Vishal Dadlani takes to social media to share a long apology note over Jain monk controversy

1 Sep 2016

Earlier we had reported that musician-singer Vishal Dadlani faced the wrath of netizens as several Jains found the composer's tweet about their Jain monk Muni Tarun Sagar extremely offensive. Though Vishal apologized to several people personally by tweeting his response to them, he has once again taken it upon himself to share a note regarding the same on his Facebook page.

Vishal Dadlani shared the picture of Jain monk Tarun Sagar when he appeared naked at the Parliament but the comment made by the musician did not go down well with the twitteratis. The result was an outburst on the micro-blogging site as several from the Jain community continued to bash Vishal over the same. While he apologized on twitter for more than 30 times, he also further mentioned that he will no longer be associated with the political party AAP, of which he is an active member.

In his latest post on his Facebook page, as he reinstates the apology as well as his resignation from AAP, Vishal Dadlani also mentioned about the 'generous' Muni Tarun Sagar and how he forgave him for his comments. He also added that he would continue to serve the society by helping the underprivileged even though he isn't involved with any political party. His note reads: Open letter, for the kind attention of Muni Tarun Sagar Ji, all Jain Sadhus and Munis, and all followers of Jainism: It's been four days now, since I tweeted about the appearance of Muni Tarun Sagar ji in the Haryana State Assembly. I feel like I have failed in my duty as a human being, to be sensitive to the feelings of others. I had no intention whatsoever to cause any offence. I'm not a religious man, but I know how much religion means to believers. I have asked for forgiveness from Muni Tarun Sagar ji, and his followers, several times, but it's not enough for the guilt and pain I feel. As a concerned Indian, I should have been especially careful to be sensitive to the sentiments of followers of Muni Tarun Sagar ji. Especially after receiving his forgiveness, I realise what a magnanimous and generous heart he has, and what strength lies within the gentleness of the Jain people. I have always stood up for the rights of every Indian, and I feel like I have failed my love for my country this time. Because it is the gentle and kind Muni Tarun Sagar ji who could have been affected, I know I have no reason to be afraid, but I do have strong reason to be hurt and disappointed with myself. I wish to apologise again, and also to state very clearly, that I am no longer going to be involved or associated with any political parties or individuals. In my capacity as an artist and a musician, I will only work for social causes, for the upliftment and betterment of the poor and underprivileged, as the Jain Community does. It is my ego that led me into speaking without thinking and unintentionally saying something that has caused unhappiness to my Jain friends. It is that same ego that I hope to defeat, with your help. I apologise again, from the depths of my heart, and ask that Muni-ji and all my Jain brothers and sisters, forgive me. I promise you all, it is a mistake that will not be repeated. In a display of true Jain generosity, Muni-ji has already said that my statement is irrelevant to him and that he forgives me, but I still feel the need to personally ask his forgiveness again, and that of any and all his followers and those from the Jain community who I may have caused unhappiness. It is my fervent hope that I can convey that I have the greatest respect for him and the Jain religion. I ask your forgiveness in the spirit of Paryushan...Michhami Dukkadam.