An open letter to JNU’s teachers, students, and their parents

Who would now dare to call you armchair intellectuals? My dear teachers of JNU, words in any language could precisely express our – i.e. JNU students’ and alumni’s – gratitude and love for all of you. It is not for the knowledge that you showered on us, or the wisdom we have derived from you. We would have got it at other places in the world, but could not have had the experience of your fighting spirit, which in turn is becoming a source of inspiration for the entire generation. You have the option of simply enjoying all the fruits of the premier central university in the country without bothering about the fate of the students and autonomy of the institution. But you chose to stand by the principles that you believe in, which is not only exemplary but revolutionary in our times.

In the past, there were occasions when teachers had posted bail for their students or had mediated between the students and the administration. You have transcended all of that in the last four years to be at the forefront of attacks from the central government and organizations acting on behalf of the government. If you had not stood firmly against those attacks, JNU might have been sold out to JIO by this time. Without love for your students and without knowing the importance of autonomy of the institution, as well as the freedom within the university, you hadn’t stepped out of your homes and classrooms. One is amazed to see that young faculty members, who have their academic career before them, are not hesitant to take a position against the mighty government with fascist intentions.

It is no wonder that many non-teaching staff of JNU are also in solidarity with the students and with you. The news of hostel mess workers saving as many as 30 students on the evening of the brutal attack provides stealth to the resolve to stand up against such cowardly attacks. As long as this concern against violence and passion to save the victims are alive in JNU, the institute will not go down fighting but will emerge victorious.

You truly deserve a victory, dear students, and it will certainly come your way! However, the battle is getting harder day by day, and it is likely to continue until 2024. The last 4 years were very hard for you, and the next 4 years will be even tougher. All the forces of darkness have been unleashed against you. Yet, you are not only standing your ground but have become a cause for the country to rally around. You are hobbits in a battle against forces of darkness. These forces could continue to rule our country only through cruel means. You are carrying the baton piercing the darkness without any greed or lust for power. That’s why students and youth across the country are also stepping out of their comfort zones to take on the arrogant rulers. In 2016, when you were brutally assaulted by state power and state-manipulated media, only a few students and youth were able to understand the gravity of the situation. Today, when you are physically attacked, the youth are supporting you across the country, and are not fearful of anyone now. In 2016, you and I were alone, but no more! One feels proud of you and jealous at the same time. Even if many of you have been deprived of that peaceful, loving, sometimes hectic and sometimes lazy JNU, you are creating history and defending a future for all of us and for the generations to come. The best part is to have your teachers standing shoulder to shoulder with you as comrades, as your guides in the struggles and as leading lights. How many struggles in the world have seen such bonhomie and unity in action and purpose? Keep on listening to your teachers without giving up your right to argue with them. No amount of shrewdness and ruthlessness would be able to defeat the unity of students’ passion and teachers’ wisdom.

Respected parents of all the students, you are the real heroes of JNU’s battle against tyrannical forces! You, willingly or with reservation, admitted your daughter or son in JNU. Despite knowing that JNU is on the radar of the most powerful men in this country, you encouraged or allowed your child to study in this great institution. This in itself is an act that earns you respect and a salute. Do not think that fellow citizens of this country have not understood your agony and pain when you saw the masked men and women vying for blood on the JNU campus. Except for those blind supporters of such a mindless attack, who are although not few, all of us were concerned about the safety of your daughter or son on the campus. The government has unilaterally decided to convert JNU into a battleground, even when all students want is to study there. No matter how many questions and unsolicited advice you face from your relatives, friends and acquaintances, be assured that your child would do much better in life than others. They have learned to question, have developed their dignity, have aspirations of freedom, and have the attitude to fight for their rights. No one needs anything more to be successful in life, and your child has enough of it by now. It is also not a question of whether JNU would fall. It cannot be torn apart because it would pave the way for the fall of the whole idea of India. We are amid extra-ordinary tidings and JNU is surviving only because of its teachers, students and their parents. Take a bow!