Jamia Millia Islamia Vice-Chancellor Addresses Controversial RSS Event

The Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, Professor Mazhar Asif, spoke at a gathering during the 'Yuva Kumbh' event organized by the RSS on Tuesday at the university's campus in Delhi. He stated, "The DNA of all Indians is the DNA of Mahadev." A video of his speech has gone viral online and is being widely shared. In his address, Asif highlighted India's diversity, noting that individuals come from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Despite these differences, he emphasized that people are united as Indians. He further explained this unity by saying, "The DNA of Mahadev flows within us." Asif described Sanatan culture as a system that promotes coexistence, referencing depictions of Lord Mahadev's family to illustrate how different beings live together.

This event, organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), took place on the Jamia campus and faced opposition from several student groups. Organizations such as the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and the All India Students Association (AISA) announced protests against the event. In response, a significant police presence was deployed outside the campus as a precaution. During the event, the Vice-Chancellor welcomed RSS leaders and expressed gratitude for hosting the program. Meanwhile, protesting students gathered on campus to voice their concerns regarding the event. AISA Delhi President and Jamia student Comrade Syed criticized the university's decision to allow the event, stating, "In Jamia, where merely organizing a study meeting requires ten guards to surround you, and where your right to protest is limited to a corner, this same Jamia has permitted the RSS to hold a full event in an air-conditioned hall today."

Referring to the organization's presence on international platforms, he remarked that by inviting such organizations, the university is providing them space within its premises. He expressed disagreement with the other students gathered there. The Vice-Chancellor's comments have elicited mixed reactions on social media, with some users supporting his statements on unity, while others questioned the nature of the event and its location within the central campus of the university. The university has yet to issue a detailed statement regarding this incident.