University Official: Don't Complain, 'Murder' Instead

Indian official says he was trying to motivate students
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 31, 2018 5:30 AM CST
University Official: Don't Complain, 'Murder' Instead
The vice-chancellor delivers his remarks at a university event.   (YouTube)

A late entry for the Worst Advice of 2018 award: The vice-chancellor of a state-run university in India is taking flak for telling students they should beat up or kill people instead of bringing their complaints to him. "If you're a student of this university, never come crying to me," Raja Ram Yadav told Purvanchal University students, per Reuters. "If you ever get into a fight, beat them, if possible murder them, we’ll take care of it later." Lawmakers accused him of inciting "hooliganism" amid a wave of violence in Uttar Pradesh state and the state governor said he would seek an explanation.

The vice-chancellor later accused the media of distorting his remarks, which were caught on video at an event Friday. "My statement was intended at motivating students and boosting their confidence," he said, per the Hindustan Times. "I also tried to inculcate zeal and encouraged them towards their goals. Fighting for one's right, if he is correct, is not wrong. He should not pull back." He added: "I am firm on my stand. I will keep filling fresh zeal in the students to make them brave in order that they can deal with the odds and work hard for achieving their goals." (More India stories.)

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