SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Jan 18: Celebration of Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary in colleges of Binod Bihari Mahto Koylanchal University (BBMKU) has snowballed into controversy. Students Federation of India (SFI) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) are face to face over marking the auspicious day.
SFI, the students wing of Marxists Coordination Committee (MCC) has strongly opposed the participation of principals in the function and has threatened to launch agitation if university authority fails to take action against them. SFI has also submitted a memorandum to the university in this regard.
At the same time, ABVP that had celebrated the Swami Vivekanand birth anniversary in the colleges of BBMKU, has warned university authority to go for agitation if any action is taken against principals of colleges for taking part in the function.
ABVP had celebrated the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda on January 12 in colleges of BBMKU. Principal of Sindri College Prof Nakul Prasad and RSP Jharia College principal Prof JN Singh participated in the function.
Participation of principals in Swami Vivekanand birth anniversary function organized by ABVP irked left wing students’ unions.
SFI shot off a letter to university authority demanding dismissal of both the principals for organizing the function of ABVP in the institution. “ It was a political programme and SFI would not sit until both the principals were sacked,” said SFI district president Vishal Mahto.
Jharkhand Chhatra Morcha has also jumped in support of SFI. Vice-president of Morcha Kush Mahto said students would launch agitation for creating a wrong trend in the university.
However, ABVP has jumped in support of principals and justified participation of teachers and principals of colleges in the function of Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary.
“Swamijee is a symbol of the nation and it is our duty to spread his message among the students. So, there is no wrong in participation of principals and teachers of colleges”, said Anshu Tiwary, district coordinator of ABVP.
Tiwary further added that ABVP state wing would take final decision on counter agitation against those who are opposing the principals, and the district wing has warned university authority against taking any action under pressure.
Principals and teachers of BBMKU colleges have also justified participation in the function. A principal of constituent college commented that students had organized the function and offered him to pay respect. “So, there is nothing wrong with it,” he said.
