Jamia VC's Mahadev DNA remark sparks controversy

Mazhar Asif, vice-chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi, sparked controversy on Tuesday when he stated during an on-campus event that all Indians share the DNA of Mahadev, the Hindu deity also known as Lord Shiva, despite differences in language, culture, religion, and geography.

The remark came at the Yuva Kumbh programme, organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh to mark the organization's 100th anniversary. In a video clip that circulated widely on social media, Asif addressed the audience, saying, "Looking at everyone seated here, I do not believe that everyone shares the same mother tongue, upbringing, or culture. From a geographical perspective... you may not even hail from the same region. Your religions, too, may differ. Yet, despite all these differences, we remain Indians. We are Indians because our DNA contains the DNA of Mahadev." The comment drew applause from attendees.

The event faced opposition beforehand, with student groups protesting the university's decision to host a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh programme on campus. Demonstrations delayed the gathering and prompted deployment of Delhi Police and Central Reserve Police Force personnel...