 |
|
The controversy surrounding Shahid Afridi's appearance at a Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) alumni event in Dubai highlights the complexities of cross-border relations and the sensitivities surrounding national identity. The event, organized by the Cochin University BTech Alumni Association (CUBAA), UAE, took place at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) and featured an inter-collegiate dance competition. The presence of Afridi, a well-known Pakistani cricketer, triggered immediate and strong reactions, particularly from right-wing groups in India who view his past statements as anti-India. The incident underscores how even seemingly innocuous events involving individuals from countries with strained relations can become politically charged. The core issue revolves around perceived disrespect towards India, particularly in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, where several Indian lives were lost. Critics argue that inviting Afridi, who has previously made comments deemed supportive of terrorist groups hostile to India, demonstrates a lack of sensitivity and disregard for national sentiments. This perspective is articulated by BJP state president K Surendran, who questioned the organizers' patriotism, and ABVP Kerala state secretary EU Eswaraprasad, who called for the cancellation of passports of CUBAA UAE office-bearers. These reactions reflect a deep-seated unease and suspicion towards individuals and organizations perceived to be sympathetic to Pakistan or critical of India's policies. The university's swift denial of any affiliation with CUBAA UAE further underscores the sensitivity of the matter. By distancing itself from the event, Cusat seeks to avoid any potential backlash or damage to its reputation. The university's statement emphasizes that its official alumni organization is the Cusat Alumni Network (CAN) and that it was unaware of the program organized in Dubai. This disavowal highlights the importance of maintaining a clear separation between official university activities and independently organized alumni events, particularly when those events involve politically sensitive figures or locations. The organizers of the event, CUBAA UAE, have attempted to mitigate the damage by issuing an apology and explaining the circumstances surrounding Afridi's appearance. Their statement emphasizes that the event was planned well in advance of the escalation of India-Pakistan tensions and that the choice of PAD as the venue was based on affordability and availability. They claim that Afridi's appearance was unplanned and unsolicited, occurring as their program was concluding. They also state that they could not manage the crowd appropriately due to the surprise nature of the visit. This explanation attempts to portray the incident as an unfortunate and unintended consequence of logistical constraints and unforeseen circumstances. However, it is unlikely to fully satisfy critics who believe that the organizers should have been more vigilant and sensitive to the potential for controversy. The incident also raises broader questions about the role of alumni associations in representing the interests and values of their affiliated institutions. While alumni associations often play a valuable role in fostering community, supporting current students, and promoting the university's brand, they also operate independently and may not always align with the university's official policies or positions. This can create tensions, particularly when alumni events involve controversial figures or activities. In this case, the CUBAA UAE's decision to hold an event at the Pakistan Association Dubai and the unplanned appearance of Shahid Afridi have brought unwanted attention to Cusat and raised questions about the university's relationship with its alumni network. The controversy serves as a reminder of the need for careful planning, sensitivity to cultural and political contexts, and clear communication when organizing events that involve individuals or organizations from countries with strained relations.
