Our Caste HAU: Student Movement in Haryana Agricultural University and Raising Voice against Caste Injustice
Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), Hisar, is counted among the prestigious agricultural institutes of the country. But today, this institute has become a center of caste-based humiliation and administrative silence for the students. The slogan “Hamari Jati HAU” is not just a slogan; it has become the voice of identity, self-respect, and resistance of the students. A student asked: “If we complain, do we have to prove our caste first?
“Tell me, which blood belongs to which caste?” This question is not just a sentence but the soul of the ongoing student movement in HAU (Haryana Agricultural University), Hisar. This is the cry of those students who are fighting against caste discrimination and the silence of the government in the temple of education.
HAU students have been on strike for the last 9 days, but the silence of the university administration and committee is rubbing salt on their wounds. Now this movement is not only against administrative negligence, but also against the institutional structure of casteism.
HAU: A prestigious institution, a deep pain
Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) is known across the country as a major center of agricultural research and education. But today the same institution is seen covered in the mud of caste.
The students allege that casteist remarks were made by a senior university official and when they raised their voice against it, not only were they shunned but they were also embroiled in caste-related questions.
“Our race is HAU” – a slogan of resistance
The poster held by a student in the protest has now become a topic of discussion in the whole of Haryana – “Hamari Jati HAU”. This slogan is not just an emotional reaction, but an ideological resistance.
This is saying that the caste of the students will not be determined by their surname, nor by their birth, but by their institution, their knowledge, and their consciousness.
Students’ questions, committee’s silence
When a committee from the administration came to talk to the students, they first gave suggestions. But the students’ answer was straight and clear – “Answer our questions first”.
Students asked:
“Why were we asked about our caste?”
“What caste did Kobs himself belong to?”
“If we complain, do we have to prove our caste first?”
But the committee remained silent on these questions. Students interpreted this silence as acceptance of power – and this silence became a mute confirmation of the caste mentality that has been nurtured in higher education institutions for years.
Highlights of the movement: Warning of a hunger strike and contact with the Human Rights Commission
The students have now announced a symbolic hunger strike. They say that they will not back down until they get clear answers and justice.
They have also filed a formal complaint with the National Human Rights Commission, making this movement no longer just an HAU campus issue but has taken the form of a national human rights crisis.
Institutionalisation of casteism – a dangerous trend
As fast as today’s India is progressing technologically, economically, and digitally, the social mindset is becoming more rigid. When the country’s largest agricultural university functions under a casteist mindset, it not only hurts the dignity of education but also snatches away the right to think of future generations.
Caste based comments in educational institutions are no longer an exception; they have become an institutional trend. Until this trend is broken, neither the question of Rohith Vemula will stop nor the hunger of HAU students.
Caste in Agricultural University – The most ironic truth
Agriculture is the backbone of India, and agricultural education institutes are the centre of dreams of the sons and daughters of farmers. But when the same institutes start judging them based on their caste, it is not just a failure of education; it becomes a symbol of the suffering of the entire rural India.
Many students themselves come from backward or Dalit communities. For them, education is the only means that can take them from the farm to the scientific laboratory. But if the institution itself entangles them in questions like “Which caste are you?”, then it is pure injustice.
Students got social support
In this movement, not just students, but farmers’ organizations, social workers, senior alumni, and even MLAs and public representatives have also stood in support of the students. This shows that this fight is no longer an isolated one.
The students have made it clear that if their voice is suppressed, they will not sit quiet. “Hamari Jati HAU” is no longer a slogan; it has become a warning.
Administration’s failed communication
The HAU administration seems uncomfortable and incapable of taking any action in this entire matter. The Vice Chancellor’s silence, the committee’s policy of not responding, and the officials merely performing formalities have deepened the students’ resentment.
The administration must understand that “dialogue” is not a favour but a necessity of democracy.
If students are asking questions, it is the administration’s duty to answer them honestly, not dismiss them as “rude.”
What should happen next?
1. An independent and transparent investigation committee should be formed which should also include student representatives.
2. Immediate action should be taken against the officer who made caste based remarks.
3. Caste-neutral dialogue and training programmes should be conducted in the university.
4. The student union should be given statutory recognition and independence.
5. The Education Department and the Government will have to fix the accountability of institutions like HAU.
Consciousness spreading from HAU to universities across the country
This movement is not just of HAU. It is a symbol of the new student consciousness that is now standing up against caste, corruption, and institutional injustice.
This is the same consciousness that was born from Rohith Vemula’s silence,
Written on the walls of JNU,
And now it is shining as ‘Our caste HAU’ on the posters of HAU.
The students’ demands are not impossible — they are just hoping for justice, equality, and dignity.
And if students cannot find equality in an agricultural university, the future of agriculture and the soul of society—both are at risk.
HAU will now have to decide:
How does he want to be recorded in history?
As a racist institution,
Or as a reforming democratic university.
The decision is in his hands.
But the voice is now with the students.
And that voice is not going to be suppressed now.
