A national seminar on contemporary Hindi literature in Chhattisgarh turned controversial when the Vice Chancellor of the host university asked a distinguished writer to leave the venue mid-session. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has ignited a firestorm of criticism from the literary community and drawn political reactions.
The Confrontation at the National Seminar
The one-day national seminar titled ‘Samkalin Hindi Kahani: Badalte Jeevan Sandarbh’ was jointly organized by the Sahitya Akademi and Guru Ghasidas Central University in Bilaspur. The event was attended by eminent writers, poets, and literary figures from across India.
During his address, Vice Chancellor Alok Kumar Chakrawal noticed writer Manoj Rupda, seated in the front row, seemingly distracted. Chakrawal asked Rupda if he was getting bored. In response, Rupda reportedly suggested that the VC should stick to the seminar's topic. This exchange visibly angered Chakrawal.
A student-recorded video, which later went viral on social media, captures the subsequent altercation. Chakrawal is heard stating that Rupda lacked the sense of how to speak to a Vice Chancellor and questioned who had invited him. He then instructed Rupda to leave the programme and declared that he should not be invited again. The video shows Rupda complying immediately and walking out of the auditorium.
Divergent Accounts: Writer's Dignity vs. VC's Disrespect
Speaking about the incident, Manoj Rupda emphasized that his protest was not personal but against a mindset he found insulting to the entire literary community. "This protest is not merely against the VC as an individual, but against a toxic mindset and a pattern of behaviour that is both negative and torturous toward the world of art and literature," Rupda said. He added that he had sought opinions from others present and was told he had done nothing wrong to warrant such treatment.
In his defense, VC Alok Kumar Chakrawal told The Indian Express that he felt Rupda's reply was disrespectful to the platform. "In a calm and respectful voice, I simply asked if everything was alright or if he was feeling bored. His response, however, was dismissive," Chakrawal stated. He claimed the incident was being unfairly blown out of proportion and that he was facing a barrage of abuse on social media and his personal phone.
Widespread Condemnation and Political Reaction
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel condemned the VC's conduct, calling it an act that "tarnishes the dignity of the Vice-Chancellor’s office."
Members of the Jan Sanskriti Manch, who were present at the seminar, strongly denounced the action. Mudit Mishra, president of the Manch's Bilaspur unit, stated, "This incident reflects the lack of respect for literature, art, and culture in Chhattisgarh." He highlighted that Rupda was an invited guest of both the Sahitya Akademi and the university.
The backlash has translated into direct action. Literary groups in Durg-Bhilai, Raipur, Ambikapur, Dhamtari, and Bilaspur have demanded Chakrawal's removal from his post. Additionally, a group of writers held a protest near the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Ambedkar Chowk in Raipur, signaling the depth of anger within the creative community.
The controversy underscores a broader tension between institutional authority and intellectual freedom, leaving a mark on what was intended to be a celebration of contemporary Hindi literature.
