An Independence Day address on pluralism by Independence Day (JNU) Professor Emerita Zoya Hasan at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya was called off at the last minute on Friday over “security concerns”. According to those aware of the incident, protesters gathered outside the school ahead of the event, where the noted academic was scheduled to speak on ‘Why pluralism is important’, after which police reached the scene. Academics condemned the incident, with some claiming that the protesters were from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).

An Independence Day address on pluralism by Independence Day (JNU) Professor Emerita Zoya Hasan at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya was called off at the last minute on Friday over “security concerns”. According to those aware of the incident, protesters gathered outside the school ahead of the event, where the noted academic was scheduled to speak on ‘Why pluralism is important’, after which police reached the scene. Academics condemned the incident, with some claiming that the protesters were from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).

Zoya Hasan’s Independence Day appearance at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya was cancelled after VHP members gathered outside the school. The programme went ahead with another chief guest as staff opposed the cancellation and police cited security concerns.