Vice chancellors of 39 central universities resolved to install the national flag “prominently and proudly” in their respective campuses at a meeting chaired Thursday by HRD Minister Smriti Irani.
The Ministry of HRD has issued a statement to every central university in the country to hoist the national tricolor atop a 207-feet-high mast that weighs 35 kg. “At a central place at every University, the national flag will be flown prominently and proudly,” the statement said.
The decision, which is aimed at “instilling nationalism and pride” in students, was one of 12 resolutions passed by VCs and has come against the backdrop of a raging controversy over anti-India slogans allegedly raised at a February 9 meeting of students on the JNU campus.
This move was discussed on Times Now’s Newshour debate where imminent panelists were present. Amongst them, was Major Gen (Retd) GD Bakshi, who broke down.
While the discussion was going on, Maj Gen (Retd) G D Bakshi, got emotional while recounting the bravery and the sacrifice fellow soldiers have made for this country.
Mid-way the debate, Smriti Irani called up to reassure Major Gen (Retd) GD Bakshi that he’s not alone and the whole of India respects and stands with him.
JNU VC M Jagadesh Kumar said, “It is a matter of pride for JNU to install the national flag on our campus. We will identify a suitable place and work on it.” JNU already has the national flag installed on the terrace of its administration block. Asked if authorities would plant another one, he said, “Those are details we will look into later.”
The decision was met with mixed reactions.
While former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah dismissed the idea, Rajya Sabha MP Naveen Jindal tweeted, “I have had a dream, a dream to see the Tiranga flying in all parts of the country. This is a dream come true for me.”
In 2004, the Supreme Court rule in Jindal’s favour, allowing all Indian citizens to hoist the national flag on all days of the year. After the judgement, he and his wife started the Flag Foundation of India which has installed monumental flag masts at more than 10 locations across the country including Central Park in the heart of New Delhi.
Abdullah tweeted, “If hoisting the flag was all it took to address feelings of alienation, problems of Kashmir & North East would have been solved decades ago.” Hoisting of the national flag was one of 12 resolutions passed by the central university VCs.
42 central universities and vice-chancellors
