Controversy has arisen over celebrating Holi at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). Some students of the university had sought permission to organize the Holi Milan ceremony on the campus, which the university has refused to give. Angry students have accused the AMU administration of discriminating against Hindu students by not allowing the Holi Milan ceremony to organize.
Holi ceremony was sought from AMU VC
Akhil Kaushal, a student of AMU masters, said that Hindu students wrote a letter to Vice Chancellor (AMU VC) on 25 February, seeking permission to organize Holi Milan ceremony at NRSC Club of AMU on 9 March. A meeting of Professor Dean was called in Vice Chancellor. After discussing the Holi Milan ceremony in the meeting, it has been decided that the Holi Milan ceremony will not be allowed to be held.
Student said to make the audio-video viral of the meeting
The student further said, ‘Audio and videos of the kind of discussion held in the meeting are available with us. If we are not allowed, then we will make those audio-videos viral on social media. Religious events of other religions are organized in AMU, but Hindu students have no objection to them, then why are Hindu students being prevented from organizing Holi Milan ceremony, while the Prime Minister in his address described AMU as Mini India.
Akhil says that India is known to honor all religions. Therefore, AMU’s Vice Chancellor Professor Naima Khatoon should also allow their program to respect all religion. Angry student says that if the university does not give permission, then they will bring this matter to the notice of PM Modi.
What did the university administration say?
University’s Professor Wasim Ali said that we had received a letter by addressing the VC in which a special event was demanded to organize a special event but no special event is allowed to be held in Muslim universities. He said that students have been celebrating Holi in the campus earlier, but there was never a demand for such special event. The professor said that students can celebrate the festival of Holi in campus or hostel room as before.