Subramanian Swamy to address Ram Mandir Seminar; students, teachers oppose the move

New Delhi, Jan 9: Amid huge protest by students, teachers and Congress workers, seminar on Ram Janmabhoomi kicked off on Saturday in Delhi University campus. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy who has been advocating for Ram Janmabhoomi will address the inaugural session of the two-day seminar shortly.

Earlier, student wing of Congress, NSUI slammed BJP for organizing such a seminar and termed it an attempt to polarize various communities.

The two-day seminar titled "Shri Ram Janma Bhoomi Temple: Emerging Scenario" and beginning has been organised at DU's Arts Faculty by Arundhati Vashishtha Anusandhan Peeth (AVAP), a research organisation founded by late VHP leader Ashok Singhal. Swamy is the chairman of AVAP.

Apart from Swamy, many eminent historians, archaeologists and law experts will discuss various topics including "Lord Ram's character and values, and their impact on Indian culture", "History of the Ram temple and related archaeological findings", "Legal issues around Ram temple" and "Experience and future of Ram temple" in seminar.

Terming protesting students, teachers as "intolerant" Swamy lashed out at them for opposing seminar.

"There has been a lot of hue and cry about the so called intolerance, where has that intolerance gone? This is a seminar on a topic which is very important, it is not being attended by politicians but by historians, researchers and academicians.

"What is the objection then? Those objecting are all left-wing people and naxalites. If they want to protest outside they can, but if they disrupt the law and order then police should take proper action," swamy said.

Various student groups and teachers have been opposing the DU's decision to offer its campus for the non-academic event.

"There are numerous more important issues of discussion including poverty, education and unemployment rather than discussing something that has always been a bone of contention between the people of different communities. We will hold a protest against it tomorrow," Krantikari Yuwa Sangathan said in a statement.

DU professor Shaswati Majumdar said, "University is not a place for such kind of divisive seminars or lectures, which propagate only one-sided ideology. Academic institutions are places where students from different castes and religions feel comfortable to be in.

This seminar will only create an environment of hostility and discomfort". Delhi University authorities are maintaining that they have nothing to do with the subject of the seminar and the organisation had booked the venue for the event which is available to outsiders for hiring.

OneIndia News

(With inputs from PTI)