The Rise and Fall of South Asian University: A Dream Deferred

The heart of New Delhi, an ambitious experiment unfolded in 2010, promising a beacon of knowledge that transcended borders. The South Asian University (SAU), conceived as India's first international university, was envisioned to be a collaborative venture among the eight SAARC countries—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. However, as the years passed, the dream began to unravel, leaving behind a tale of financial woes, geopolitical tensions, and a struggle for student rights.

The idea for SAU was planted at the 2005 SAARC Summit in Dhaka by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. A seed of hope, it sprouted into reality five years later through an intergovernmental agreement. The university, nestled temporarily in New Delhi's diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri, was meant to provide quality education for students from all eight participating nations.

Initially, SAU flourished as a symbol of pride for India and its South Asian counterparts. With around 600 students from diverse backgrounds, the university became a melting pot of cultures, fostering a unique academic environment. Students delved into the rich tapestry of South Asian history, sciences, tradition, politics, economy, state policy, and lifestyle.

SAU's vision, encapsulated in the slogan "Knowledge beyond borders," aimed at building mutual understanding among students and furthering the collective interests of the region. The university, as a versatile academic hub, sought to accumulate, generate, and disseminate knowledge for the socio-economic development of South Asia.

However, recent events have cast a shadow over SAU's promising narrative. On November 4, the administration issued suspension letters to five students who dared to raise their voices. Their crime? Advocating for an increase in stipends and merit scholarships for SAU students. Since October 13, these students engaged in a peaceful movement, drawing attention to the financial challenges faced by their peers.

In a surprising turn, the administration responded by summoning the police to the campus, a move that violated the SAU Act of 2016. To further stifle dissent, a prison van ominously lingered outside SAU premises, as reported by several international media outlets.

Undeterred, the students intensified their agitation. On November 7, eight students from four countries embarked on an indefinite hunger strike outside the administration rooms in Akbar Bhawan. The administration's response was unyielding. Despite the growing chorus of discontent, the vice president of the university even threatened to expel more students.

This clash between the administration and students paints a somber picture of the university's current state. The dream of a collaborative, world-class institution fostering regional unity is at risk of being overshadowed by internal discord. As SAU grapples with financial constraints, geopolitical challenges, and a growing rift between administrators and students, the fate of India's first international university hangs in the balance. Will it overcome these hurdles and realize its initial promise, or will it become a cautionary tale of ambition gone awry? Only time will tell.