Kannur University VC’s Move Fails as Student Union Holds 'She Fest' With Aishe Ghosh

Kannur: The Kannur University Vice-Chancellor’s attempt to prevent the student union from conducting its scheduled ‘She Fest’ has failed. The student union went ahead with the programme at the seminar hall as planned, with SFI All India Joint Secretary Aishe Ghosh attending the event.

Aishe Ghosh said those who fear discussions are the ones imposing restrictions. She called for resistance against such attempts at suppression to grow stronger.

The student union had announced in advance that the programme would be held at the seminar hall of the Palayad campus on Monday morning. However, late on Sunday, the campus director emailed the student union stating that the programme would not be permitted as it did not have the approval of the registrar or the Vice-Chancellor. The campus director also instructed the students to immediately remove flags, decorations and banners.

SFI said it could not accept the action taken by the university authorities. The organisation alleged that the Vice-Chancellor was opposed to the participation of Aishe Ghosh, who had been at the forefront of the youth protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

SFI had maintained that a decision had already been taken during an earlier discussion with the Vice-Chancellor that the student union did not require prior permission to conduct programmes. It had also made clear that it would proceed with the She Fest as scheduled.

SFI activists staged a protest on Monday morning following the university’s decision. Union representatives alleged that the Vice-Chancellor denied permission for the programme as part of an attempt to implement a Sangh Parivar agenda.