The convocation saga at Kalyani University took an unexpected turn as Governor Dr C V Ananda Bose, amidst protests and controversy, attended the 30th convocation as scheduled and delivered a speech before the students and scholars today.
The unfolding events showcased a clash between political pressures and academic pursuits, leaving the university community and observers on the edge of their seats. The convocation which was to be held at illustrious A P J Abdul Kalam Auditorium was informally held at Vidyasagar Sabhagriha where the vice-chancellor conferred degrees and awards to the students and scholars.
Delivering his speeches, chancellor Dr Bose, reiterated the importance of education and the responsibility of students to contribute positively to society. Later, while responding to a question, Dr Bose said, “There is no conflict between the Governor and the state government as the Supreme Court recently instructed them to resolve the issue regarding the appointment of vice-chancellors in the universities.”
Dr Bose also said proper action would be taken against those who have created troubles in the university. A section of teachers, employees and students, who raised voice to postpone the convocation showed black flags and shouted ‘go back’ slogans when the governor reached the university campus.
They even asked the students to leave the hall because they claimed that there will be no convocation. But, the students and scholars who came from various states and abroad to receive awards unanimously protested them which led the section to leave the campus. Kalyani University finds itself entangled in controversy as the scheduled 30th convocation, set to take place at the prestigious A P J Abdul Kalam Auditorium on Thursday, faced vehement opposition from a faction within the university community.
The vice-chancellor, Dr Amalendu Bhuniya, determined to proceed with the ceremony, had been compelled to cancel a crucial court meeting in response to growing dissent. The higher education department of the state government intervened, directing Dr Bhuniya to dissolve the court meeting after a faction of teachers, employees, and students affiliated with the Trinamul Congress raised objections, demanding a postponement of the convocation.
Tensions escalated when the dissatisfied group, reportedly led by Kalyani Town president Biplab Dey, gheraoed the vice-chancellor and the registrar in their offices until late yesterday night. Their primary contention revolved around the temporary nature of the vicechancellor’s appointment, expressing concerns that certificates signed by a temporary official might pose challenges for students in the future.
However, this argument faced pushback from a significant section of Trinamul Congress-affiliated teachers, employees, and students who dismissed it as baseless. A professor denounced the agitation, stating, “The argument raised by the agitating section is baseless. If students face trouble with the certificates issued by the temporary VC, then why do they draw salaries from the signature of the VC? We do not support this type of agitation.”