Campus politics

If the media reports are to be believed, it is guessed that for the last few years, some universities of the country are turning breeding places of some antisocial activities. The latest examples of such activities are found in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The very idea of a university as a temple of learning is ruined by such kinds of disturbances inside the campus. The most frequently discussed such ruckus is found on the JNU campus. I had an opportunity for visiting JNU a few years back and stayed there for a few days. I was overwhelmed by the well-structured buildings, its administration, the pictorial beauty of the campus that made me spend the most fascinating moments. The recent disturbances created by students have tarnished the reputation of the university. It is also heard that some students of doubtful integrity have been trying to destabilize the very purpose of the university. The people of the country never want these types of antisocial/antinational activities to go on unchecked in this prestigious university. Some drastic actions must be taken to nip these nefarious activities in the bud. We appeal to the authority concerned to adopt a few steps so that the university can live up to people's expectation: (1) The antecedents of the incoming students (freshers/research scholars) must be checked at the time of admission to the university (specially to hostels). The signing of a memorandum in this regard is helpful (2) The reservation system may be minimized (if possible) to accommodate more brilliant students making the entry into the university more competitive (3) A committee under the chairmanship of vice-chancellor may be constituted for periodic monitoring of the activities of the students. All issues of the students relating to their grievances should be discussed and settled amicably.

Dr P.C. Sarmah

Tarajan, Jorhat-1