Bhubaneswar, Aug 5: Tension continued to prevail at Ravenshaw University on Wednesday as members of the Ravenshaw University Teachers’ Association (RUTA) staged a peaceful march to the Vice-Chancellor’s office, protesting alleged political interference in university affairs and demanding protection of teachers’ dignity and the institution’s autonomy.
The teachers marched from the iconic Seven Pillars of Wisdom on the university campus before submitting a four-point charter of demands to the university administration. Their demands included a public apology from the alleged offender, an end to political interference in university administration, protection of the dignity of teachers, and respect for the office of the Vice-Chancellor as well as the institution.
The protest stems from an incident on August 3 during a student agitation over hostel-related issues. According to RUTA, a senior professor serving as the Chief Warden was allegedly subjected to inappropriate behaviour and offensive remarks in the presence of students after a local MLA reached the campus.
A professor alleged that the university authorities had almost resolved the students’ concerns before the political intervention escalated the situation. He further claimed that students themselves had clarified they had not invited the MLA to the campus.
Teachers argued that any concerns regarding university affairs should be addressed through the Vice-Chancellor rather than through political intervention. They maintained that publicly humiliating senior faculty members undermines the dignity of the academic community and sets a damaging precedent.
Meanwhile, another faculty member revealed that all hostel wardens and deputy wardens had collectively resigned on Tuesday in protest against the incident. RUTA has urged the university administration and the state government to ensure the institution’s autonomy is preserved and to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.
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