JNU culture should not flourish in BHU: Justice Giridhar Malviya

The grandson of BHU founder, Justice Giridhar Malviya, lived his life on the campus as a student before he shifted to Allahabad to practise law in High Court.
Students of JNU (EPS| Shekhar Yadav)
Students of JNU (EPS| Shekhar Yadav)

VARANASI: He was born on BHU campus in the room of the then V-C and founder Mahamana Madan Mohan Malviya. The grandson of BHU founder, Justice Giridhar Malviya, lived his life on the campus as a student before he shifted to Allahabad to practise law in High Court. BHU is really in his body and soul. The recent incident of violence has pained him...
 
Do you think the values on which of BHU was established are being upheld in right earnest?
This university was set up with a very clear mission of making it a pure Indian university which would be the repository of Indian moral values and traditions. It was also based on the tenets of old Gurukul system where the teacher and taught relationship would be maintained. That is why the teachers and students put up together on the campus.
  
How will you react to alleged gender bias on campus?
Mahamana ji always expected a certain amount of discipline by all students. He never advocated different set of rules for boys and girls and always promoted parity and gender equality on campus. When people opposed his idea of setting up a Mahila Mahavidyalay, he said let the girls be a part of social mainstream and get higher education.
  
How do you take the bias in food menus of girls and boys?
During Mahamana's life-time and even after that BHU used to be considered a very pious place. So even today, non-vegetarian food should not be served on campus. He always recommended Satvik food-- simple, healthy and absolutely devoid of spices, onion and garlic-for students as a brahmcharis till they complete education. Because as per the Gita, mind and behaviour are guided by the kind of food we eat. This would increase the brain power, make the thoughts constructive, felt Mahamana.  So the food should not be  non-vegetarian for boys and vegetarian for girls. It should strictly be universally vegetarian for all. I had raised the issue with the PM as well. But unfortunately, it is being served now. Once Mahamanaji had imposed a fine of  Rs 1 on a student as he had found onion in his room.
 
Complaints of communication gap between administration and students?
Mahamana used to take regular rounds of the campus during those days unlike the present day vice-chancellors who remain confined to their AC chambers. He used to be in continuous touch with the students asking their well being and their issues.  The unfortunate incident which took such a big proportion, could have been tackled then and there by the administration to the satisfaction of the victim. Such incidents have increased now.

What do you think about the dress diktats on girls on the campus?
The decency and decorum should be maintained by all and it should be in accordance to the education system of the university. My feeling is that even now the atmosphere in BHU is different from all other universities. Now, the fashion is certainly something which needs to come with time. So, I am not very particular with the dresses that a particular student may wear either a boy or a girl. 
  
Do you think the girls blew the issue out of proportion?
I don't blame the girl students as it was an issue which would lead the temper to go high naturally. But then some of the forces, may be political, seem to have fuelled the fire and situation was blown up to such huge proportions looking for an opportunity to condemn the administration and the government during the PM's visit.  Since BHU is open for all and entry is not prohibited, some anti-social elements might have come from the town, committed the crime and fled. My feeling is that the students of BHU were not behind September 21 incident. A restriction should be put on the entry of bikers in campus. Students on campus always have in mind the image of Mahamans Malviya whose personality was spotless. So the students would never indulge in such an act.
 
Which are forces who could be responsible for fomenting trouble?
The real problem in majority of the universities across the country are these modern leftists. They think themselves to be the masters of the entire education system. They claim to be the true intellectuals. They have created all the problems. They have come to BHU also. There are some teachers from JNU and they want JNU culture to prevail on campuses. That is what I am really afraid of. JNU culture should not be permitted to flourish in BHU.

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