We managed to replace some of the deities with new ones, but the loss was a very traumatic one for all of us. The good part is that we have support from all sides – the Congress, the BJP, the AIADMK and the TDP. You can’t give back our lives and our resources; at least give back our heritage!"Over the years, the volunteers at IPP have managed to create a microcosm of sorts, often using social media, awareness programs, and advocacy to create an appetite for bringing Indian heritage home. "They came in the middle of the night, broke the locks and stole five idols that had been with us for centuries," explains C. What’s substantially worked in our favour however has been a band of volunteers who have independently taken it upon themselves to pursue this cause. They must return them first. this is what gives foreign universal museums the excuse against repatriation saying that when these are returned they wont be treated in the same way they can handle them there.
"We need to first come up with a central database," explains C. The theft of the famed Nataraja from a Chola temple meant that while it was earlier a place of worship for thousands of devotees, it soon fell into a state of ruin, without a deity for people to pray. There should be a state-wise anti-smuggling wing that specialises in ancient heritage. Its saddening when prosperous countries, like India, choose not to."With the issue clearly growing graver, many in the country are now asking how we can change things for the better. "I first came to know about the problem of stolen idols when Obama decided to return over 200 statues to India in June 2016," explains Nikhil, "Then I got in touch with IPP and learned that in reality things were much worse than expected. They want to make a freer trading market for our ancient treasures