Rajasthan order on Modi birthday celebrations sparks sharp controversy

…by submission of compliance reports. College Education Commissioner Nathmal Didel said in the order that the month-long programme would be conducted on the basis of guidelines issued by the Planning Department. “ The campaign is aimed at promoting public service, social concern and good governance, ” Mr. Didel said. Some of the private colleges in Jaipur reportedly asked the male members of their staff to stay put to light the lamps after the female teachers expressed their inability to remain present till late…

…and the participation of women, farmers and youth encouraged. Congress leader Tika Ram Jully asked why the government departments and educational institutions were being involved in Mr. Modi’s birthday celebrations. “ The [ruling] Bharatiya Janata Party wants to hide its colossal failures through such extravagant events. This despite the common people and vulnerable sections grappling with rising inflation and difficult circumstances, ” Mr. Jully, the Leader of Opposition, said. The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) said the BJP government had crossed “all limits of sycophancy” by officially celebrating Mr. Modi’s birthday. “Celebrating the…

…circumstances,” Mr. Jully, the Leader of Opposition, said. The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) said the BJP government had crossed “all limits of sycophancy” by officially celebrating Mr. Modi’s birthday. “ Celebrating the birthdays of living, active politicians is a form of sycophancy that imprisons students in the archaic mindset of the feudal era. Institutions of higher learning should foster independent thinking and scientific temper among students, ” PUCL national president Kavita Srivastava said. PUCL State president Anant Bhatnagar regretted that the ruling BJP was forcing the college students to become “submissive subjects” rather than developing a critical…