Prominent commentator Dhruv Katoch has ignited a firestorm by demanding that Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) strip hostel privileges from students infamous for their ‘narebazi’—slogan-shouting antics. In a no-holds-barred critique, Katoch lambasted the administration for shielding perpetrators under the guise of academic freedom.
Katoch’s rhetoric was unflinching: hostels, he argued, are sanctuaries for study, not stages for sedition. Citing specific incidents where provocative chants echoed through dorms, he pressed for immediate evictions to restore order. ‘Why should patriotic students subsidize chaos?’ he questioned, rallying support from across the spectrum.
The backdrop is a campus simmering with unrest, where slogans have long been weapons in ideological wars. Katoch drew parallels to infamous episodes that drew national outrage, positioning his demand as a corrective measure long overdue.
Reactions poured in swiftly. Pro-Katoch voices praised the focus on accountability, while opponents feared a chilling effect on expression. Yet, Katoch doubled down, outlining a roadmap: form inquiry committees, impose fines, and prioritize merit-based allotments.
In the larger canvas of Indian higher education, this plea resonates as universities nationwide confront similar dilemmas. JNU’s handling of the matter could set precedents, influencing how institutions navigate the tightrope of rights and responsibilities. As debates rage online and offline, Katoch’s bold stance ensures JNU remains at the heart of national conversations on youth and nationalism.