There are deep-seated concerns over the implications of this change in leadership, particularly regarding Prof Asif’s perceived alignment with the BJP and the RSS
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Prof Mazhar Asif, a faculty at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University’s (JNU) School of Languages, was on Thursday appointed the new Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI). The appointment has sparked a wave of responses from various stakeholders within the university community indicating a clear divide among the Jamia fraternity.
Although his appointment has largely been welcomed, there are deep-seated concerns over the implications of this change in leadership, particularly regarding Prof Asif’s perceived alignment with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Prof Asif will serve as Vice-Chancellor for a term of five years, or until he reaches the age of 70, whichever comes first, the official announcement said. “The president of India, in her capacity as the visitor of Jamia Millia Islamia, has been pleased to appoint Prof Mazhar Asif, School of Languages, JNU, New Delhi, as the vice-chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia,” it stated.
Several members of the Jamia fraternity have raised alarms over the implications of Prof Asif’s past affiliations. Some alumni and current students are sceptical about his ability to lead the university towards a progressive future. Concerns have been particularly heightened due to reports of Prof Asif’s participation in events hosted by the BJP and RSS, organisations that have been accused of promoting divisive politics in India.
Syed Anwar Kafi, a former student and employee at Jamia, took to social media to express cautious optimism. He wrote, “Finally, the waiting time is over. Jamia Millia Islamia has got a new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mazhar Asif. Congratulations to all the Jamia fraternity! I hope Jamia will work to take it to new heights and give full support to meet the shortage of Jamia Medical College!”
In stark contrast, another student, Muhammad, expressed his reservations, stating, “I am not very optimistic about him, so there is no need to be too happy.” This sentiment was echoed by other voices within the community who have voiced concerns over what they perceive as the political motivations behind Prof Asif’s appointment. One student remarked, “He got this gift in return for being close to the BJP and RSS. The Jamia community should keep a close watch on him; otherwise, there is a risk that they will sell the university and harm the millat.”
Adding to the discourse, a journalist and alumnus, who preferred to remain anonymous, claimed, “I have seen him participating in several RSS and BJP events. The truth is that Professor Mazhar is one of those who supported conspirators against the community and millat, so we cannot expect much positive action or good for Jamia from him.”
Prof Asif’s academic credentials are noteworthy. As a distinguished member of JNU’s School of Languages, he has contributed to various academic fields and has been an active participant in educational policy formulation. He was also a member of the drafting committee for the new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a document that has stirred considerable debate regarding its implications for the future of education in India.
However, his connections with the BJP and RSS have raised eyebrows among those within the Jamia community. Critics cite press releases and statements available on the BJP’s official website that suggest he has supported the party’s stance on contentious issues such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Reports from various reputable media outlets, including ANI, The Hindu, and India TV, have confirmed his continued engagement in programmes organised by the Muslim Rashtriya Manch, an offshoot of the RSS that aims to create a platform for Muslims in alignment with Hindu nationalist ideologies.
Founded in 1920 in Aligarh, Jamia Millia Islamia has been a beacon of progressive education and has played a crucial role in India’s socio-political landscape. Initially established during British rule, the university relocated to its current site in New Delhi, in 1935. Over the decades, JMI has gained recognition as a prominent public and research university, achieving deemed status in 1962 and later becoming a central university by an act of Parliament in 1988.
The university offers a diverse range of programmes, including engineering, management, humanities, and social sciences. Recently, JMI has made significant strides in rankings, securing the third position in the universities category and 13th overall in the 2024 National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
Future Implications
The appointment of Prof Asif has raised pertinent questions about the direction JMI will take under his leadership. Many within the university are worried about the potential for political interference in academic affairs. The sentiment among some faculty and students is that political affiliations should not dictate educational policies or the administration of a university that has historically championed inclusive education and critical discourse.
The concerns surrounding Prof Asif’s appointment are not solely rooted in his past affiliations but also reflect a broader apprehension about the increasing politicisation of educational institutions in India. There is a growing fear that universities like Jamia, which have been platforms for dissent and free thought, may face challenges under leadership that aligns closely with the ruling party’s ideologies.
Calls for Vigilance and Accountability
In response to the appointment, calls for vigilance and accountability have emerged within the Jamia community. Many alumni and students are urging their peers to remain active and engaged in the university’s governance, advocating for transparency and accountability in decision-making processes.
An anonymous student activist expressed concern, stating, “We need to ensure that our voices are heard. Jamia has always been a space for critical engagement, and we must not allow any individual or political agenda to undermine that legacy. We must hold our administration accountable.”
As Prof Asif steps into his role as Vice-Chancellor, the path ahead is fraught with challenges and opportunities. The divided sentiments among the Jamia community reflect a microcosm of the larger societal tensions in India today.
While congratulations abound for the new leadership, the prevailing concerns serve as a reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding the university’s foundational values of inclusivity, academic freedom, and social justice. It remains to be seen how Prof Asif will navigate these complexities and whether he can reconcile his past affiliations with the expectations of a diverse and politically engaged university community.
The coming months will be crucial as stakeholders within Jamia Millia Islamia watch closely to see how the new Vice-Chancellor addresses the myriad challenges that lie ahead. The collective hope is that JMI can continue to flourish as a bastion of progressive thought and action, remaining true to its mission while navigating the political landscape that increasingly encroaches upon educational spaces.