Plays on nationalism ’banned’ at Delhi’s Ramjas College

The students of the dramatics society of Ramjas College have alleged that the plays themed on nationalism and intolerance were not allowed to be staged by the principal at the annual fest.

The students of the dramatics society of Ramjas College have alleged that the plays themed on nationalism and intolerance were not allowed to be staged by the principal at the annual fest.

Ramjas students protest against the ban on Friday. (HT Photo)

This alleged ban on plays comes almost a month after violence erupted on the campus over a literary event over an invitation to Jawaharlal Nehru University student Umar Khalid. The February 22 clash triggered a debate on nationalism and freedom of speech and expression.

The students were told on Thursday night that four colleges will not be allowed to perform the plays on Friday.

In protest, the students wore black bands and taped put black tapes on their mouths on Friday.

However, officiating principal, PC Tulsiyan, said that the cancellation decision was not his.

“It is not true that I cancelled the performance of the plays. It is the members of the society which took a decision,” said Tulsiyan.

The cancelled performances are: SGTB Khalsa college’s play ‘Trump Card’, Dyal Singh college’s ‘Jokistaan’; Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce’s ‘sawal to uthega (questions will be raised)’; and Gargi College’s ‘Main, Kashmir aur aap? Main Manipur’ (I’m Kashmir, and you? I’m Manipur).