BHUBANESWAR: Barring a few universities, most of the universities in Odisha including central universities did not observe
Surgical Strike day on September 29 (Saturday) as suggested by the
University Grant Commission (UGC). While BJP alleged it as anti-Centre move by the universities, the ruling party said there is no politics in it.
"We have not received any such circular from the UGC to observe the day as surgical strike day otherwise we would have observed the day," said vice chancellor of Central University Odisha at Koraput,
Sachidananda Mohanty.
The UGC on Thursday issued a circular and directed universities and higher educational institutes across India to observe the day in befitting manner and listed out a series of activities including organising a special parade, conduct meetings inviting ex-servicemen who will sensitize students on heroic acts of Indian soldiers.
"A multimedia exhibition will be organised around India Gate on 29 September. Similar exhibitions may be organised in states, Union Territories, important towns and cantonments across the country. The institutions should encourage students and faculty members to visit these exhibitions," the circular added.
The commission suggested that students pledge their support for armed forces by writing letters and cards which may be produced in both digital and physical format. The letters can be publicised on social media as well, the UGC said in its circular.
Vice chancellor of Ravenshaw University
Ishan Patro said, "We would have done something to observe the occasion as per the UGC notice but since morning students are making hue and cry over the election process and we are busy on pacifying them. The day would certainly help in creating patriotism among students."
On September 29 in 2016, the Indian army carried out surgical strike on seven terrorist launch-pads across the LOC as a response to its attack on its base in Uri. The Indian Army had said its special forces inflicted significant casualties on terrorists waiting there to cross onto the Indian territory.
The day has also not been celebrated in major universities like Utkal University and Utkal University of Culture. Vice chancellor of Utkal University of Culture Kamala Kanta Mishra said he has not received any circular from the UGC while vice chancellor of the Utkal University Soumedra Kumar Patnaik did not respond to call despite several attempts. However, Rama Devi Women’s University observed the surgical strike day where Odisha Public Service Commission chairman Brigadier Laxmi Narayan Patnaik joined as chief guest shared heroic acts of Indian soldiers.
Alleging ‘disrespect’ to Indian Army and sacrifices of soldiers, Bhartiya Janata party (BJP) spokesperson
Pitambar Acharya said, "This is sheer meanness and narrow mindset of the state government. This is a matter of national importance is a red-letter day for external security of India and everyone should celebrate the day. It is not a political programme but by not observing it the BJD showed its true colour."
However, the ruling BJD denied the allegations and said we have no role in stopping the universities in observing the day. “We have all respect for the sacrifices of our soldiers and their bravery. But the way BJP government has been politicising the issue and asking educational institutes to observe the day is not appreciable,” said BJD spokesperson Samir Das.
