Even as the JNU row refuses to settle down, professionals from various fields have differing opinions on the unfolding events. While some think that the JNU controversy, which has spawned endless debates and discussions, has dented the image of the university, others are of the view that the government’s handling of the issue was uncalled for. There are a few who blame it on unidentified elements.
Arshita, a marketing manager, said: “I do believe that the crackdown on JNU is wrong and unacceptable. Dissent is something which needs to exist. I believe what has hurt our sentiments more is the wrongful politicisation of this issue. Once we start terming an institute as anti-national, everything they say or do would be seen with scepticism. The definition of sedition law really scares me sometimes. I think the law is archaic and curbs freedom of speech, majorly because of its scope of interpretation.”
Contrary to her views, B.K. Singh, chief medical officer at Sant Parmanand Hospital, said: “If anti-national slogans have been raised, then it is highly depressing and a matter of concern not only for a reputed institution like JNU but for all Indians. Even I get patients from Iraq and other countries but for me religion doesn’t matter because before a doctor I am a responsible citizen. I think with the arrest of Kanhaiya, democracy has become strong. Today’s youth is moving away from their aim, so I would say that all universities should have a federation and dialogue at a national level every year to let students express their views.”
A Padmavathi, chairperson of an NGO, argues that the benefactors of the entire episode are some elements who orchestrated the events while comfortably hiding backstage. “I felt some misguided elements have done mischief and in my opinion Kanhaiya has fell into the trap. Those unlawful elements used the liberalised JNU University for their ulterior motives. But with all the parties jumping into the issue without proper evidence and probe, it is definitely getting more complicated and politicised,” she said.
Criticising the raising of anti-national slogans on a campus, Samarth Singhal, working with a digital firm, feels: “The culprits in the JNU case should be punished by law. India is the only country which allows you to express yourself on any issue. Taking advantage of that and doing anti-national activity should not be acceptable. What JNU culprits have done is wrong and they should be taught a lesson.”
A teacher at DPS Vineeta said: “In my view, student politics has taken a wrong turn. Students and teachers have every right to voice their opinion even as the primary objective of a university is education and not politics. The matter, instead of being politicised, should be treated as a civil offence and law should take its own course.”
