EFLU Hyderabad Students’ Vigorous Protests Persist, Demand Justice and Accountability
In a stirring display of determination and unity, students at the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) in Hyderabad rekindled their protests on a Sunday night, ahead of the university’s scheduled reopening after the Dasara vacation. The institution had been shaken by a series of demonstrations sparked by allegations of a sexual harassment case and the alleged inaction of the university’s management.
At the heart of this uprising was a resounding call for justice, accountability, and a demand for the resignation of Vice Chancellor Prof E. Suresh Kumar, who had become the focal point of discontent among the student body. As the night fell, students gathered at the Old Sagar Square on campus, turning it into a hub of poetry, songs, and resistance, symbolizing their unwavering commitment to their cause.
The campus bore witness to a sea of posters, each carrying a poignant message reflecting the frustrations and aspirations of the protesting students. One such poster boldly declared, ‘The campus is not calm,’ serving as a direct rebuttal to the Vice Chancellor’s earlier assertion that the campus was peaceful. Others conveyed powerful messages such as ‘VC saab kidhar hai?’ (Where is VC sir?), ‘Dissent is our right,’ ‘Stop victim shaming,’ ‘Make the campus safe again,’ and ‘You can’t silence us,’ among others.
Notably, the students took extraordinary measures to shield their identities, donning masks featuring the likenesses of prominent social activists such as Periyar, BR Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh, and more. This was a strategic move to protect themselves from potential targeting by the university administration or the police, which had reportedly established a presence on campus, ostensibly due to the election code of conduct. Students perceived this presence as a thinly veiled attempt to stifle their protests and deter them from voicing their concerns.
The protests at EFLU Hyderabad represent the voices of a generation that refuses to be silenced in the face of injustice. Allegations of sexual harassment and the perceived inaction of the university’s leadership struck a chord with the student body, galvanizing them to demand transparency, accountability, and, above all, justice.
The choice of using poetry and song as a form of protest not only added an artistic and creative dimension to their movement but also showcased their resolve to express their grievances through the power of words and music. It was a poignant reminder that their struggle was not merely about a change in leadership but a broader call for a safer and more inclusive campus environment.
The posters that adorned the campus carried a strong undercurrent of frustration and disappointment with the current state of affairs. The assertion that ‘The campus is not calm’ was a powerful assertion, dispelling any notion of tranquility that may have been suggested. The question, ‘VC saab kidhar hai?’ (Where is VC sir?), resonated with the students’ demand for accountability, highlighting their determination to hold the university’s leadership responsible for their grievances.
‘Dissent is our right’ echoed the fundamental principles of democracy and freedom of expression, emphasizing that the students were well aware of their constitutional rights to express their concerns. ‘Stop victim shaming’ underscored their commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for all, especially those who had experienced harassment. ‘Make the campus safe again’ was a plea to restore a sense of security that had been eroded, while ‘You can’t silence us’ was a resounding message of resilience in the face of adversity.
The use of masks featuring the likenesses of social activists was a symbol of solidarity and an assertion of their commitment to social justice and equality. By doing so, the students effectively bridged the past and the present, drawing inspiration from historical figures who had fought against oppression and discrimination.
The protests at EFLU Hyderabad are a testament to the enduring spirit of youth activism and the relentless pursuit of justice. The students’ demands for accountability, transparency, and a safer campus environment are not merely a plea for change but a resounding call for a better future. As they continue to rally, their determination and resilience serve as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of justice is an ongoing journey, and their voices will not be silenced.