Controversy rages on at BBAU as students vow to uphold Ambedkar's legacy despite suspension

Lucknow— The protesting students have intensified their demonstrations, organizing a march against the administration and reciting 22 vows of Babasaheb. Meanwhile, the President Draupadi Murmu, is scheduled to visit the university on February 13th for the Central University convocation. Ahead of the visit, the administration has taken action against the protesting students, including the accused girls.

Importance of the 22 vows

Research scholar, Basant Kanojia, spoke to The Mooknayak about the importance of the vows amidst the ongoing protests. He said that the university is named after Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar and the daily degradation of his legacy is an insult to the constitution. The students believe that by taking and adhering to the 22 vows, they are giving respect to Babasaheb and the constitution that they owe everything to. Kanojia also alleged widespread caste discrimination in the university, claiming that the university uses caste as a factor in their marking system and interviews.

The bone of contention

On January 26th, two residents of the Sanghamitra Hostel insulted Dr. Ambedkar when one resident, Kalpana Saroj, demanded that a photo of Babasaheb be garlanded during a Saraswati Puja organized in the girls' hostel.

A letter signed by the hostel warden of the Sanghamitra Hostel, suspending Saroj from the hostel for sabotaging university property, was shown to the students picketing outside the Ambedkar Bhawan. Saroj reacted to the notice by saying, "Why should we be suspended for demanding justice?" The students, undaunted by the suspension, gathered outside the Ambedkar Bhawan and refused to attend a meeting called by the Proctor's office. The controversy remains unresolved and continues to challenge the administration ahead of the President's visit.