Kasaragod Central University SFI union faces backlash over insulting Indian flag; Poster removed amid protests
- In Reports
- 09:53 PM, Jun 22, 2024
- Myind Staff
The SFI Union of Kasaragod Central University faced strong criticism for allegedly disrespecting Bharat Mata (Mother India) and the national flag with posters promoting their arts festival, Cankama 2024. As protests escalated on campus, the controversial posters were eventually taken down. The incident sparked a heated debate regarding the boundaries of freedom of expression and cultural sensitivity in educational institutions.
The contentious posters, which were displayed on campus, depicted a woman standing naked and wrapped in a torn national flag, leading to widespread outrage among students and activists. Initially appearing on June 20, the posters were removed by ABVP activists in response to the backlash.
However, they were later reinstated with the assistance of police and university authorities, further escalating tensions and prompting a significant debate about artistic expression, cultural sensitivity, and respect for national symbols.
As the controversial posters reappeared in the morning, the ABVP intensified their protest by lodging a complaint with the university's Vice Chancellor (VC). In response, the VC stated that the matter would need to be deliberated and decided upon by the student council. Meanwhile, the arts festival, Cankama 2024, is scheduled to take place from June 26 to June 29 amidst ongoing discussions and tensions surrounding the poster controversy.
In addition to the controversial depiction involving the national flag, the posters also featured images of watermelons alongside the festival's name, which was interpreted as a reference to the Palestine issue.
The ABVP leadership strongly criticised the university's Vice Chancellor (VC) for permitting the display of these posters. NCT Srihari, a member of the ABVP Central Working Committee, stated that if those deemed "anti-national" continue to degrade the country's reputation while enjoying its benefits, the VC should resign from his position. This statement reflects the intensifying rhetoric and tensions surrounding the controversy at Kasaragod Central University.
Image Source: Asianet
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