Ashoka University, located in Sonipat, Haryana, issued a statement on Wednesday expressing its commitment to maintaining peace and harmony on campus in light of recent videos circulating on social media depicting students making casteist remarks. The university emphasized its stance against any form of hatred directed towards individuals or groups.
According to reports from news agency ANI, a video capturing part of a student demonstration has garnered criticism on social media, particularly on platform X. The video shows students chanting slogans such as “we need a caste census” and “Brahmin-Baniyawaad Murdabad”.
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…
— Ashoka University (@AshokaUniv) March 27, 2024
In its statement, Ashoka University underscored the importance of both freedom of expression and mutual respect within its community. While the university values robust debate, it also stressed the need for respecting the rights and sensitivities of others. Referring to its “Guidelines on Protecting Freedom of Expression,” the university reiterated that such freedoms come with responsibilities.
The statement further highlighted that any actions creating an intimidating or hostile environment for individuals or groups are considered serious offenses and will be subject to disciplinary measures. Ashoka University affirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and harmony on campus.
In response to the video, Mohandas Pai, Chief Financial Officer of Infosys, expressed shock on social media X, urging action to address the apparent caste hatred at Ashoka University. He tagged Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, calling for government intervention in addressing such issues within universities.
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
Meanwhile, students at Ashoka University, through the Social Justice Forum (SJF), an independent student body advocating for the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, have been pressing for the establishment of an Equal Opportunity Cell within the university’s administration.
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