Writers write to CM against UHSB V-C
Over 50 writers and activists have petitioned the Chief Minister of Karnataka to take action against the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Horticulture Sciences. They allege the official misused his position by using university letterhead to mandate staff and student attendance at a private religious ceremony.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding the separation of personal religious practice and public institutional conduct in India's secular framework.
Over 50 writers, thinkers and activists have written to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar against Vishnu Vardhan, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Horticulture Sciences, Bagalkot, for inviting the public to a religious ceremony in his official residence, on his official letter pad.
They objected strongly to this act and sought disciplinary action against the Vice-Chancellor. They alleged that the invitation made attendance mandatory.
The Vice-Chancellor has invited all the officers, teaching and non-teaching staff, and students of the main campus of the university, on behalf of his family, to the Sri Satyanarayana Puja, Navagraha Shanti Homa, and Sri Mahaganapati Puja Programme in his official residence on the campus. The Vice-Chancellor has signed the letter. A copy of the invite was attached to the email sent to the Chief Minister.
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