Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, has been in the news for being one of the top-ranked institutions in the country, but this time the higher education institution has come under fire as students celebrate Holi at the campus.
To celebrate Holi, a significant Hindu festival known as the Festival of Colours, university students smeared vibrant colours and danced their hearts out to Bollywood songs.
Videos circulating on the internet show students dancing to Indian songs and smearing colours on each other at the university. While celebrating the event, some were seen shaking their legs in groups, while others sprinkled coloured water on each other.
Gen-Z Pakistanis celebrate Hindu festival of Holi at the Qaid-e-Azam University located in the heart of “Riyasat-e-Madina”. pic.twitter.com/Lb7NGXX83D
— Zahack Tanvir – ضحاك تنوير (@zahacktanvir) June 14, 2023
As the videos spread, several social media users took to microblogging platforms to condemn the wild celebration, with some linking it to Hinduism and others calling it cultural disorientation.
People also questioned how the QAU administration and VC permitted such a celebration, which they claimed violated cultural and social norms.
Despite the opposition, some praised the event, calling it a diverse moment where minorities can have their moments as well.
Netizens react as students celebrate Holi at Quaid-i-Azam University, here’s how people reacted:
This subcontinent is cursed. Here we have an Indian Islamist complaining about people celebrating Holi in Pakistan. https://t.co/MYi0dHz3Lb
— KannadaGothilla (@KannadaGotilla) June 15, 2023
Are these Holi celebrations or under the wraps Pride month celebrations?
This trend of patronisation of un islamic traditions en masse in Gov institutes need to be discouraged. This is first step of cultural dominance.
Minorities are free to celebrate it on their own. https://t.co/37mHJPkZVL
— Muhammad Ali (@Thecolistin) June 14, 2023
The sons and daughters of the ummah were meant to carry the Islamic message to the entire world. Instead they are wasting their lives dancing, playing Holi, etc.
This is the power of Hollywood and Netflix… https://t.co/mWzFy2R6Ss
— Muhammad Owais (@Muhammad_Owaiis) June 14, 2023
Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad commonly referred to as QAU, founded as the University of Islamabad, is a public research university in Islamabad, Pakistan. It is one of the top-ranked universities in the country.
Also read: Watch: Bollywood celebrates Holi festival
Founded as the University of Islamabad in 1967, it was initially dedicated to the study of postgraduate education but expanded and established as Qaid e Azam University in 1973 to an interdisciplinary university offering undergraduate and postgraduate education.
