Chandru laments absence of student unions in universities

They are crucial for democracy’s future, says the former High Court judge

A fresh beginning: Gurmeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University, administering oath to the elected members of the Students Council of the university on Thursday.

Justice K. Chandru, retired judge of Madras High Court, has stressed the need for a leadership exercise for students to prepare them to drive society in future.

Speaking after inaugurating the Students Council of Pondicherry University here on Thursday, Mr. Chandru said that Pondicherry University, with an elected Students Council, was showing the way for Tamil Nadu. Although the State has 17 government universities and 27 deemed universities, not even a single institution had a students union.

Although the Madras University has provisions for a students union, it was cancelled in 1969 as students were deemed to be anti-establishment. Stating that questioning the authorities did not amount to disrespect, Mr. Chandru said it was essential.

‘An extension of society’

A students union was an extension of society and students could not be put in a compartment. There was a general perception among people that students union was always a hindrance and an obstacle for a smooth movement and they should only concentrate on their studies.

Gurmeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University, and Prakash Rao M, retired Scientist, Ayush, Government of India, spoke.

The installation ceremony of the student council was held.

The new members of the student council are Junaid Nazar, president, Shonima Nelliat, vice-president and Padakanthi Shiva Rama Krishna, secretary.