School talk nixed, JNU professor Zoya Hasan gives speech online; parents apologise
JNU professor Zoya Hasan addressed students and parents virtually on pluralism. This event occurred after her scheduled Independence Day appearance was cancelled. Protests outside Sardar Patel Vidyalaya led to the school's decision to replace her. Parents apologized to Hasan, condemning pressure from external forces. Hasan stated nationalism poses the biggest threat to India's pluralism today.
Around 150 students and parents gathered for a virtual Independence Day celebration on Saturday, as JNU professor emerita Zoya Hasan gave a speech titled "Why Pluralism Matters" at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya. Hasan's scheduled appearance as the chief guest had been canceled the previous day due to protests outside the school.
At the online event, Hasan delivered the address she couldn't give in person on Friday. She was set to hoist the Tricolour, address the gathering, and present awards to meritorious students. However, after protesters gathered outside the school, the managing body replaced her.
Parents of the students apologized to Hasan, stating that they were pressured by "external forces" to cancel her presence as the chief guest. They expressed their shock at the situation, as students, parents, and teachers were looking forward to Hasan's speech. The parents acknowledged the excitement surrounding Hasan's participation in the event.
In her speech, Hasan emphasized that pluralism is currently under threat from the prevailing idea of nationalism. She highlighted the diverse identities and cultures present in India, such as Punjab, Sindhu, Gujarat, Maratha, Dravida, Odisha, and Bengal. Hasan noted that the nature of nationalism has changed from the colonial era to the present day, where it is based on a single religious identity and conformity.
The virtual programme concluded with the national anthem.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
