Punjab University will set a golden example in the history of Indian universities and student union elections once it clears an initiative to use radio and web for the cause. The university’s Vice-chancellor expressed his views in this regard which makes transparent the intent of the university’s top brass to innovate on the aforesaid lines.
Arun K Grover, the VC of the university said, “We can definitely find a fruitful alternative to the ‘Open House’ event with the assistance of radio and web media. Punjab University itself will provide the student with the necessitated webpage as well as community radio platform to realize the plan. Why not use such useful forms of media?”
Incidentally “Open House” used to be an annual event hosted in the university campus just a couple of days prior to every student’s union election. It was a platform where party leaders as well as the leaders could publicize their ideologies, views and plans that they intend to imply and uphold in the future. Through the platform the parties could interact with the students and realize the needs, demands and opinions of the general students as a whole.
Sadly the innovative “Open House” event that attracted more than 2500 students each year came to an abrupt end in the year 2010. That year the event was marred with violence and mass brawls that resulted in disharmonious circumstances throughout the campus. The university authorities decided to call the curtains on the event for the last time owing to the unprecedented unruly situations that arose.
Yet the success of the event compelled every individual associated with the university to think hard over the possibility of finding an alternative to the fabled annual event that was liked by one and many. The VC’s remarks come in the wake of such a situation and show the intent of the university to provide students with an alternative platform.
The VC although did not completely rule out the possibility of the revival of “Open House” as he said that according to him campaigning for elections was a rightful activity in the eyes of the university. But he also added that the electoral activities must be carried out in a restrained manner and the students must work for the maintenance of decorum regarding the event.
Grover added, “I will ask the deans for their suggestions and opinions regarding the revival of the event and the possible measures that need to be taken to eke out a feasible intermediate solution.” Such words clearly revealed his mindset where he did not stand opposed to the idea of the resurrection of the event provided the past unruly and demeaning events stay forever in the books of history and never repeat themselves.
Sources reveal that the university is willing to restart the event only if students vouchsafe to abide by the rules set by the university regarding the elections and associated events. The university does not want any further event to malign its image. Furthermore alternative measures like using PU’s community radio platform “Jyotirgamay” can help parties cut down electoral costs drastically. The same can be possible with the provided webpage where parties can publicly put up their views through PowerPoint presentations.
Tags:
Punjab University
Elections
Open House
Radio And Web Media
