Shortly after instructing all colleges and universities in India to create specific selfie spots featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s images as backgrounds, the University Grants Commission (UGC) withdrew its decision. The institutions were urged to endorse this initiative, motivating students and visitors to take selfies at these designated locations and share them on diverse media platforms. Nevertheless, the instruction to establish selfie points is still in effect, while the proposed designs were retracted without specifying the reason. The possibility of revised designs being released, but it remains uncertain whether these new designs, if issued, would include pictures of PM Modi.
The move comes after the decision sparked a wave of controversy, with critics asserting that it essentially turns students in colleges and universities into unofficial supporters of the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP). They argue that this move amounts to enlisting educational institutions to campaign for the Modi government, particularly in an election year. “The UGC is increasingly aligning itself with the governing political party and it is essential for educational institutions to maintain a neutral stance on political matters,” a professor from one of the top institutions said on the condition of anonymity.
Experts believe that this is a commendable initiative by the UGC but instead of featuring the name and image of PM Modi, consider using the map of India or the picture of the constitutional head, the President. “By doing so, we can uphold the significance of our national identity and avoid any political controversies. Additionally, the selfie points could serve as a platform to not only celebrate past accomplishments but also to highlight areas that still require attention. Incorporating a list of ongoing challenges such as poverty, corruption, communal harmony, unemployment, education, healthcare, and fostering positive relations with our neighbours would provide a more comprehensive perspective,” Eqbal Ahmad, visiting professor, Jamia Hamdard University, said.
Furthermore, students have also criticised the rationale behind attempting to endorse a political figure within the confines of their educational institutions. If the university chooses to emphasise such political stances, they may opt not to support those initiatives. “Universities and colleges are intended to serve as the epicentre of education, fostering a learning environment rather than transforming into election campaigning grounds,” a student from the Sharda University, Greater Noida, said on the condition of anonymity.