Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Makhanlal National University of Journalism and Mass Communication (MCU) is in controversy again after head of the department of mass communication, Ashish Joshi posted an imaginary propaganda film on Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu in an official WhatsApp groups of the department.
The film made by some unknown Indix online platform narrates and shows that if a biopic on Chanu is made after several years what it will be. It says that the biopic will include elements like India was being ruled by rightwing nationalist party headed by Modi and Muslims were being lynched on the name of cow.
The venomous speech by the narrator not only demonises Muslims but also speaks in imaginary manner about Manipur- Chanu’s mother state- calling it that it was known as Miyapur but was renamed as Manipur later. The film will say that Chanu belonged to a poor family that was tortured by upper class Brahmins. Later Abdul Chacha gave her meat so that she became strong and that led to her Olympic medal.
The 3.52 minute movie also attacks Chak De India and Gold movies made on hockey and terming them to be part of Jihadi agenda. The movie concludes that if secularism remains in the country- this is what would happen in the future.
Students of the whatsapp group were irked by such a post that too coming from their head of the department. One of the students, surprised by the post, asked the HoD if the film was really on Chanu.
HoD Joshi, not only posted the link but also asked to like and subscribe to the channel.
One of the students, Abhishek commented that HoD should at least maintain the decorum of the group and keep away from such nasty and propagandist activities. ‘You should not deliver venom in the name of ideology,’ wrote Abhishek.
After severe criticism by the students, HoD replied in the group that he did not make the movie. He posted the link so that journalism students should know both sides of a story.
Students asked, if he has not made the movie then why did he ask to like and subscribe to the channel.
Another student posted that he was pained and anguished. "I have come here to study journalism. My friend had gone to attend RSS shakha but was quite disappointed in just two days. Now I am sure that shakhas preach such things."
Another student wrote, "I am worried for what is about to happen to We the People of India. All of my learning on which I grew up is on the verge of being tattered.’
Talking to Free Press, HoD Ashish Joshi said that he had already clarified in the whatsapp group about his intentions for posting the link. "That was for the students to learn how propaganda works," said Joshi.
