An official notification from Delhi University of an upcoming event organised by the Rashtriya Sewa Bharati, the social service wing of RSS, has sparked criticism among faculty members who argued that the university should remain institutionally neutral.
In a circular dated April 3, DU Registrar Vikas Gupta requested heads of departments and principals across its colleges to “encourage students, staff and faculty members” to participate in the ‘Run for a Girl Child’ on April 13 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi.
“The run is aimed at raising awareness for education, healthcare and skill development of underprivileged girls,” the circular states. Colleges were advised to fund the participation fees through the Student Welfare Fund.
Faculty members, however, objected to the university’s official backing of the event. “Why should there be official encouragement for a run organised by a particular organisation, a branch of RSS?” a professor said on condition of anonymity.
“The cause is genuine, but giving official support is partisan and sets a precedent that could be misused. As a university, we should not side with any organisation.”
This story was originally published in indianexpress.com. Read the full story here.
