Assam University Silchar's 18th Convocation on December 24; Nitin Gadkari to attend virtually

In February, a section of students was agitating as the Assam University Silchar administration had decided to take disciplinary actions against research scholar Milon Das. Most part of the University was brought to a standstill with many offices locked from outside. As a result, the vice-chancellor of the University had to order a postponement of the 18th Convocation.

The agitation got over, but before normalcy could restore the world was hit by a pandemic. Assam University Silchar became a quarantine centre for the air passengers travelling back to Silchar. From “Lockdown” the country crawled towards “Unlocking” and so have the educational institutions.

Assam University Silchar has announced that the 18th Convocation will be held on December 24, 2020. Confirming the development to Barak Bulletin, vice-chancellor, Dilip Chandra Nath said, “We will conduct the convocation in a blending manner. Following all protocols, a maximum of 200 people will be allowed to remain present physically during the convocation. Rest can join virtually.”

Minister for Road Transport & Highways and the Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the Government of India, Nitin Gadkari will attend the convocation as the guest of honour. There is a rumour that Gadkari will travel to Silchar and attend the Convocation personally on December 24 and then on December 25, he will inaugurate the statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee at ‘Zero Point’ in ‘Mahasadak’.

However, responding to Barak Bulletin’s query, his office stated, “The minister will attend both the events virtually and there is no travel to Silchar listed in his schedule.”

As per sources in the administration, only the Gold Medalists have been invited to attend personally. That has disappointed several students and there is a section protesting the decision.