14-05-2025
‘Follow DU V-C on social media', college tells students, staff; sparks debate
A notice issued by Delhi University's Shaheed Bhagat Singh College (SBSC) requesting students, teachers and staff members to follow Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh's official X account has triggered a debate in the community.
The notice, issued on Monday by Principal Prof Arun Kumar Attree, described the activity as a gesture of national solidarity. 'All teachers, staff members, and students of the college are hereby requested to follow the Vice Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh's Official Twitter (now X) account,' it stated.
A link to the V-C's profile and a specific post were included in the notice.
The notice said that sharing the post is 'aimed at expressing our unwavering support and gratitude towards the valiant members of our Defence Forces'.
The post extended support to India's armed forces on their elimination 'of over 100 militants, including those responsible for the IC814 hijacking and the Pulwama attack' through Operation Sindoor. Citing lines from Parshuram Ki Pratiksha by poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, underscoring the importance of unity, the notice said, 'This is the time to stand in solidarity with the Indian Armed Forces, the Government of India and our determined Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With this feeling, I would like to dedicate these lines…to the Indian Army, which give us the message of staying united and tell us that if we are united at home, then the country will always prosper.'
The notice further read, 'By amplifying these messages, we not only raise awareness about their courage and sacrifices but also contribute to building a strong sense of national pride and unity within our community. Your participation is a small yet significant gesture to honour those who selflessly protect our nation.'
'Let us stand together, united in spirit, and show our appreciation through every like, share and retweet,' it added.
However, the notice has drawn criticism from some quarters. In a post on the Delhi University Teachers' Forum on Facebook, DU professor and group admin Naveen Gaur termed the move 'sycophancy at its best (or worst)'.
'This is an unofficial way to increase followers. The question is, can any teacher also force his student to follow his social media posts in this way?' another faculty member posted on Wednesday.
Not everyone, however, sees the notice as problematic. Some faculty members have described it as a voluntary and well-meaning appeal. 'This letter is only a humble request, not any obligation,' another faculty member wrote on Facebook. 'We must understand its core purpose — to unite as a teaching community to respect and support our soldiers.'
