Pune University Takes Proactive Steps: Launches Reconciliation Initiative Amid Campus Tensions
Pune, 15th November 2023: In response to recent conflicts between student organizations and political parties at Savitribai Phule Pune University, the university administration, led by Vice-Chancellor Dr Parag Kalkar, has launched an initiative to foster reconciliation and restore harmony on campus. The university plans to engage in discussions with student unions, faculty, and staff, in collaboration with the Pune Police Commissioner, to implement comprehensive measures aimed at maintaining peace and academic sanctity.
The move comes in the aftermath of a heated clash between activists from two organizations, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the Student Federation of India, which resulted in police complaints filed by both parties. Subsequently, ABVP reported an incident of controversial text about Prime Minister Narendra Modi being written on a university hostel wall. This escalated tensions, leading to a confrontation between BJP workers and members of another organization, prompting the imposition of a curfew by Pune Police from November 7 to 21 within the university premises.
Dr Parag Kalkar emphasized in a press release that maintaining academic sanctity, fostering freedom of thought, and preserving harmony within the university are collective responsibilities shared by all segments of society. To address the current situation, a meeting has been scheduled at the Dnyaneshwar Auditorium in the main university building on Saturday morning at 11 o’clock. This meeting will bring together student representatives, the Vice-Chancellor, and the Police Commissioner to discuss and implement comprehensive measures.
Each organization is invited to send three to five representatives to contribute to the dialogue and reconciliation efforts. The university administration aims to create an atmosphere of open communication and understanding to address the root causes of the recent tensions and prevent their recurrence in the future.
