Imran Shah
Kishtwar, (DD)The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Kishtwar unit, has strongly condemned recent attempts by political parties—particularly the National Conference (NC)—to undermine student activism by mischaracterizing the ABVP’s initiatives on campus.
The condemnation follows the Meritorious Students Felicitation Program organized by ABVP Kishtwar at Government Degree College (GDC), Kishtwar on July 22, which honored academic toppers and students excelling in sports disciplines such as Taekwondo and Kalaripayattu.
While the felicitation event was apolitical in nature, ABVP Kishtwar noted that the objection from political leaders stemmed from the spontaneous chanting of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” by students—slogans which reflect patriotism, not partisanship.
Speaking on the issue, Vinay Aryan, District Convener of ABVP Kishtwar, stated:
“The NC has labeled ABVP as a political organization. We categorically reject this claim. ABVP is the world’s largest student organization, founded on 9th July 1949, and is duly registered. Our mission is centered on student welfare, academic growth, and fostering nationalism—not political competition.”
Aryan challenged NC and others to point out any instance where ABVP has contested elections against political parties:
“We have never fielded candidates in political elections. Our work is strictly confined to colleges, universities, and schools, empowering students through constructive initiatives.”
The ABVP further asserted that college auditoriums belong to students, not to political interests, and that no student organization should be denied the right to organize academic or motivational events under undue political pressure.
“The college administration must not bow to political interference. Students have the right to engage in constructive campus activism. ABVP stands firmly against politicization of campus spaces and promotes student-led efforts focused on academic excellence and national values.”
The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of ABVP Kishtwar’s commitment to continue nurturing student activism, national pride, and educational excellence, unshaken by “petty political games”(DD)
