A controversy erupted at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) after the administration declined permission for a special Holi Milan function. As the admin’s directive discriminated against Hindu students’ right to excercise their religious freedom, it faced massive backlash. Subsequently, in the wake of mounting public and political pressure as well as protests by right-wing groups, the university administration later allowed Holi celebrations at the Non-Resident Students’ Centre (NRSC) on March 13 and 14.
The issue began when Akhil Kaushal, a master’s degree student, submitted a request on February 25 to the university proctor, Wasim Ali, seeking permission for a Holi Milan event on March 9 at NRSC. His request was denied. This triggered a strong response from students and Hindu organizations. Several of the students had warned that if Hindus students were snatched of their religious rights, they would escalate the matter and write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the admin’s brazen discrimination against Hindu festival.
Pointing towards Muslim versity’s admin’s discriminatory practice, Kaushal highlighted the selective treatment of the university noting that religious events of other communities were allowed, but Hindu students were being restricted.
He stated, “We have evidence of discussions in the meeting. If permission is not granted, we will make the audio and video viral on social media.”
He also urged AMU Vice-Chancellor Naima Khatoon to uphold India’s secular ethos and allow the celebration.
Facing backlash for the controversial directive, Proctor Wasim Ali defended the decision arguing that AMU does not permit special events for any festival.
He stated, “Holi has always been celebrated at AMU, but no special permission has ever been granted for an event at a specific location. This will not change now.”
MIC Professor Vibha Sharma went further stating that while the Aligarh Muslim University follows a tradition of festival celebrations, it was not in favour of “initiating new customs”.
The issue surfaced when outfits like the All India Karni Sena organized protests and blamed AMU for religious partiality. These protests saw slogans – ‘AMU’s dictatorship won’t work’ chanted in the streets as protesters took to the streets and marched into the district collectorate to demand the intervention of the Prime Minister. BJP leaders also criticized AMU’s stance, with UP Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh asserting that institutions cannot favour one religion over others. Former Aligarh Mayor and BJP leader Shakuntala Bharti condemned the university for denying the special Holi event.
Coming out strongly in favour of Hindu students, Aligarh BJP MP Satish Gautam declared, “No one can stop anyone from celebrating Holi inside AMU.”
He assured Hindu students of his support saying, “Agar koi mar peet karega to usay oopar pahuncha diya jaiga.”
In the wake of increasing pressure, AMU officials revised their stance.
On Friday night, NRSC Provost Professor Brij Bhushan Singh announced that students would be allowed to play Holi on March 13 and 14, as March 9 coincided with an AMU board examination.
He explained, “March 10, 11, and 12 are working days, but March 13 and 14 are holidays. Anyone is welcome to play Holi on those days.”
