In a curious decision, Lucknow University has asked students to stay away from campus on Valentine’s Day or else face disciplinary action. The advisory was issued while it was declaring Maha Sivaratri festival on February 14 a holiday in the university.
While asking students to stay away from campus, chief proctor Vinod Singh mentions that no classes or extra classes would be held on the campus on February 14. Exams or cultural programmes of any sort would also be not allowed.
“If anyone breaches the system and is found roaming around or sitting unnecessarily in the academic section of the university, administrative action will be taken against them as per the rule,” Mr. Singh said in his order.
He has referred to the “western influence” causing youngsters to celebrate February 14 as Valentine’s Day.
“In recent years, it has been seen that influenced by Western culture, young people celebrate February 14 as Valentine’s Day. But all students are informed that February 14 is a holiday at the university for the Maha Sivaratri festival,” the advisory read.
Students were outraged by the university’s advisory and said it was akin to moral policing.
‘Khap panchayat’
Pooja Shukla, a student leader, criticised the order and said the university administration was behaving like a ‘Khap panchayat’.
Vice-Chancellor S.P Singh said the aim of the advisory was only to check outsiders from spreading nuisance on campus as it would be deserted on the day owing to Maha Sivaratri.
Published - February 13, 2018 10:07 pm IST
