NEW DELHI – Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated on Monday that degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) signify a responsibility towards society, not solely individual achievement. Pradhan delivered this message to graduating students at the university’s convocation ceremony.
The minister’s address occurred days after controversial incidents on campus. Students allegedly raised “provocative” slogans within the JNU premises. These slogans were reportedly directed against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
JNU’s Academic Legacy and Ethos
During his convocation speech, Minister Pradhan commended JNU’s longstanding academic contributions. He affirmed that JNU has established a strong and distinctive legacy of academic excellence. The university has achieved this through decades of sustained scholastic effort, he noted.
Pradhan further highlighted JNU’s current standing among India’s premier universities. He stated the institution maintains its position by upholding academic autonomy. This autonomy operates within a vibrant, interdisciplinary academic environment. Critical thinking forms the core principle of JNU’s ethos, according to the minister’s address.
Responsibilities of Graduates
The Union Education Minister outlined clear expectations for the graduating students. He urged them to uphold and further strengthen JNU’s established legacy. This legacy encompasses principles of inclusivity, social justice, and profound responsibility. Graduates are expected to become advocates for the marginalized sections of society. They must actively contribute to reducing existing inequalities within the community, Pradhan emphasized.
Pradhan underscored the crucial role JNU alumni would play in national development. He projected that many graduates would spearhead innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives. This includes establishing successful startups and ‘unicorns’ – high-value private companies. Others would significantly influence the nation’s intellectual discourse. These roles include becoming prominent writers, influential journalists, and respected thought leaders.
The minister articulated the nation’s expectations. He stated graduates must make active, positive, and meaningful contributions. Their efforts are vital for realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious vision of Viksit Bharat – 2047 . This initiative aims for a fully developed India by the year 2047.
Recent Campus Controversy
The minister’s campus visit gained additional context from recent events. On January 5 , students allegedly raised slogans targeting Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah. The incident occurred on the JNU campus. It followed a Supreme Court decision denying bail to two activists, Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. Both are former JNU students. They are accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case.
Authorities registered a First Information Report (FIR) against several students regarding the alleged slogans. The FIR cited the “provocative” nature of the verbal expressions. This police action drew immediate criticism from student bodies. The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) denied any official involvement in the specific slogans. They maintained that the university administration should engage with student concerns, not resort to criminalizing protest activities.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Association (JNUTA) also condemned the administrative response. JNUTA publicly accused the JNU administration of “criminalizing protest.” The association described the FIR filed over the students’ event as “ridiculous.” JNUTA urged for dialogue and understanding instead of punitive measures against student expression.
University’s Stance on Dissent
In related commentary, JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree Pandit previously addressed campus dissent. She clarified that a “lunatic fringe” does not define the university’s character. Pandit consistently affirmed JNU’s commitment to core values. These include academic freedom and fostering critical thinking among its student body. She maintained that the university’s foundational principles endure despite isolated incidents of protest or controversy.
Minister Pradhan’s convocation address reinforced the government’s perspective on higher education’s role. It underscored the crucial balance between academic freedom and civic responsibility. His message highlighted the significant societal impact expected from graduates of a prestigious institution such as JNU. It emphasized their collective role in shaping India’s future.