IIT student’s dance video goes viral

A video of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee student’s dance performance from the annual college festival went viral and provoked a contentious internet discussion. At IIT Roorkee’s annual cultural festival, Thomso, Shalini Gaur, wearing a black top and skirt, enthusiastically danced on stage to Bollywood star Sharvari’s hit song Taras.

The brief video, which Gaur posted on Instagram, swiftly went viral, with many X users denouncing her act as “vulgar and shameful.” A larger discussion over expression and cultural norms in educational settings was sparked by some users’ claims that such dance performances shouldn’t be “allowed” in campuses.

Nonetheless, Shalini Gaur has been defended by other social media users, who have emphasized that her dancing performance is perfectly acceptable. As one user noted, “Enjoying your college experience is acceptable and does not constitute vulgarity.” Don’t objectify everything, but stand up for what you believe in. Many others who felt that society’s inclination toward moral policing needs to alter agreed with this sentiment.

According to a number of respondents, it’s critical to create an atmosphere where people can freely display their abilities without worrying about criticism, and it’s vital to celebrate self-expression and the fun of college life.