Delhi University Takes Action Against Students for Hindering Harmony and Disrupting Fasting Communities
South Asian University against students in Maha Shivratri mess bust-up, issues show-cause notices
The South Asian University (SAU) in New Delhi has taken stern action against at least two students following a physical confrontation in the university mess on Maha Shivratri. According to sources, the students received show-cause notices on April 1, citing alleged involvement in “anti-establishment activities” and making “offensive remarks against Hinduism and fasting devotees.”
The incident, which took place on February 26, allegedly triggered an altercation between two groups after fish curry was served in the mess despite a request from students to only serve vegetarian food on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. A video circulating on social media shows a heated confrontation in the mess, with several students, including a female student, caught in a physical scuffle.
According to the show-cause notices, one of the students made “offensive remarks” against students observing fast, allegedly targeting their religious sentiments. The notices also claimed that the students were involved in “deliberately creating disturbances” and “provoking” other students by repeatedly targeting their religious sentiments. One of the notices stated that the student “intentionally spilled” non-vegetarian food near satvik bhojan and referred to the fasting students as those who “do not align” with the student’s ideology.
In response to the notices, one of the students submitted a statement denying the allegations, stating that they had not spoken about Hinduism or the fasting students and were “trying to defend themselves” during the altercation. The student’s statement also expressed respect for the fasting students, saying that “there is no chance that I would make an offensive remark about Hinduism.”
The SAU’s actions have sparked concerns about freedom of speech and the university’s response to the incident. While the administration has not commented on the matter, the show-cause notices have raised questions about the university’s commitment to upholding students’ rights.
The incident highlights the challenges of balancing diversity with inclusivity in a university setting. The students’ request for only vegetarian food on Maha Shivratri was reasonable, but the service of fish curry sparked a heated confrontation. The SAU’s response, issuing show-cause notices to students, may have been heavy-handed, given the complex circumstances surrounding the incident.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/offensive-remarks-against-hinduism-fasting-devotees-anti-establishment-activities-sau-showcauses-2-students-9930975/
Category : Cities,Delhi
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Publish Date: 2025-04-08 05:40:00
