University Campus Transforms into Protest Ground
The Panjab University campus in Chandigarh witnessed an unprecedented scene on Monday as it transformed into a massive protest site resembling the farmers' agitation grounds. The atmosphere was charged with tractors parked strategically, vans serving community langar, traditional chulhas burning for hot tea, and multiple water stations set up near the offices of the Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Students' Welfare.
The protest comes amid continuing resentment over the Union government's October 28 notification to restructure PU's governing bodies - the Senate and the Syndicate. Various student organizations united under the banner of 'Panjab University Bachao Morcha' were joined by farm leaders from across Punjab, including representatives from Samyukta Kisan Morcha, Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, and Bhartiya Kisan Union.
Heavy Police Deployment and Student Clashes
The university saw heavy police deployment both on campus and near the gates, with several students accusing personnel of denying them entry despite having valid identity cards. Students termed this move as "undemocratic" and earlier in the day, broke through the barricades at Gate Number 1. The situation escalated as students scaled university gates and clashed with police personnel, shouting 'Go Back Chandigarh Police'.
According to a senior member of the Students' Council, the campus witnessed more than 8,000 protesters from across Punjab on Monday. The protesters came prepared with banners, loudspeakers, generators, and tents, indicating their determination to continue the agitation until Senate elections are officially announced.
Voices from the Protest Ground
Darshan Singh, who arrived with 28 farmers from Barnala since 10 am, expressed their solidarity with students. "We want to say, don't sell this University, don't make it a place where only the rich can get an education," the farmer stated emphatically.
Armaan, an M.Sc student from DAV College Chandigarh, highlighted his family's deep connection with PU. "Voices are being suppressed, and as students we must have a wider representation. Why are we being oppressed by both the authorities and the government?" he questioned.
Jasleen Kaur, an engineering student who had been protesting since 10 am, explained that the demonstration aims to draw authorities' attention to the dire need of democracy on campus. She emphasized that Senate elections are crucial for ensuring checks, balances, and equal rights.
Political Support and Community Participation
The protest gained significant political attention with several prominent leaders visiting the dharna. Dr Amar Singh, Pawan Kumar Bansal, Dr Dharamvira Gandhi, Rana Gurjeet Singh, Partap Singh Bajwa, and Dalvir Singh Goldy all made appearances to show their support for the protesting students and farmers.
The community spirit was palpable throughout the protest site. A PU scholar from Mohali and other students ensured an uninterrupted flow of hot tea from chulhas that had been burning since 6 am. "Water, milk, biscuits, tea leaves, we are not falling short of anything, as farmers, former professors, and students are getting all this and more," shared one of the volunteers.
Adding to the community kitchen efforts, a van from the gurdwara in Phase 8, Mohali served hot dal and rotis to everyone, including police personnel. "They are following orders, we have to serve everyone," said Avtar, one of the servers, demonstrating the inclusive nature of the protest.
Broader Concerns About Educational Standards
Davi, a former student and journalist, expressed concerns about the gradual decline in educational standards. "Slowly and steadily, things are slipping away, and in the process, the standard of education and academics are suffering," she noted. While appreciating the widespread support, she cautioned against bringing religious sentiments into the protest.
Navjot, a B.Ed student from a PU-affiliated college in Bhatinda, traveled to show solidarity. "We have to study logic, analysis, science to grow. If there is a Senate, we will have a syllabus that is in sync with the times, else we will have to eat what they give us," she explained.
Mandeep Punja, a former student, recalled how student power had previously succeeded in rolling back fee hikes through Senate support. "We have tasted the power of the Senate and Syndicate, and internal democracy. This protest has the support of artists, academicians, former PU professors, thinkers, and the public," he added.
Amarjeet Singh from BKU saluted the students and unions for standing strong. "So many of us had given land for this university, and we cannot see it destroyed by the agendas of the RSS, that is slowly destroying our culture and institutions," he stated.
As one student smiled and declared, the protest has just begun, the determination to continue the agitation until Senate elections are announced remains unwavering. The students have called for a PU Bandh until the election schedule is officially released, signaling that this movement might intensify in the coming days.
