In a dramatic turn of events, the oath-taking ceremony for the Department Students Union (DSU) at Calicut University was abruptly cancelled on Thursday. The university's Vice-Chancellor, P Raveendran, called off the event and walked out in protest after the student office-bearers, affiliated with the Students' Federation of India (SFI), insisted on administering an oath that deviated from the institution's officially prescribed format.
Oath Ceremony Takes Controversial Turn
The trouble began when the newly elected DSU office-bearers commenced the swearing-in process in their own manner, bypassing the official text provided by the university administration. Instead of the standard affirmation, the students began their oath by invoking 'the immortal martyrs who lost their lives in the struggle for creating a new world order'. This immediate departure from the protocol set the stage for a confrontation.
Vice-Chancellor Raveendran, who was presiding over the ceremony, intervened promptly. He warned the student representatives twice that any oath taken without adhering to the official wording prepared by the university would not be considered legally valid. He cited existing university regulations, which stipulate that office-bearers must take either a solemn affirmation or an oath in the name of God.
VC's Intervention and the Ensuing Standoff
Despite the clear warnings and instructions, the DSU representatives refused to comply with the Vice-Chancellor's directive. It is noteworthy that the Vice-Chancellor's office had already shared the university's official oath text with the DSU members prior to the ceremony. The refusal to use this text led to an escalation of the situation.
As the standoff continued, with neither side willing to back down, Vice-Chancellor P Raveendran announced that the ceremony could not proceed under these circumstances. Declaring the swearing-in cancelled, he subsequently walked out of the venue, leaving the event in disarray.
Fallout and Adherence to Protocol
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between student political bodies and university administrations over symbols and protocols. The Vice-Chancellor's decisive action underscores the administration's insistence on following established rules and procedures for official university functions. The cancellation has left the formal induction of the DSU office-bearers in a state of uncertainty, pending further resolution from the university authorities.
The event in Kozhikode has sparked discussions on campus about the boundaries of student expression and the importance of institutional formalities. The university is yet to announce any further steps regarding the rescheduling of the oath ceremony or potential disciplinary measures.
