Source India Today
NEW DELHI — In a statement that has sparked significant conversation across academic and social circles, the Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) suggested that all Indians share a common lineage linked to Mahadev (Lord Shiva). The remarks were made during a high-profile event organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) earlier this week.
The Vice Chancellor, addressing a gathering focused on national identity and cultural integration, emphasized that beyond religious affiliations, the people of India are bound by a singular “civilizational DNA.”
A Call for Cultural Unity
During the keynote address, the VC argued that the concept of “Mahadev” represents the primordial essence of the Indian subcontinent. By stating that all Indians carry this “DNA,” the head of the prestigious central university aimed to bridge the gap between different faith groups, suggesting that historical and cultural roots precede modern religious identities.
“We may pray in different ways and belong to different religions, but our ancestry and our fundamental cultural essence are the same. We all carry the DNA of Mahadev, the first yogi and the soul of this land,” the VC stated.
Focus on ‘Viksit Bharat’
The event, which saw participation from various scholars and RSS functionaries, centered on the theme of “One Nation, One People.” The discussions focused on:
Civilizational Continuity: The idea that Indian identity has remained unbroken for millennia.
National Integration: Encouraging a sense of belonging among minority communities by highlighting shared heritage.
Educational Reform: Aligning academic leadership with the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047.
Mixed Reactions
The statement has drawn a spectrum of responses. Supporters of the Vice Chancellor’s view praised the remarks as an inclusive gesture intended to foster “Bharatiya” identity over sectarian divisions. They argued that “Mahadev” in this context is a cultural archetype rather than a strictly religious figure.
However, the comments have also met with criticism from sections of the student body and opposition leaders. Critics expressed concerns over the “saffronization” of educational institutions and argued that such statements might undermine the secular fabric of a university known for its diverse history.
Moving Forward
As Jamia Millia Islamia continues to be a focal point of academic excellence in India, the VC’s participation in the RSS-linked event signals an evolving dialogue between traditional Islamic scholarship and the broader nationalist discourse currently shaping the country’s political landscape.
Whether these remarks lead to a deeper cultural synthesis or further ideological debate remains to be seen, but they have undeniably placed the veteran academic at the center of India’s ongoing “identity” conversation.
