Assam University postpones Convocation to December 25; Nitin Gadkari to remain physically present, CM likely to visit too

Another controversy strikes Assam University’s 18th Convocation. The event where degrees are handed over to the scholars is mostly graced by guests like the president of India or Governor. This year, Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari will be the guest of honour.

The vice-chancellor of Assam University, professor DC Nath confirmed that the convocation has been postponed from December 24 to December 25. Reportedly, this change in date has been made to fit into the minister’s travel plans. The vice-chancellor said it will be great to have the minister attend the Convocation as Guest of Honour.

Cloud of controversy was already looming above the Convocation as the administration has put a cap on the number of attendees to 250. The students are irked as they all want to receive their degree at the venue. “We need to understand that this is not possible,” said the VC. “Not only this time but as the number of students rise, it will never be possible to physically accommodate all the passing students in convocation,” Nath added.

There was a demand from the students that if they are not allowed to attend the Convocation, the fees charged to them must be returned. “Students can attend the convocation virtually and if they don’t want to, we will return the whole amount charged to them,” said Nath. He is of the opinion that the convocation cannot be delayed further as there is another one due in March 2021. “What is the certainty that in the next couple of months the pandemic situation will get better and not worse. We will have to go ahead with the convocation and it is my request to all stakeholders to cooperate,” said Nath.

Now the new controversy, Nitin Gadkari’s presence. There is a section of people who according to the vice-chancellor are trying to “conspire” against Gadkari’s visit and the entire event. “It is good for the University to have a minister attend the Convocation. It is also very tough to get a minster,” said Nath. Adding, “We had invited the Education Minister of India to attend the Convocation. This time he could not, in March we will again try to have him attend the next Convocation as the guest of Honor.”

Earlier Nitin Gadkari’s office had confirmed that the physically traveling plans are on hold and the Minister will attend the Convocation on December 24, virtually. However, his office has now confirmed that the minister will travel to Silchar and the office is still working on the itinerary.