Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice Chancellor M Jagdeesh Kumar on Sunday made an unusual request for an Army tank that can be displayed prominently on the campus.
As the university – which was at the centre of a controversy for alleged anti-India slogans last year – came together to observe 'Kargil Vijay Diwas', Kumar appealed to Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and former Army chief Gen VK Singh, MoS for External Affairs, to help JNU “procure an Army tank”.
“The presence of an Army tank will constantly remind students of the great sacrifice and valour of the Indian Army and defence forces,” Kumar said.
Further, he said ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ was an important day to remember the sacrifices made by the Indian Army and other security forces for the country.
Lauding the initiative taken by JNU, he said the university created history by organising 'Tiranga March', setting up Wall of Heroes and by raising slogans of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram".
In no other country is the Army being questioned. As India is a democracy, some powers dare to show India in poor light. May God give such people better senseM Jagdeesh Kumar, Vice Chancellor, JNU
Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh was also present at the event.
The Indian veterans have been trying to instill the spirit of unity in every Indian heartVK Singh
He said the Indian Army is the best in terms of observing human rights.
(We all love to express ourselves, but how often do we do it in our mother tongue? Here's your chance! This Independence Day, khul ke bol with BOL – Love your Bhasha. Sing, write, perform, spew poetry – whatever you like – in your mother tongue. Send us your BOL atbol@thequint.com or WhatsApp it to 9910181818.)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)