Kolkata college students allege pressure to participate in 'Namo Seva' play; Principal denies charge
Students at a Kolkata college have alleged they were coerced into participating in a play honoring Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. The college principal denies these claims, stating that participation in the government-mandated event is voluntary.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights tensions regarding political influence in educational institutions and the intersection of state-sponsored events with academic freedom.
A section of students of Scottish Church College in Kolkata has alleged that they were threatened with adverse consequences for refusing to participate in a play titled 'Namo Seva — Untold Stories', a charge denied by the Institute's Principal.
Even as a student alleged they were warned that their internal examination marks and project assessments could get affected, Principal Madhumanjari Mandal told PTI on Saturday (September 26, 2026) that participation in the play was voluntary.
The college was following directions of the State Higher Education Department to commemorate the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his years in public service, she said.
State-run higher educational institutions have been asked by the West Bengal government to stage the play and organise drawing and elocution competitions for students as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan planned between September 17 and October 10 to mark Prime Minister Modi's 76th birthday.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in