Ashoka University reacts after "students" raise anti-Brahmin slogans: "Deplores expressions of hatred..."
After raising slogans like "Brahmin-Baniyawaadh Murdabaad" by some students in campus, Ashoka University has reacted to the controversy.
In the statement, Ashoka University said it attaches great value to freedom of expression and vigorous debate, but it also attaches great importance to mutual respect. The university highlighted its “Guidelines on Protecting Freedom of Expression”, saying such freedom of expression is not unlimited and enjoins respect for the rights and sensibilities of others.
“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 on campus is not disturbed,” it 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.
— Ashoka University (@AshokaUniv) March 27, 2024
Ashoka University's Guidelines on Protecting…
However, several netizens were not satisfied with this response by Ashoka University.
Writing hate slogans is “freedom of speech”
— ऋषि कान्त (@rishikantdubey) March 27, 2024
Who told this !
Why administration can’t find the culprits?
Article 19(a)
liberty of thought, belief, and opinion. Yet, this freedom is not absolute. It is subject to reasonable restrictions for maintaining social order.
You are cunningly diverting the topic by using complex words and smooth talk. It would be better if you take strict action against those students who have turned your college from a place of education into an arena for politics. We will not tolerate such hatred against an entire…
— Gaurav Sharma (@gauravs3691) March 27, 2024
This is turning into another JNU. Ashoka University is JNU dressed in Gucci.
— Mandar Natekar (@mandar2404) March 27, 2024
Spare us the word salad. Take action against ones that are spreading hatred towards certain castes in your campus
— Parag (@paragp) March 27, 2024
ये बेहद अजीबोगरीब घटना है।इसके जड़ में जाना चाहिए कि ये जहरीला पदार्थ कौन खा रहा है।इस विचार का मूल नाश होना चाहिए।और यह फालतू ज्ञान मत दीजिए,हमें बताइए कि उन छात्रों के खिलाफ क्या कार्रवाई की गई,जिन्होंने ब्राह्मणों और बनियों के खिलाफ नारे लगाए थे#Stop_Targeting_ब्राह्मण_बनिया
— Voice Of Baniya बनिया (@BaniyaVoice) March 27, 2024
Reacting to the video, Infosys chief financial officer (CFO) Mohandas Pai took to social media X and said, “This is very shocking, if true. Why is there so much caste hatred in @AshokaUniv? Will @sbikh Pl take action to stop such hatred, if true?” Tagging education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, he asked, “How can universities keep quiet?”
Students at Ashoka University have been demanding the administration to set up an Equal Opportunity Cell and conducting caste census in the campus.