Sanctity of GU

The news of protest by a section of students against the decision of the Gauhati University authorities imposing a ban on permitting an overnight stay of guests and former boarders in the hostels has attracted the attention of people across the state. It may be recalled that the Gauhati University Secretary of Classes had issued a notification on April 19, which stipulates that if an ex-boarder or unauthorized boarder is staying in any hostel, the Prefect or hostel bearer concerned should immediately notify the matter to the Warden concerned. The notification further warned that failure to report such cases will be considered gross negligence of duty and disciplinary action will be initiated against the Prefect/hostel staff as per the rules of the university. Moreover, through the notification, the authorities also directed the Prefects of all the Gauhati University hostels to sign an undertaking that they will abide by all the rules and responsibilities listed in the 'Hostel/Halls Rules-2017' within a week of/her appointment. Further, the notification stated that disciplinary/legal action will be taken against any ex-boarder or unauthorized boarder if they stay in the hostels of Gauhati University. It is very important that the campus of Gauhati University displays all the qualities and characteristics of an ideal university campus so that it can become a role model for educational institutions across the region. After all, Gauhati University is not like any other university. It is not only the first and oldest university in the North-eastern region. Its history is also an important chapter of the history of higher education in Assam and the region. Moreover, Gauhati University was born following a very significant movement launched by the enlightened section of Assamese society, and none other than Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi was associated with it. One must also keep on record the fact that the Gauhati University Act was the first Act passed by the Assam Legislative Assembly immediately after India had attained independence. As such, it occupies a very special place in the history of modern Assam. Moreover, the GU campus was the nerve centre of the Assam movement (1979-1985). Unfortunately, internal lobby politics and a number of scandals have tarnished the good image of Gauhati University to a large extent in the decades. It is important that the authorities ensure strict discipline on the GU campus. It is also the bounden duty of students – most of them belong to the post-graduate level and above – to play a responsible role in upholding and improving the overall image and sanctity of the hallowed institution.