In an appalling act of disrespect, members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) at Hyderabad Central University have defiled the images of two revered Indian icons—Swami Vivekananda and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar—by placing “Join RSS” posters featuring their portraits in urinals. This heinous action speaks volumes about the ideological intolerance and contempt toward alternative viewpoints that has come to characterize leftist organizations in campus.
The incident, reported from the MH-H hostel at the university on October 13, displays not only the cowardice but also the hypocrisy of left-wing groups like the SFI. Rather than condemning this gross insult when confronted, the SFI has remained silent, deflecting attention with baseless accusations against other student organizations like the RSS and ABVP. This strategic silence raises troubling questions about the SFI’s complicity in this act, as their response betrays a disturbing apathy toward the legacy of two leaders who stand as beacons of universal values and justice.
Swami Vivekananda and Dr. Ambedkar, whose contributions shaped India’s cultural and democratic identity, are figures who transcend partisan divides and inspire global respect. Swami Vivekananda’s message of spiritual unity and Dr. Ambedkar’s dedication to social justice and equality remain central to India’s soul. By desecrating these images, the SFI has not only insulted the individuals depicted but has struck at the very heart of India’s pluralistic values.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) unit at Hyderabad Central University has issued a strong condemnation of the SFI and its actions. In their statement, they asserted, “This disgraceful incident exposes the moral bankruptcy of the SFI. It epitomizes the cowardice behind such blatant disrespect aimed at diminishing the stature of leaders who devoted their lives to uplifting the marginalized and promoting national unity. By targeting these esteemed figures, the SFI not only reveals its own inadequacies but also resorts to reprehensible tactics instead of engaging in constructive dialogue.”
What makes this situation even more alarming is the SFI’s reaction to criticism. Instead of taking a moral stand, the organization has chosen to release irrelevant posters accusing the RSS of unrelated issues. This transparent attempt to divert attention reflects a desperate unwillingness to take responsibility, casting a shadow over the SFI’s claims of supporting progressive values. Their silence on this act of vandalism—a vile insult to Ambedkar, a man they profess to honor—raises serious doubts about their ideological integrity.
Expose the shameful act of SFI of placing the poster of Swami Vivekananda and Dr. B R Ambedkar in the urinal of Mens Hostel-H.#ambedkar #hcu #abvp #vivekananda #rss #uohyd pic.twitter.com/fqQutad9ea
— ABVP HCU (@abvphcu) October 15, 2024
The incident underscores a longstanding issue with left-leaning organizations like the SFI: while publicly professing respect for iconic leaders, they only align with those symbols as long as it serves their narrative. Their avoidance of condemnation betrays a pattern of disrespect toward figures central to India’s heritage, effectively revealing the duplicity behind their claims of unity and justice.
This shocking incident has also strained alliances on campus, particularly with the Ambedkar Students’ Association (ASA), which now finds itself allied with an organization that desecrates the very leader they claim to champion. As elections approach, the ASA must reconsider this alliance, questioning how they can remain in partnership with a group that blatantly disrespects Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy.
Meanwhile, the RSS, an organization that has consistently advocated for national unity and community service, has become the target of baseless SFI accusations. This response highlights the SFI’s true priorities—scoring political points rather than defending the dignity of India’s icons.
The act of vandalizing posters featuring Swami Vivekananda and Dr. Ambedkar is not a simple offense; it is a calculated attempt to insult the cultural and moral foundation of the nation. As responsible citizens, we must hold groups like the SFI accountable. Their hypocrisy, hate-driven agenda, and failure to defend the sanctity of national icons must be exposed.
This is no longer a question of campus politics; it is a fight for India’s values and identity. The time has come to reject the SFI’s politics of disrespect and intolerance. Stand up for Swami Vivekananda and Dr. Ambedkar, for the ideals they represent, and for a united India that celebrates, rather than defiles, its heroes. The message is clear: India will not allow its icons to be insulted, nor will it permit divisive forces to mock the values that define our nation.
A student speaking with Organiser, said, the HCU campus has become a breeding ground for divisive and inflammatory displays, with posters calling for “Free Palestine,” slogans targeting Hindutva, and demands to “Rebuild Babri” plastered across its walls. These statements, which go far beyond the realm of healthy academic debate, reflect an environment where certain ideologies are pushed aggressively while respect for national unity and historical integrity is sidelined.
He added that “the disgusting act of vandalizing RSS posters featuring Swami Vivekananda and Dr. Ambedkar is a direct attack on India’s soul. The time has come to expose the SFI’s duplicity and their role in this disgraceful affair. We will not allow our icons to be insulted. We will not allow our values to be mocked. The time has come to stand up against the SFI and the forces of hatred and disrespect. Let it be known that those who seek to insult the heroes of India will face the full force of our collective will.”
In a stern warning, the Office of the Dean at the HCU emphasized in an official letter: “Disrespecting others is an unhealthy trend in the university system. The university represents social and cultural diversity, and every student organization and individual must respect each other. We vehemently and unequivocally condemn the actions of any perpetrators involved in this unethical act. A thorough investigation will be conducted by the university’s highest body, and we are treating this matter with utmost seriousness. The university will not tolerate any individual involved in this unjustified behavior.
Please be mindful of the potential social and cultural impact of disrespectful behavior towards the organization’s banners and posters. We urge all student organizations and the student community to avoid disrespecting each other’s groups. Such disrespectful acts will not be tolerated. Severe measures, including suspension and expulsion, will be taken against students engaging in such behavior.”
The chief warden of HCU issued a strongly worded letter condemning the “reprehensible, anti-democratic, and cowardly actions” of certain individuals in Men’s Hostel-H. Referring to the incident on October 13, 2024, the Chief Warden emphasized that these actions are against the core values of the university.
“The Chief Warden and his team strongly condemn this act,” the letter read, urging students to “pay due respect to India’s icons who have selflessly contributed to nation-building.” The letter also appealed to all hostel boarders and student leaders residing on campus to support efforts to maintain peace and harmony.
The warden highlighted the importance of upholding the university as a space for “high academic pursuit and intellectual debate,” and stressed that students should “learn to live in the hostels with cultural tolerance and sensitivity.” He cautioned against any behavior that disrespects others’ sentiments and cultural values, warning that actions undermining mutual respect would not be tolerated.
ABVP HCU organized a Mashaal Juloos to protest against the disrespect shown to Babasaheb Ambedkar and Swami Vivekananda. The demonstration aimed to highlight their concerns over the perceived insults to these revered figures.#hcu #education #uoh #activism #uohyd #hyderabad pic.twitter.com/vmsXGuf7mk
— ABVP HCU (@abvphcu) October 15, 2024
Condemning the offensive act, ABVP organized a “Mashaal Juloos” (torch rally) on the evening of October 14th across the HCU campus. The rally aimed to protest against the disrespect shown towards Swami Vivekananda and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, whose images were placed in urinals in an apparent attempt to demean these national icons.
The Vivekananda Youth Forum of Hyderabad Central University has strongly condemned the recent act of disrespect, stating, “Swami Vivekananda’s teachings have inspired millions to embrace their cultural heritage and work towards a better society. The humiliation of his image is not merely an attack on him but on the very principles of dignity and respect that he championed. We also recognize the invaluable contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who tirelessly fought for equality and justice.
We urge the student community and the administration to take a firm stand against such acts of disrespect and to ensure that the legacies of Swami Vivekananda and Dr. Ambedkar are honored and safeguarded.”
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