'Freedom Of Expression Not Unlimited': Ashok Univ On Students Raising Casteist Slogans | Video

ashok university on students raising casteist slogans viral video freedom of expression not unlimited

New Delhi: Ashoka University has once again made headlines and this time after a video of a group of students raising casteist slogans on campus surfaced on social media. The university has now said that it would take the necessary measures to ensure peace and harmony. The varsity added that it deplores the expression of hatred directed against an individual or group.

A video of a students’ demonstration on Ashok University campus wherein they could be heard shouting ‘We need a caste census’ and ‘Brahmin-Baniyawaad Murdabad’ went viral on social media. Many even criticised the student for hurling casteist remarks on the campus by targeting a particular caste.

As the video was being circulated, the university took to X and said, “Ashoka University attaches great value to freedom of expression and vigorous debate, but it also attaches great importance to mutual respect…Ashoka University’s Guidelines on Protecting Freedom of Expression have clearly laid down 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.”

“Actions that make the atmosphere intimidating, threatening or hostile to individuals or groups are therefore regarded as serious offences and are subject to university disciplinary procedure. The university will take all measures necessary to ensure that peace and harmony on campus is not disturbed,” it further added in the post.

Former Infosys Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mohandas Pai also reacted to the video and said, “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?”

He tagged Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the X post and asked the government to look into why such hatred prevails. “How can universities keep quiet?”

According to an ANI report, the students were demanding the administration to set up an Equal Opportunity Cell. The agitation was headed by the university’s Social Justice Forum (SJF), an independent student body that advocates for the rights of those from ethnic and religious minority backgrounds.