Lucknow University invokes Saraswati as new session begins

LUCKNOW: The Lucknow University on Monday organised for the first time a Saraswati Puja ceremony to mark the start of a new session. With sound amplifiers installed at the university’s Saraswati Vatika at gate number 1, the prayer was held for an auspicious beginning on Tuesday.

LU authorities said they were not the only ones to have offered prayers for a good beginning, as the practice is followed in other state universities and colleges too. The puja was attended by all officials and teachers.

Citing the example of Lucknow Christian College, in which a prayer service is held at the church before the beginning of the new academic session, LU officials named also mentioned similar rituals followed in all government departments at the time of inaugurating big projects or a building.

“I don't see anything wrong in praying for well being or for a new beginning,” said vice-chancellor S P Singh, adding that Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge and the university is a place for enlightening minds with learning.

Connecting prayers with religion is divisive, says VC

The university authorities did not make it mandatory but invited all faculty members to offer prayers on the occasion in any form, said Singh.

On being asked about why it was not an all-religion prayer event, he said, “Connecting prayers with religion is like dividing the society. It could have been offered in any form but the motive would have remained the same, to wish and pray for the success of the university. Everyone was welcome to offer prayer in any form they wanted,” the VC said.

As per the special arrangements, priests were invited to chant shlokas during the ceremony.

Senior officials of of the university, including provice chancellor U N Dwivedi, spokesperson N K Pandey, controller of exams A K Sharma, dean student welfare R K Singh and others joined the puja. “Worshipping Saraswati, the Goddess of education and knowledge is an integral part of any university and there is nothing new in it,” said LU spokesperson NK Pandey.

Officials said prayers should not be looked at as a representation of any political ideology, as the form of prayer may be different but it is always accompanied with faith and devotion towards well being and positivity.