THE Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has received a rich addition to its prestigious campus with the unveiling of the statue of Swami Vivekananda at the hands of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. Swami Vivekananda was the epitome of courage and compassion and a great champion of national cause, towering over personal ideologies and beliefs.

 

When the Prime Minister invoked the philosophy of peaceful coexistence of ideologies for the larger benefit of the country, he made a significant point at the campus which has, of late, become a centre of controversy following a section’s heavy inclination towards an ideology that provokes students to resort to anti-national measures.

 

Prioritising one’s ideology over national interest is the biggest anti-national action which must be avoided at any cost. Mr. Modi’s exhortation to the students to keep aside ideological differences and support matters of national interest is a reminder of the big digression ideologies have suffered in the present times for petty individual and political gains. A healthy democracy has place for all ideas and ideologies but all within the realms of nation’s interest.