DU notice to colleges to join RSS-affiliate event raises eyebrows

“The run is aimed at raising awareness for education, healthcare and skill development of underprivileged girls,” the circular states. Colleges were advised to fund the participation fees through the Student Welfare Fund.

Faculty members, however, objected to the university’s official backing of the event. “Why should there be official encouragement for a run organised by a particular organisation, a branch of RSS?” a professor said on condition of anonymity.

“The cause is genuine, but giving official support is partisan and sets a precedent that could be misused. As a university, we should not side with any organisation.”

A section of the teachers also questioned the use of student funds. “It’s not only a misuse but undue expenditure,” the professor added.

Responding to these concerns, Registrar Vikas Gupta told The Indian Express, “There is a certain fund allocated for students at each college. We wanted that fund to be used for a beneficial cause… This is an initiative which is for the empowerment and upliftment of women. We are not forcing anyone. We are simply directing the colleges to facilitate for students, faculty and staff members who show interest and want to participate.”

This is not the first time the university has faced criticism over its backing of politically aligned events.

Last year, The Indian Express reported that nearly 5,000 students took part in the Viksit Bharat run, which also drew criticism from sections of the university.

The administration had said the run aimed to “bring awareness in society to make Bharat a developed nation by 2047” and was held under the “collective aegis of the University of Delhi and Vikas Bharat Ambassador Club”.

However, a planning meeting for the event included BJP leader Kuljeet Chahal, who is also the national convener of the Namo app and a member of the New Delhi Municipal Council.