JNU foreign students march in solidarity with varsity

A section of overseas students studying at JNU and other foreign nationals residing in the national capital today expressed their solidarity with the ongoing row, and described the varsity's campus as one that "inspires envy".
JNU every year receives several foreign students, who make its verdant campus their temporary home for masters and doctoral programmes.
A section of such students, including those from Germany, Canada, the UK, and currently pursuing courses there took part in the massive protest march that was taken out by thousands of people in the heart of the city.
"We completely stand by the JNU students and their efforts to not let their voices be stifled by authoritarian forces. We are with them in their struggle," a second-year German student at the School of International Studies said, requesting anonymity.

When asked about her experiences at the central varsity's campus, she said, "I wanted to pursue my higher studies in India and JNU was the name recommended to us. The people here have been open, warm and friendly... We actually feel jealous of India for having such an extraordinary campus," she said.
A Canadian student at the varsity echoed similar sentiments saying, India's Constitution is admirable and at no cost the citizens' democratic rights should be suppressed.

"We are in complete solidarity with the JNUSU president and support wholeheartedly this struggle. But, it is important that this struggle goes beyond rhetoric," she said.

A British student at the School of Languages, who also took part in the march, said, "I have lived in India for long. I got my Master's degree from MSU Baroda and I agree with my Indian friends here that what has happened in the aftermath of that incident is not right at all. So, I chose to be here."
Besides, students, some of the foreign nationals residing in Delhi, also participated in the march.
German national Gerd, in his 50s, who has been living in Delhi for the past three years, said, "We grew up reading about fascism and democratic rights being harmed in our country. I am happy to see that people of India are raising voices against such attempts."

"I think these protests are necessary to show that people are willing to stand up to the government," said Margaret Hass, another German student.