IIT Kanpur Faces Backlash for Naming Diwali Celebration 'Jashn-e-Roshni 2024'; Netizen Say, 'Is IIT Becoming the Next JNU'

IIT Kanpur has come under scrutiny for allegedly naming its Diwali celebration event “Jashn-e-Roshni.” Several users took to X to express their dismay over the poster, which featured a black and golden color scheme and read: “International Relations Wing, IIT Kanpur presents, Jashn-e-Roshni 2024.” The term "Jashn-e-Roshni" translates to "Festival of Lights" in Urdu, leading to significant criticism from the online community.

IIT Kanpur's 'Jashn-e-Roshni' Post Deleted Following Backlash

According to media reports, the post was deleted after it received backlash from users, prompting the Academics & Career Council (ANC) at the Indian Institute of Technology to face serious criticism. Many on X termed the event's naming as demeaning to Hindu culture, claiming it hurts the sentiments of the people. The controversial post was later shared on X by a user named “Megh Updates.”

Users React to IIT Kanpur's Diwali Poste

Taking to the comment section, one user wrote, “What is the problem with calling Diwali as Diwali? If you don't want to celebrate the Diwali festival, then don't celebrate it! Why distort the Hindu festival as history has been distorting?” Another user remarked, “This is unacceptable! Here, people are trying to decolonize the Indian mind, but IIT is promoting colonization! This needs to be changed ASAP!” A third user added, “Our premium institutions like IIT, once known for their brilliance, are now infested by leftist academics and professors who are meticulously working to create ecosystems inside IITs to promote such wokeism. If this is not tamed, we will soon see IIT become the next JNU.” Several other users echoed similar sentiments, further amplifying the outrage.