Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice Chancellor Santishree Pandit expressed her pride in being a Hindu and her association with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) while speaking at a book launch event alongside RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

She also emphasised the importance of countering the left narrative.

In her preface to the book "Jagala Pokharnari davi Walwi" by author Abhijit Jog, she stressed the need to uphold and respect Indian culture and tradition.

Pandit stated, “I am proud to be a Hindu and belong to the Sangh. We need narrative power to counter the leftist propaganda. A counter-narrative needs to be nurtured to fight the left.”

She also recalled the obstacles she had to face during her tenure at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU).

She said, “Going by the troubles I faced here, I would state that there are more leftists in Pune University than JNU where they are openly seen and not that much visible in Pune University.”

Before becoming the Vice-Chancellor of JNU, Pandit served as a Political Science professor at SPPU.

At 61, she is the first woman to hold this prestigious position.

Pandit reflected on her childhood involvement with RSS-affiliated organisations and proudly acknowledged that her "sanskaras" (values) were shaped by the RSS.

Pandit further highlighted the influence of leftists and their cultural Marxism, which has led to the rise of cancel culture.

She also pointed out the selective interpretation of history, where facts are conveniently ignored, emphasising the need for a strong counter to these trends.

In his speech, Bhagwat emphasised the importance of countering the "leftist narrative" that he believes is causing confusion and chaos in the country.

During a book launch event, Bhagwat stated, “The setup of the leftist ideology is nothing but an illusion which is leading to confusion and chaos in the country and this needs to be dealt with counter-narrative.”

Despite facing ideological challenges, Bhagwat expressed confidence in India's resurgence.

He acknowledged the trap set by the enemy and stressed the necessity of navigating through it, as the battle revolves around the manipulation of illusions.

He also said that the concept of 'left' and 'right' was not native to India but imported from elsewhere.

According to the RSS chief, those who consider themselves as gods and seek power are arrogant and have a desire to establish their own dominion. He also criticised them for being anti-scientific and spreading half-truths.

Abhijit Jog also raised concerns about the dangers of leftist ideology.

He argued that leftists, who are associated with fascism and Nazism, use the weaponisation of language as a tool. Jog describes the left as a violent force that instigates anarchy and chaos in the country.

He further explained that the left exploits the masses by deceiving them with promises of equality, oppression-free society, and liberation. He believes that the left's strategy involves creating anarchy and resorting to violence to achieve their goals.

Jog asserted that India is facing the greatest threat from cultural Marxism.

Santishree Pandit

Get Swarajya in your inbox.