On March 27, videos of students at Ashoka University in Haryana chanting casteist slogans went viral on social media platforms. In the videos, students were seen shouting slogans targeting Brahmins and Baniyas, leading to widespread criticism of their actions by internet users.
In the viral videos, students shouted slogans such as ‘We need caste census’ and ‘Brahmin-Baniyawaad Murdabad’.
Quoting the videos shared by one Anshul Saxena, Pai said: “This is very very shocking if true why is there so much caste hatred in @AshokaUniv? Will @sbikh Pl take action to stop such hatred, if true?”
This is very very shocking if true why is there so much caste hatred in @AshokaUniv ? Will @sbikh Pl take action to stop such hatred, if true? @dpradhanbjp Govt should look into why such hatred prevails? How can universities keep quiet? https://t.co/7hEGtcNfvv
— Mohandas Pai (@TVMohandasPai) March 27, 2024
He also tagged Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, asking the government to look into why such hatred prevails. “How can universities keep quiet?”
In another video, the students were heard saying ‘Inquilab zindabad’, ‘tanashahi band karo, admin thodi sharam karo’ (Dictatorship won’t work, shame on you administration), ‘we want caste census’ and ‘we want reservation’.
Reacting to the incident, Ashoka University issued a statement condemning the incident. “University attaches great value to freedom of expression and vigorous debate, but it also attaches great importance to mutual respect. The university deplores expressions of hatred directed against any individual or group,” the statement reads.
Ashoka University attaches great value to freedom of expression and vigorous debate, but it also attaches great importance to mutual respect. The university deplores expressions of hatred directed against any individual or group.
“Ashoka University’s Guidelines on Protecting Freedom of Expression have clearly laid down that such freedom of expression is not unlimited and enjoins respect for the rights and sensibilities of others. This is essential to preserving the spirit of community at Ashoka. Actions that make the atmosphere intimidating, threatening or hostile to individuals or groups are therefore regarded as serious offences and are subject to University disciplinary procedure. The University will take all measures necessary to ensure that peace and harmony in the campus is not disturbed,” the statement added. Ashoka University attaches great value to freedom of expression and vigorous debate, but it also attaches great importance to mutual respect. The university deplores expressions of hatred directed against any individual or group.
Since last week, a group of students at Ashoka University has been engaged in protests, advocating for a caste census on campus and the establishment of an anti-discrimination cell. Their demands encompass several key points, including an annual caste census covering students, faculty, and staff, along with the organization of an annual Ambedkar Memorial Lecture featuring speakers from marginalized communities. Additionally, they seek revisions to the fee payment policy to mitigate disproportionate impacts on marginalized groups, particularly regarding access to facilities like Google Classroom and mess meals for late fee payments.
In response to these protests, Ashoka University announced on Tuesday its decision to establish an Equal Opportunity cell. According to the university’s statement, this cell will play an active role in recommending improvements to prevailing practices and policies related to inclusion, diversity, and sensitization. Comprising faculty, staff, and elected student representatives, the Equal Opportunity cell is expected to become operational soon.
Notably, former Infosys Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mohandas Pai posted a message on X, questioning why there was so much caste hatred at Ashoka University.
His statement on X read, “This is very very shocking, if true why is there so much caste hatred in @AshokaUniv? Will @sbikh Pl take action to stop such hatred, if true? @dpradhanbjp Govt should look into why such hatred prevails? How can universities keep quiet?”
