Ghaziabad's ABES College of Engineering became the epicenter of a controversy on the 20th of October. A seemingly innocuous greeting of "Jai Shri Ram" during a college cultural festival led to a fierce reprimand from an assistant professor. The student, who intended to greet the audience with the religious salutation, was met with a swift and stern response from the professor identified as Mamata Gautam by netizens.

The episode swiftly gained traction when a video clip capturing Professor Gautam's sharp rebuke went viral. The clip showcased her, purportedly Gautam, demanding an explanation for the student's religious utterance. “Why did you raise the slogan of Jai Shri Ram? Do you come to the college for this? This is a cultural program. This cannot be allowed. Out. Get Out,” she is heard admonishing. The student, taken aback, responded by saying he was merely echoing the 'Jai Shri Ram' calls emanating from the audience.

This incident is not an isolated one but indicates a broader narrative playing out across India. With the rise of a New India, where Hindus are unifying and asserting their identity, such incidents spark debates. They underscore the sentiment that any perceived anti-Hindu actions will face stringent scrutiny and pushback. The cultural fabric of the nation is evolving, and episodes like these bring to the forefront the inherent tensions and the journey towards a more assertive Hindu identity.

The event, organized to welcome BTech first-year students, took an unexpected turn when several students began to greet each other with the resonant "Jai Shri Ram." The hall, filled with young voices, echoed the phrase, creating a unified atmosphere. However, this exuberance did not sit well with Assistant Professor Mamata Gautam.

In the viral video, the professor can be seen visibly agitated by the collective chant. As the entire stadium cheered on, Professor Gautam, irked by the spontaneous chorus, stood up and ordered the student, who was reciprocating the greeting from the stage, to exit immediately.

Netizens were quick to react to this controversial event, with many expressing their displeasure over the professor's actions. The online community resonated with calls for an inquiry into the incident and the reinstatement of the student. One user remarked, "This needs an Investigation. The student should be reinstated ASAP.” Another netizen commented on the underlying sentiment, suggesting that this event unveiled individuals who had long masqueraded under the guise of secularism.

Dr. Mamata Gautam, an Assistant Professor at ABES College of Engineering in Ghaziabad, recently found herself at the center of a contentious episode during the college's cultural fest. The professor, who has a specialized background in Chemistry and boasts 16 years of experience, took issue with a student chanting "Jai Shri Ram."

While Dr. Gautam's credentials are well-documented on the college's official website, the aftermath of the incident has led to a cloud of uncertainty. Speaking to OpIndia, a student from the college seemed hesitant to discuss the event and even expressed doubt regarding Dr. Gautam's association with the institution. This reluctance was contrasted by a faculty representative who confirmed Dr. Gautam's position at the college but remained evasive regarding details of the incident.

In light of the video's widespread reach and the ensuing public outcry, Ghaziabad Police have initiated a preliminary investigation into the matter. Their involvement underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for clarity and resolution.

Furthering the narrative of decisive action, ABES College has suspended the professors involved in the incident, including Dr. Gautam. The Director of the institute has also issued a statement in this regard, reflecting the college's commitment to address the matter seriously.

Ghaziabad College Takes Prompt Action: Professors Suspended Over Controversial Incident

In a swift response to the recent controversy at ABES College, Ghaziabad, the college's management suspended two of its professors, Mamta Gautam and Shweta Sharma, on Saturday, 21st October. The decision was made following the professors' objection to a student's chant of "Jai Shri Ram" and their subsequent action of removing him from the stage during a cultural event.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, the Director of ABES College, confirmed the suspensions. Through a video message shared on the institute's official X (previously known as Twitter) handle, Dr. Singh conveyed the gravity with which the college viewed the incident. He stated, "Upon coming across the video, we immediately set up a high-level inquiry committee. We tasked this committee with submitting their findings within a 24-hour timeframe. Based on their recommendations, the college has taken the decision to suspend the two faculty members for their irresponsible behavior."

The suspended professors, Mamta Gautam and Shweta Sharma, are both associated with the chemistry department at ABES College. With 16 years of teaching experience, Gautam holds the position of an associate professor, while Sharma, boasting 12 years in the profession, serves as an assistant professor.

This incident and the college's decisive action serve as a testament to the changing dynamics in the educational landscape of New India. Institutions are now more vigilant and proactive in upholding the values of free speech and cultural respect, ensuring that any anti-Hindu sentiments or actions are dealt with sternly.

ABES College Website Hacked Amidst Ongoing Controversy

The ripple effects of the "Jai Shri Ram" incident at ABES College, Ghaziabad, continue to be felt. Earlier today, a hacker targeted the official website of the college, displaying an altered image of professor Mamta Gautam as the mythological character, Shurpanakha, alongside the prominent display of the chant "Jai Shri Ram." The college's IT team promptly intervened, restoring the website to its original state by the afternoon.

In an unexpected move, shortly before the cyber attack, Professor Gautam released a video. In her message, she cautioned against criticism directed at her, hinting at potential legal repercussions for the same. Additionally, she identified herself as a devout Hindu and pointed out the alleged wrongdoings of the student involved in the incident.

The controversy shines a light on the broader societal issue wherein the sacred chant of "Jai Shri Ram" has, unfortunately, been misconstrued and portrayed as a 'war cry' by certain sections of society, notably some 'secular' and 'liberal' factions. This mischaracterization is in sharp contrast to the silence maintained by these groups when addressing Islamist slogans like "Sar Tan Se Juda" – a direct call for beheading, or "Allah-hu-Akhbar."

In today's era, where unity and cultural understanding should be at the forefront, the misrepresentation of the peaceful and Dharmic chant, "Jai Shri Ram," is deeply troubling. This simple call of devotion, echoing the reverence for Lord Ram, has been undeservedly portrayed as a provocative slogan. The concerning aspect is the stark difference in treatment between this and various alarming Islamist slogans, which often escape the critical lens.

A trend has been observed where certain 'liberal' and 'secular' factions utilize the "Jai Shri Ram" chant to paint a negative image of Hindus, framing them as aggressive or intolerant. This skewed narrative, which seems to stem from an inherent bias against Hindus, has gained momentum especially since 2014, coinciding with the rise to power of the BJP, a party often associated with Hindutva beliefs. Numerous incidents have been documented where this sacred chant was misused to manipulate the narrative of an ordinary crime, spinning it into a 'hate crime.'

The mischaracterization of this chant not only belittles its spiritual significance but also sows seeds of division in a country known for its rich tapestry of faiths and cultures. As India looks forward to a future of unity and harmony, it is essential to approach such issues with sensitivity and factual accuracy. The sacredness of "Jai Shri Ram" is a testament to the deep-rooted spirituality of India, and it's about time this is recognized and respected by all.