Why JNU is misunderstood and much maligned: An insider’s account

Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University, or JNU, has been in turmoil and hence in the news for almost six years now, climaxing in the attack on the campus earlier this month.

For those who have not been students at JNU, or have not visited the breathtaking campus, it is difficult to figure out what is happening at the premier university. This has given rise to misinformation, myths, misunderstanding and a litany of sheer nonsense that beat all imagination.

Many are righteously declaring that JNU is an example why students anywhere should not be allowed to get involved in politics. They must study. Period.

Some have actively peddled the idea that the university is  a “den” (note the usage of this word) of Leftists. Students have been labelled as “anti-nationals”, “tukde-tukde” gang, immoral (with the infamously alleged discovery of thousands of used condoms etc. in the hostels) , spoilt, and what have you.