Stay away from campus on V-day: UP varsity to students

LUCKNOW: The University of Lucknow has issued an advisory to its students, asking them not to come to the campus on Wednesday and warned of disciplinary action against those violating the order on Valentine’s Day.

“It has been noted in recent years that certain youth celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14 influenced by western culture. In this regard, all students of the co-ed campus are informed the university will remain closed on February 14 on the occasion of Mahashivratri,” proctor Vinod Singh said in a press release issued on February 10.

After this attracted the ire of some students, LU vice-chancellor SP Singh tried to soothe frayed tempers. “The proctor went a little overenthusiastic and some of the content mentioned in the order could have been avoided,” he added, referring to the bits about western culture and Valentine’s Day. He said a new order was issued on Tuesday.

“The entire university will remain closed on February 14 on account of Mahashivratri. There will be no classes on campus. Students are expected to follow the order. If any suspicious person is found roaming on the campus, strict action will be taken,” reads the revised order of the proctor.

In the previous order, the proctor had also appealed to parents and guardians of all students not to send their wards to the campus.

“We have separate hostels for boys and girls and as a proctor, I have to ensure their safety as well,” Singh said.

The university’s decision was criticised by students as moral policing.

“We are adults and the university proctor has no right to tell us what to do and what not,” an undergraduate student, who did not wish to be named fearing disciplinary action, said.

Another postgraduate student said the university administration should focus on improving the standard of academics and ensure teachers take regular classes rather than telling students what is expected of them on Valentine’s Day.

LUCKNOW UNIVERSITY AUTHORITIES HAVE ALSO WARNED OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST THOSE VIOLATING THE ORDER