Harvard Alumni Express Concern Over Attacks on Indias Constitutional Institutions
A group of Harvard alumni raises alarm over the ongoing negative campaign targeting Indias constitutional institutions, emphasizing the need for respect and accountability.
New Delhi, October 14 (Daily Kiran) : A significant number of Harvard alumni have voiced deep concerns regarding the ongoing negative campaign against India’s constitutional institutions. This diverse group, which includes lawyers, policymakers, civil servants, scientists, and academics, issued a joint statement emphasizing that while dissent is a democratic right, undermining institutional credibility without evidence is unacceptable.
As concerned citizens of the world’s largest democracy, they articulated their sentiments with a strong sense of responsibility. They stressed that silence in such times cannot be an excuse for indifference.
The statement expressed alarm over the negative public discourse and organized campaigns targeting key constitutional bodies, including the Election Commission of India, the Supreme Court, the office of the Chief Justice, and Parliament. Reports of the Harvard name being used without proper authorization to lend credibility to a political campaign were also troubling.
The language used to describe India as being under “siege” and labeling constitutional authorities as “thieves” or “compromised” raised serious concerns about eroding public trust in democratic institutions. While fair investigations into law enforcement actions are essential for maintaining public order, broad accusations and derogatory rhetoric cannot replace evidence, due process, or institutional accountability. The dignity of public servants and their positions must also be respected.
The alumni emphasized that respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and civil liberties should be upheld at all times, not just when convenient. Their commitment should be to the Constitution, not for selective outrage, and to justice, rather than the politics of accusation against democratic institutions.
The statement garnered signatures from over 50 individuals across various Harvard departments, including the Harvard Medical School, Kennedy School, Law School, and Business School. Notable signatories include A.K. Raghavan, Abhigyan Satyam, Abhishek M., Aditya Srinivasan, Aditya Kulshrestha, and Akash Sabharwal, among others.
