A major scheduling conflict has thrown Jadavpur University's annual convocation into disarray, pitting the institution's long-standing traditions against a last-minute request from its chancellor, Governor C V Ananda Bose. The governor has asked the university to postpone the start of the December 24 ceremony from its traditional 10 am slot to 3 pm, a move authorities deem "impractical" given the need to confer degrees on approximately 4,000 students.
A Logistical Nightmare for University Authorities
The university administration finds itself in a difficult position. While they express a strong desire for the chancellor to be present at the convocation, officials have reached a consensus that beginning the event at 3:30 pm, as now suggested, is simply unworkable. An official explained the scale of the problem: The convocation typically runs until around 9 pm even when it starts at 10 am. A late afternoon start would push the ceremony deep into the night, causing undue hardship for thousands of graduating students and their families.
Complicating matters further is the sequence of events planned for the day. The chancellor's office communicated that Governor Bose would not be available in the morning. Instead, he proposed to attend the university's court meeting at 3 pm, followed by the convocation ceremony at 3:30 pm. This marks a significant departure from the already fixed and distributed schedule, which was approved earlier by the chancellor's own office.
Behind the Scenes: Attempts to Find a Resolution
Campus insiders reveal that intense discussions are underway to resolve the standoff. The primary goal is to convince the chancellor to attend the function in the morning as originally planned. However, the university has also prepared a contingency plan. Officials have communicated that if the governor cannot make the morning slot, he must formally authorize the Vice-Chancellor to preside over the court meeting and proceed with the convocation.
The roots of the conflict appear to go deeper than just scheduling. The university had initially tried to avoid this clash by proposing to hold the court meeting on either December 22 or 23. They had requested the chancellor to indicate a convenient time on those days. However, Governor Bose reportedly instructed the JU authorities that he would convene the court meeting on December 24 itself, just before the convocation was set to begin in the morning.
Growing Speculation and Academic Concern
This unusual situation has led to speculation and concern within academic circles at Jadavpur University. A faculty member voiced a sentiment felt by many, stating, "It seems the chancellor has some issue with JU and its convocation. It is unfortunate." The remark highlights the tension and confusion surrounding an event that should be a purely celebratory academic milestone.
As the clock ticks down to December 24, the fate of the convocation for thousands of students hangs in the balance. The university is caught between honoring its institutional traditions and protocols, and accommodating the demands of its chancellor. The outcome will set a significant precedent for the university's autonomy and its relationship with the governor's office.
