Uproar over BBC Documentary screening at University of Hyderabad
- Posted on January 24, 2023
- News
- By Akta Yadav
- 234 Views
BBC Documentary
Just days after the Indian government blocked the airing of the documentary on all the virtual platforms, the ABVP's complaint has sparked a firestorm of debate on the University of Hyderabad campus and beyond. Will the university take action in response to the complaint? The situation seems to be developing into a snow-ball and the nation’s eyes are on the University of Hyderabad as the story unfolds.
Amidst growing tensions on campus, the University of Hyderabad is facing a heated debate over the alleged screening of the highly controversial BBC documentary on PM Modi.
The ABVP has filed a complaint with university officials claiming that the documentary was shown on campus in violation of the Indian government's recent ban.
However, the students' union has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, insisting that they have not done anything "illegal or wrong".
Adding to the confusion, ABVP has claimed that the screening took place on Sunday, a day after the government's ban on the documentary, while the students insist that the screening was organized two days ago, before the ban was implemented.
As the situation becomes more contentious, Gachibowli Police has said that no complaint regarding the screening has been received yet. With both sides offering different accounts of the events, it remains to be seen how the university will respond to the ABVP's complaint and how this story will unfold.
The screening, which took place on campus late Monday, was attended by over 50 students and was organized by a fraternity group of the Student Islamic Organisation (SIO) and Muslim Student Federation.
Mahesh Naamani, a university official, expressed disappointment at the actions of the students, stating, "We have escalated the matter with the university authorities and demanded action on the organizers. The group of students organized screening without permission inside the campus premises." Naamani also criticized the documentary, claiming, "The BBC program is simply attempting to teach divide and rule politics, something the British have been doing for years. After years of tragedies, Britishers will show us what human rights are.”
The Indian government has previously denounced the BBC documentary as a "propaganda piece" that is designed to push a discredited narrative. The External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, stated that the documentary reflected "unrelenting prejudice" towards India and its leader.
The BBC Documentary has been criticised for its lack of objectivity and biased approach, as well as for perpetuating a colonial mindset. These are serious accusations, and it raises concerns about the motivations and intentions behind the production of the film. The government's response, as stated by the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, highlights the divisive nature of the documentary and the ongoing tension surrounding its content.
BBC Documentary
It is also interesting to see that a group of more than 300 prominent Indians, including retired judges, bureaucrats, and armed forces veterans. These individuals have come together to express their resentment.
It is unfortunate that the students at HCU chose to organise the screening even when the Government has banned it. Now it is to be seen how the University will defend its stand for violating law of the land.
