Prayagraj/Lucknow: Allahabad University vice-chancellor Sangita Srivastava on Saturday strongly criticised the use of abusive language in public discourse, particularly remarks directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother, saying freedom of speech cannot be interpreted as a licence to abuse others.Addressing students, teachers and staff after hoisting the tricolour on Independence Day, Srivastava said India was the world’s largest democracy and its constitution guaranteed freedom of speech, but that freedom came with responsibility.“We have freedom of speech, but we do not have freedom to abuse. Freedom to abuse is absolutely wrong,” Srivastava said.Without naming any individual or political group, the VC expressed concern over abusive remarks directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother, saying such behaviour reflected a decline in social values and civility.“We abuse our Prime Minister, and not just him, we abuse his mother too, who is no longer in this world. What has happened to our traditions and our sanskar?” she asked, urging teachers and society at large to introspect on whether moral values were being adequately passed on to younger generations.Praising Modi’s leadership, Srivastava said India had managed to avoid being drawn into global conflicts despite challenging international circumstances. “There is a sentinel of the country who remains awake while we sleep. India has stayed away from wars that could have adversely impacted its economy because a compassionate Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is leading the country,” she said.She also alleged that “anarchic elements” were trying to disrupt educational institutions and spread negativity through abusive rhetoric. She advised students not to be influenced by such forces and stressed that true education should be reflected in a person’s conduct and values, not merely academic qualifications.In another pointed remark, Srivastava said people who secure government jobs but fail to discharge their responsibilities honestly were acting against the nation. “The biggest traitors today are those who get jobs but do not want to come to work,” she said while recalling the sacrifices made by freedom fighters during the struggle for Independence.Reflecting on the university’s legacy, Srivastava said Allahabad University, established 140 years ago and once known as the “Oxford of the East”, was envisioned as a centre for intellectual and moral excellence.“Its magnificent architecture, vast gardens and palace-like buildings were considered second only to the Taj Mahal in grandeur. But beyond its beauty, the university was created to nurture individuals of exceptional intellect and character,” she said.
