Bouncers to stay, V-C of Gujarat University, Adesh Pal, tells NSUI

Gujarat University vice-chancellor, Dr Adesh Pal’s decision to hire four bouncers has created a furore. Students claim it harms the varsity’s ‘safe’ image. They are also outraged by the spending of university money on bouncers to ensure Pal’s safety.

Around 40 members of National Students Union of India (NSUI) gathered at the GU headquarters on Friday at noon but security did not allow them to enter. In fact, around half a dozen security personnel locked the door to make sure protesting students did not enter the corridor.

The NSUI members shouted innovative slogans. “Hai re VC hai hai”, “Batli Boy na joie”, ‘Darudiyo VC hai hai’ were some of the slogans which rocked the corridor as the VC sat in his AC chamber.

Despite an ultimatum from students when the VC did not come to meet them, syndicate member Narhari Amin came to their support.

“Open the door. Does the university belong to your forefathers? You are a mere custodian of the varsity, act like one,” shouted Amin. Within minutes the in-charge registrar, Arvind Bhandari, came out from the VC’s cabin to instruct the security to unlock the door.  Two dozen students entered the corridor and rushed to the VC’s cabin.

Visibly disturbed, Dr Pal tried to keep his cool and calm down students. “First lower your voice. I don’t need to explain the matter to you. You are disturbing university functioning,” said the VC. Students promptly retorted: “Your drinking habit is disturbing GU’s image outside”. A bunch of students contemptuously pushed aside the four bouncers.

“I have hired them to ensure smooth functioning of the varsity. I will not discontinue with their services,” said the VC.