PARUL SINGH
In a recent incident where Deepika Jha, the DUSU Joint Secretary (affiliated with ABVP), allegedly slapped Professor Sujit Kumar, the convenor of the disciplinary committee at Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, University of Delhi, has sparked a widespread debate across the academic fraternity. According to reports, the altercation occurred in the presence of police personnel and administrative officials. While Jha has alleged that the professor misbehaved and used inappropriate language, the professor has denied these claims. Teacher associations across the University have condemned the incident, demanding an impartial inquiry and appropriate disciplinary action. Student organizations across campuses have also begun internal discussions about leadership conduct and accountability. If mis-behaviour or abusive language is found on the part of the professor, disciplinary action according to institutional rules should follow. But so should action if any misconduct by the student is found. Both must be held to norms.
Our nation’s civilizational strength lies in respecting our gurus. From the Gurukul Parampara to the modern classroom, the teacher has been seen as the torchbearer of wisdom. To disrespect that role, even in anger, is to disregard the very foundation of our Bhartiya Sanskriti. A professor performing his official duties, even if in disagreement is present, deserves a level of decorum from student leaders. Physical assault erodes that respect. It undermines the idea that disputes must be resolved through dialogue and institutional processes, not through force. When a student leader takes it upon themselves to administer physical punishment, the boundary between activism and vigilantism is crossed. This is dangerous, morally and legally. For a campus to produce knowledge, debate, growth, it must be safe not only physically but also intellectually. Teachers must feel they can teach, guide, even dissent, without fear of being assaulted. I admire much of what ABVP stands for – national pride, discipline, service, character building, but this action by Deepika Jha falls short of those ideals. If the goal is to build better citizens, better institutions, then moments like this must lead to introspection, correction, accountability, not denial or justification. the incident serves as a reminder that while activism and leadership demand courage, they are incomplete without humility and respect, the virtues central to both the Bharatiya tradition and the moral fabric of education. It is imperative for ABVP-aligned individuals to speak firmly against such behaviour, for silence or justification would only diminish the integrity of the community and the values it seeks to uphold.
