Kolkata, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has expressed shock over the alleged entry of right-wing groups into Jadavpur University and called for stronger safeguards against political violence on educational campuses.
“I am shocked to hear about the terrible attack on Jadavpur University. There’s a need to protect people from political violence. The press conference came against the backdrop of allegations of incursions by right-wing groups, particularly the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad , into the university campus and subsequent clashes with Left-affiliated student organisations, including the Students’ Federation of India , FETSU, AIDSO and SBVP. The university also witnessed vandalism, damage to its heritage emblem and unauthorised entry by outsiders.
Recalling his association with the institution, the economist said, “Jadavpur University is where I began my teaching life 70 years ago, and my solidarity with this great university runs very deep.
In a message of solidarity addressed to Subhendu Bhadra, founder of the JU Global Alumni Association, Sen said he was “deeply distressed” by the developments at the university, where he had begun his teaching career nearly seven decades ago. On September 9, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari participated in a saffron march from Golpark to the JU 8B bus stand, ahead of the university, to uphold the “honour, sanctity, glory and purity of saffron”. Along with all others in my country, people pursuing education in different campuses need support,” Sen said in his message, which was read out at an alumni association meeting on Thursday.
