The radical leftist propaganda in JNU on account of explicit left domination, is finally going to be somewhat balanced, as the government is set to take a bold decision and appoint Rajiv Malhotra and Swapan Dasgupta as honorary professors at the University’s Centre for Media Studies (CMS). Tagging a link of the Centre’s faculty page, Malhotra tweeted, “As a visiting professor at JNU, I will deliver my first lecture on 2nd Nov afternoon. I will probably discuss my project on SANSKRIT NON-TRANSLATABLES. Next time I can proceed to other topics.”
In the recent past, JNU has come to be seen as a breeding ground for leftist propaganda and at times even a hotbed for anti-India views. In fact, the “Azadi” gang emanated out of the sedition row that unfolded in JNU ,when an anti India event was held on Afzal Guru’s death anniversary in 2016 and later in 2017. Leftists trying to dominate the university campus of JNU is a not uncommon. The violence and mayhem created by the left in JNUSU elections against the ABVP, goes on to show that those supporting the rabid leftist ideology, have been given a free run in the varsity.
Leftist propaganda has ruled the roost in the University campus on account of presence of certain elements that were conducive to the propagation of those elements. The JNU has had certain professors who were clear propagators of the leftist ideology. It is on account of the biases and prejudices that those professors carried themselves, that the JNU became the hotbed for leftist ideology. Balancing attempts by those believing in ‘other ideologies’ have rarely been successful. It was pretty evident by the violence that marred the recent JNUSU elections. There have been ample instances of the use of muscle, to shut down opposing ideological opinions.
This cycle of JNU professors, professing a particular ideology is actually a very dangerous trend. The Constitution of India espouses free speech and the right to dissent. The appointment of Dasgupta and Rajiv Malhotra is a welcome decision, as this would break the cycle of leftist professors influencing and propagating their political opinion within the University campus.
Rajiv Malhotra, who is a physicist and computer scientist by training, has been known for his pro Hindutva views. His books include “Indra’s Net: Defending Hinduism’s Philosophical Unity”, “Battle for Sanskrit” and “Academic Hindophobia”. His works therefore narrate how the academic and elitist circles, having close association with the Lutyens’ have been unduly critical of the Hindutva ideology. Swapan Dasgupta who is a self-professed believer in British conservatism, is a Rajya Sabha member of Parliament and as a presidential nominee, he has been seen as a supporter of the BJP and its policies. No matter how these appointments will be portrayed by the leftist circles, it is a commendable and a bold attempt by the current dispensation to cleanse the campus of excessive and obnoxious leftist propaganda.
It has now become clear, that no particular ideology can enjoy monopoly over the JNU campus. Even those believing in the other end of the political spectrum, can be appointed as professors in the University.