A collective student agitation to safeguard dignity, diversity and democracy can topple fascist and casteist forces in the country, asserted Kanhaiya Kumar, president of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) who rose to fame following his arrest on sedition charges earlier this year.
Mr. Kumar was speaking in the presence of student leaders from across the country including those from the Jadavpur University, the Allahabad University, the University of Hyderabad, the Maulana Azad National Urdu University and the Osmania University at the All India Thematic Social Forum, a two-day meet which began on Sunday.
All slogans in educational institutions, be it Jai Bhim, Lal Salam or Johar, point to unity among the oppressed community, Mr. Kumar said. “The oppressed community [students and others] should collectively fight against the oppressor. Even Rohith Vemula believed in a collective struggle,” he said.
Launching a stinging criticism against Prime Minister, Narendera Modi and the BJP, Mr. Kanhaiya said the BJP could not establish a unified religious and moral code in the country. If you want to establish Hinduism as the only religion which Hinduism will you adopt? The Hinduism practised by vegetarian Hindus in Bihar or the one practised by those in Kerala who are beef eaters?” Mr. Kumar asked.
“How can you, a Gujarati eat Dhokla in New Delhi and later prevent people from eating beef because it does not suit your taste?” the student leader said mockingly.
