MGIH University leftist student group uses derogatory epithets for Ram Navami Shobha yatra, clashes erupt after Hindus take offence
Wardha, Maharashtra, India 
30 March, 2023
Case Summary
Protesting students at the Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University (MGIHU) in the Wardha district of Maharashtra, supported by the left-wing community used the word ‘Mujara’ for the Shobha Yatra on the evening of Ram Navami. This triggered clashes with Hindus who took offence over derogatory epithets used against their festival. The administration took cognisance of the event and filed a police complaint against students affiliated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the left-wing student group. The Vice Chancellor of the University meanwhile stated that no communal slogans were raised at the campus. Around 15-17 security guards received severe injuries. The Ram Nagar police have booked student members and are investigating the matter.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case has been added to the hate tracker under the prime category of 'Hate speech against Hindus'. The sub-category chosen under the prime category mentioned above is- Anti-Hindu slurs, mocking faith- Anti-Hindu slurs and the deliberate mocking of the Hindu faith owing to religious animosity involve the usage of derogatory terms, stereotypes, or offensive references to religious practices, symbols, or figures. One of the common anti-Hindu slurs used against Hindus is “cow-worshipper” and “cow piss drinker”. The intention of using this term is to demean and mock Hindus as a group and their religious beliefs since Hindus consider the cow holy. Additionally, some symbols and the slurs attached to them have a historical context that exacerbates the insult, hate, stereotyping, dehumanisation and oppression against Hindus. Cow worship has been used for centuries to denigrate Hindus, insult their faith and oppress Hindus specifically as a religious group. There has been overwhelming documentation about how cow slaughter has been used to persecute Hindus with cow meat being thrown in temples and places of worship. There has also been overwhelming documentation where cow meat (beef) has been force-fed to Hindus to either forcefully convert them to Islam or denigrate their faith. Apart from cow worship, the Swastika – which holds deep religious significance for the Hindus – has also been misinterpreted and distorted to use as a slur against Hindus. Similarly, the worship of the Shivling has been used by supremacist ideologies and religions to denigrate Hindus owing to religious animosity. Such slurs and denigration stem out of inherent animosity and hate towards Hindus and their faith, therefore, it is categorised as hate speech targeted at Hindus specifically owing to their religious identity. This incident where left-wing students of the Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University (MGIHU) used the derogatory term 'Mujara' to describe the Shobha Yatra during Ram Navami, is a clear example of mocking the Hindu faith. By using such offensive language for a significant religious celebration, the protesters demonstrated blatant disrespect for Hindu beliefs and traditions. Here, it is important to note that the college authorities indeed confirmed that the protesting students used objectionable words for the Ram Navami Shobha yatra and derogatory language for Lord Rama on the evening of Ram Navami. This act of using anti-Hindu slurs during a sacred festival reflects deep-seated animosity toward Hindus and their religion. The intent behind the action could only possibly be that of provoking Hindus and showing disrespect towards their faith. This incident underscores the growing trend of using derogatory language to marginalize and ridicule Hindu practices. Since such callous behaviour can only stem from a profound contempt for the Hindu religion, this case deserves to be recorded in this hate tracker.
Case Status
Complaint filed
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Others
Perpetrators Range
From 10 to 100
Perpetrators Gender
male
Sources 
