New Delhi: Haryana based OP Jindal University has found itself in the midst of a major controversy over alleged glorification of Hamas, Gaza-based terror group and also casting aspersions on Hinduism by a professor, during lecture on the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
The controversy erupted over Professor Achin Vanaik’s comments during the lecture titled ‘History & Politics of the Palestinian present’ at the OP Jindal Global University in Sonepat, Haryana. The professor allegedly indulged in anti-semitism rhetoric and also made slanderous comments against Hindu religion, while expressed solidarity with the civilian population of war-torn Gaza strip.
The controversial comments by professor has drawn strong backlash from various BJP leaders as well as netizens. A couple of BJP leaders took to the social media and shared the video footage of professor purportedly indulging in anti-semitic & anti-Hindu rhetoric. Many netizens also called out the professor for lending support to Hamas, which unleashed brutal violence on hundreds of Israelis in multi-pronged attack on latter’s soil.
University faces flak for demeaning Hindu culture
The comments were made by Professor Achin Wanaik, retired professor of International relations and former head of the department of Political science at Delhi University. The lecture was organized at OP Jindal university on November 1.
Many BJP leaders shared video clips of the professor and demanded explanation for demeaning of Hindu culture.
Mumbai BJP spokesperson Suresh Nakhua wrote, “An event in support of Hamas, a terrorist organisation, was organised in O P Jindal Global University.” “During this event, concerns were raised regarding the potential targeting of Hindu culture, Hinduism, Hindutva, RSS, BJP & Indian Army which reportedly caused discomfort among some students and faculties,” he added.
An event in support of Hamas, a terrorist organisation was organised in OP Jindal Global University.
During this event, concerns were raised regarding the potential targeting of Hindu Culture, Hinduism, Hindutva, RSS, BJP & Indian Army which reportedly caused discomfort among… pic.twitter.com/zVAnlrlV78
— Suresh Nakhua (सुरेश नाखुआ) 🇮🇳 (@SureshNakhua) November 1, 2023
BJP Yuva Morcha (BJYM) national vice president Abhivav Prakash said it was “shameful event” and university was “glorifying Hamas and suicide attacks while slandering Hindus and India.”
Why the controversy
Professor Achin Wanaik, during his lecture at the university, drew parallels between the Zionism and Hinduism.
“Zionism is not anti-Muslim. It is anti-Palestine but it is happy to resort to existing Islamophobia. Hindutva is fundamentally and fundamentally anti-Muslim,” he said.
The professor in one of the viral video clips purportedly calls Israeli action against Hamas reign of terror as ‘terror act’. This endorsement of Hamas came despite the latter butchering & murdering hundreds of Israelis on October 7 barbaric terror attack.
For the unversed, India has taken a clear stand against barbaric & inhumane terror assault by Hamas operatives and backed Israel’s fight against terrorism.
The author also reportedly commented upon Hinduism and opined that it was not the oldest civilization as advocated by many.
OP Jindal university’s clarification
Though, OP Jindal University has largely remained silent despite a flutter on social media, one of its spokesperson said that “the videos were taken out of context”.
