‘Just 12 hours older’: Pakistan as ‘big brother’? Ajmer college principal clarifies it was sarcasm, not sentiment

The controversy stems from remarks made during the 31st International Conference of the Rajasthan Sociological Association. (News18 Hindi)

• Rajasthan college principal's "big brother" comment on Pakistan causes uproar
• Principal clarifies his comment was sarcastic and taken out of context
• Remark made during academic conference, later circulated online causing backlash

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A tongue-in-cheek remark made by a Rajasthan college principal has snowballed into a full-blown controversy online, forcing him to step in with a clarification.

Manoj Beharwal, principal of Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan Government College in Ajmer, found himself at the centre of criticism after a video clip circulated on social media showing him referring to Pakistan as India’s “big brother”. The remark quickly drew backlash, with several organisations and individuals calling it objectionable.

Responding to the outrage on Friday, Beharwal said his comment was sarcastic and had been taken out of context. Speaking to reporters, he questioned the very premise of comparing the two countries, reported News18.

“What does being ‘big’ even mean? Look at India’s achievements today. If you compare both countries, it is clear where India stands and where Pakistan stands. My remark was purely sarcastic,” he said, adding that India has always been a Sanatan civilisation.

He also praised former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and other freedom fighters, asserting that India’s progress and global standing speak for themselves.

The controversy traces back to Beharwal’s address at the 31st International Conference of the Rajasthan Sociological Association, held on January 23 and 24 at Sanatan Dharma Government College in Beawar. While speaking at the event, he noted that Pakistan gained independence on August 14, 1947, and India followed on the morning of August 15, describing Pakistan as “12 hours older” and therefore a “big brother”.

The remark, delivered during an academic discussion, resurfaced online in clipped form, triggering widespread criticism.

The two-day conference saw participation from representatives of seven states, over 20 districts of Rajasthan and three countries. Its central theme was Indian knowledge traditions and society.