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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SC bans NCERT book over chapter on judiciary corruption, orders copies' seizure, digital takedown
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Thursday imposed a blanket ban on class 8 NCERT book carrying a chapter on corruption in the judiciary, and ordered a seizure of all physical copies, along with takedown of its digital forms.
The apex court ordered that the Centre and state authorities comply with its directions immediately, and warned of "serious action" if directions are defied in any form.
The top court issued show cause notices to NCERT director, school education secretary to explain why action should be not taken against those responsible.
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A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant said there seemed to be a calculated move to undermine institution and demean dignity of judiciary.
The bench said such misconduct, having everlasting impact on judiciary, would fall within definition of criminal contempt.
"We would like to have a deeper probe," the bench said.
The court said that if allowed to go unchecked, this will erode people's faith in judiciary. "No one will be allowed to go scot-free."
The CJI said, "It is my duty as the head of the institution to find out who is responsible; heads must roll."
CJI Surya Kant said there appears to be a deep-rooted, well planned conspiracy to defame the judiciary.
Taking exception to the NCERT's Wednesday communication, the SC said there was not a single word of apology in it, and instead, they have tried to justified it.
At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology on behalf of Ministry of education.
The bench posted the mater for further hearing on march 11.
