Dear Sir,
This is in reference to the controversy perpetrated around the conference titled “History Reconstrued through Literature: Nation, Identity, Culture” organized  on 1st & 2nd Feb 2017 in JNVU, Jodhpur .  The conference was an attempt to ensure knowledge production and dissemination with celebration of multiplicity of opinions based on reason and logic. The resource persons, who presented scholarly papers, belonged to a gamut of different ideologies. A healthy and lively discussion followed each presentation.


However, it is reported that some forces have tried to politicize academic space of universities by describing various perspectives of scholars as anti-national. It is very unfortunate that these forces have distorted and misinterpreted academic and discipline oriented views of Prof Nivedita Menon. The accusations are baseless and distort her presentation, which amount to academic dishonesty. Further, it must be condemned that the same groups have targeted the organizers of conference. Adding to it, the University authorities have filed complaints against the scholars and organizers. Apparently, the sole aim of this action is to harass Scholars and organizers.

All of us know, Prof. Nivedita Menon(JNU) is a renowned academician and has enriched understanding of society on various issues such as rights of women. Similarly, Dr. Rajshree Ranawat ( JNVU, Jodhpur) and Dr Vinu George( JNVU, Jodhpur) are scholars dedicated to research and teaching.
To strengthen Nation and nationalism, the space of universities must be protected from politicization of the worst kind. It is fearless debate, discussion and critical analysis that strengthen the nation. Contrary to this, , any effort to stop these debate, discussion and critical analysis is an anti-national and anti-people activity. The freedom to generate and express ideas, based on scholarly work is the bedrock of a healthy democracy, if this freedom cannot be exercised in Universities, where else can it be.  The  culture of debate and discussions  should be protected so that no one should be allowed to stifle the voices even if we disagree with them. Unfortunately, labeling scholars as anti-national has become order of the day. We need to protect these spaces from any fundamentalist attack. Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya stood for independence of Universities and opposed control on space of universities(Madras session, 1903) as he opposed “turning them practically into departments of government”. Therefore, in the best possible interest of nation and society, we submit the following-
1. That the politicization of space of universities must be stopped immediately as independent space of universities is the backbone of any democratic nation
2. That the culture of debate, discussion and critical analysis is under attack in various universities as reflected in institutionalized murder of Rohith Vemula, killing of M M Kalburgi etc., and the fascist forces must be stopped.
3. That the distortion of analysis of Prof Nivedita menon and harassment of the organizers of conference is a fascist attempt to kill academic space of universities.
4. That the fascist attempt must be stopped as the academic space of universities have enlightened society on various crucial issues such rights of women, dalits, Tribals, minorities, and various marginalized sections of society. Any attempt to kill these academic space is an act against oppressed sections of society, progressive culture and nation.
5. That the show cause notices, fabricated charges,  complaints and committee constituted  against scholars and organizers must be taken back immediately
6. That the authorities of universities must ensure that the scholars and organizers are not targeted
7. That the University authorities must ensure that conferences are not targeted by fascist forces in future so that the academic space of universities are left safe for knowledge production and dissemination.
   Therefore, you are kindly requested to do the needful  to stop the attack on Prof. Nevadita Menon,Dr. Rajshree Ranawat ( JNVU, Jodhpur) and Dr Vinu George( JNVU, Jodhpur), and the University authorities may be  instructed to withdraw the baseless complaints so that the  academic space of universities for knowledge production and dissemination is protected.

Thanking You

Yours Sincerely  

Central committee Members:

Dr Lata, Member, Academic Council, DU & Dept of Hindi, Sri Venketeaswa College, DU (09999562635)

Dr Chayanika, Department of History, SPM college, DU (+91 9312903530)

Dr. Surendra Kumar, Department of History, DU, 9013463158 

Dr Khusboo, Department of History, University of Delhi (09891285796),

Dr. Anju Gurawa, Department of English, DU, 9868151310

Dr.Sajjan Kumar, Department of History, DU, 

Dr Maan Singh, IGIPESS, DU(09891019891),