Galgotias University: Are Students Pawns or Political Players? The Exploitation of Education in Modern India

In New India, universities and schools have become arenas for political manipulation, utilizing students for various agendas. The hashtag #GalgotiaUniversity has been trending on social media platforms. Recently, students from Galgotias University (Greater Noida) reached Delhi to protest against the Congress manifesto. However, the event took a comical turn when these students, tasked with carrying slogans like “No Urban Naxals in Vikshit Bharat” and “Say No to Wealth Vultures,” were unable to articulate the meanings behind them when questioned by a TV reporter. Some students even struggled to pronounce the slogans correctly, highlighting concerns about the quality of education in these private universities.

The lack of clarity among the students regarding their purpose at the protest highlights a deeper issue. Galgotias University has since become the subject of mockery online, raising questions about the institution’s motives and the role of its administration. Why are students being coerced into participating in political activities? And why are parents not holding the university accountable for its actions?

Mandatory ‘Mann ki Baat’: Coercion or Civic Duty

This phenomenon is not isolated to Galgotias University but reflects a broader trend in Indian politics. Over the past decade, under BJP rule, there have been numerous instances of students being exploited for political ends. This trend arguably began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s radio program “Mann ki Baat,” which has been mandatory listening for many students.

Instances abound of students being penalized for failing to tune in to Modi’s broadcasts. For example, in Dehradun on May 5, 2023, students were fined for their absence during the program. Similarly, 36 nursing students from the National Institute of Nursing Education in Chandigarh were confined to their hostel for a week for missing the 100th episode of “Mann ki Baat.“

These incidents underscore a troubling reality: India’s democratic principles are eroding. The coercion of students into political activities mirrors authoritarian regimes like North Korea, where allegiance to the leader is mandatory. As the Lok Sabha Elections unfold, the exploitation of students for political gain serves as a stark reminder of the ethical decline within Indian politics, particularly among those in power.