grace of the Swamiji, no further explanation is necessary.” Like the Swami and his disciples, others have also chosen the same mode to express their opinions on the issue. Networking sites were predominantly used, mostly by the youth to vent their anger.
Also, many networking sites have started a poll asking people if they believed the video of the swami was morphed or not.
Moreover, communities like, Anti Swami Nithyananda, I Hate Nithyananda are gaining popularity with the number of followers increasing each day.
Meanwhile, the followers of the swami on social networking sites have also deleted their posts and their membership, while the Swami profile was hidden from public view.
Also, people claiming to be his disciples, on conditions of anonymity have claimed of being his victims. One such post from a retired Tamil teacher, who calls himself Idumban from a village in Trichy, has stated that he was asked by a local doctor to admit his son to the Swami’s college in Bangalore, and was asked to pay charities to ward off negative karma. Later, he was also stopped from meeting his son, who was said to have become a disciple of the swami and was now Nithyaprabhananda.
Some alleged to have also lost their loved ones’ life at the ashram.
As hatred against the Swami continued online and questions were raised against his whereabouts, his spokesperson continued to assure that the godman was at Haridwar attending the Kumbh Mela and not absconding.
——-Agencies