Diksha (English: The Initiation) is 1991 Indian Hindi-language film directed by Arun Kaul and is his only feature. The film is based on the Kannada novel Ghatashraddha by U. R. Ananthamurthy.[1]
Placed in the early 1930s, Diksha is the story of a guru and his widowed daughter, the head disciple and the novice; the lowly-born "Koga", who dreams of learning the intricacy of scriptures.
In a weak moment, during the long absence of her father, the young widow falls for the temptations of the flesh. When she becomes pregnant, her lover refuses to accept his parental responsibility so the widow is forced to have an abortion.
In the ensuing commotion, the father is called back. He is forced to give his decision. He pronounces her dead and performs her "Ghata-Shraddha" (a ritual where an immoral person is ex-communicated, pronounced dead and her last rites performed when the accused is still alive, thus depriving her of all worldly relations).
While the Brahmin society praises the guru, individuals revolt. The head disciple leaves the town; the child-novice goes back to his parents; and the Koga refuses "heaven" and "salvation".
.svg){kind=small}