In a significant development, the authorities of Kabiraj Anant Tripathy Sharma Ayurved College in Ankushapur, near Berhampur, have officially revoked the suspension order of a fourth-year student. The decision came on Monday, following intense negotiations and a conditional halt to a prolonged student strike.
Strike Action Leads to Resolution
The suspension of final-year student Biswajit Rana was withdrawn after the All Odisha Ayush Students’ Association agreed to call off their ongoing agitation. An official order issued by the college principal, A K Das, stated that the move was made in response to the association's request and the conditional suspension of their strike.
The student, identified as an active member of the association, was originally suspended by the college on December 4. The disciplinary action was taken due to allegations of misconduct and unethical behaviour directed towards Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling. The specific incident involved Rana sending his white coat to the minister during the course of the protest.
Negotiations Pave the Way Forward
The path to resolving the crisis was laid on Saturday, when representatives of the students' association held discussions with Minister Mahaling in Bhubaneswar. This high-level meeting proved crucial, leading the association to postpone their month-long strike. The conditional call-off of the strike directly prompted the college administration to reconsider and ultimately withdraw the suspension order against Biswajit Rana.
Implications for Student Activism
This incident highlights the dynamics of student union activism in Odisha's professional colleges, particularly in the Ayush sector. The resolution demonstrates how sustained collective action, followed by structured dialogue with authorities, can lead to administrative reconsideration. The college's decision brings relief to the student community and ends a period of campus unrest, allowing academic activities to return to normal at the Ankushapur-based institution.
The swift reversal after the weekend negotiations underscores the effectiveness of the association's strategy. It also marks a significant moment for student governance, showing that even actions deemed as misconduct can be re-evaluated through formal channels of discussion and compromise.
