Jamia avoids both Osama & Obama

NEW DELHI: The O-word is a conversation-stopper at Jamia Millia Islamia. "I'm sorry, I have to catch the bus," says a student. "My friend is waiting, I have to go," says a burqa-clad girl, seeking admission to the Persian class. "The administrative office is about to close for lunch. I'd better go and submit my form," says a third.
Is Osama taboo topic on the campus of one of the country's largest minority institutions? Not at all, say the teachers; but Jamia is irritated at being asked the question."Why are we supposed to answer questions on Osama? Where is the link? We and Osama don't follow the same school of thought," says a professor.
He adds after a pause: "For that matter, neither do we and Obama. He (Obama) justifies violence when his men carry it out. We hate them both."
So is the middle ground in Jamia Millia made up of two extremes - hate Osama and hate Obama?
Yes; but there's a reason for this, explains Professor Akhtarul Wasey, who heads the Islamic Studies department. "We are against the violence being perpetrated by Nato forces in Afghanistan, Iraq and Palestine. We denounce any kind of violence, to whatever end. We are equally against the violence of Obama and Osama," he says.
A young woman, who's travelled to the campus from her village nearby and is seeking admission to distance education classes, spells out the 'hate Obama' theme. "Obama is scared of India. He wants America to rule over us. If Osama was killed, good; but by doing such things, Obama is trying to create differences between India and Pakistan. Ultimately, after destroying Pakistan, he will destroy India," she said.
But lecturer Arshad Alam says at least some of the caution on the campus is on account of the stereotypical view of the Muslim community. "Muslims in India have nothing to do with Monday's events," he says, adding, "now that Osama has been killed, I hope the fear psychosis created by the West (against Islam) will give way."
Wasey points out the irony of linking the community anywhere - such as at Jamia - with Osama bin-Laden. "Osama was pro-American; he was raised by America to stand against Soviet Union's occupation of Afghanistan. But he died anti-American. In between, whatever he did, he was not elected by Muslims at an international forum to represent them. He was not our figurehead; we never authorized him to do what he did."
Even so, Wasey may speak for many when he says it may be time to calibrate campus sentiment. Osama was never able to redeem himself in the eyes of peace-loving Muslims, but Obama can, he says. "Now that Obama has no justification to keep Western forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, let's see how things shape up. If forces are withdrawn, things will certainly change for the better".