Biswabrata Goswami
KRISHNAGAR, 6 DEC: In a riveting tale of administrative intrigue, Kalyani University finds itself thrust into the spotlight, with the much-anticipated 30th convocation metamorphosing into a convoluted saga. The illustrious A P J Abdul Kalam Auditorium, slated to host this distinguished event on Thursday, has become the stage for a succession of unforeseen twists that have left both faculty and students in a state of bewildered anticipation.
The narrative commenced with a nocturnal missive emanating from the university corridors, proclaiming an unexpected deferral of the convocation due to purportedly “unavoidable circumstances.” Prof Debangshu Ray, registrar of the university issued a notification mentioning that “in view of unavoidable circumstances the 30th convocation of the university scheduled on 7 December is hearby postponed.”
Just before the postponement notification, the vice-chancellor, Dr Amalendu Bhuniya, determined to proceed with the ceremony, has been compelled to cancel a crucial court meeting in response to growing dissent.
The higher education department of the state government intervened, directing Dr Bhuniya to dissolve the court meeting after a faction of teachers, employees, and students affiliated with the Trinamul Congress raised objections, demanding a postponement of the convocation.
Tensions escalated when the dissatisfied group, reportedly led by the ruling party’s Kalyani Town president Biplab Dey, gheraoed the vice-chancellor and the registrar in their offices until late in the night.
Their primary contention revolved around the temporary nature of the vice-chancellor’s appointment, expressing concerns that certificates signed by a temporary official might pose challenges for students in the future. However, this argument faced pushback from a significant section of Trinamul Congress-affiliated teachers, employees, and students who dismissed it as baseless.
A professor from the TMC-affiliated union, speaking anonymously, denounced the agitation, stating, “The argument raised by the agitating section is baseless. If students are to face trouble with the certificates issued by the temporary VC, then why do they draw salaries from the signature of the VC? We do not support this type of agitation.”
As the controversy unfolded, the Chancellor, Dr C V Ananda Bose, and the Governor of the state reaffirmed their directive to proceed with the convocation as scheduled. Undeterred, the vice-chancellor has been diligently working to convene the convocation, with e-invitation cards being distributed to concerned authorities, members, and students.
Despite these efforts, the dissident faction resumed their agitation this evening, locking the VC’s office and demanding the issuance of a cancellation notice for the convocation. Allegations have surfaced that a considerable number of outsiders affiliated with the ruling party are leading the renewed protests.
Allegedly succumbing to this orchestrated pressure, the registrar, Prof Ray, released a communiqué, formally declaring the postponement of the convocation. However, the saga took an unexpected turn when Major Nikhil Kumar, the ADC to the governor, dispatched a missive to the district magistrate, affirming the governor’s imminent visit to Kalyani University and unequivocal attendance at the convocation.
This revelation triggered a rapid chain of events, prompting the district magistrate and superintendent of police to alert the university authorities. In a swift countermove, the university clarified that the convocation would indeed proceed as originally scheduled, setting the stage for a dramatic denouement that promises both spectacle and suspense.
Tags: #KalyaniUniversity #Convocation #ViceChancellor #Registrar #Governor
