Osmania University VC offers peace flag' to unions

Hyderabad: Osmania University administration has a big job on hand to pacify different student unions on the campus so that they don’t disrupt the centenary inaugural fete set to be held from April 26 to 28. The varsity has decided to adopt a two-pronged strategy to overcome this problem.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Governor E.S.L.Narasimhan, Chief Minister K.Chandrashekar Rao, Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar and a host of dignitaries are expected to attend the inaugural function.

University officials are worried that any protest in the presence of these stalwart dignitaries would cast a shadow over the celebrations.

Mr Narasimhan was invited to be the chief guest at the OU Centenary Run on March 11 but did not turn up after student unions held out a threat that they would corner him on the campus.

University vice-chancellor S.Ramachandram said, “Students have the freedom to express their views on any issue, but a centenary celebration is not the correct platform. We will reach out to students for their co-operation.”

The V-C and other officials met a few days ago with student leaders from NSUI, AISF, SFI and PDSU, and sought their co-operation.

Most student leaders said they would participate in the event but also expressed  their dissent on issues affecting the university.

“Different student unions wanted the government to give clarity on academic and financial matters like filling of teaching and non-teaching posts, new infrastructure for hostels, fellowships for students etc. before the Chief Minister entered the campus. Else, students will register their protest in a democratic way,” said AISF leader Stalin.