NEW DELHI: Delhi University's centenary celebrations witnessed the gracious presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Valedictory Ceremony held in the University's North Campus. During the event, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone of three significant buildings, including the Delhi University Computer Centre and the buildings for the Faculty of Technology and the academic block. The Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, also joined the celebrations, acknowledging the university's remarkable growth and its successful implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) under the leadership of PM Modi.
"Delhi University has completed 100 years when the nation celebrates 75 years of independence... Delhi University is not just a university, but a movement. This university has lived every movement and has brought life to every movement," PM Modi said.
Earlier that day, Prime Minister Modi made a symbolic metro ride from Lok Kalyan Marg Metro Station to Vishwa Vidyalaya Metro Station, interacting with people along the way before reaching the university.
However, the centenary celebrations were not without controversy. Several Delhi University colleges, such as Hansraj College, Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, and Zakir Husain Delhi College, issued guidelines for the live telecast of the event, which was scheduled to be attended by PM Modi as the chief guest.
Some of these guidelines included mandatory attendance for students, dress code restrictions (prohibiting black dresses), and the suspension of classes between 10 am and 12 pm to ensure an uninterrupted experience on campus.
Hindu College's teacher-in-charge, Meenu Srivastava, released a notice emphasizing mandatory attendance, starting the college day by 8:50 am to avoid disruptions on campus. The notice also mentioned that students would receive five attendances for participating in the live telecast. However, Hindu College's principal, Anju Srivastava, denied issuing such a notice and clarified that attendance was not compulsory but encouraged students and faculty to attend the telecast.
Similar guidelines were seen at Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar College and Zakir Hussain Delhi College, raising further confusion among students and faculty.
Amidst the varying guidelines, some college principals maintained that attendance was not compulsory but encouraged active participation. Ramjas College, Miranda House, and Kirorimal College confirmed that they had not made attendance mandatory.
Finally, the Delhi University administration stepped in to clarify the situation, stating that attendance was not compulsory and the live telecast was arranged to accommodate those unable to attend the event in person. The University's Registrar, Vikas Gupta, confirmed that no official order had been issued regarding mandatory attendance.
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