New Delhi: On Sunday, 4th August, during the convocation ceremony at Azim Premji University (APU), several students wore badges displaying the Palestinian flag as they received their graduation certificates. The students also called for Wipro, the company founded by Azim Premji, to end its ties with Tel Aviv University and other Israeli companies. This marks the latest in a series of pro-Palestine demonstrations at Indian educational institutions, following similar actions at Ashoka University and IIT Madras.

One of the participating students expressed to the media, "We demanded that the company divest from Israeli multinational corporations and institutions to stop funding the genocide in Palestine." According to student representatives, around 80 graduates participated in the symbolic protest by wearing the Palestinian flag badges.

Massive rally taken out by students of Azim Premji University in solidarity with the Palestinians. Hundreds of students gathered today after classes to extend their support to the cause of liberation of Palestine from Israeli settler colonialism. pic.twitter.com/ZjfPZTFjB2

— imran gowhar (@imrangowhar) October 17, 2023

An APU spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating, "A few students wore Palestinian flags as a sign of solidarity. The convocation proceeded without disturbance, and no protests occurred on campus that we are aware of."

Azim Premji University, largely funded by the Azim Premji Foundation, faced criticism from students over Wipro's research partnerships with Israeli organizations, including Tel Aviv University. The students argued that these ties contribute to what they referred to as the genocide in Palestine and demanded that Wipro withdraw its investments from Israel.

One student remarked, "The Azim Premji Foundation, funded by Wipro, is known for its philanthropic work. However, by partnering with Israeli organizations, they are enabling the genocide of Palestinians. We urge the company to cease investing in Israel and to stand with the people of Palestine."

Another student told The Hindu, "This was a symbolic protest. We expected Mr. Azim Premji to attend the convocation as he does every year, but he was not present this time. We hope this message reaches him, and we appeal to him to sever ties with Israeli institutions."

Previously, students at APU organized a pro-Palestine rally on campus.

This protest is part of a growing trend of student activism in India’s educational institutions. In July 2024, pro-Palestine slogans were raised during the convocation at Ashoka University, where students displayed placards reading "Free Palestine" and "Stop Genocide." The Ashoka University Student Government (AUSG) has been advocating for cutting ties with Israel-based Tel Aviv University since May of this year.

Similarly, on 19th July, an IIT Madras student, Dhananjay Balakrishnan, delivered a pro-Palestine speech during the institute's 61st convocation while accepting the Governor’s prize for best all-around proficiency. His speech, which called attention to what he described as a "mass genocide" in Palestine, became the latest in a series of student-led demonstrations advocating for the Palestinian cause in India.

Bring Hasina Back: Protesters Attack Army Convoy in Bangladesh, Several Injured

Sanjay Nirupam Criticizes Uddhav Thackeray for Opposing Waqf Amendment Bill

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Supports Family of Reasi Terror Attack Victim