Keeping political affiliations aside, Jadavpur University students unite to boycott convocation

With just a day to go for the Jadavpur University convocation, students irrespective of political colour, are all set to boycott the ceremony that is to be held on December 24. 

This is a common sentiment among the students and they have agreed to unanimously support the boycott. “For us, boycotting the convocation will mean that we will not accept the certificate from Jadavpur University vice-chancellor Abhijit Chakrabarti’s hands. If other teachers hand over our certificates, then we will be more than happy to accept them,” said Rima Chakraborty, a student of the Literature Department. 

Considering that the unions have asked all the students and teachers to stay away, barely 2,800 of a total 4,200 students have registered for the convocation.

Some students demanded the immediate removal of the vice-chancellor. “The VC does not have any self respect. The agitation has been continuing for the longest of time. We were denied justice and we condemn the lathicharge that the police resorted to on students on the night of September 16. He should be removed immediately, else our movement will continue,” said Mayukh Dasgupta, a Literature Department student. 

However, PhD scholars who have completed their course six months back, are likely to attend the convocation. 

Meanwhile, the students and teachers union resorted to a hunger strike on the campus, while those not affiliated to any unions participated in the agitation on the campus on Tuesday.