Hyderabad: Universities and colleges are trying to instill nationalism among their students, in accordance with the UGC’s orders.
A notice was issued to universities and private colleges, including JNTU, EFLU and UoH on Wednesday, asking them to encourage students to participate in an online quiz being conducted to mark the 75th anniversary of the Quit India Movement. An official from the Telangana State Council of Higher Education said, “All colleges have accepted the notice. Many students are taking the quiz.”
Students claim that the frequency of such notices has increased. Notices have been sent out on the occasions of Martyrs Day, Handloom Day and other days of national importance.
Mr Manudeep Singh, an MBA student, said, “The UGC is taking new steps to instill a feeling of national pride during Independence week. It should be taken in the right spirit.”
Educational experts say that enforcing nationalism will not produce the desired outcome. Ms Swati Reddy, a member of the Save Education Society, says, “Ill feelings about being forced to take the quiz should not arise. Students should be given the freedom to participate in it. Most universities are hotbeds of nationalism, and no step should lead to arguments.”
The quiz may be accessed on the MyGov website. It is also available on the Narendra Modi app, which can be downloaded from the Google PlayStore. One can log in using Facebook or Gmail credentials. The quiz portal, will remain active until August 15. The quiz takes 10 minutes and has 18 questions about the Quit India Movement and related events. Students will receive certificates upon successful completion of the quiz.
Heads of universities have been requested to appoint nodal officers to ensure that students register for the quiz.
