What a College Skit Says About the Idea of the University in Assam
Nazimuddin Siddique and Suraj Gogoi | 20 March 2024 | The Wire
A video recently emerged from the Bodoland University in Assam where in a skit, Muslims were represented as a social evil to the community.
It is being said that the performance took place during an inter-departmental cultural procession, and was done by the university’s department of geography. Two people, with the skull caps on, are seen with their hands tied. Another person, dressed as police, is seen to be beating them up, in their tied positions. The impression is as if the two are in custody. The two persons are seen shouting, ‘Allah, Allah’. Another group who follows in the procession is heard shouting, ‘Jai Bodo Harini’ – ‘all hail the Bodo race.’
These are naturally two very different ways to treat two communities living contiguously.
At first glance, the video is shocking.
A space such as a university is supposed to be equal for everyone irrespective of caste, race, colour, religion or gender. Increasing anti-minority sensibilities in vernacular spaces are serious causes of concern. But this is not news in Assam.