- DIMAPUR — The
Naga People's Front (NPF) has voiced serious concerns over the alleged
fraudulent activities surrounding the establishment of Global Open University
in Nagaland, as well as its subsequent renaming and potential ties to Hindu
nationalist ideologies.
- In a statement issued on Friday, the NPF cited an interview
given to a YouTube channel by Rev. Dr. Motso Ngullie, the former vice
chancellor of the institution.
- In the interview, the Reverend claimed that he was scammed
by Dr. Priyaranjan Trivedi, who allegedly took control of the university after
its founding.
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- “It is claimed by the Reverend that when formal complaint
was lodged to His Excellency, the then governor also remarked that the scamming
was a serious issue that needs to be looked into. However, the issue seems to
be kept in cold storage thus far.
- "Subsequently, the headquarters of the university is
now shifted from the original location at Wokha to Chümoukedima. Fast forward
to 2025, the university has now been renamed ‘International University’
(apparently a derivation from ‘World Hindu University’, putting in
‘International’ instead of ‘World’ and dropping ‘Hindu’ so as to try to win
over non-Hindus), and is said to be founded by Dr. Priyaranjan Trivedi,” the
statement read.
- Adding to these concerns, the party pointed out that the
university even named its library after RSS founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.
The party has come across materials of Dr. Trivedi promoting the Vishwa Hindu
Vidyapeeth (World Hindu University), advocating for such universities to
promote Hindu philosophies, it stated.
- “The Naga People’s Front is disturbed with the allegations
made on Dr. Trivedi and is curious with what intention he is setting up
educational institutes in Nagaland,” it added.
- The NPF emphasised its respect for all religions but
expressed alarm over what it perceived as a clandestine effort to promote
extremist ideologies within the Christian-majority state.
- The party highlighted the ‘Gau Dhwaj’ (cow flag) incident in
Kohima in September 2024, which was thwarted by public opposition, as an
example of the community's vigilance against such perceived incursions.
- Accordingly, it called for a united Naga voice to stand
against forces that are “trying to destroy the secular fabric of India and
inculcate extremist and dangerous ideologies in the Nagas.” It also suggested
the possibility of Dr. Trivedi being backed and protected by higher-ups.
