‘WhatsApp University Graduates’: Netizens React As Protestors In Pune Mistake Bahadur Shah Zafar’s Poster For Aurangzeb While Burning It (VIDEO) | Video Screengrab
Several right-wing organisations, including Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), have demanded the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb, located near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
In Pune too, another right-wing group called Patit Pavan Sanghatna organised protests and demanded the same. However, during the protest, instead of Aurangzeb’s poster, the group burnt Bahadur Shah Zafar’s poster, facing huge embarrassment and trolling online. A video of this incident has gone viral on social media.
Watch Video:
As seen in the video, the members of the Patit Pavan Sanghatna gathered around the Shaniwar Wada area in Pune. First, they garlanded the poster of Bahadur Shah Zafar with footwear, mistaking him for Aurangzeb, and then burned it, chanting slogans against the Mughal emperor.
Meanwhile, the right-wing group faced trolling on social media. “Graduated from WhatsApp University,” a user commented. “When you take lessons from Bollywood movies,” wrote another user. “Unemployment is a big problem,” a third user shared.
Who was Bahadur Shah Zafar?
Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal emperor. Aurangzeb was his great-great-grandfather. Born on October 24, 1775, Zafar ascended the throne in 1837. During his time, the Mughal Empire had significantly declined and was mainly restricted to the Red Fort in Old Delhi.
Zafar was renowned for his poetry, music and calligraphy. He wrote under the pen name “Zafar,” and his verses reflect a deep understanding of love, loss and spirituality.
In 1857, Zafar became the leader of the Indian Rebellion against British rule, though his role was largely ceremonial. After the rebellion, the British captured Zafar and tried him for treason. He was then exiled to Rangoon (present-day Yangon, Myanmar) in 1858. He lived out his final years in exile, enduring hardships and isolation. He passed away on November 7, 1862.
