The UGC’s ‘Rules for Promoting Equality in Higher Education Institutions, 2026′ have sparked nationwide debates, with resignations and protests mounting. Amid the storm, prominent Bhojpuri singer Neha Singh Rathore has voiced strong support, challenging opponents to broaden their perspectives.
Speaking candidly, Rathore laid out the rules’ fundamental goal: building a discrimination-free society. ‘Why object if it’s about shielding people from insult?’ she asked. Identifying as savarna, she likened resistance to thieves fearing anti-theft laws—’Only the guilty panic.’
She referenced past battles over reservations and the SC-ST Act, which overcame backlash to empower the marginalized. ‘Change irks some, delights others—it’s the nature of progress,’ Rathore remarked. Urging a rise above caste divides, she encouraged liberality: ‘Keep minds open. Protests and resignations are constitutional rights; exercise them freely.’
Rathore slammed inconsistent stances—railing against ‘gobar eating’ or ‘gomutra’ rituals while silent on other biases like Urdu favoritism. ‘Politics aside, these regulations strengthen our country,’ she insisted.
On the Shankaracharya row, she pleaded for dignity: ‘Forgive errors; saints forgive easily. Forget agendas or deepfakes—the focus should remain on real issues.’ Rathore’s endorsement underscores the tension between tradition and modernity in Indian academia, positioning her as a voice for inclusive change.