Jamia Millia Islamia Vice-Chancellor Mazhar Asif's statement that 'all Indians share Mahadev's DNA' has provoked controversy, provoking protests and condemnation on campus.
The remark was made during a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) organised ‘Yuva Kumbh’ event at the university and has circulated widely on social media. In the recording, Asif connects Indian identity to Lord Mahadev, asserting that despite diverse languages, cultures, and religions, “the DNA of Mahadev resides within us,” a comment that received applause at the event.
The event had already faced opposition from several student groups who protested the decision to hold an RSS programme on campus. Reports indicate that protests delayed the event and prompted a considerable security presence at the university.
The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) unit at Jamia issued a strong condemnation of the Vice-Chancellor’s comments, labelling them “unscientific” and “regressive.” The SFI criticised the university administration for permitting the event, arguing it conflicted with the constitutional duty to promote scientific temper.
Moreover, the SFI accused the administration of using force against students who were peacefully protesting. The statement alleged that demonstrators were dragged, beaten, and assaulted by the proctorial team during the crackdown.
“While students were peacefully protesting, the administration ordered a crackdown. Protesters were dragged, beaten, and assaulted by the proctorial team. In the midst of this, the VC’s statement reflects a deeply unscientific and regressive mindset, undermining the constitutional duty to promote scientific temper. It is alarming that while students face restrictions and harassment for democratic activities, the administration is facilitating RSS programmes on campus,” the SFI said.