Mangaluru: NSUI issues apology after ABVP protests against internationally acclaimed historian
Mangaluru: The National Students Union of India (NSUI) organized a protest on Wednesday, paying tribute to the martyrs of the 1857 freedom struggle. This demonstration came in response to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad's (ABVP) alleged insult towards internationally acclaimed historian and former Delhi University Professor, Shamsul Islam. Dr. Islam had arrived at the University College campus on Saturday to deliver the freedom fighter B.V. Kakkilaya inspired oration.
Under the NSUI’s leadership, the students paid floral tributes to the first four incidents related to the first war of Independence of 1857 in Karnataka and the names of the 132 martyrs who lost their lives in those incidents in front of the gate of Mangalore University College, in the city’s Hampankatta.
Speaking on the occasion, NSUI District President Suhan Alva highlighted that Mangalore University is known for its own contributions. But recently when retired Delhi University professor and history expert Dr. Shamsul Islam arrived at the campus to conduct a B.V. Kakkilaya inspired oration, the ABVP staged protests against him. He noted that, Dr. Islam's research and collection of information on the freedom fighters of 1857 aimed to raise awareness about these unsung heroes, but he found himself encircled and confronted by the ABVP. The NSUI condemned the ABVP's attempt to gherao him.
“The ABVP disrespected the martyrs of the freedom struggle by obstructing those who came to introduce freedom fighters who were not well-known to the common people. The ABVP insulted a historian who had come to Mangaluru with good intentions, however he carried a wrong opinion about the place. NSUI would like to apologize on behalf of the students for such an act.” Alva added.
Alva further stated that the “NSUI has already voiced concerns regarding the irregularities in the university, including the delayed payment of salaries to the teachers and non-teaching staff of Mangalore University. Local MLAs have interfered with and disrupted the Ganeshotsava, which has been celebrated at Mangalore University for a long time.” He stated that NSUI condemns the callous behavior of an elected representative.
Four events related to the First War of Indian Independence in 1857, and the names of 132 martyrs who sacrificed their lives in these events, were commemorated on a plaque unveiled by Dr. Shamsul Islam in the premises of Mangalore University College.
Although it was initially decided that students, under the leadership of NSUI, would pay tribute to the martyrs within the college premises, the students ended up paying their respects at the martyrs' plaque located in front of the college gate due to the denial of permission by the police.
Numerous student leaders including Siraj Mangaluru, Samarth Bhatt, Shaun Siri, Sukhwinder Singh, Shalvin, Azim, Steven, Rihan, and University student leaders Anas, Jamshid, Marzook, Marshad and others were present on this occasion.
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Attacks on Christians contradict PM's message of harmony, visit to church: Gehlot
Jaipur (PTI): Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday expressed concern over the reported attacks and disruptions in prayer gatherings of the Christian community in different parts of the country, saying such incidents were "worrying and condemnable".
In a post on X, Gehlot said that while the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was visiting a church and giving a message of peace and harmony, news of attacks on members of the Christian community from various regions reflected a serious contradiction.
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"Symbolic gestures would not be enough, and strict legal action was required against those spreading hatred," the senior Congress leader said.
He added that Indian culture has always upheld the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", where every citizen has full freedom to practise their faith.
Gehlot urged the Centre and state governments to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no citizen is forced to celebrate their festival under fear.
