Ashoka Univesity Students Raise Casteist Slogans Inside Campus, Authorities Take Action

A statement was issued by Ashoka University in Haryana's Sonipat, pledging to undertake necessary measures to ensure peace and harmony after videos of students making casteist remarks surfaced on social media, on Wednesday.

The expression of hatred directed against an individual or group was deplored by Ashoka University.

Ashoka Univesity Students Raise Casteist Slogans - WATCH

A video, part of a student demonstration, has drawn criticism on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. In the video, slogans such as "we need a caste census" and "Brahmin-Baniyawaad Murdabad" were shouted by students, as reported by news agency ANI.

In the statement, it was emphasized by Ashoka University that great value is attached to freedom of expression and vigorous debate, while also emphasizing the importance of mutual respect. The university highlighted its "Guidelines on Protecting Freedom of Expression", stating that such freedom of expression is not unlimited and enjoins respect for the rights and sensibilities of others.

"The expression of hatred directed against any individual or group is deplored by the university. Ashoka University's Guidelines on Protecting Freedom of Expression have stipulated that such freedom of expression is not unlimited and enjoins respect for the rights and sensibilities of others. This is essential to preserving the spirit of community at Ashoka," read the statement posted on the social media account of the university.

"Actions that create an intimidating, threatening, or hostile atmosphere for individuals or groups are therefore considered serious offences and are subject to university disciplinary procedures. All necessary measures will be taken by the university to ensure that peace and harmony on campus are not disrupted," it was further added.

In response to the video, social media platform X saw Infosys chief financial officer (CFO) Mohandas Pai expressing his reaction, stating, "This is very shocking, if true. Why is there so much caste hatred in @AshokaUniv? Will @sbikh Pl take action to stop such hatred, if true?"

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was tagged by Mohandas Pai, urging the government to investigate the prevalence of such hatred. He questioned, "How can universities remain silent?"

Demanding the establishment of an Equal Opportunity Cell, students at Ashoka University have been protesting. The demonstration is led by the university's Social Justice Forum (SJF), an independent student body advocating for the rights of individuals from ethnic and religious minority backgrounds.