Gurugram University cancels Palestine talk, VC calls topic 'controversial'

Gurugram: Gurugram University recently canceled a scheduled talk on the Palestinian conflict by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professor Zoya Hasan, according to a report from 'The Wire'. The talk, titled “Palestinian Struggle for Equal Rights: India and Global Response,” was organized by the university’s Department of Political Science and planned for November 12. However, on November 10, Hasan was informed by the organizers that the event was canceled.

The university’s vice-chancellor, Dinesh Kumar, who was named as the “chief patron” on the event invite, later stated that his approval for the event was not obtained in advance. Kumar explained that the discussion had been organized by a university faculty member without his knowledge, as he was away from campus at the time. He confirmed that the event was subsequently canceled due to its “controversial” subject matter.

Hasan, who is a professor emerita at JNU, said she was initially approached by the Department of Political Science after her opinion piece on the Palestinian conflict was published in a newspaper. The department expressed interest in discussing India’s response to the Palestinian conflict at both governmental and non-governmental levels, and she agreed to participate. After finalizing the title and confirming transportation arrangements, Hasan was informed of the cancellation just two days before the event. She noted the inconsistency, questioning why an event would be canceled over a health issue of an organizer when arrangements were pre-planned.

Hasan also acknowledged the faculty's willingness to discuss the topic of Palestine, expressing disappointment that the event did not occur despite their efforts. This cancellation follows a recent series of canceled seminars at Jawaharlal Nehru University’s Centre for West Asian Studies, which included talks featuring ambassadors from Iran, Palestine, and Lebanon. These cancellations occurred in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israeli military actions since October 7, 2023, have reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 people, including 16,500 children.

India has maintained a longstanding position supporting a two-state solution for the Palestinian issue, advocating for a sovereign and viable Palestinian state coexisting peacefully with Israel within recognized borders.