JNU turns 'nationalist' with 'Wall of Heroes'

The vice-chancellor of JNU, which has been mired in controversies in the past over some students being accused of sedition for taking an "anti-national" stand, today sought to project the varsity's "nationalist" character.
Inaugurating the 'Wall of Heroes' at JNU in commemoration of martyrs, the V-C C M Jagadesh Kumar said, "Our soldiers are our guardians. They provide our nation's security and peace. JNU's association with our soldiers is an honour for us. This is the real nationalist JNU".
An initiative of 'Vidya Veerta Abhiyan' of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, the wall is located in JNU's Convention Centre where 21 portraits of Param Vir Chakra awardees are exhibited.

Several veterans, families of many war heroes, faculty, staff and students participated in the event.
Participants also paid tribute to martyrs of the recent Sukma Naxal attack, and young Kashmiri army officer Lt Umar Fayaz who was abducted and killed.
Rana P Singh, Rector-III of the varsity, said, "JNU is delighted and grateful for the opportunity to honour the valour and sacrifice of our martyrs".

While Maj Gen P K Sehgal elaborated on professionalism of the armed forces, Col A K Tara shared his experiences of 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
Speaking on the occasion, former BJP MP Tarun Vijay said with the 'Wall of Heroes', JNU will become a role model for other universities and colleges in the country in recognising the services of the armed forces.

Vidya Veerta Abhiyan is a central government initiative to revive patriotism and aims to build 'Walls of Valour' in colleges and varsities across the country.