Many universities and higher education institutions in Karnataka did not telecast Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech on Monday, citing inadequate time given for preparation. Also, the Congress government in Karnataka was not keen to push institutions to comply with the University Grant Commission’s (UGC) direction.
Hindi speech
At Bangalore University’s Jnanabharathi campus, students had gathered at the senate hall to listen to Mr. Modi’s speech. There were several technical glitches, but students were disappointed when they found the speech was in Hindi. A student, who was present, said, “We went with great expectations to listen to the Prime Minister’s speech, but were disappointed as we could not understand it as it was in Hindi. Several students left midway.”
Protests
At the University of Mysore, there were heated moments. While the Senate Bhavan at the varsity was packed to capacity, a group of students gathered outside the venue and protested against the UGC’s direction. The protesters led by social activist P. Mallesh also shouted slogans against the Centre.
Mr. Modi’s speech was streamed live at Senate Bhavan between 11 a.m. and 12 noon. “Classes were held as usual on Manasagangotri campus of the university. But, the students were given a break to listen to the Prime Minister’s address,” said D. Bharathi, Registrar, University of Mysore.
Mr. Modi’s speech was delivered to mark the centenary of RSS ideologue Deendayal Upadhyaya and the 125th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago address. On Sunday, Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayaraddi had asked institutes to cut off the broadcast if the speech veered towards the RSS and Hindutva ideology.
CM opposes ‘Hindutva speech’; Yeddyurappa wants CM’s apology
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah opposed the UGC’s direction to universities to telecast live the Prime Minister’s address to a students’ convention in New Delhi.
Mr. Siddaramaiah said there was “no need for the students to listen to an address on Hindutva”.
Responding to the CM’s remarks, BJP State president B.S. Yeddyurappa said: “Siddaramaiah should apologise to the people of the country.”