Protest against LU prof’s award cancellation

LUCKNOW: A a number of citizens gathered at Babasaheb Ambedkar’s statue in Hazratganj on Sunday to extend solidarity to dalit professor of Lucknow University Ravi Kant who was stripped of a proposed award that was to be conferred on him later this month.

Kant said, “Award cancellation is an attempt to curb freedom of speech and expression. It is a censorship by the government and its right wing supporters. NCRB report also indicates there has been an increase of 150% in crime against dalits. Anybody who criticises the government is easy target for mob lynching.”

To recall, the Rajya Karmachari Sahitya Sansthan, UP, decided to confer Raman Lal Agarwal Award on him on February 26 but cancelled it after a complaint from a Delhi-based NGO that Prof Ravi Kant had written many posts on social media criticising BJP governments at the Centre and in UP. The organisation informed Professor Ravi Kant about the award cancellation through a letter.

The professor said the government appeared to be hell-bent on curbing the freedom of speech.

“We condemn the onslaught on academic freedom. We are of the view that Prof Ravi Kant, as an independent citizen of this country, has the right to express his views on any medium of his choice,” said Abdul Hafiz Gandhi, SP spokesperson.

Meraj Ahmad Azad, assistant professor of law, said that the notion of ‘nationalism’ seemed to be monopolized by certain sections. NCP state president Ramesh Dixit said cancellation of award showed the dictatorial attitude of the state government.