Kolkata, 26 March (H.S.) : Tension marked the University of Calcutta campus on Thursday after organisers were denied permission to hold Ram Navami celebrations within the premises, prompting the festival to be conducted outside the main gate under heightened security.

From early morning, a charged atmosphere prevailed as students backed by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) requested permission to organise the puja and a procession inside the campus. University authorities, however, rejected both requests, citing regulations that allow only Saraswati Puja within university grounds.

In response, organisers set up an idol of Lord Ram outside the campus gate, conducting the puja peacefully under strict supervision. Central forces were deployed to maintain order and prevent any untoward incidents. Vice-Chancellor Ashutosh Ghosh clarified, “Only Saraswati Puja is permitted within the university campus. No other religious event can be allowed.”

The decision drew sharp reactions from a section of students, with one organiser noting, “If iftar can be observed inside campuses, Ram Navami should also have been permitted. Still, we are proceeding peacefully outside.” The incident evoked memories of unrest at Jadavpur University two years ago, when Ram Navami celebrations had triggered violent clashes, leaving several injured, including the vice-chancellor. Since last year, however, the festival has proceeded without major incidents.

The situation coincided with ongoing logistical challenges at the university, as undergraduate third-semester examinations under the new education policy are underway, alongside preparations for central forces deployed for election duties across affiliated colleges. University officials acknowledged the difficulty of managing both examinations and security arrangements simultaneously.

“Under the Vice-Chancellor’s instructions, we have managed to avoid major disruptions in the third semester examinations. However, the first semester examinations scheduled from April 10 will require careful coordination,” said a senior official. Across the university’s 166 affiliated colleges, over 100 institutions have examination arrangements in place, while schedules in 10–15 colleges were adjusted due to space constraints. Many campuses are limiting exam halls to classrooms, libraries, and computer labs, with other areas reserved for paramilitary personnel.

Several college principals expressed concerns over hosting central forces on campus during examinations, citing safety and logistical issues. In some institutions, exams were deferred, with authorities emphasizing the risks posed by the simultaneous presence of examinees and paramilitary personnel. University administrators now aim to ensure that examinations continue smoothly through April without further disruptions.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh