New Delhi: Indian scientist, poet and social activist Gauhar Raza was set to address an event organised by the Lit Club of IIT-BHU (Varanasi) on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, but it was abruptly called off due to "unavoidable circumstances."

The event, titled ‘Confluence of Literature, Science, and Consciousness’, was intended for Raza to engage with students and other attendees online via Google Meet, focusing on the intersection of literature, science and social consciousness.

The event was planned to commence at 6 PM, but Gauhar Raza received notification of its cancellation in the morning that same day.

Speaking to The Wire Hindi, one of the event organisers confirmed that the event had been called off. However, when inquired as to why, he stated, "I can't comment on this matter. I'm under a lot of pressure, and the entire event was abruptly cancelled overnight."

Reason behind the cancellation

Gauhar Raza announced the event’s cancellation on social media. He said that he found out about it upon checking his email in the morning. He quoted the organisers' message that stated: "Sir, due to unavoidable circumstances, the event has been cancelled, and I apologise for any inconvenience caused."

However, Raza said that "the true reason for the cancellation is the same old issue." 

He elaborated that a faculty member raised an objection to his name, which led to increased pressure on the organisers, ultimately resulting in the event's cancellation.

Speaking to The Wire Hindi, Raza said, "If the organisers used the word 'pressure', that's a statement in itself."

"Had I delivered a lecture there, it could have led the government to collapse. They decided to cancel it fearing this. How many students would have attended my lecture – maybe 25 or 30. That small club must have only a handful of members. One is not permitted to speak even before such a small crowd,” he further remarked with sarcasm.

He adds, “I believe they are averse to hearing anything that pertains to science and the scientific temperament. On one hand, there are Muslim conservatives who got Javed Akhtar's event cancelled, and on the other hand, there are these individuals. There's no difference between the two.”

Gauhar Raza said that creating such a ruckus and obstructing people from speaking is also a tactic for gaining cheap popularity.

“Individuals who constantly partake in such activities keep informing their superiors of what they did. It all contributes to their CVs. In the present atmosphere of the country, such individuals are often rewarded. The teacher who began labelling others as anti-nationals was clearly conveying a message to his superiors,” he said.

DU professor Apoorvanand expresses surprises

Delhi University professor Apoorvanand also reacted to the incident on social media.

He stated, “Gauhar Raza was prevented from addressing the audience at IIT, BHU. Who is it that doesn’t wish for students to hear Gauhar Sahib? Are we unaware of what the 'inevitable circumstances' are today?” he asked, surprised that such a significant speaker was obstructed from reaching the students.

The event was meant to explore the convergence of literature, science and social awareness. 

The cancellation of Gauhar Raza's event has sparked considerable discussion among students and scholars. 

The decision is facing backlash on social media, prompting inquiries about the conditions that led to the prevention of such a notable figure from speaking.

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