On 21 September, students of the Haryana Central University enacted a play based on Mahashweta Devi's short story 'Draupadi'. Their objective was to pay tribute to the litterateur and her work.
The university had no obejection to the play’s content. In fact, the administration is believed to have appreciated the play. But its “anti-national” content angered ABVP workers and residents of nearby villages, who promptly began protesting.
''Within half an hour of staging of the play, villagers and retired army personnel accompanied by ABVP members held a protest," Vandana, who enacted the role of Draupadi in the play, said.
Later, a police complaint was registered against the students behind the play and an investigation was begun.
The students, as well as the professors who supported them, have been branded '’anti-nationals" and “Naxals” by ABVP members.
Professors even told us that they received calls from and were questioned by people claiming to be from the Intelligence Bureau.
After this, and the ABVP and villagers’ opposition, an atmosphere of fear pervades the campus and students and teachers are afraid to express themselves freely.
Video Editor: Sandeep Suman
(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.)