JNUSU: Umar Khalid's book discussion to proceed despite JNU cancelling venue
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) has said that a scheduled discussion on former JNU student Umar Khalid's book "Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power" will go ahead, even though the university administration cancelled the booking of the original venue.
The event is planned for Monday, August 10, 2026, at 3 p.m. It was initially to be held at the School of Social Sciences-I (SSS-I) auditorium. The discussion is being organised to mark the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, observed globally to raise awareness about the rights of indigenous populations.
The university administration withdrew permission for the use of the auditorium, stating that "full facts" about the programme had not been disclosed. The administration has not specified what information was missing from the application.
The JNUSU, however, has rejected the reasoning. In a press statement, the union described the cancellation as "arbitrary and authoritarian." It further declared, "Cancelling a room does not cancel a conversation. No administrative order can suppress the right of students to think, question, and discuss."
The union announced that the discussion would now take place at an alternate venue outside the SSS-II building. It has invited students, faculty, and staff to attend in large numbers. "Defend your right to know, to read, and to discuss," the union said.
According to the event poster, the speakers include professors Prabhu Mahapatra and Uma Chakravarti, Shuddhabrata Sengupta, and social activists Harsh Mander and Banojyotsna. These academics and activists are expected to share their insights on the themes raised in the book.
The book, as described by its title, deals with the histories of Adivasi communities and the politics of power that have shaped their lives. It explores issues such as land rights, cultural identity, and the impact of state policies on indigenous groups. The discussion aims to create a space for students to engage critically with these topics.
Umar Khalid, the author, is a former PhD student at JNU. He has been a well-known figure in student activism, and his past involvement in campus movements has made him a polarising person in public discourse. His book has attracted attention from both academic circles and the wider public.
The cancellation of the venue has raised concerns about academic freedom in Indian universities. While the administration maintains that it is following procedural rules, the JNUSU argues that the move is aimed at preventing a discussion that may challenge prevailing narratives.
The union has also pointed out that the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech is enshrined in the Constitution of India. "Students have the right to organise and participate in academic events without fear of administrative retribution," the statement said.
The university has yet to issue a formal response to the union's decision to hold the event at an alternative location. It is also not clear whether the administration will take steps to prevent the gathering.
Students who plan to attend have expressed support for the union's stand. Some faculty members have also voiced concern over the cancellation, though they have refrained from making formal statements.
The event is expected to proceed as planned on Monday. The union has assured that necessary arrangements have been made for the outdoor venue. It has also called on the administration to reconsider its decision.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between student bodies and university officials over the space for dissent on campuses. It also brings to focus the importance of open dialogue in a democratic society.
As the time approaches, all eyes will be on how the university responds to the union's assertion that the discussion will go ahead. For now, the students' union remains resolute. "The conversation will take place. No amount of administrative obstruction can stop it," the union concluded.
