After no seminar on democracy, DU says yes to cow welfare event

Delhi University has found itself at the centre of a controversy after cancelling an academic seminar on democracy and property rights, while simultaneously promoting a five-day national summit focused on cow welfare and cow-based innovations.

The seminar, titled “Land, Property and Democratic Rights”, was scheduled to be held at the Delhi School of Economics (DSE) as part of its long-running Friday colloquium series. Faculty members said the event was abruptly called off by the administration citing “lack of prior approval.”

Soon after the cancellation, the Office of the Dean of Colleges issued a circular asking all affiliated colleges to publicise and participate in the Rashtriya Godhan Summit, a five-day event highlighting cow welfare, sustainability and research on cow-based products.

The move has sparked criticism from several quarters within the university. Members of the Democratic Teachers’ Front described it as “an alarming reflection of shrinking academic space.”

“It seems discussions on democracy are being discouraged, while ideological events get official support,” said Prof Abha Devi Habib.

University officials, however, defended the decision, saying the DSE event had not followed proper procedures. “All seminars require prior approval from the competent authorities. There was no intent to stifle debate,” a DU spokesperson clarified.

The incident has sparked a larger debate about academic freedom and the direction of higher education institutions.