<p>The shrub sculpture has already had its 'breasts' removed following complaints from a women's organization at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT). And there are rumours that it might even undergo a complete gender change.<br /><br />Godfrey Louis, pro vice chancellor of CUSAT, dismissed media reports that there would be a gender transformation for the shrub sculpture. "The media appears to have made this a big issue. A women's organisation complained about its shape. The registrar acted according to an apex court order that there should be no obscene things on campuses," Louis told IANS.<br /><br />The old debate between art and obscenity has come to haunt again - and this time the victim is the one-meter tall mermaid shrub sculpture, which has been around at the CUSAT campus with all its womanly attributes for a long time. The first round of gender transformation took place two days back when the 'breasts' of the mermaid were trimmed out.<br /><br />A senate member of CUSAT did not appear to be pleased with the development. "Was it not that a piece of art which was crafted by a person with artistic talent? At times certain things are not seen in proper perspective. I do not have much to say on this because at times things go overboard," said the senate member on condition of anonymity.<br /><br />Education Minister M.A. Baby told IANS on the basis of media reports he has asked CUSAT for a report. "Let the report come and then we will have a discussion on this to form an opinion," said Baby.</p>
<p>The shrub sculpture has already had its 'breasts' removed following complaints from a women's organization at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT). And there are rumours that it might even undergo a complete gender change.<br /><br />Godfrey Louis, pro vice chancellor of CUSAT, dismissed media reports that there would be a gender transformation for the shrub sculpture. "The media appears to have made this a big issue. A women's organisation complained about its shape. The registrar acted according to an apex court order that there should be no obscene things on campuses," Louis told IANS.<br /><br />The old debate between art and obscenity has come to haunt again - and this time the victim is the one-meter tall mermaid shrub sculpture, which has been around at the CUSAT campus with all its womanly attributes for a long time. The first round of gender transformation took place two days back when the 'breasts' of the mermaid were trimmed out.<br /><br />A senate member of CUSAT did not appear to be pleased with the development. "Was it not that a piece of art which was crafted by a person with artistic talent? At times certain things are not seen in proper perspective. I do not have much to say on this because at times things go overboard," said the senate member on condition of anonymity.<br /><br />Education Minister M.A. Baby told IANS on the basis of media reports he has asked CUSAT for a report. "Let the report come and then we will have a discussion on this to form an opinion," said Baby.</p>