Ex-VC objects to RSS event at Gujarat Vidyapith
Ahmedabad, Dec 19: Gandhian scholar and a former Vice Chancellor of Gujarat Vidyapith, Sudarshan Iyenger, has objected to an upcoming event of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at Gujarat Vidyapith here.
While Iyengar claimed that the right-wing organisation chose the venue to show its dominance, the RSS said the subjects to be discussed at the event were aligned with Mahatma Gandhi's ideology.
The varsity, on the other hand, said it rents out a part of its premises for events, and it has nothing to do with events organised by outside organisations.
Gujarat Vidyapith, located in Ahmedabad city, was set up by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920 and has the status of deemed university.
On December 22, the Gujarat RSS has organised `Sajjan Shakti Sangam' where prominent citizens from different walks of life will gather at Gujarat Vidyapith to deliberate on social harmony, environmental conservation and use of locally made products, among other topics.
Iyenger said having an RSS event at Gujarat Vidyapith was "not proper".
"It is a known fact that the ideology of RSS is totally opposite to the Gandhian philosophy. There are many places where the RSS could have organised this event. Yet, just to prove that Gujarat Vidyapith is now under their dominance, they are organising this event in this institute founded by Gandhi ji," he told PTI when contacted for a comment on the row.
Iyenger was vice chancellor of the Vidyapith from 2005 to 2014. He also served as a trustee of the institution from 2000 to 2022.
No RSS event was held on the varsity premises during his tenure as trustee and VC, he further said.
"Is it that the RSS will now start following Gandhi ji's ideology by organising its event at the Vidyapith? It does not seem so. It is evident they want to prove their dominance by way of this event," said Iyenger.
In a statement, the university said the premises are rented out to outsiders for social and academic activities.
"The university is not associated with the events organised on its premises by outsiders," it added.
State RSS spokesperson Vijay Thakar said it was an unnecessary controversy.
"On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of RSS, we are organising such events in every district. We had organised such events at many places and the Vidyapith is like any other venue. In the past, we had organised an event at a cafe run by Navajivan Trust, which was also founded by Gandhi ji," he noted.
"The subjects on which deliberations will take place at the event are in line with Mahatma Gandhi's ideology, such as social harmony and encouraging the use of domestic or Swadeshi products. So how is this event against Gandhi ji's values?" he added.
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Mangaluru: City Top cop issues guidelines for new year celebrations
Mangaluru: Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Aggarwal has issued guidelines in public interest for New Year Celebrations within the Mangaluru City Police commissionerate.
The guidelines are as follows:
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"All hotels, restaurants, clubs, resorts and other establishments planning to organize New Year celebrations must obtain prior permission from the Mangaluru City Police Commissioner's Office. Applications must be submitted by 5 pm on December 23," the statement
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The New Year program must be completed by 12 midnight. The program cannot be continued after that. New Year festivities without prior permission will not be allowed. Legal action will be taken against those who violate these rules. Organizers must strictly follow the rules as per the licenses and permissions obtained from the relevant departments.
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If any COVID-19 or other health related government instructions are implemented, the organizers must strictly follow them.
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Written permission from the Excise Department must be obtained for the sale and distribution of alcohol.
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Smoking and drinking alcohol are strictly prohibited in public places, bus stands, parks, stadiums, railway stations and other public areas.
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Legal action will be take cause disturbance in public places.
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Prior permission should be obtained for using sound recording systems, loud speakers. The sound level should comply with the Noise Pollution Rules 2000 and the directions of the Supreme Court. DJ is strictly prohibited.
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The organizers should take additional measures to prevent any mishap. Individual parking arrangements should be made.
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The managers of hotels, clubs or special events where New Year celebrations are held should not serve alcohol to individuals below the age of 18. Minors should not be allowed to enter such events unless accompanied by their parents.
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Obscene dances, semi-nude performances, gambling and other obscene activities are strictly prohibited.
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Special task forces will be deployed to prevent harassment, violence or obscene activities against women in the name of festivals.
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Disturbing caused to residences, hotels, hostels or compounds is also prohibited during this time.
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Smoking, drinking, or indecent behavior in public spaces such as parks, bus stands, and railway stations is banned. Strict action will be taken against those disturbing public peace, engaging in harassment, or performing obscene acts.
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A rapid task force comprising traffic police and experts has been formed to keep a watch on those who drive after drinking alcohol. This task force will be operational in all areas of Mangaluru city. Appropriate legal action will be taken against those who drive in an inebriated state.
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Spontaneous activities, wheeling, drag racing, speeding and loud noise-producing activities are strictly prohibited. Special teams will be deployed to prevent these incidents.
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Consumption of alcohol, obscene acts, other obscene displays in other public places or on the seashore are strictly prohibited.
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Burning of fireworks in a manner that disturbs the peace of the public on the pretext of New Year celebrations is prohibited.
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Organizers should coordinate necessary fire-fighting equipment, emergency medical vehicles and other security measures.
All these guidelines have been issued in the interest of public safety and law and order, the Commissioner said in a statement.
