A seemingly innocuous question posed by the Vice-Chancellor of Guru Ghasidas Central University (GGCU) in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, has triggered a major controversy, drawing widespread criticism from the literary community, cultural organizations, and political leaders alike. The incident occurred during a one-day national seminar titled “Samkalin Hindi Kahani: Badalte Jeevan Sandarbh” (Contemporary Hindi Story: Changing Life Contexts) on Wednesday, and has since sparked calls for the immediate removal of Vice-Chancellor Alok Kumar Chakrawal from his post.

The seminar, organized to explore the evolving themes and contexts of contemporary Hindi literature, brought together writers, scholars, and literary enthusiasts from across the country. Among the attendees was noted Hindi writer Manoj Rupda, who was seated in the front row. According to reports and viral video footage of the seminar, the Vice-Chancellor, while delivering his opening address, paused and addressed Rupda directly with a question: “Bhai saheb, aap bore to nahin ho rahe?” (“Brother, are you getting bored?”).

What may have been intended as a casual or humorous interjection quickly escalated into a heated confrontation. Rupda reportedly responded by suggesting that the V-C should speak on the seminar topic. This reply appeared to irritate Chakrawal. Video footage captured by attendees shows the Vice-Chancellor admonishing Rupda in front of the audience, saying, “I will come to the subject. I don’t talk without the subject. But I don’t think you know how to talk to a Vice-Chancellor. You should learn it. Were you invited by someone? Don’t call him next time.”

Following this exchange, the Vice-Chancellor asked Rupda to leave the seminar hall. After a brief verbal altercation, Rupda complied and exited the venue. Several other attendees, reportedly in solidarity with Rupda or in protest, left the hall as well. One participant later returned to speak to Chakrawal, highlighting the growing discontent within the audience.

Rupda Condemns Incident as an Insult to the Literary Community

Speaking to PTI after the incident, Rupda expressed deep disappointment, describing the Vice-Chancellor’s behavior as a direct insult not just to him personally but to the entire literary community. “What can I say about the humiliating incident that happened with me yesterday at Guru Ghasidas University in Bilaspur? I haven’t protested publicly yet, and I won’t. Because this is not a personal insult to me; it is an insult to the entire literary community,” he said.

Rupda further elaborated that the protests that have emerged in response to the incident are directed not merely at the Vice-Chancellor but at a broader mindset that he perceives as hostile to art, literature, and intellectual discourse. “I personally have no ill intention towards the Vice-Chancellor. But the protests happening now are not just against him; they are against that entire mindset — a mindset that is constantly harassing people associated with art and literature,” he said.

Condemnation from Sahitya Akademi and Literary Organizations

The incident quickly drew the attention of prominent literary institutions. Madhav Kaushik, President of the Sahitya Akademi, condemned the conduct of the Vice-Chancellor, emphasizing that the university’s behavior was unacceptable. Kaushik announced that as a result of the incident, the Akademi would reconsider its future engagement with the university, including refusing to host seminars and events at the GGCU campus until the matter is resolved.

The Jan Sanskriti Manch, a literary and cultural group, also issued a strong statement condemning the Vice-Chancellor’s actions. Mudit Mishra, President of the Manch’s Bilaspur unit, said, “This incident reflects the lack of respect for literature, art, and culture in Chhattisgarh. Manoj Rupda had come at the invitation of the Sahitya Akademi and the university. Such behavior undermines the very purpose of cultural institutions and literary forums.”

Local chapters of the Manch in Durg-Bhilai, Raipur, Ambikapur, Dhamtari, and Bilaspur demanded the immediate removal of Chakrawal from his position. In Raipur, a group of writers and cultural activists staged a protest near the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Ambedkar Chowk, emphasizing that the actions of the Vice-Chancellor were not only disrespectful to the literary community but also indicative of a broader disregard for intellectual discourse.

Political Reactions and Bhupesh Baghel’s Statement

The controversy quickly attracted the attention of political leaders. Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Bagheltook to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the incident, calling it “a stain on the position of Vice-Chancellor.” Baghel emphasized the symbolic importance of the role, noting that children and society at large learn from the conduct of educators and institutional leaders. He stated, “The Vice-Chancellor has shamed society itself. Writers and the intellectual community have registered their protest in many places, including Raipur and Bilaspur. It is hoped that the Chancellor, i.e., the Governor, will take cognizance of this action.”

Baghel’s statement underscored the perception that the incident was not merely a minor altercation but a public display of disrespect toward literary professionals and cultural institutions. He further suggested that such behavior could have long-term consequences on the perception of Chhattisgarh’s educational and cultural environment, particularly regarding how writers, scholars, and artists are treated at academic events.

Impact on the Literary Community and Cultural Discourse

The incident has sparked broader debate about the relationship between university authorities and the literary community. Scholars and writers argue that universities, particularly central universities like GGCU, are meant to serve as forums for intellectual exchange, debate, and cultural development. Publicly humiliating an invited author in front of an audience is seen by many as a violation of these core principles.

Several literary figures and activists have pointed out that the event was organized under the aegis of the Sahitya Akademi, a prestigious national literary body. Rupda had been invited as a recognized voice in contemporary Hindi literature, and the disruption of his participation is being perceived as a discouragement of artistic expression. Critics also note that such incidents could have a chilling effect on future literary events, discouraging writers from attending seminars, workshops, or conferences for fear of public humiliation.

Calls for Institutional Accountability

In the wake of the incident, multiple groups have called for institutional accountability. Demands include a formal apology from the Vice-Chancellor, administrative review of his conduct, and potential removal from office. Activists argue that such steps are necessary not only to address the immediate incident but also to set a precedent that academic and cultural leaders must respect invited speakers and the values of open intellectual exchange.

Experts suggest that the incident highlights a recurring tension in educational institutions, where authority figures sometimes fail to maintain professional decorum while interacting with visiting scholars and writers. University administrators and cultural forums must ensure that events uphold standards of mutual respect, fostering dialogue rather than confrontation.

Looking Ahead

The Guru Ghasidas Central University administration has not yet released an official statement regarding the controversy. Meanwhile, literary communities across India continue to monitor the situation closely. Protests, social media campaigns, and public statements by writers and cultural organizations indicate that the incident has become a focal point for discussions about respect for literature, academic freedom, and institutional accountability.

Manoj Rupda, meanwhile, has maintained a measured tone, emphasizing that the incident is not a personal grievance but an issue affecting the larger literary community. His response reflects the broader concern that universities and cultural bodies must cultivate an environment where writers and intellectuals are treated with dignity and allowed to participate freely in academic and cultural discourse.

In conclusion, what began as a brief, seemingly casual remark — “Bore toh nahin ho rahe?” — by a Vice-Chancellor has escalated into a national controversy, highlighting the fragility of cultural respect within institutional spaces. The incident raises urgent questions about the treatment of invited scholars, the responsibilities of university authorities, and the broader state of literary and intellectual culture in India. As debates and protests continue, the resolution of this controversy may well set an important precedent for how literary and academic events are conducted in the future.

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