The situation surrounding the CUBAA UAE event reflects the often-fraught relationship between India and Pakistan, which is characterized by historical grievances, territorial disputes, and ongoing security concerns. The two countries have fought several wars and continue to experience tensions along their shared border. The presence of individuals from either country in events organized in the other or in third countries can often trigger strong reactions, particularly when those individuals are seen as representing controversial or opposing viewpoints. Shahid Afridi, as a prominent Pakistani cricketer, is a well-known figure in India, and his past statements have generated both admiration and criticism. His appearance at the CUBAA UAE event was thus likely to be seen as a deliberate provocation by some, regardless of the actual circumstances. The reactions to the event also reflect the broader political climate in India, where nationalist sentiment has been on the rise in recent years. The BJP, the ruling party, has adopted a strong stance on issues related to national security and cross-border relations. The criticism of the CUBAA UAE event by BJP leaders and affiliated organizations is consistent with this broader trend. The ABVP's demand for the cancellation of passports of CUBAA UAE office-bearers is a particularly strong measure, reflecting the seriousness with which they view the incident. This demand highlights the potential consequences of perceived anti-India activities, even when those activities occur outside of India. The incident also raises questions about the role of social media in amplifying and shaping public opinion. The video of Afridi being welcomed at the event quickly went viral, generating widespread attention and fueling the controversy. Social media platforms can be powerful tools for disseminating information and mobilizing public opinion, but they can also be used to spread misinformation and incite hatred. In this case, the rapid spread of the video likely contributed to the intensity of the reactions and the pressure on Cusat and CUBAA UAE to respond. The event also highlights the challenges of managing events in diverse and multicultural environments. Dubai, as a global hub, attracts individuals from all over the world, including India and Pakistan. Organizing events that cater to these diverse communities requires sensitivity to cultural and political contexts and careful consideration of the potential for misunderstandings or controversies. The CUBAA UAE's decision to hold the event at the Pakistan Association Dubai, while perhaps based on practical considerations, may have been seen as insensitive by some members of the Indian community. The unplanned appearance of Shahid Afridi further complicated matters, creating a situation that the organizers were ill-equipped to handle. Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Afridi's appearance at the CUBAA UAE event serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges of navigating cross-border relations and managing cultural sensitivities in an increasingly interconnected world. It underscores the importance of careful planning, clear communication, and a willingness to engage in dialogue and understanding.
Furthermore, the incident surrounding Shahid Afridi’s presence at the CUBAA UAE event sheds light on the evolving dynamics of alumni networks and their relationship with their parent institutions. Traditionally, alumni associations have served as vital links between universities and their graduates, fostering a sense of community, providing networking opportunities, and supporting institutional advancement through fundraising and mentorship programs. However, as alumni networks expand globally and become more diverse, universities face increasing challenges in maintaining oversight and ensuring alignment with institutional values and policies. The case of CUBAA UAE and Cusat exemplifies this challenge. While CUBAA UAE operates under the umbrella of Cusat’s broader alumni network, it functions as an independent entity with its own governance structure and event-planning processes. This autonomy allows CUBAA UAE to cater to the specific needs and interests of its members in the UAE, but it also creates a potential disconnect between the organization’s activities and the university’s official stance on sensitive issues. The controversy surrounding Afridi’s appearance underscores the importance of establishing clear guidelines and communication channels between universities and their alumni networks, particularly those operating in international contexts. Universities should consider developing policies that address issues such as the selection of event venues, the invitation of speakers, and the management of potential controversies. These policies should be communicated transparently to all alumni networks and regularly reviewed to ensure their effectiveness. Moreover, universities should foster open dialogue with their alumni networks to address concerns and promote understanding of institutional values and policies. This dialogue should involve representatives from both the university administration and the alumni network leadership, creating a platform for constructive engagement and collaborative problem-solving. In addition to establishing clear policies and communication channels, universities should also invest in training and resources to support their alumni networks in navigating complex cultural and political landscapes. This training should cover topics such as cross-cultural communication, event management best practices, and risk mitigation strategies. By equipping alumni networks with the necessary skills and knowledge, universities can empower them to organize successful and responsible events that reflect positively on the institution. Furthermore, the incident highlights the need for alumni networks to exercise due diligence and sensitivity when planning events that involve individuals or organizations from countries with strained relations. Alumni networks should carefully consider the potential implications of inviting speakers who have expressed controversial views or engaging with organizations that have a history of political activism. In such cases, it may be prudent to consult with the university administration or seek expert advice to assess the risks and mitigate potential controversies. Ultimately, the relationship between universities and their alumni networks is a complex and evolving one, requiring ongoing communication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to upholding institutional values and policies. The incident surrounding Afridi’s appearance at the CUBAA UAE event serves as a valuable learning experience, underscoring the importance of proactive engagement and responsible event planning in an increasingly interconnected and politically charged world.
Source: Row over Afridi’s appearance at Dubai Cusat alumni event, univ denies links