Presidency University expels 2 women students over Vivekananda poster controversy

Presidency University expelled two women students after an inquiry into remarks on a Swami Vivekananda poster. The decision underscores its stated intolerance of abuse in campus discourse.

In Short

• Inquiry committee reviewed CCTV footage and heard stakeholders before deciding
• Expelled students cannot join future degree programmes at the institution
• University withheld both students' identities while announcing the disciplinary action publicly

Presidency University has expelled two women students for allegedly writing abusive remarks on a poster featuring Swami Vivekananda and using derogatory language against other organisations, news agency Press Trust of India reported.

The decision was taken after an inquiry committee examined CCTV footage and heard various stakeholders. The students have been barred from further academic activities at the university and will not be eligible for admission to any future degree programme at the institution.

A university official told PTI that the inquiry committee had reviewed the available footage and heard those concerned before reaching its decision. The university has not disclosed the identities of the expelled students.

In a statement, the university said it had always upheld dignified academic discussion and debate on scientific and socio-political issues. It added that it would not tolerate abuse directed at thinkers, ideas or organisations.

The controversy began after the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad claimed that derogatory remarks had been written on a poster featuring Swami Vivekananda. The organisation had put up the poster on the university campus on October 13.

The ABVP later filed a police complaint seeking an impartial investigation and action against those responsible. It also held a protest outside the university gate.

The Left-affiliated Students' Federation of India denied any involvement in the incident. It condemned the alleged defacement and said no Left organisation had initiated or participated in any act insulting Swami Vivekananda.

The SFI also said it did not intend to hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus. It demanded an investigation based on CCTV footage and action against those found responsible.

The university has expelled the two students following its inquiry, barred them from future academic activities and degree programmes at the institution, and withheld their identities.

- Ends