Who is Francesca Orsini? Hindi Scholar Denied Entry at Delhi Airport and Sent Back to London – Why India Blacklisted Her? News24 –

London-based academician and researcher Francesca Orsini was denied entry into India upon her arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport. On Monday, she was sent back to London at the time of arrival. She is a leading scholar of Hindi and professor emerita at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. Reports suggest that she had a valid visa, but was denied entry to India. She took a flight back to London. Why was she stopped from entering into India?

Who is Francesca Orsini?

Italian-born Francesca Orsini is Professor Emerita(retired female professor, granted an honorary title in recognition of her distinguished career) of Hindi and South Asian Literature at SOAS. She is a Fellow of the British Academy (FBA), one of the highest academic honours in the UK for humanities scholars also. Her research focuses on how Hindi is used in public life, the history of books, the use of multiple languages, and Hinglish, which is a mix of English and Hindi in everyday culture. Orisini is author of ‘The Hindi Public Sphere 1920-1940: Language and Literature in the Age of Nationalism’, published by Oxford University Press in 2002.

Why Francesca Orsini’s Entry was Denied?

According to various reports and the Home Affairs Ministry, Francesca Orsini was denied entry due to “violation of visa conditions” during her previous visits. Reports also suggest that despite a valid visa, she was sent back to London. An Indian Express report, quoting sources said that- A tourist visa is given easily, but tourists are not allowed to take part in political or religious activities or do research in India. Report also said that According to various reports and the Home Affairs Ministry, Francesca Orsini was denied entry due to “violation of visa conditions” during her previous visits. Reports also suggest that despite a valid visa, she was sent back to London.

An Indian Express report, quoting sources, said that- A tourist visa is given easily, but tourists are not allowed to take part in political or religious activities or do research in India. The report also said earlier, Orsini was found to be getting involved in research works and given the existing international norms, “she was black listed from entering India” and thus was “deported as per the norms”.

Why did Francesca Orsini try to visit India?

According to reports, Orsini has made an English translation of a novel by a Hindi woman novelist who lives in Bhopal and was going to visit her to clear up a few queries about her translation.