Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s Friday censure for Jadavpur University, about “anti-national slogans being written on the walls” and “students seen protesting on the streets instead of studying”, prompted chief minister Mamata Banerjee to shoot off an open letter, saying the ability to question was not anarchy, rather, it was education and excellence.“The entire nation used to take the name of Jadavpur University with pride. Its foundation was based on nationalistic principles. Look at the situation now. Threats are being issued on the campus, anti-national slogans are being written on the walls and students are seen protesting on the streets instead of studying,” Modi said during an election rally at Jadavpur. “We want an academic environment, not anarchy. We want dialogue, not threats. A govt, which cannot even save the largest educational institution, can never save the future of Bengal.”In a post on X, Mamata said she was pained by Modi’s attempt at associating “anarchy” with “the meritorious students of Jadavpur University” and questioned if such remarks were in keeping with the concept of decorum and courtesy. “Jadavpur University has been receiving top ranks from your Govt’s NIRF ranking framework year after year, and you descend to insult that centre of excellence? You stoop so low?” the chief minister posted. “Please do not defame the educational institution which was inspired by our early nationalists, including Sri Aurobindo, as a pioneer. Please do not defame Bengal.”Banerjee said, “The students of the Jadavpur University have earned their place through merit and walk out with degrees, with intellect, with the ability to question. That is not anarchy. That is education and that is excellence.” She went on to draw distinction between democratic dissent and what she termed as anarchy.“Anarchy is not students raising their voices. Anarchy is using bulldozers as instruments of power instead of justice. Anarchy is when farmers die and their voices are crushed. Anarchy is when those convicted of rape and other heinous crimes walk free for political convenience. Anarchy is denying the poor their rightful dues. Anarchy is dividing a nation along religious lines for votes. Anarchy is refusing to face the press, refusing accountability, refusing questions. Anarchy is refusing to acknowledge that Manipur is burning but you are busy with elections. Students protesting do not constitute a breakdown of democracy—it is democracy in motion,” Banerjee said.JUTA assistant general secretary Rajyeswar Sinha said, “Jadavpur University was born out of the anti-British movement. The legacy of the Independence movement is the university’s tradition. Despite significant financial challenges, the relentless efforts of students, teachers, researchers, staff, officials and alumni have earned our university recognition as a ‘Centre of Excellence’, both nationally and internationally. The university has played a crucial role in the fight for social justice. But it is astonishing that despite meeting all the criteria for the ‘Institute of Eminence’, the university was deprived of the status. The promised fund from Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan have also not been received. Simultaneously, with the dissolution of the UGC, allocations for central projects are being halted. This is how public institutions are being undermined.”
