Delhi student unrest casts shadow on Karnatak University convocation?

The abrupt postponement of the convocation of the Karnatak University, Dharwad, scheduled for Saturday, appears to be linked to the student unrest in the national capital.

Jawaharlal Nehru University Vice-Chancellor M. Jagadesh Kumar, who was to be the chief guest, had expressed doubts about his participation, citing developments in New Delhi. Following this, the university decided to postpone the convocation.

According to sources, Mr. Kumar contacted KUD authorities and expressed doubts about his participation as he was required to be present on the JNU campus. It is learnt that Vice-Chancellor Pramod B. Gai placed the matter before the special syndicate meeting held on Wednesday and it was decided that the event would be postponed by a few days. However, no fresh date has been fixed, sources said.

The university had made all arrangements, including printing of invitation cards, certificates of all courses, convocation address, accommodation, ticket booking and so on, spending nearly ₹5 lakh, the sources said.

Syndicate member Prashant Adur said there was “no other option” but to postpone the convocation.

“Going by the message of Mr. Kumar, it was highly doubtful that he could manage to attend the convocation; nor was it possible to invite any other person as chief guest in the last minute.

The varsity did not like taking a risk in this connection as it would have created embarrassment if the chief guest failed to turn up. Therefore, we decided to postpone the convocation ceremony,” he said. Mr. Gai could not be reached for comment.

Student organisations backed by Communist parties had also opposed inviting Mr. Kumar for the covocation and planned holding a black flag protest on Saturday.