Kanhaiya Kumar: Ph.D. now a political responsibility

JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar said on Tuesday finishing his Ph.D. is now more of a “political responsibility” for him rather than an academic one.

“The recent controversy not only tagged us as being involved in anti-national activities, but also framed the entire university in that light. Questions are being raised about taxpayers’ money being spent on us, why our Ph.Ds. are taking long and subsidies being given to us. So, it has now become more of a political responsibility on me than an academic mandate,” Mr Kumar said during a conclave organised by the Centre for Policy Analysis.

Addressing the audience on “Universities: Crushing dissent, equity and public funding,” the 29-year-old research student said the Central government was trying to destroy the education system in India.

“Every government in India has tried to destroy the education system. Because education helps people learn to express dissent and start asking questions. Then they no longer remain students, but become prospective political opponents,” he said.

The JNUSU president also said an university, which doesn’t allow dissent, is no less than a prison and this government is turning varsities into jail. Funds are being reduced, fellowships are being denied and anybody not toeing their line is branded anti-national, he added.

Mr Kumar, along with fellow students Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya, was arrested in a sedition case in connection with February 9 event in which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. However, they are all on bail now.

“Universities at present are being reduced to prisons where students are being punished for raising their voices,” said Mr Khalid, who was also present during the conclave.