Paromita Das
New Delhi: Educational institutions are meant to be centers of learning, intellectual growth, and critical thinking, yet in recent times, they have increasingly become battlegrounds for religious and communal conflicts. The idea of secularism, which is supposed to be a guiding principle in educational spaces, is being challenged as religious influences infiltrate campuses, shaping young minds into rigid communal identities.
The recent controversy at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) over the denial of permission for a Holi Milan function is just one example of how educational institutions are struggling to maintain a fair and secular environment. While the university administration initially refused to grant permission, citing “tradition,” the backlash from students, political leaders, and right-wing groups forced AMU to reverse its decision, allowing the celebrations on March 13 and 14.
The AMU Holi Controversy: A Case of Selective Secularism?
The controversy began when Akhil Kaushal, a master’s student at AMU, requested permission on February 25 for a Holi Milan event at the Non-Resident Students’ Centre (NRSC) on March 9. The request was denied by AMU Proctor Wasim Ali, triggering outrage among Hindu students, who accused the administration of discriminating against their religious freedom.
The university administration defended its decision, with Proctor Wasim Ali stating that no special permission is ever granted for any festival celebrations on campus. However, Hindu students argued that festivals of other communities have been celebrated on campus without such restrictions.
As the issue escalated, right-wing groups like the All India Karni Sena launched protests, accusing AMU of bias against Hindu students. Slogans like “AMU ki tanashahi nahi chalegi” (AMU’s dictatorship won’t work) were chanted as protesters marched to the district collectorate, demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention.
BJP leaders also took a firm stand against AMU’s decision, with UP Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh asserting that institutions cannot favor one religion over another. Former Aligarh Mayor and BJP leader Shakuntala Bharti condemned AMU, calling the denial of the Holi Milan event an attack on Hindu students’ rights.
BJP MP Satish Gautam made a strong statement, assuring Hindu students that no one could stop them from celebrating Holi inside AMU. He even went to the extent of saying, “Agar koi mar peet karega to usay oopar pahuncha diya jaiga” (If anyone resorts to violence, they will be sent above).
Amid increasing pressure, AMU finally relented. On March 8, NRSC Provost Professor Brij Bhushan Singh announced that Holi celebrations would be allowed on March 13 and 14, citing board exams on March 9 as the reason for the initial denial.
The Saraswati Temple Demand: A Challenge to AMU’s Secular Image
Another sensitive issue at AMU is the demand for a Saraswati temple on campus. Hindu students and leaders argue that while mosques exist in nearly every hostel at AMU, not a single temple has been built.
A student from AMU wrote a letter to Vice-Chancellor Naima Khatoon, demanding the construction of a Saraswati Temple inside the university campus. The demand was backed by Dr. Manvendra Pratap Singh, a member of the National Monitoring Committee for Minority Education, who questioned why a temple cannot exist at AMU when even Arab countries have Hindu temples.
He pointed out that 6,000 Hindu students study at AMU, yet there is no place of worship for them, while mosques exist in every hostel. Singh challenged secularists and Congress leaders, asking why they never addressed this issue. He argued that true secularism would mean having temples, mosques, gurdwaras, and churches standing side by side on campus.
However, former AMU Student Union President Faizul Hasan opposed the temple demand, citing a 2015 Supreme Court verdict that barred the construction or demolition of any religious building in central universities. Hasan stated that even if the entire university agreed to build the temple, the court ruling prevents it from happening. He also warned that such issues spread communal hatred within the student community.
The Growing Role of Religion in Educational Spaces
These incidents at AMU highlight a disturbing trend—educational institutions, meant to foster critical thinking, are increasingly being shaped by religious and communal identities.
The rise of religious influences in universities is not limited to AMU. Across the country, there have been similar clashes over religious practices and the treatment of different communities within educational institutions. From the hijab row in Karnataka to debates over temple construction in universities, religion has become a powerful tool in shaping young minds.
Rather than focusing on education, research, and skill development, students are being drawn into religious disputes, fueling communal divisions from an early age. This polarization among young minds creates deep-seated divisions that persist beyond college life, affecting Bharat’s social fabric in the long run.
The Danger of Religious Polarization in Universities
If educational institutions continue to be battlegrounds for religious disputes, it will erode the true purpose of education—to enlighten minds and foster rational thought.
Universities should be neutral spaces, where all students feel equally valued, regardless of their religion. Policies must be consistent and non-discriminatory—either no religious celebrations should be allowed, or all should be treated equally. Selective secularism, where some religious practices are permitted while others are restricted, creates resentment and fuels communal conflicts.
The future of Bharat depends on the next generation. If students leave universities with hardened communal identities instead of critical thinking skills, Bharat’s social harmony and democratic fabric will suffer. Educational institutions must rise above religious politics and prioritize knowledge, inclusivity, and fair treatment for all students.
Conclusion: The Need for a Truly Secular and Inclusive Educational System
The controversies at AMU over Holi celebrations and the Saraswati Temple demand are not just isolated incidents but symptoms of a larger issue—religion’s increasing role in educational institutions. Instead of being centers of knowledge, universities are becoming arenas of religious disputes, preparing young minds for communal divisions rather than intellectual growth.
Bharat’s greatest strength has always been its pluralism and unity in diversity. It is time for educational institutions to uphold these values, ensuring that religion does not become a tool for division among students. If Bharat is to progress as a modern, knowledge-driven society, universities must step away from communal politics and return to their true purpose—educating and empowering young minds for the future.
The post Religion and Education: How Communal Mindsets Are Taking Root in Young Minds appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
