Jawaharlal Nehru University, named after India’s first prime minister, is a leading liberal institution in the country, known for its strong opinions and left-leaning values. Graduates of this university often hold influential positions in academia and government.
However, the university has come under attack from Hindu nationalists in power, who view it as a breeding ground for “anti-India” ideas. They have taken aggressive measures to suppress dissenting voices, including physical attacks on students, suspensions, and restrictions on protests.
The pressure on J.N.U. is part of a larger campaign to stifle opposing viewpoints and transform India into an explicitly Hindu nation. This effort has targeted various sectors, including media, human rights groups, and think tanks.
Since the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in 2014, there has been a concerted effort to undermine the traditional intellectual values of elite universities and replace them with conservative thought aligned with the ruling party’s ideology.
This campaign has raised concerns about the erosion of academic freedom in India, with experts warning that institutions are being stacked with individuals who share the ruling party’s ideological preferences rather than professional qualifications.
The vice chancellor of J.N.U., Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, has been vocal in her support of the government, raising further questions about the university’s autonomy and independence.
2024-02-10 22:09:14
Source from www.nytimes.com