Should allow varsities to hold free discussion: Parameshwara

G Parameshwara, the State Home Minister, has come forward in defense of police actions taken during recent protests by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) at Azim Premji University. Parameshwara emphasized the importance of allowing universities to serve as platforms for free and open discussions, highlighting the role of academic institutions in fostering dialogue on diverse perspectives. His statements come in the wake of tensions surrounding the protests, which have raised questions regarding the balance between maintaining order and upholding the right to free expression in educational settings. The Home Minister's remarks underline the government's commitment to ensuring that universities remain spaces for debate and discussion, while also addressing the need for security during such events. This incident reflects ongoing debates in India regarding student activism, academic freedom, and the responsibilities of law enforcement in educational institutions, underscoring the vital role that universities play in shaping future leaders and thinkers.