We have had television debates, and a whole lot of social media outrage and support for Smriti Irani’s solution for ‘instilling patriotism’ in students: Making it mandatory for all central universities to install and hoist the national flag “prominently and proudly” in their respective campuses. This decision was taken at a meeting between vice-chancellors of 39 universities and Irani on Thursday.

The decision has, of course, unfurled widespread debate. The congress as well as the CPI (M) were among the first to question this decision calling it ‘forced nationalism’, even as debates are on.
Here’s the list of celebrities who have tweeted support to the move:
Not surprisingly, the move got quick support from Congress MP Naveen Jindal as he runs the NGO, Flag Foundation
Its a welcome decision. The @JindalGlobalUNI has a 207ft Tricolour on campus. I hope other Univ’s too follow it 👍 https://t.co/UeLl9Rt6eM
— Naveen Jindal (@MPNaveenJindal) February 18, 2016
I have had a dream, a dream to see the Tiranga flying in all parts of the country. This is a dream come true for me. @FFOIndia
— Naveen Jindal (@MPNaveenJindal) February 18, 2016
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor agreed
Aside fromJNU controversy, @MPNaveenJindal‘s effort to popularise the national flag (now2b at all central univs)admirable #TricolourForUnity
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) February 19, 2016
From Bollywood, it was Akshay Kumar:
Totally with d decision of d Tricolour being hoisted at all Central Universities & why nt it brings out d best in us,inspires us 2 soar high
— Ranjit Katiyal (@akshaykumar) February 19, 2016
And Kailash Kher
Our beloved Tiranga unites us all. Its grandeur & beauty is eternal. May it fly higher & higher, forever. #जयभारत pic.twitter.com/ZDZeZi7NrI
— Kailash Kher (@Kailashkher) February 19, 2016
Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan too:
“My take is simple. It (flag) should be unfurled at the Universities. It (flag) is the pride of the nation. The more the merrier I would say. Though you have touched upon a sensitive topic, one should never say anything ill about the country you live in,” said the Asia Cup-bound opening batsman at a promotional event in New Delhi.
KRK, who seems to have an opinion on everything, said this:
I 100% agree with #BJP govt n @smritiirani Ji that each university should have indian flag. I am surprised that it was not there till now.
— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) February 18, 2016
I remember, we were singing National anthem every morning in front of Indian flag till graduation then why universities don’t have flags?
— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) February 18, 2016