As soon as the news of Rohith’s death was received, there was chaos, anger, the disgusting game and the exploitation by political parties to garner political mileage out of this tragedy became evident.
Yes, since August 2015, Rohith was a bundle of nerves, as he had to prove himself to the University authorities that he wasn’t a supporter of traitors, terrorists and anti-national elements. What in reality was his difference in opinion over Afzal Guru’s hanging with the counterpast students union, ABVP, was indeed played out of proportion, by the M.P of Hydersbad Dattatreyar, who in turn wrote the letter to Minister of Human Resource, Mrs. Smruti Irani condemning the school of thought of Rohith’s from Ambedkar Student Association, stating that this Dalit organization, to which Rohith belonged was antinational and supported terrorists. Smruti Irani dashed 5 letters to the Vice Chancellor of Hyderabad University suggesting directly or indirectly, as one may like to perceive it, that action by the University authorities needed to be taken, to avoid further fanning of support to terrorism by the Rohith fraction at the Hyderabad University campus. What initially was a more difference of opinion posted on a facebook page and oschestrated by the section of the student body, which was opposed to capital punishment, as a matter of principle, was turned and twisted into a national –antinational debate, linked to “terrorism” which is already adversely affecting our country today.
I have been an University professor, for over 33 years and have seen over the years the influence of “rancid politics” eating into the academic life at Universities. It is disheartening to note that the concept of “Agreeing to Disagree” is fast loosing face in our society and not isolated to campuses alone. There is a sense of extremism, anger, intolerance all across leading to hatred-“all is fair in love and war” prevails and thus rival groups in campuses go all out to prove that their point of view is right and thus “Might is Right” seems to be the best way out to score points. For Rohith he belonged to a group which politically was less might and thus had to suffer suspension of his stipend, and was rusticated from his hostel room, which thus led him to commit suicide out of frustration and helplessness, as he was from a very poor background and needed money he richly deserved, to even support his family.
As an afterthought there have been letters, articles and commentaries suggesting as to how this sad and unfortunate suicide could have been averted or avoided; a standard political blame-game soon surfaced. Blaming the other except oneself was seen all around. As a society we have failed to respect each other’s point of view and sentiments and in the name of identity, culture, heritage we have tended to suppress the point of view of other, specially the weak and the needy, through exploitation and suppression. We talk of all inclusiveness. Our caste ridden and a polarized society also talks about unity in diversity, but in reality we try to push monolithic views such as one country, one language, one culture and a single heritage in spite of wide differences in our lifestyles. During the good old days when I was a student, at St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai in the sixties we had doyens in science and spirituality, like Fr. Santapanu, Fr. Corbella, etc. who not only taught us the principles of scientific and social development but also the need for us to develop the control of our mind over the body. It is easier said than done. Each minute a minimum of around 30 thoughts cross our minds. Whether we are awake or in sleep our minds are always at work. We have a saying to be “BIG” one has first to dream big, and then persevere, positively to acquire your goal. Success is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration. But to make it big, one has to have determined control on your mind generating good thoughts, with positivity. Unfortunately, institution of higher learning and universities in particular do not give emphasize on spirituality and holistic development. Though the realism of the materialistic world is important towards improvement of quality of life, the significance of acquiring satisfaction through acquiring need based contentment and suppressing the greed of multiplying wants and desires is an extremely difficult task, worth understanding. The story of Rohith Vemula, clearly shows that this bright boy was the victim not only of becoming prey to external pressures of caste differentials but also of him, not being groomed to have control over his mind. This thus pushed him into feeling subdued, exploited and poor in self confidence.
How very, very lucky we all are; who are born. We have to thank our parents too for the opportunity they gave us to see the world in all its entirety, in spite of the fact that “the chance” alone has made each one of us special and distinct. A moment gone or the early act, would mean; neither you nor me, would be you or me- Yes it would be someone else facing these challenges which we face each day. So when we all are trillion fold lucky to be conceived, why on earth must we give life up so very easily by a silly act of suicide? Or why on earth must we murder someone, who too has the chance appearance? We have Rohith’s death and many senseless killings- a result of our weakness in our thinking, we have to learn from history or else history will repeat. It is time we inculcate strong spiritual learning in our schools and colleges so that we can be a part of a society which values our life & quality living.
