New Delhi: The 105th Foundation Day celebrations of Jamia Millia Islamia university is mired in controversy. Several student organisations have released a joint statement voicing deep concerns regarding certain events planned during the six-day celebration from October 29 to November 3. They argue that these events contradict the university's secular and inclusive values.

The most contentious issue is a music and dance performance titled "Akhand Bharat,” scheduled for November 1 at the Safdar Hashmi Amphitheatre and organised by the Jamia Music Club.

Speaking to The Wire Hindi, Harpreet Kaur Jas, the convener of the music club under the university's dean of students' welfare, said that this year's theme is centred around "folk". "We have tried to showcase music and dance from different states so that children can learn about different cultures."

When asked about the inclusion of the term "Akhand Bharat" in the event's title, Jas, an associate professor in the Department of Educational Studies, added, "This is a government policy that must be adhered to by the club's convener and other members. It's not solely my decision; the inputs of other members are also considered. Moreover, we have both policy and academic considerations to take into account. Our club falls under the dean of students' welfare, so decisions are made collectively."

However, the statement from the student organisations indicated that the phrase "Akhand Bharat" is linked to an ideology that is divisive and fundamentally opposed to the core values of ​​Jamia, which include coexistence and mutual respect between communities.

History of the "Akhand Bharat" ideology

The notion of "Akhand Bharat" or "Akhand Hindustan" serves as a fundamental element of the Hindutva ideology. This concept is one of the core tenets of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which perceives India as a undivided Hindu nation encompassing Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.

According to the RSS textbooks, regions such as Burma (Myanmar), Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka were once part of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears to endorse this perspective. In a 2012 interview, during his tenure as the chief minister of Gujarat, he stated that "Akhand Bharat" signifies cultural unity.

However, experts believe that the concept of "Akhand Bharat" transcends mere cultural unity; it represents a political-religious project aimed at re-establishing South Asia to its pre-Islamic state. This ideology stands in opposition to the principles of secularism and inclusivity.

Delhi Police songs

Another controversial event is the Delhi Police's musical programme 'Ek Shaam Shaheedon Ke Naam,' which is slated for November 2.

Student groups assert that although the art of music is respected, one cannot forget that the Delhi Police barged into the Jamia campus on December 15, 2019, attacked students, and vandalised property.

Tensions between students and police have continued since that time. Organisations argue that extending an invitation to the Delhi Police overlooks the pain experienced by numerous individuals still impacted by those events.

Sanskrit qawwali

As part of the foundation day celebrations, the university's Sanskrit department is hosting a Sanskrit qawwali on October 30. This event will be held in the Ansari auditorium. Student organisations have alleged that this is cultural theft and an attempt is being made to impose a Brahminical interpretation on the original tradition of qawwali.

The student organisations said, "Qawwali is a spiritual art form, deeply rooted in the Urdu-Persian poetic tradition and Sufi devotion. Translating it into 'Sanskrit qawwali' does not represent a cultural amalgamation, but a calculated effort to give it a Brahminical touch.”

Jamia's legacy: A secular vision of the 1920s

Jamia Millia Islamia was established in 1920 during the Non-cooperation Movement by Shaikhul Hind Maulana Mahmud Hasan, Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar, Hakim Ajmal Khan, Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari, Abdul Majeed Khwaja, and Dr. Zakir Hussain. Its objective was to offer inclusive education that was free from colonial influence and accessible to all the segments of society.

The university's emblem and founding documents distinctly embody its secular, nationalist, and inclusive vision. In 1988, it was designated as a central university through an Act of Parliament.

What are the student organisations demanding?

The organisations that issued the statement urged the university administration to stay true to Jamia Millia Islamia's historic mission of providing secular and inclusive education. They said, "Foundation Day should reflect the university's commitment to diversity and social justice, and should not be merged with political or ideological agendas."

They have appealed to the vice-chancellor to uphold the inclusive ethos and reaffirm Jamia's dedication to the idea of ​​a pluralistic and democratic India.

Despite these objections, the university has made arrangements for a grand six-day event.

According to a report in The New Indian Express, this will mark the first and largest Talimi Mela in seven years. What initially began as a two-day event has now been transformed into a six-day academic and cultural extravaganza.

The programme includes academic lectures and seminars, as well as qawwalis, music sessions, and an All India Mushaira held daily at 5:30 pm, in addition to street play performances. The campus will be buzzing with activity throughout the week, with exhibitions, mental health camps, blood donation camps, sports events, national food stalls and interactive sessions.

Lt. governor of Delhi, Vinay Kumar Saxena, will be the chief guest at the closing ceremony on November 3, when the 'Jamia Excellence Awards' will be presented.

This article was originally published on The Wire Hindi and has been translated into English by Naushin Rehman.

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