Karnatak University withdraws lesson from textbook following opposition, protest

BJP leaders led by Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Arvind Bellad staging a protest on the campus of Karnatak University in Dharwad on Friday demanding the withdrawal of a contentious lesson from a university prescribed textbook.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Following strong opposition to contents of a lesson in the first semester Kannada textbook by a section of academicians, students, a senior advocate and subsequent protests by ABVP and BJP, the Karnatak University on Friday announced its decision to withdraw the contentious lesson from the textbook and also postponed the examination on the subject till further notice.

The lesson in question is Rashtriyateya Acharaneya Suttha, written by Ramalingappa T. Begur, which was included in Belagu-1, Kannada textbook prescribed by Karnatak University for students of first semester of BA/B.Music/BFA/BSWB/BVA/H.Sc HM/BTTM for the academic year 2024-2025.

The book has writings of Rabindranath Tagore, Devanur Mahadeva, Raghunath C.H. and others apart from that of Ramalingappa Begur.

In a press release, the Registrar of the university has said that the decision to withdraw the lesson with immediate effect was taken after holding the requisite meetings of the competent bodies following the requisite procedure.

The Registrar also clarified that only the lesson has been withdrawn and Belagu-1 will continue to be the prescribed textbook for the academic year.

Postponed

In another press release issued on Friday, the Registrar has said that the examination of Kannada (AECC: Kannada-AIKAN4TI) for the first semester of BA/B.Music/BFA/BSWB/BVA/H.Sc HM/ BTTM, which was scheduled to be held on January 29, stands postponed for technical reasons. The next date of the examination will be intimated later.

The contention

The contention of those opposing the lesson is that the lesson contained views that are anti-India, unconstitutional and anti-Hindu and also disgraced Bharat Mata.

Raising objection, senior advocate Arun Joshi wrote to the Vice0Chancellor of Karnatak University warning of legal action if the lesson having objectionable views is not withdrawn immediately.

Protest

Earlier on Friday, a large number of students led by ABVP office-bearers held a demonstration on the university campus demanding withdrawal of the objectionable lesson.

It was subsequently followed by a protest by Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Arvind Bellad and other leaders.

Demanding withdrawal of the lesson and also action against the textbook selection committee members, the protestors tore copies of the textbook on the university campus and demanded that the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar should tender apology by offering puja to Bharat Mata.

The officials yielded to the pressure by protestors and offered floral tribute to Bharat Mata. They also promised to inquire into the textbook selection process and take action against those responsible for the flaw.