By TwoCircles.net staff reporter
New Delhi: The Academic Council of Jamia Millia Islamia has expressed its deep concern over the incidents in its neighbourhood and tarnishing of its image by some sections of the media following the Delhi serial blasts and Batla House encounter.
“We are disturbed and distressed by the misperceptions about our institution propagated by some sections of the media and civil/political society. Surely, this is not what we deserve considering our liberal and progressive record since October 1920, the year of our birth. We were in the forefront of the national movement wholeheartedly, and opposed the pernicious two-nation theory. Today, we are the proud inheritors of the Nehruvian legacy of pluralism and secularism. Rest assured, that there is no wavering in our liberal and secular commitments. We are and will remain an indispensable part of the composite edifice called India. We embody the idea of India,” reads a letter by the Academic Council.
“A student of London School of Economics was found guilty of being a terrorist. Does that turn such a prestigious institution into a terrorist camp? Then why Jamia?” reads the letter while referring to the arrest of two Jamia students in connection with the Delhi bombing.
The members of the council have made it clear that they are not less liberal than any other institution.
“We have no ideological or political agenda. Remember, too, that we are not a denominational institution. As a modern, liberal institution of higher learning, we are engaged in teaching and research. What is more, our doors are open to all, Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Sikhs alike, for we recognize no religious distinctions. We do not offer instruction in Sunni and Shia Theology; instead, we offer courses on civilizations and on Hindu ethics,” they said.
The Academic Council has condemned all sorts of terrorism and violence.
“We unreservedly condemn and denounce acts of terror, whether they happen in Delhi, Gujarat, Kandhamal, or Mangalore. Indeed, we must not allow our democratic and secular fabric to be weakened. In that, we must be active crusaders against mindless violence,” reads the letter.
“We are issuing this open letter because we are deeply concerned by the manner in which communalism and terrorism have begun to feed each other… The Jamia Millia Islamia has been an epitome of communal harmony. It was the place where Hindus and Muslims worked together for the Independence of India. Today, we are once again confronted with the challenge of taking such a role. We appeal to people all over the country for their support. Jamia’s present and future is of interest to the entire nation, and not just to its students and teachers,” the Council said.
While concluding the letter they appealed to colleagues and students to remain calm and not to be swayed by religious or political rhetoric.