ABVP's JNU programme at Mumbai University gets no response from students

Students of Mumbai University's Kalina campus ignore Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad's much-hyped programme about telling the truth of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)

In spite of opposition from different student unions and without permission from Mumbai University (MU), the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad's much-hyped program about telling the truth of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) was conducted without obstacles on Tuesday.

But it seems to have failed in attracting students on campus. The event was conducted at the main gate of MU's Kalina campus on Tuesday and it reflected the apolitical approach of students from Mumbai campuses due to which campus politics in the city remains a cold affair.

Amit Jadhav (name changed), a PhD student of sociology at Mumbai University was aware of the ABVP's program regarding JNU at the gate. But he was not at all interested to go because he feels that the issues are being unnecessarily politicised. Similarly, Suyash Kale, a masters student of political science at the Kalina campus saw people gathering at the gate and stopped to see what was happening. Kale said, "I have my exams. Being student of political science, I am aware about the current affairs and also do have a strong opinion. But I know how events like these are not going to lead to any conclusion. I'd better be concentrating on my career."

The program, though had loud sloganeering and counter attacks, varsity security officials and police were present to ensure law an order was maintained. However, students who went in and out of the main gate of campus hardly bothered at the proceedings that were happening.

Sayali Chavan, a masters student of Geography, said, "I understand that the issue is important. But this is not a solution."

"Half of the people present here for the event are not students at all and other half are not students of MU campus. Both the groups are shouting slogans unrelated to the core issue and mostly played blame game by accusing political wings. I do not want to be part of this politicisation of important event concerning societal discrimination," said Amit who himself is pursuing PhD in the same topic - 'Discrimination in Society.'

When mid-day got in touch with ABVP's guest - Lalit Pandey - their representative from JNU, he said, "We want to tell all campuses across nation that recent activities are defaming JNU. The institute is of great stature and has received many awards of excellence. After the said incidents, Google is showing JNU as anti-national. All this has to stop. This controversy does not define JNU. Because of inappropriate behavior of few students from campus, the institute is being defamed."

On the other hand, University Community for Democracy and Equality (UCDE) another students' organisation continued protesting at the same spot registering their opposition to the ABVP's activity expressing how ABVP is spreading lies.