Did Vijay Deverakonda Mean to Offend with His 'Tribe' Comment?

Synopsis
Vijay Deverakonda addresses concerns over his comments regarding 'tribe' during the 'Retro' audio launch, denying any intention to offend Scheduled Tribes. His heartfelt message emphasizes unity and respect for all communities, underlining his commitment to peace and progress. Discover how his words sparked controversy and his response to the backlash.
Key Takeaways
- Vijay Deverakonda emphasizes unity among communities.
- He regrets any misunderstandings from his comments.
- The term 'tribe' was used in a historical context, not to offend.
- He respects all communities, especially Scheduled Tribes.
- Public figures must communicate carefully to avoid misinterpretation.
Chennai, May 3 (NationPress) - In response to concerns about his use of the term tribe during the pre-release event of actor Suriya's 'Retro', Vijay Deverakonda clarified on Saturday that he harbored no intention to offend or target any community, particularly the Scheduled Tribes. He expressed his sincere regret if any part of his message was misinterpreted or seen as hurtful.
In a message shared across his social media platforms, Vijay stated, "I have been made aware that a comment I made during the 'Retro' audio launch has raised concerns among the public.
"I want to clarify: there was no intention to hurt or single out any community, especially our Scheduled Tribes, whom I hold in high regard and view as a vital part of our nation."
Elaborating on his statement, Deverakonda explained, "I was discussing unity - emphasizing that India is one, and we are all united, highlighting the importance of moving forward collectively.
"In what circumstance would I, while advocating for unity among our nation, intentionally discriminate against any group of Indians? I view everyone as family, like my brothers and sisters."
The term tribe, as I used it, was intended in the historical context, referring to a time long ago when societies were organized into tribes and clans, often in conflict.
"It was not a reference to the Scheduled Tribes classification, which began during colonial and post-colonial India and was formalized only in the mid-20th century, less than a century ago.
According to the English dictionary, tribe denotes: "A social division in a traditional society consisting of families or communities connected by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, sharing a common culture and language," Deverakonda noted. "If any part of my statement was misunderstood or deemed offensive, I express my deepest regret. My only intention was to promote peace, progress, and unity. I am dedicated to using my platform to uplift and bring people together - never to create division."
His remarks follow a police complaint lodged by individuals who were offended by his comments during the pre-release event.