AIDSO Demands Action Against MSU Arts Dean Over Netaji Tribute Dispute
The All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO) has escalated a controversy at Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) in Vadodara by formally demanding disciplinary action against the Dean of the Faculty of Arts. The student organization alleges that the dean improperly prevented a program commemorating the 129th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Memorandum Submitted to University Authorities
On Friday, AIDSO representatives submitted a detailed memorandum to both the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of MSU, outlining their grievances and demanding immediate action. The memorandum specifically calls for disciplinary measures against the Arts Faculty dean for allegedly obstructing a planned tribute event honoring India's iconic freedom fighter.
Allegations of Program Disruption
The student organization claims that on January 23rd, which marked Netaji's 129th birth anniversary, their members were prevented from offering floral tributes near the arts faculty canteen. According to AIDSO secretary Ayush Kulshreshtha, the dean personally intervened to stop the commemoration program, creating what they describe as an unnecessary confrontation.
Kulshreshtha made several serious allegations against the dean:
- The dean personally objected to the commemoration program
- Demanded a written apology from the student organizers
- Reportedly threatened Kulshreshtha regarding his PhD studies
University's Protocol Defense
Faculty dean Kalpana Gavli has provided a different perspective on the incident, emphasizing university protocols and procedures. "As per established protocol, organizing any program within the faculty premises mandates prior permission," Gavli stated.
She explained that the student organization had displayed posters and planned the tribute program without obtaining the necessary approvals from university authorities. "Since the posters were displayed without proper approval, and the program was organized without following due process, it could not be allowed to proceed," Gavli clarified.
Broader Implications for Student Activities
This incident has sparked discussions about the balance between maintaining university discipline and allowing student-led commemorations of national importance. The controversy touches on several important issues:
- The proper procedures for organizing student events on campus
- The rights of student organizations to commemorate historical figures
- The relationship between university administration and student bodies
- Protocols for displaying posters and organizing programs in academic spaces
The university administration now faces the challenge of addressing AIDSO's demands while upholding institutional protocols. The outcome of this dispute may set important precedents for how similar situations are handled in the future at MSU and potentially other educational institutions across Gujarat.
