Contrary to negative narratives, JNU — a melting pot of Indian culture — celebrates its patriotism through a ‘Wall of Heroes’ dedicated to Param Vir Chakra awardees
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) recently updated its logo and incorporated the tagline “Tamso Ma Jyotirgamaya.” Until now, the logo did not feature a motto. The fundamental interpretation of “Tamso Ma Jyotirgamaya” is the transition from a state of darkness to a state of illumination. Undoubtedly, a logo is a crucial instrument that defines the theme of an organisation. When approached correctly, the essence of the logo plays a significant part in shaping the business’ image and serves as a powerful means of conveying messages.
JNU has consistently maintained its position as one of the most esteemed universities in the nation. Since its establishment in 1969, JNU has continually strived for excellence, innovation, and intellect, earning a distinct reputation. It holds a unique and significant position in the realm of intellectual concepts. The university has consistently voiced its opinions on both domestic and global matters. However, certain individuals and even a majority of the media have persistently engaged in a biased campaign against the university, resulting in the fragmentation of its reputation into several factions.
The university has integrated concepts from Nalanda, Moscow, and Paris Universities, as well as the London School of Economics. JNU has facilitated access to high-quality education for students from families with limited resources, earning it the reputation of being widely regarded as the most affordable university in the nation.
In addition to the standard reservation policy, JNU is the sole educational institution that grants extra preference to women and students hailing from economically deprived and underdeveloped regions. Every aspiring student in the nation dreams of gaining admission to this university, believing that it will pave the way for unobstructed success in life. The current Vice Chancellor, Professor Shantishree Pandit, is a JNU alumna, and her understanding of the university’s working style, excellence, and creativity is profound. Recently, the School of Indian Languages has been initiated to promote the Indian knowledge tradition.
In response to changing times, new schools such as Social Sciences, Modern Sciences, Ayurveda and Traditional Music, along with Modern Medicine, School of Management, and School of Engineering have been established in JNU. On one hand, there are hard-core UPSC aspirants, and on the other hand, there are research-oriented scholars. The credit for producing Presidents, Prime Ministers, Ministers, Nobel Laureates, and renowned bureaucrats goes to JNU, despite being criticised by some for allegedly harbouring anti-national sentiments. This institute, boasting more than eight thousand students and about 550 teachers, consistently ranks at the top in all of India’s university rankings. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework by the Ministry of Education, JNU has consistently held the first position among all Central universities. Moreover, JNU has earned recognition as one of the premier universities globally.
The critical mindset here serves as an indicator of high intelligence. Grading is conducted throughout the semester, and the collaborative process of knowledge creation in the classroom is actively promoted. JNU openly discusses the relationship between academia and the outside world. In fact, JNU fosters the ability to question, debate, and embrace disagreement, which is why the university is renowned for lively discussions outside the classrooms. This vibrant atmosphere is consistently observed in cafeterias and dhabas. The JNU Library, one of the largest national libraries in the country, along with Parthasarathy Rocks (a small mound in the campus forest) and Ganga Dhaba, remain central to intellectual discussions. The insistence on delving into the heart of matters is a unique aspect of JNU.
Despite a few instances of abuse on the walls and the existence of a “TukdeTukde gang”, it is unjust to label this esteemed university as anti-national. The actions of a small minority should not overshadow the fact that the majority of JNU students are bringing pride to the country through their achievements. Universities and students play a crucial role in nation-building. Every year, numerous JNU students join prestigious institutions such as Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy, Hyderabad Police Academy, and Foreign Services. JNU is proudly showcasing its success both within the country and abroad. In recent years, in addition to achieving top rankings in the Indian Economic Services, almost 70 per cent of the selected candidates were from JNU.
Today, JNU alumni occupy high-ranking positions in policy institutions and media. Many universities have JNU alumni serving as vice-chancellors, and key educational institutions boast presidents and directors with ties to JNU. Heads of States from various countries, Union ministers, individuals spanning the bureaucracy to the film industry-JNU alumni are making noteworthy contributions across diverse fields. Even after five decades since its establishment, Jawaharlal Nehru University continues to command a prominent position in the list of developed countries worldwide, making it impossible to ignore.
It is unfortunate that the excellent educational tradition of JNU has rarely become a topic of general discussion. Instead, preference has often been given to a handful of slogans on media and social platforms. When the walls of JNU are scrutinised, it is seldom mentioned that this very university houses a “Wall of Heroes” dedicated to the Army. Here, photographs of 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees are prominently displayed. Beyond the sit-ins and protests, there is a broader perspective of the university that encompasses patriotism, the passion to make a difference, and the courage to lead. JNU reflects all the colours of Indian culture.
Students from both large and small States have been studying here. The names of buildings, hostels, roads, and facilities on the campus are drawn from Indian heritage. JNU stands as a representation of excellence with equality, innovation with inclusion, and integrity. Unfortunately, some individuals have used JNU for their own agenda and narrative. It is important to note that JNU does not belong to any specific political spectrum but adheres to an ideological creation tradition where everyone is granted equality; this, in fact, is the strength of JNU. It presents the best cultural and geographical picture of India.
(The writer is Associate Professor, Atal Bihari Vajpayee School of Management and Entrepreneurship, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. The views expressed are personal)
