BJP Defends Jamia VC Mazhar Asif Over ‘Mahadev’s DNA’ Remark, Sparks Debate on Culture vs Science
New Delhi/ Aligarh: A political and academic controversy has emerged after comments attributed to Mazhar Asif, the Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, triggered sharp reactions from student groups and political voices alike.
The row began with a video clip from a “Yuva Kumbh” event—organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as part of its centenary celebrations—where Asif is heard suggesting that all Indians share a common civilisational identity, metaphorically described as “Mahadev’s DNA.”
BJP’s Defence: A Cultural Metaphor, Not Science
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stepped in to defend Asif’s remarks. Amit Malviya, who heads the party’s IT department, argued that the statement should not be interpreted in a literal or scientific sense.
According to Malviya, such expressions are symbolic, rooted in India’s long-standing civilisational traditions.
He described them as metaphors meant to convey shared heritage, cultural continuity, and a collective identity that transcends differences in language, region, and religion.
He suggested that critics were misreading the intent by applying a purely scientific lens to what was essentially a cultural and philosophical idea. In his view, such narratives help reinforce a sense of unity in a diverse society.
What the VC Said
In the video, Asif appears to reflect on India’s diversity—highlighting differences in language, upbringing, geography, and religion—while emphasising a deeper underlying unity.
He suggests that despite these differences, Indians remain connected through a shared civilisational essence, which he describes metaphorically as “Mahadev’s DNA.” The idea, as presented, leans more toward cultural symbolism than biological claim.
Student Groups Push Back
The remarks, however, have drawn strong criticism from student organisations, particularly the All India Students’ Association (AISA), which is affiliated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation.
AISA condemned the statement as “unscientific” and “undemocratic,” arguing that defining Indian identity through religious or mythological references risks excluding the country’s pluralistic character.
The group also framed the issue as part of a broader concern about ideological influence within educational institutions.
Protests erupted on campus, with students—many linked to AISA and the Students’ Federation of India—demonstrating against the RSS-associated event.
Protesters gathered near the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, raising slogans and temporarily blocking access to the venue.
Security and Campus Tension
The situation prompted a significant security presence at the university, with personnel from the Delhi Police and the Central Reserve Police Force deployed to maintain order.
While tensions were visible, the university administration stated that no injuries were reported during the protests.
Background on Mazhar Asif
Mazhar Asif was appointed Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia in October 2024 by Droupadi Murmu.
Before taking on the role, he served as a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, specialising in Persian and Central Asian studies. He succeeded former VC Najma Akhtar.
The Larger Debate
At its core, the controversy reflects a deeper tension in India’s public discourse: how to interpret cultural symbolism in a modern, scientific, and secular framework.
While some see such expressions as unifying metaphors rooted in history, others view them as problematic when voiced from positions of academic authority.
The debate is unlikely to fade soon, as it touches on fundamental questions about identity, education, and the role of institutions in shaping public thought.
