New Delhi- A guest lecture at Delhi University's prestigious Lady Shri Ram (LSR) College has ignited a nationwide firestorm, with retired diplomat and former ambassador Deepak Vohra's remarks drawing sharp criticism for being misogynistic, Islamophobic, queerphobic, casteist, and communal. The event, attended by over 700 students, was meant to inspire young women on India's future but instead became a platform for divisive jokes and inappropriate comments, sparking outrage among students, alumni, and the student union.

Vohra referred to himself as "Modi ka chamcha, maha chamcha" (Modi's sycophant, super sycophant), which reflected political sycophancy and made many students uncomfortable.

However, in response to growing protests from students and demands for a public apology, the former IFS officer expressed regret for his statements in a message sent to the principal. Protests continued on the LSR campus, but according to sources, efforts were made to suppress the issue. A message was circulated among students suggesting that the controversy was tarnishing the college's reputation and could deter companies offering high-paying campus placements, which reportedly put the students on the back foot.

This incident raises serious questions about campus safety, speaker selection processes, and the erosion of inclusive spaces in educational institutions.

Background of the Event: What Was the Lecture About?

The controversy unfolded on September 11, during a seminar titled "Unstoppable India 2047," organized by the BA Programme Department at LSR College. The session focused on India's global role, national development, policy, and diplomacy, aiming to motivate students, many of whom are UPSC aspirants, about the country's progress and future challenges. Deepak Vohra, a retired Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer who served as ambassador to Armenia, Poland, and Sudan, was invited as the guest speaker. Known for his appearances on TED Talks and media interviews, Vohra also serves as a Special Advisor in Africa for "Made in Bharat for the World." With around 700 female students in attendance, the event started on a light note but quickly descended into controversy.

During the lecture, Vohra referenced the Mahabharata and Ramayana, incorporated Bollywood songs as punchlines, and shared several jokes. He equated India's "moments of freedom" by listing 1947 alongside the inauguration of a Subhas Chandra Bose statue and the Ram Mandir consecration in 2024 as "Bharat's four azadis," which many viewed as communal propaganda. However, the real uproar stemmed from his personal and offensive comments.

Deepak Vohra's Objectionable Remarks: What Exactly Did He Say?

Vohra's comments, delivered under the guise of humor, exposed deep-seated biases and were met with initial applause from parts of the audience but later condemned as offensive. Here's a detailed breakdown of the key objectionable remarks, as reported by students and media:

Islamophobic Joke on Polygamy and the Principal: In one of the most criticized statements, Vohra said, "Mera naam Muhammad Deepak hota toh main chaar biwiyan rakh sakta hoon, kyunki aapki principal khubsurat hain aur main jawan hoon" (If my name were Mohammed Deepak, I could have four wives because your principal is beautiful and I'm young). This remark mocked Muslim practices of polygamy, objectified the college principal, Kanika Ahuja, and was labeled Islamophobic and flirtatious by students.

Sycophancy Towards PM Modi: Vohra joked, "Don't think I am Narendra Modi's chamcha (sycophant), I’m maha chamcha (super sycophant)," which was seen as overt political fawning and made many students uncomfortable in an academic setting.

Misogynistic Views on Women's Roles: He urged female students to primarily envision their roles as mothers and wives in India's future. When Principal Kanika Ahuja jokingly said she wanted to be reborn as a woman to study at LSR, Vohra responded that he preferred to be reborn as a man, revealing what critics called "deeply ingrained misogyny."

Other Divisive References: Vohra included queerphobic and casteist undertones in his jokes, alongside Ramayana and Mahabharata references that veered into communal territory. A slide from his presentation equated the Ram Mandir with India's independence, further fueling accusations of saffronization.

These remarks were initially received with laughter and claps, but post-event discussions on WhatsApp groups, social media, and Reddit highlighted them as "divisive and bigoted."

Viral Videos: Dancing, Jokes, and Further Outrage

Social media amplified the controversy with videos from the event going viral on YouTube and X (formerly Twitter). In one clip, Vohra is seen dancing and joking, "Fir se bulaoge na? Nahi bulaoge tab bhi aata rahunga..." (Will you invite me again? Even if you don’t, I’ll keep coming), which came across as intrusive and unwelcome.

In a recorded YouTube segment, he said, “Jab main principal madam jaisi madam se milta hoon, main kya kehta hoon?” (When I meet a madam like the principal, what do I say?), followed by singing the Bollywood song “Bachna Ae Haseeno, Lo Main Aa Gaya” (“Hey beauties, look—I’m here”). He also reiterated his Modi sycophancy joke. These videos, shared widely, intensified the backlash, with students describing them as "inappropriate" and emblematic of the event's unprofessional tone.

Fury erupt on social media platform

While some students laughed during the event, fury erupted afterward on private chats and online platforms. A second-year Economics student called it a "sad attempt" that insulted their intelligence. Gayatri Veer questioned why a controversial figure like Vohra was invited when feminist scholar Nivedita Menon had to lecture on the lawn unofficially. The LSR Students' Union issued a statement: "This session was meant for reflection on India's future, but it included divisive and derogatory remarks. We demand a public apology to ensure no community feels discriminated against on campus."

Over 500 alumni, through the Ex-LSRites Association (ELSA), launched a petition with more than 300 signatures, demanding accountability. Alumna Gayatri Shrivastava (1996 batch) noted such an incident was unthinkable under former principal Dr. Meenakshi Gopinath. Reddit threads discussed LSR's "decline" and audience complicity.

A joint statement from global alumni read: "As proud alumnae of Lady Shri Ram College, we condemn the recent episode concerning Deepak Vohra in the strongest possible terms and call upon the college and its senior management to explain how this came to happen." They emphasized LSR's legacy as a space for women's empowerment amid patriarchal contexts.

The BA Programme Department distanced itself, stating: "These are his personal viewpoints and do not reflect the department's position. We apologize for any hurt caused and will implement better vetting mechanisms in the future." Principal Kanika Ahuja clapped and even danced during the event but has remained silent afterward. Students criticized the lack of background checks on speakers, contrasting it with the treatment of progressive voices like Nivedita Menon.

Deepak Vohra's Apology: What Was the Response?

Initially, Vohra told media he had "no idea" about the backlash. Under pressure, he messaged Principal Ahuja: "Dear Principal Ahuja, I sincerely apologize for any remarks during my interaction that may have upset the students and staff – an honest unconditional apology. Stay safe, stay blessed. Vande Mataram! Ambassador Dr. Deepak Vohra, Special Advisor in Africa, Made in Bharat for the World." He confirmed to The Tribune: "My unconditional apology."

However, critics like alumna Aanya Wig argued for a public statement, calling the private apology insufficient. This incident highlights the responsibility to maintain safe, inclusive campuses. Once havens for dissent, institutions like LSR are now accused of legitimizing hate speech, misogyny, and communalism, potentially sowing seeds for future violence. As a women's college built on empowering diverse backgrounds, LSR must safeguard against such platforms.

The controversy has sparked debates on LSR College scandal, Deepak Vohra remarks, misogynistic statements, Islamophobia, and campus hate speech.