Jamia Millia Islamia Vice-Chancellor Addresses Controversial RSS Event
The Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, Professor Mazhar Asif, addressed a controversial RSS event, emphasizing Indian unity through cultural diversity. His remarks, which included the assertion that all Indians share the DNA of Mahadev, have gone viral. However, the event faced significant backlash from student groups, leading to protests on campus. Critics highlighted the irony of allowing the RSS to hold a large event while students face restrictions for smaller gatherings. The university has not yet commented on the situation, which has sparked a heated debate online regarding the nature of the event and its implications for campus culture.
| Apr 29, 2026, 17:11 IST
Vice-Chancellor's Remarks on Indian Unity
The Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, Professor Mazhar Asif, spoke at the 'Yuva Kumbh' event organized by the RSS on Tuesday within 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, garnering widespread attention. In his address, Asif emphasized India's diversity, noting that individuals come from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Despite these differences, he asserted that people unite as Indians. He elaborated that this unity can be understood through the idea that "the DNA of Mahadev flows within us." Asif characterized Sanatan culture as a system that promotes coexistence, referencing depictions of Lord Mahadev's family to illustrate how different beings coexist harmoniously.
Controversy Surrounding the RSS Event
The RSS Event Sparks Protests
This event, hosted by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), faced opposition from several student groups within the Jamia campus. 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 their organization of the program. Meanwhile, protesting students gathered on campus, voicing their concerns regarding the event. AISA Delhi President and Jamia student Comrade Syed criticized the university's decision to permit the event, highlighting the irony that while students face restrictions for organizing study gatherings, the university allowed the RSS to hold a full event in an air-conditioned hall.
He pointed out that by inviting such organizations, the university is providing them a platform within its premises. Alongside other gathered students, he expressed disagreement with this decision. The Vice-Chancellor's comments have sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some users supporting his remarks 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 release a detailed statement regarding this incident.