'Protest Is A Democratic Right’: When Dr. Manmohan Singh Defended Student Voices At JNU
One of the prestigious and renowned universities in India, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), is known for being an epicentre of protests and feisty speeches against the establishment. While the treatment meted out to the university and students in general has become stricter in recent times, it wasn’t the case two decades ago when a prime minister emphasised the importance of student protests in a democracy.
In November 2005, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh visited the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to unveil a statue of Nehru. However, he was met with pro-Left student protestors who raised slogans and black flags against the then prime minister for his economic policies.
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The incident turned out to be a sensational event that day and cemented Dr. Singh as both a gentleman politician and one of the finest leaders the country has ever seen.
Faced with black flags and protests against him, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh began his speech with a Voltaire quote: “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to death your right to say it.”
“That idea must be the cornerstone of a liberal institution,” he added.
After his speech, Singh exited the campus, but tensions escalated at the college campus between AISA and NSUI members. Four students were taken into custody after the police intervened. In light of the situation, the university administration took action against the protestors.
But the prime minister decided to intervene and asked the administration to refrain from taking any action, as protest was the democratic right of students. The students were let off with a warning.
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Known for humility and grace, Singh was widely acclaimed as a true leader who propelled India’s economy to greater strides. A well respected figure, he was praised for his honest and wisdom by global leaders including Barack Obama and others.
Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh died of age-related medical complications on Thursday night. He was 92. India declared a seven day mourning for the departure of the visionary leader. His last rites will be conducted in full state honours.
