After the recent instructions issued by the University Grant Commission (UGC) to universities to observe September 29 as Surgical Strike Day to mark the counter terrorism action of the Indian forces that took place in September 2016 along the Line of Control (LoC), the State-owned universities appear in predicament. With merely a few days left for the commemoration, no university of the State has yet streamlined any major activity to mark the occasion.
“We are yet to receive the letter from the UGC regarding September 29. Once the letter is received, the senior officials of the university will be instructed to make the necessary arrangements for the celebration,” said Pro (VC) RU, Dr. Kamini Kumar on Saturday.
Similarly, VC of newly constituted Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University (DSPMU), Dr Satya Narayan Munda echoed a similar view. “If the university receives the letter on time, a special event will be planned to celebrate the occasion. I do not have much idea about it in detail. I learnt about such celebration through newspapers and different social media platforms,” Munda asserted.
Interestingly, even the officials of India’s third Raksha Shakti University (RSU) appeared in quandary when asked about the Surgical Strike Day celebration. “As of now, we have received no official statement regarding this. Since, we came to know about the special day through newspaper, soon some decision will be taken about it. The university is busy with the preparation of its third Foundation Day,” said Registrar, JRSU, M K Jamuar.
Notably, the orders make strict provisions for educational institutions inviting ex-servicemen, who would speak to students about the sacrifices, contributions made by armed forces personnel who defend the country. In accordance to the communiqué, the National Cadet Corps (NCC) will organize the meetings.
Meanwhile, Kolhan University (KU) officials merely stated that the NCC units have been instructed to mark the day. “We will celebrate the day by organising series of events,” said VC KU, Shukla Mohanty without elaborating and disclosing the detailed day plan for September 29. NCC coordinator of KU too appeared in fix and just stated that as per the plans the colleges with NCC units will organise a special parade on September 29.
Following the instruction from the central government, the UGC had ordered 900 universities and 38,000 colleges that they must observe a Surgical Strike Day on 29 September. The statutory body under the Ministry of Human Resource has issued an order detailing the manner in which the day could be observed.
Meanwhile, VC Vinobha Bhave University (VBU) Ramesh Sharan said that as an educational institution, they must recognise the contributions of armed forces and their sacrifices in protecting the borders but the process of asking to observe the day is wrong. However, Sharan assured that following the circular, VBU will observe the day and motivate the students.
The UGC communiqué further read, “Students should write letters or cards in physical or digital format expressing their support for the armed forces. These letters will then be forwarded to the relevant authorities in the armed forces and be followed by meetings between army officers and students on or off campus.” AK Srivastava VC of Binod Bihari Mahto Koyalanchal University (BBMKU) though said that the varsity is planning to call army men to felicitate them but did not share the details of the event to be organized on the campus.