Won’t tolerate propaganda of RSS on varsity campus

CHANDIGARH: “I am in MSc (second year). This is my last year and we have a dream. We will struggle to ensure that at night, we are not locked inside and could go for a stroll up to the university gate or study at the library,” said Kanupriya, first woman president-elect of the Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC).

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 7

“I am in MSc (second year). This is my last year and we have a dream. We will struggle to ensure that at night, we are not locked inside and could go for a stroll up to the university gate or study at the library,” said Kanupriya, first woman president-elect of the Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC).

In a conversation with The Tribune, she said the students’ council would not toe the line of the authorities or ministers as has been the practice in the past.

“It is said that the Vice-Chancellor (Prof Raj Kumar) is from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Questions are being asked as to how we, who propagate a progressive ideology, will deal with him. Students’ politics should be issue based.

He (Prof Raj Kumar) has been appointed for the

PU. We will go for a healthy dialogue with him. The

RSS is responsible for the anti-Muslim rant and

mob lynchings. But if it tries to do it in the university and if they make an attempt to stop a seminar by bringing goons, because your views are not welcome, then it will not be tolerated,” she added.

On students’ participation in decisions, she said, “In the SFS, we develop

a view by talking to the masses. Students’ participation will ensure through General Body meetings. If there is an issue, we would take it up with the authorities. If it is not resolved, we will go again with the aggrieved students. The further step will be towards a signature campaign or protests. If we work like this, it will put pressure on the authorities.”

When asked how it feels to be the first woman president, she replied, “It is a matter of happiness for me and for all students. An organisation has made it to the council that doesn’t use muscle and money power. It has broken the myth that women doesn’t vote for women. Now, decisions will be taken on the basis of ideology.”

On joining politics in future, she said, “Even if someone is a housewife, there is politics. I am seeing politics in real life. It is not that I am not interested in politics. I still have to operate like a politician. We have to decide our politics.”