Student activism reached tipping point : Narayanan

Kolkata, Feb 4: Stating that student activism has reached a tipping point, former Governor of West Bengal MK Narayanan today said that students' union politics has reached a stage where unions have become mere extension of political parties.

"Student activism has reached a tipping point. This is transforming the University landscape across the country. Student union politics have also reached the stage where unions are mere extensions of political parties. As a consequence of this, VCs, Deans and professors often face extended period of gherao highlighting the fact that Communalism on campuses has become more widespread," Narayanan said.

Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors of prominent universities of the country were invited to share their views on higher education.

The former Governor was speaking at a seminar organised by Neotia University (TNU), West Bengal, where Chancellors and Vice Chancellors of prominent universities of the country were invited to share their views on higher education.

Narayanan made this statement when students' agitation in several universities in West Bengal has brought to light the issue of political interference affecting the "tranquil atmosphere of the campuses".

"It is evident that Universities are not in good shape. There is clearly an absence of the tranquil atmosphere. There are segments of student, no doubt, who are intensely focused on their studies and keen to enhance their knowledge capabilities, but it would seem that the vast majority of student do not belong to his category.

This partly explains the decline in the standard of University education," he said. "The lack of an intellectual ferment possibly explains why Indian Universities figure nowhere in pecking order when it comes to grading Universities internationally," Narayanan observed.

PTI